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Block
Island Power Wetlands & Endangered Species Assessment
- New Shoreham, RI |
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Mason
& Associates prepared a wetlands evaluation report and
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Assessment for
a 34.5 kV Electrical Transmission Line. The project proposed
6.5 miles of transmission line upgrades in Charlestown,
RI, installation of a submarine cable across Block Island
Sound, and the installation of 3.1 miles of direct buried
cable on Block Island, RI. The firm performed a right-of-way
assessment that identified and analyzed potential construction
impacts and potential secondary effects to wetlands and
federally threatened or endangered species. Two primary
species of concern were the federally threatened Piping
Plover (Charadrius melodus) and the federally endangered
American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus). Several
transient marine species were also assessed. Mason &
Associates addressed issues raised by state and federal
wildlife species experts. A comprehensive review of the
project Alternatives Analysis and Secondary Impacts Assessment
and follow-on wetland delineation and coastal permitting
services were also provided. |
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Sakonnet
Point Club Impact Assessment - Little Compton, RI |
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The
Sakonnet Harbor Conservancy hired Mason & Associates
to evaluate potential impacts from the proposed Sakonnet
Point Club in Little Compton, Rhode Island. The evaluation
focused on impacts to water quality, aquatic life, aesthetics,
and public access. Water quality issues included nutrient
and bacteria loading, stormwater, wastewater, and metal
contamination from the proposed desalinization system. Potential
impacts to aquatic life, such eelgrass and macroalgae, were
examined as well. The company eviewed proposed plans and
used graphics software to evaluate public access issues
and aesthetic impacts. Sakonnet Harbor Conservancy was able
to use the information provided to advocate a more responsible
plan for development of this site. |
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Wetland
Restoration - East Providence, RI |
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Mason
& Associates designed and built a Spartina alterniflora
saltmarsh at an oil terminal tank farm and site of a former
toluene release. The marsh is designed to restore former
wetland functions and to reduce residual toxic chemicals
through phytoremediation. Mason & Associates has continued
to monitor the progress of the restoration in terms of vegetation
density and species diversity. |
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