Articles 47 and 48 in Wellfleet and Article 34 in Truro ask the Towns to stop permit applications for improve the Herring River.
Here are 7 reasons why you should vote "NO"
1. The Restoration Project is being conservatively designed and will be managed to maximize benefits and avoid unintended changes.
- Tidal flow will be restored through the Chequessett Neck Road (CNR) dike carefully while the system responses are monitored.
- Secondary tide gates will be installed across Mill Creek and at Pole Dike Creek Road to provide additional protection of private properties.
2. Doing nothing poses risks to the community and environment.
- Without the project, expect continued closure of shellfish beds downstream of the CNR dike due to poor water quality, along with continued loss of salt marsh which provides critical habitat, protects properties from storm surges and sea level rise, and absorbs greenhouse gas emissions.
- Without the project, Wellfleet can expect to bear the full cost of repair/replacement of the 40-year old CNR dike/tide gates, which are at the end of their useful life.
3. All private structures will be protected from flood impacts.
- Only 6 properties require on-site mitigation measures during Phase 1 of the project, and the project is working with all 6 property owners to develop mitigation measures.
- All privately-owned structures will be protected from increases in tide levels because either protection measures approved by property owners will be completed in advance of tidal restoration, or water levels will be controlled to prevent impacts to unprotected structures.
4. Increased tidal flow will improve water quality and benefit shellfish habitat.
- Restoration will improve shellfish habitat upstream and downstream of the CNR dike. Restoration is expected to lessen threats to shellfish from fecal coliform bacteria. Shellfish beds at the River mouth that have been closed for decades due to fecal coliform contamination could reopen.
- The project does not pose a risk to shellfish beds or grants in Wellfleet Harbor. The net direction of sediment movement following the restoration will be upstream into Herring Rive, where it will feed salt marsh growth.
5.
The project has already voluntarily determined that herbicide use will NOT be included in its permit applications.
6. Road Improvements will be coordinated with Police, Fire and DPWs.
- A temporary traffic bypass will allow traffic/pedestrian/bicycle flow across the CNR dike throughout construction. The Project will improve low-lying portions of Chequessett Neck, Pole Dike, High Toss, Old County and Bound Brook Island Roads at no direct construction cost to the Town.
- Construction truck routes will be designed to avoid the downtown business district. Traffic management plans will seek local input to ensure the least disruption possible during construction.
7. Local project oversight will protect local interests.
- Decisions about how the project is implemented will be made locally by the Herring River Executive Council. Local control means that local concerns can be addressed immediately. A community stakeholders group will provide advisory input to the Council during project implementation.
- Project funding, including funds for any necessary property mitigation, will come from federal, state and private grants.
