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Coastal-Zone COASTAL ZONE c.2 Information INFORMATION CENTER enter or 0 [In ou as ew an U a Strategy for Balanced Development and Protection of water and Related Land Resources in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island "'UMMARY w @Q 1695 < -All New England River Basins Commission N493 1975 c.2; Re t f S t t N E 9 1 d St dy The Southeastern New England Study Ten PLANNING AREA REPORTS dealing Special Reports (SENE) is a "level B water and related land with the same subjects as the Regional Report, In addition to inventory reports, over a dozen resources study." It was conducted under the but aimed at the local level. Eastern Mas- special reports were prepared, including: provisions of the federal Water Resources sachusetts and Rhode Island were divided into Socio-Economic and Environmental Base Planning Act of 1965. The resources man- ten "planning areas" based either on tradi- Study, Volumes I and 11; Economic analyses of agement program the Study produced was tional sub-state divisions or principal river ba- water supply and demand issues, power plant developed by a team of federal, state, and sins. Reports were prepared for the following siting, coastal resources allocation, and sand regional officials, local citizens, and the scien- areas: and gravel mining; Legal and institutional tific community, under the overall coordination 1 . Ipswich-North Shore, analyses of the state wetlands laws, arrange- of the New England River Basins Commission. 2. Boston Metropolitan, ments for water supply service, fiscal policy It is a part of the Commission's comprehensive, 3. South Shore, and land control, access to natural resources coordinated joint plan for the water and related 4. Cape Cod and the Islands, areas, and management structure for water and land resources of New England. 5. Buzzards Bay, land use issues; Urban Waters Special Study; The recommended program for managing 6. Taunton, Summaries of public workshops the resources of Southeastern New England is 7. Blackstone and Vicinity, described, in increasing level of detail, in the 8. Pawtuxet, Copies of reports are available from: following Final Reports: 9. Narragansett Bay and A SUMMARY highlighting the principal Block Island, New England River Basins Commission findings and recommendations of the Study, 10. Pawcatuck 55 Court Street and their implications for the future of the re- Boston, Massachusetts 02108 gion. Other reports prepared during the course of A REGIONAL REPORT and Environmen- the Study include the following: National Technical Information tal Statement describing in detail the Inventory Reports Service natural resources, issues and problems facing For each of the ten planning areas, inventory Springfield, Virginia 22151 the region, the alternative solutions examined reports were prepared covering the following during the Study, the recommendations made, subjects: climate, meteorology, hydrology, and also in each of the 208 libraries and 210 and their implications. It includes policies and gqology; land use, patterns, allocations, and town halls throughout the SENE region. programs for dealing with water supply, land management; special environmental factors; use, water quality, outdoor recreation, marine water supply; ground water management; water resources, flood and erosion protection, and quality control; outdoor recreation; fish and key facilities siting, and the changes in state wildlife; navigation; flood plain zoning and and local government required to implement strearnflow management; inland wetlands the program. management; coastal resources; irrigation and drainage; sediment and erosion; power; miner- als. A.- port of the Southeastern New E gland Study 7@k a Strategy for Balanced Development and Protection of Water and Related Land Resources in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Is and SUMMA;@ AL W7 'k- New England River Basins Commission December, 1975 2 To Their Excellencies, the The water and related land Governors of Massachusetts resources of Southeastern and Rhode Island; to the New England serve over five Water Resources Council for million people in eastern Mas- transmittal to the Congress sachu'setts and Rhode Island through the President of the with one of the most attractive United States; and to the landscapes for living of any people of Southeastern New urban region in the world. England: These resources are under intense pressure. The future will bring additional stress as population grows and the re- gion seeks the expanded economic base it needs to pro- vide a decent standard of liv- ing for all its citizens. Fortunately, the needs of the foreseeable future can be met without degrading the *V special quality of this environment-if patterns of' growth respect the capabilities of land and water resources, i-C 4 'Iwo special value and vulnerabilit and if resource