Fuss & O’Neill assisted the Town of Oak Bluffs and the MA Division of Ecological Restoration in completing evaluations and preparing designs to improve tidal flushing and restore shellfish beds in Farm Pond along Martha’s Vineyard’s eastern coastline.

For this climate resiliency project, we conducted subsurface investigations and developed alternative designs for a replacement box culvert to increase tidal flushing to this coastal pond. Flood mitigation alternatives were identified and evaluated for flood-prone roadways and properties along the pond, incorporating vegetative elements to enhance resiliency, match the neighborhood’s natural character and minimize long-term maintenance costs.

We identified and evaluated alternatives, and conducted public workshops with the Town and DER to assist in identifying a preferred approach fitting the site’s natural character. Design alternatives were also evaluated for protection of low-lying roadways and properties bordering the pond.

Our study to date has included evaluation of alternatives to safely improve tidal flow to Farm Pond, evaluation of performance and visual impacts of several alternatives to control impacts of storm tides, and evaluation of alternatives to protect low lying properties.