Horton, Edward C.

"An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the Woods Hole Jetty Repair Project analyzing the environmental effect for repairing a stone jetty located adjacent the NEFSC, and realigning two seawater intake lines that supply the NEFSC aquarium. The jetty has was built in the 1880's to protect vessels berthed at the present NEFSC property and due to this protection, an eelgrass bed has thrived on the leeward site of the jetty. Degradation of the jetty over the last hundred years, including recent damage from Hurricane Sandy, has exposed the NEFSC berthing area and endangered the eelgrass bed. Relocating the seawater intake lines and structures, from their present alignment through the eel grass bed, to the shore and seaweed side of the repaired jetty will prevent future disturbances to the eel grass bed during maintenance/repair activities. The environmental impacts of the proposed action will not be significant, and most impacts will be short-term and localized to the project footprint"--Cover letter.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)