systems of y NMI A-V .0 are vigorously protected. Op This report outlines a strategy for accommodating and helping guide growth in "0 ways consistent with wise use of natural resources, and rec- ornmends policies, programs and specific actions to de velop, protect and enhance J% these resources to meet a wide At range of human needs. It *.7- Contents 3 'The report represents the 5 The Key Findings diligent labor of over 250 in- 6 Guiding Growth 8 Providing Enough Water dividuals, both private citi- 10 Cleaning Up Our Rivers zens and public officials work- IAnd Harbors ing at local, state and federal 13 Increasing Recreational Opportunities levels for the management of 16 Putting The Sea our resources. Many of the Back In Our Lives 21 Living With The Forces solutions they have proposed Of Nature can be carried out immediate- 23 Locating Key Facilities 29 Strengthing Our Natural ly; still others will require Resources Management System changes in laws or custom or 30 Closer To Home: A Summary funding levels. The partici- of Planning Area Reports 31 1. Ipswich-North Shore pants did not always agree, 32 2. Boston Metropolitan but to an unprecedented de- 34 3. South Shore gree this document represents 36 4. Cape Cod And The Islands 38 5. Buzzards Bay a consensus. We are deeply 39 6. Taunton grateful to all. 41 7. Blackstone And Vicinity 42 8. Pawtuxet Southeastern New England 44 9. Narragansett Bay is, to put it simply, a good 45 10. Pawcatuck place to live and work. The 46 The SENE Study: What It Is resources management strat- And How To Use It 47 Summary Environmental egy offered in this report is Statement designed to help keep it that 48 Representatives of Contributing State And Federal Agencies way. Respectfully submitted, All R. Frank Gregg, Chairman New England River Basins Commission "Can we accommodate growth, provide adequate economic op-- portunities and still protect the amenities which make SENE such an attractive place to live? Lill The Study says yes. . .......... . . .. . 44--Q10 low 7 r @7 -.7 @90 jog 1"M !w 0 N Map 5 The Key Findings The southeastern comer of New England, Three key findings support this conclusion: To ensure that the region's dual needs for consisting of 213 communities in Rhode Island Enhancing The Environment Enhances economic growth and a decent living environ- and eastern Massachusetts and Southeastern The Region's' Economy. The export of ment are satisfied, a comprehensive develop- Connecticut, today ishome to nearly 50,percent services-education, medicine, research, and ment policy is badly needed. The SENE Study of New England's population on barely 7 per- development-is rapidly becoming the domin- provides a detailed analysis of the development cent of its lands. ant economic activity'of the region. IIt'is ek- capability of the region's water and related land Southeastern New England (SENE) is a kind pected to, outstrip manufacturing well before areas and is an important step toward develop- of urban frontier-a transition zone between 1990. In, light of the, economic climate of ing such a policy. the dense press of people, commerce, and in- SENE, this trend is not surpising. The region is Existing Knowledge, Programs, And In- dustry characteristic of the Northeast Meg- remote from raw materials, its transportation stitutions Can Provide The Tools For alopolis and the small cities and towns, open links are inadequate for many industries, and Achieving Results, But Some Changes Are salt marshes, agricultural and forested lands the cost of energy and labor is high. The transi@- Needed. The Study concludes that natural sys- characteristic of much of New Enpland. The tion from manufacturing to a service-oriented tems can accommodate projected growth. rich variety of this landscape has attracted mil- economy has not been a smooth one- Major However, some changes are needed in the re- lions of visitors to the region, and thousands dislocations have occurred in both Mas.. source management tools used by the two states have stayed on as residents. sac.husetts and Rhode Island, and these will to implement the recommendations of the The goal of the Southeastern New England probably continue. Southeastern New England Study. Study was to find ways to accommodate the . @Despite its relative decline, manufacturing is "' At the same time, however, the Study recog- sometimes conflicting demands for cdnserva- still an important economic activity in the re- nizes that resource decisions are made daily in tion and growth. gion; and efforts are underway to attraCt new town halls through conservation commissions, There is every likelihood that this growth light manufacturing industries to lessen the im- - planning boards, and zoning boards of appeal. will continue, although it will probably taper pact of the dominance of services o ,n the re- Often, however, these decisions have spawned off by the turn of the century. The central