Madaket Harbor, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Water Resources Improvement.
Abstract
This study sought to determine the ecomonic, technical and environmental feasibility of instituting corrective measures at Madaket Harbor in the interest of flood control, hurricane protection, navigation and related purposes. The major problems experienced are an extensive loss of shellfish resources and a severe reduction in the size and safety of the navigation channels and anchorages within the harbor. The cause of the problems was the breakthrough of the barrier beach which protected the harbor from the Atlantic Ocean. This occurred during Hurricane Esther in 1961, and the resultant breach has allowed natural forces to transport sand into the harbor and currents to constantly shift the sand. Results of this evaluation indicate that closure of the breach with harbor dredging is the most feasible way to restore and preserve the natural assets of Madaket Harbor. Since the estimated cost of this improvement is $6,730,000, the estimated annual benefits $146,000 and annual charges $728,000, the benefit/cost ratio would be 0.2 to 1. In order for an improvement to be considered by the Federal government, a benefit to cost ratio must be greater than one. Therefore, it is recommended that no water resources improvement project be adopted by the United States at this time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA099246
Entities
Organizations
- New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers