Oak Bluffs applies for bluff revetment project

Oak Bluffs is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct work along the town’s northeastern shoreline near East Chop Road.

The project would discharge 11,158 cubic yards of riprap material over the 34,500-square-foot area below the high tide line. The work would rehabilitate and expand the deteriorated stone revetment and help mitigate future erosion of the bluff.

The town needs the permit because the work will affect U.S waters. Much of the proposed rehabilitation will occur within the revetment’s existing footprint.

The project will impact 0.79 acres of essential fish habitat, but the corps has determined the impact will be minimal. The corps is also consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service about the impact on fish before issuing a permit to the town.

The permit application can be found by visiting bit.ly/obpermit.

Public comment on the proposed project closes on May 9. All comments should be sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: Mike Wierbonics), 696 Virginia Rd., Concord, MA 01742-2751.

_{Source: mvtimes.com}