ques- gion's manufacturing work force. The trend to development patterns which have been costly tion facing the people of Massachusetts and services and certain light manufacturing ac- to serve with municipal services and which Rhode Island is: tivities has clear implications for the region's have had unforeseen impacts on surrounding Can we accommodate growth, provide resources. These businesses, with their na- communities. There has been a failure to rec- adequate economic opportunities, and tional markets, are free to locate anywhere in ognize land development capability in planning still protect the amenity values of the the country. Yet they choose to locate in SENE. and making decisions about land use. region's resources which make SENE One of the important reasons they do so is that To guide growth more effectively, some such an attractiveplace in which to live? the region's exceedingly attractive living envi- realignment of the traditional roles of each level The conclusion of the Southeastern New ronment helps them draw and keep the labor of government will be required. Municipalities England Study is that we can. There is room for they require. As a result, efforts to enhance the should continue to make the bulk of land use this growth. But, if the patterns of growth con- environment serve to enhance the region's decisions because they are of local signifi- t inue as they have in the past decade, the natural economy as well. cance. For those development decisions which, resource amenities which stimulated it in the The region's amenities are a competitive because of their size or effect on certain critical first place will be destroyed. There will be real, economic advantage today, as water power and resources, will affect more than one communi- even agonizing, local conflicts over specific ports were in the past. ty, a regional or state perspective will be uses of certain resources. And a degree of con- Anticipated Growth Can Be Accommo- needed. The state's role should be to set broad trol over certain types of development and the dated But Should Be Guided To Protect policy, arbitrate conflicts, and provide finan- use of certain fragile resources will be neces- Fragile Resources And Make Development cial and technical help. sary. But, overall, we have both the land and More Efficient. The Study has found that even The political reality of broad state responsi- the technical. and political means to provide if Critical Environmental Areas are protected, bility tempered by the strong tradition of local both sites and resources -for job-producing, enough, legitimately developable land exists to autonomy sharply influenced which solutions economic activities and, still have an attractive meet, the region's development requirements, to resource problems were chosen from many environment in which to live. Moreover, it may not only in the near future but through the year possible approaches, and which actors were well be that we can guide this growth in a way 2020. This is true even if development con- best suited to carry them out. The Study offers which increases the efficiency of ptiblic in- tinues to consume land at the 1960's rate of several alternatives for an institutional vestments in water, sewer, transportation, and one-half acre per person-a rate four times realignment. The final decision must be made other facilities. higher than the historical average for South- by each state acting through its legislature. eastern New England. But experience tells us that development will not always occur in the most suitable places. In order to reduce the negative effects of growth, new development must be guided to lands which can support development. And to decrease the cost of growth to local taxpayers, new development should be guided to those areas already served by essential water, sewer, and transportation services, whenever possi- ble. 6 Guiding Growth The region is urbanizing at an The Situation. Between 1960 and 1970, the population of Southeastern New England incredible rate. However, it ap- increased from 4.4 million to 4.8 million- pears that we can protect Critical roughly 8 percent. Under the most conservative Environmental Areas and Still estimates, almost one million more can be ex- have enough land suitable for de- pected by 1990. The gross,rate of land con- sumption in the sixties-one half acre per velopment to meet our needs. person-was four times higher than the histori- State development policies and cal average of the region. In the same decade, the area of SENE covered by urban develop- comprehensive land use pro- ment increased by about 45 percent, increasing grams are badly needed to guide from 15 to 21 percent of the region's total land area, and consuming 28 percent of the region's and shape that growth. agricultural lands, 9 percent of its open wet- lands, and 5 percent of its forests. Low density urban sprawl increased 68 percent. One third of the region is already urbanized or in public ownership. Another third is com- posed of lands which are either too fragile to support any development or.which pose a hazard to public safety if developed. Included within this third are inland water bodies, wet- lands, estuaries, flood plains, and prime ag- ricultural lands. The remaining third is suitable J for new development and, with appropriate guidelines, can fully meet the region's de- velopment needs through 2020, even if land 4- continues to be consumed at the high rate of the sixties. None Rhode Island has established a state growth i policy and a state land use plan. Massachusetts is currently investigating several different op- tions for exerting more effective leadership in In an area as densely populated as SENE, the the management of growth. competitionforprime land among commercial, A study of community growth patterns spon- residential, and recreational interests is in- sored by the President's Council on Environ- tense. The result of this competition is compel- mental Quality indicates that there are signifi- ling evidence of the needfor betterprograms to cant economic, as well as environmental, ad- vantages to encouraging clustered development guidefuture growth. The SENE Study provides in areas served, or to be served, by "infrastruc- one such program. ture, " such as water, sewer, and transportation facilities. In point of fact, infrastructure in many areas of SENE is "over-planned"-that is, there are more sewer facilities in place or proposed than the population projections indi- 7, C ate may be needed. (See chart.) In other areas, facilities are already inadequate. 7_@ 7 Excess capacity in sewer facilities already planned for 1990 could serve all the population projected for that time, if growth were guided Wa to those areas. A strengthened relationship be- tween development and infrastructure would also allow use of infrastructure investment pol- icy to facilitate emergence of, and carry out, public growth policy. The Solutions. The region badly needs a system for allocating land uses to meet the projected population on the diminishing amount of available land, in such a way that economic opportunities as well as environmen- 1@@ ho r, tal quality will be enhanced. These actions are of regional significance and beyond the scope of local jurisdictions. 7 Because of this, state assistance is needed and the Developable Areas, include 3. Regulate Developments of Re- the states will have to reassert some of the aquifer recharge areas, best wildlife gional Impact. authority previously delegated to habitat, high landscape quality areas, The states should control the location municipalities. Opportunities for doing so are ledge, steep slopes, and septic sys- of developments of key facilities- presented in Strengthening the Management tem limitation areas. The region's fu- power plants, petroleum facilities, System for Natural Resources, page 29. ture growth must be guided to these airport s-nece ssary for continued Meanwhile, most of the following recommen- lands according to their capacity to growth but a potential hazard to the dations can be accomplished by concerted ac- sustain it. Within the recommenda- region's resources, by regionally tions on the part of local planning boards, zon- tion of managing developable lands, agreed upon siting criteria. Sites ing boards of appeal, conservation commis- a number of significant opportunities meeting criteria for such facilities sions, local health officials, and building in- exist for increasing public invest- should be considered as valuable as spectors. ment efficiency in meeting the needs Critical Environmental Areas and of growth. They include: secured and protected from preemp- I . Protect Critical Environmental e guiding growth to areas already tion. Criteria should also be estab- Areas. served by infrastructure such as lished for the location of large-scale, Areas which are too fragile to support water, sewer, and transportation or growth -inducing, developments any development, or whose de- facilities. The provision of such such as shopping centers and high- velopment might constitute a hazard services should become a deter- way interchanges. to public health and safety, should be minant of growth patterns, not a Implications. The relative abundance of protected. These areas constitute the reaction to them. Major public in- land suitable for development in the region region's Critical Environmental vestment savings can be achieved provides a great opportunity to assure adequate Areas and include water bodies, well by maximum use of existing ser- growth opportunities without sacrificing the sites, inland and coastal wetlands, vices. region's environmental amenities. Directing critical erosion areas, beaches, flood *clustering and other higher inten- future growth will require close cooperation plains, prime agricultural lands (for sity land uses. Recently released between the state and local officials and de- non-forest and forest production), federal figures show that savings of velopers who have traditionally held the re- coastal flood hazard areas, and un- up to 50 percent are achievable in sponsibility for development decisions. ique natural and cultural sites. energy, water, sewer service, and Varying development patterns and den- 2. Manage Areas Suitable for De- transportation needs under cluster- sities which respect land and water capa- velopment. ing. While sufficient developable bility, along with clustering and judicious Land uses and densities of develop- land for continued sprawl exists, expansion of water-related infrastruc- ment should be carefully managed on the Study suggests that it may no ture-water supplies and sewering-can be- those lands suitable for varying de- longer be responsible, either fis- come valuable tools for directing growth in the grees of development. These lands, cally or environmentally, to en- most public investment-and resource- courage such development. efficient manner possible. COMPARISON OF PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND POPULATION CAPACITY OF SEWER FACILITIES IN SENE PLANNING AREAS.* W 400 _J EL 0 :W W U_ 300 0 Z 200 -fe-8 0 100 LL n74 0 -TIM cc W 0 IPSWIch Boston South Cape Buzzards Taunton Black- Pawtuxet Narre- Pawcatuck Z North Metro- Shore And Bay Stone Gansett D 1: Shore Poittan Islands And Say Vicinity Unused sewer capacity is the design capacity of existing and proposed treatment facilities less the 1970 population already served or needing service on lots of 1/2 acre or less. ME n2 These figures represent the projected increase in population for the next twenty years. *NOTE: FOR THE REGION AS A WHOLE,THE UNUSED SEWER CAPACITY IS ABOUT EQUAL TO THE TWENTY YEAR PROJECTION. NORTH CAROLINA STRIPED BASS July 1985 - August 1991 By Lynn T. Henry Stephen D. Taylor and Sara E. Winslow North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Marine Fisheries Morehead City, NC 28557 Final Report, Project AFS-26, Segments 1-6 April 1992 US Department Of Commerce NOAA Coastal Center Library 2234 South Hobson Avenue Charleston, SC 29405-2413 (JeNdshwuh, The Study's key recommendations for "For Rhode Island, the recommended ground and surface water supply applicable to maximum development of local ground water the region as a whole are: supplies may take some pressure off major 1. Prefer local ground water de- water supply systems. The proposed Big River velopment to inter-town in-basin Reservoir should provide an adequate addi- surface water development to in- tional supply of water to many Rhode Island terbasin transfers. To maintain fu- municipalities well through 1990. ture options for water supply, ground 4. Construction of the Big River Re- water should be protected and fully servoir should begin immediately developed wherever available before to provide an additional 26 mgd to surface water is considered. Interba- Rhode Island municipalities. The re- sin transfers should be considered servoir will be managed by either the after local resources have been used State or by the Providence Water as fully as is economically feasible Supply Board. and environmentally sound. Other priority recommendations include: 2. Encourage regionalization of sur- (a) maintaining the quality of existing face water supply systems. Where water supplies; (b) acquiring key water- surface water development is the sheds and potential well sites; (c) reduc- only alternative, towns should be en- ing water use through pricing (for high couraged to form regional water sup- volume users) and public education; (d) ply systems to maximize cost effi- establishing regional comprehensive ciency and quality control, and to water supply and quality management allow cost sharing. New or expanded agencies in key areas; (e) restricting ac- regional systems should be estab- tivities harmful to ground water quality; lished in the Ipswich River, Taunton, and (f) monitoring salt water encroach- Brockton, Providence, and South ment in coastal aquifers. Shore areas. To meet the rapidly expanding needs of the Implications. The efficient use and protec- Metropolitan District Commission, the U.S. tion of existing sources of water, coupled with Army Corps of Engineers and the Mas- careful planning and development of additional sachusetts Water Resources Commission have sources, should provide the residents and in- recommended two additional diversions from dustries of the SENE region with an adequate the Connecticut River Basin: a 72 mgd diver- supply of fresh water over the next 50 years. sion directly from the Connecticut River via the Because of the intimate relationship between Northfield- Mountain pumped storage hy - water supply and water quality, coordinated droelectric plant, and a 76 mgd diversion from water supply and quality planning can provide the tributary Millers River Basin to meet de- more efficient metho& of water management mands, through 1990. After exhaustive investi- and environmental protection. Maximum use gation of local ground water and inter-town of in-basin resources will help to maintain local surface water alternatives for MDC autonomy, will minimize reliance on out-of- municipalities, the SENE Study has concluded region sources, and will preserve flexibility in that both diversions are necessary. However, water supply policies. In addition, advanced the Study has also determined that these two technologies such as desalination and wastewa- projects should be sufficient to meet projected ter recycling could become more economically demands through 2020. feasible after 1990. Such technologies may 3. Expand MDC sources by completing allow the development of new sources of water the Northfield Mountain facility. without placing increased stress on the region's Carry out conservation measures. natural resources. Plan the Millers River facility. The The Providence Water Supply Board should MDC should proceed with the North- be able to rely on the Scituate and Big River field project at once. Both this and any reservoirs well through 1990. Similarly, the future diversions should meet conditions longer communities near the MDC service area set by the 1980 Connecticut River Basin can rely on local sources, the longer planned Plan. Planning and design for the Millers diversions can serve the MDC's needs. After Ri.ver diversion should also begin, with a 1990, advanced technology may provide new scheduled completion in the late 1980s. sources for MDC communities, and water qual- The MDC should continue to examine ity improvements may make diversions from the technical, economic, and environ- the Merr imack River feasible. mental feasibility and timing of other alternatives for meeting long-range needs. C"'Aleaning Up Our Rivers and Harbors M. A massive local, state, and fed- erat cleanup effort is under way in each state to reach the national goal of swimmable-fishable "@OA *ZWO,wkw@ water by 1983. It does not look like that goal can be reached everywhere. Instead, current federal and state efforts are aimed at buying the most wide- FAA 5, spread attainment of swim- k mable-rishable water with the % W 'CO", funds available, and preserving "k. C', already clean water. The Study Z @k A 'A P concurs. Z@ :J :2 t0i,, V 2 V ;M The Situation. About two-thirds of the total 'J length of major streams in SENE are below _A, established water quality standards. In con- U zz_-v 1-@ lFg@@, @t A', fZEE'AYt, %F 'A "0, 1A, trast, the quality of coastal waters is generally '011 - -V, A @,T 1P 7, 1" %@_11 'C' @ 1, 11, 1, _@A high, except in harbors that receive stormwater k@A 2 `7 -'o _!oq @k runoff and municipal wastewater. Overall, _414,1@111,.@,Y'@111, , "A", 8 'k -0, " I!, IR Z@30- water pollution problems are worst near Boston ! ,,ARQ@ 3-11`!,-@,,40 J vq @SR -i- nd Providence and in the Taunton and a " R a41R, 4, P, v, il N6 4-0, - Blackstone River Valleys, the very areas where _13, N clean water would benefit the most people. The @@v V", @fi, Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution W IRS N Control and the Rhode Island Department of @g 2K tk _@,9 X MiZ R A @ftj, lj@ --X Water Supply and Pollution Control and the i0x, @r states' respective health departments are work- ing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make as much of the region's water 4-@ clean enough for swimming and fishing as pos- sible by 1983. Despite their efforts, it is un- realistic to assume that the national goal of no n-'O"", 'K M'A", z 2 discharges by 1985 will be reached, @'z h, 11 i ,@ 11 IJII_" The major sources of water pollution are 4 listed below in decreasing order of regionwide J significance. In any particular part of the SENE region, the order could be different. A massive fiederal and state cleanup is under way to make scenes like this a thing of the past. We are on the way toward eliminating indus- trial pollution, but in some major cities cleaning up the discharges from combined storm and -A, waste sewers will be difficult and very costly. To end pollution from municipal sewage dis- charg s, the region's second largest source, many new, technically sophisticated, and costly treatment plants (photo at right) will have to he built. a. Urban Stormwater RunofflCombined c. Industrial Discharges. Of 78majorexist- beaches and shellfish harvest areas. The impact Sewers. In most of the major cities in SENE, ing industrial discharges, 22 will be connected is intensified by the mobility of watercraft, the stormwater runoff systems and the sanitary to municipal systems or eliminated by subsur- permitting discharges at almost any location. waste systems are combined. Any heavy rain face disposal methods, by process changes, or The Solutions. The SENE Study endorses overtaxes the capacity of the combined sewer by the closing or moving of a firm. The remain- the interim national water quality goal of mak- and treatment system, and the wastes are in ing 56 are on schedule to meet the national goal ing our water clean enough for swimming and most cases flushed untreated into the nearest of best practicable treatment of industrial dis- fishing wherever possible by 1983. To reach river or harbor. These occasional surges proba- charges by July 1, 1977. Industrial pollution is that goal, the Study gave highest priority to the bly add more pollutants to the water over the currently severe around Boston, and in the following recommendations: course of a year than the continuous discharges Taunton, Blackstone, and Pawtuxet River Val- 1. Stress non-degradation in areas from municipal wastewater treatment plants. leys, but great strides are being made to elimi- now swimmable-fish able. To ac- The major problem is handling the sudden high nate these discharges. complish the objective of maximiz- volume of water. Urban stormwater runoff and d. Non-Point Sources. While it generally en- ing swim mable-fi shable waters, it is combined sewer problems are particularly se- ters our waterways by way of a combined sewer much easier, less costly, and more vere around Boston, New Bedford, Worcester, outfall, urban stormwater runoff, discussed politically appealing to keep existing Fall River, Newport, and Providence. above, is probably the worst non-point source waters clean, than it is to restore b. Municipal Discharges. About 80 munici- of pollution. Septic systems serve about a third them once they have become pol- pal wastewater treatment plants now serve 3.4 of the SENE region's population. Seepage luted. million people, about 70 percent of the region's from these systems is a major cause of both 2. Emphasize treatment of combined population. Of these, 2.4 million are still con- surface and ground water contamination. The sewer overflows. Combined sewers nected to plants providing only primary treat- problem is most serious in two planning are probably the biggest source of ment (solids removal), while most of the rest areas--Ipswi ch -North Shore, and Cape Cod pollution in SENE. Although treat- are connected to plants providing secondary and the Islands. Agricultural runoff problems ment is costly and presents many treatment (90 percent removal of organic mat- are generally confined to Buzzards Bay and the technical problems, it is generally ter). In some places, advanced treatment (nu- Taunton River Basin. The extent of pollution far more effective than treating trient removal) is already being provided. The from water draining through landfills is poorly stormwater and wastewater separate- remaining 30 percent of the population use sep- documented, but it is believed to be generally ly. tic tanks. Municipal discharge problems are local and minor. 3. Accelerate federal grants for most severe around Boston and Buzzards Bay, e. Oil Pollution. Oil spills are a special municipal wastewater treatment. and in the Taunton, Blackstone, and Pawtuxet problem, particularly around Boston, but also Municipal discharges are the second River Valleys. near Providence and in Narragansett Bay where biggest source of pollution in SENE. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act large volumes of petroleum products are trans- Rhode Island and Massachusetts Amendments of 1972 authorize funds for cor- ported and stored. Other sources probably dis- have already prepared, or are prepar- recting the problems of stormwater runoff and charge more hydrocarbons, but large oil spills ing comprehensive water quality municipal discharges. However, the states be- are visible and concentrated, and their long- plans, but implementation is bogged lieve that the level of funding actually approp- term effects are not clearly understood. down by delays in applications for riated is inadequate to solve these problems, f. Watercraft Wastes. These discharges are federal grants, and the lead time particularly in instances of combined sewer probably not regionally significant but are par- needed for treatment plant construc- overflows. ticularly unpleasant in popular harbors and near tion. -,loft A ?F; @d 12 4. Continue current industrial per- mits program. Industrial discharges are the third bie2esi source of POIILI- tion in SENE.-fhe current program to eliminate them is on schedule and %%orking %%ell. Program adininis- irators and pri%ate indu,,trN- deser%e "IF more public recognition ot their achie%ements. Other high prioriiN recommendal ions include: wimplementing Current state non- degradation policies@ ibi beginning a s%stemaiic. region%%ide storm%katerand %%et-weaiher stream sampling program 4 as a first step toward understanding non-point source pollutim 10 making the tok%ns or area%%ide management vt agencies responsible for the disposal of purnpings from cesspools and septic ianks: and (d I gi % ing preser% ation prior- itN to Cape Cod, and clean up prioritN to Ne%% Bedford, Pro% idence. and Boston. in that order. Implications. If the StUd% *s %% ater quali(N recommendal ions are carrie'd out. %kaler zili- read@ clean enough for swimming and fishing b kkill be preser),ed and polluted %%ater %%ill e restored bN 1983. %k herever restoration is realis- ticall% attainable. Direct costs to go%ernment. industr% . and taxpayers ma% approach $5 bil- lion. Ho"e%er, improved water ql.ialit@ %%ill ha%e important economic as well as enwon- mental Nalue. Outdoor recreation and tourism -hellfishin- "ill resume. %%ill be stimulated. s and land values will increase. In the long-run. cleaner "aier %% ill mean a more pleasant li%inu emironment, and that %%ill he important if the region is to attract arid hold the skilled %%orkers it will need for its increasin-l% serN ices- oriented econom%. The recommended program should also be politically attractive. it adopts or gives ne%% emphasis to popular. ongoing. long-range programs that have alreadN won political sup- port. Past experience has indicated that indi- %idUal municipal efforts to impro%e %%aterqual- it\ are costIN. difficult to manage, and maN not al%%av5 achie\e en%ironniental objecllke!s. @A k@_ Area,%& ide approaches linking groups of com- A mUnities and industries are i%ke' refore essential 14 to the success of the clean LIP effort. 7V V, 2- -n- 16" 4 4, As our oil demands increase. tanker t)"fiffic ill Oil Spills OIH' Major harbors will increase. too. are an ever-prescm i -e were kill r get. Thet N 50 spills last %ear ill Roston Harbor e7lone. The i Studi, calls fbr it regional port sitedi, to find out U', 10111. oil %e i'Mere is a more efficient waY to inee needs. Increasing 13 Recreational Opportunities Southeastern New England is a recreational and tourist center of national significance, each year drawing millions of visitors. It is a region of exceptional natural beauty. And yet hundreds of thousands of the region's urban residents are either unable to reach, or are denied access to, its recreational opportunities. For many, a shoreline recreational experience means fishing in a dirty harbor from a decaying wharf. We can and should do more. The Situation. Perhaps the most widespread use of SENE's water and related resources is for outdoor recreation. As the region's popula- tion continues to grow, the demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities will also grow. In fact, recreation demands are expected 7 to roughly double in the next 50 years. P . If the anticipated increase in demand by 1990 -OLT. is to be met, it will require about 2,000 acres of developed public swimming beach, about 14,000 picnic sites, about 20,000 camp sites, or about 500 boat launching ramps, about 20,000 slips and moorings, and about 130,000 acres of natural area for such extensive outdoor recrea- tion pursuits as nature study and hiking. rpm-- 4 Existing facilities can accommodate about two-thirds of the demand for slips and moor- ings and extensive outdoor recreation, about half the swimming demand, and about one- third of the demand for picnicking, camping, and boat ramps. Opportunities for hunting and fresh water fishing within the densely popu- lated SENE region are inadequate. Currently demand for hunting and fishing within the Study area exceeds resource supply and is ex- pected to continue to do so in the future. IAA, and Water Conservation Fund of the U.S. Through such ongoing programs as the Land 40 A_ Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, and the pro- grams of the Departments of Natural Resources in Rhode Island and Environmental Manage- ment in Massachusetts, and local governments, many more of the region's requirements can be met. Much more remains to be done, however. Efforts to meet the region's recreational de- mands are frustrated by a number of basic prob- lems. Oversimplifying somewhat, the centers of greatest recreational demand and the facilities for meeting that demand are not in the same place. The amount of recreation land per 14 resident in the Providence, Boston, and Wor- the public.. Funds to acquire new land for mand centers, is astounding. The op- cester metropolitan areas is grossly inadequate. recreational activities are limited. New solu- portunity s 'hould be seized at once. What's more, many of these residents, one- tions are needed. 2. The respective states should begin third of whom lack automobiles, have no way to (a) improve facilities of existing to reach existing recreation facilities. The Solutions. The protection and man- beaches, such as Wollaston near Moreover, the capacity of the region's recrea- agement of SENE's Critical Environmental Boston, and Goddard Park State tional facilities to meet all of the urban and Areas, through the Study's proposals for guid- Beach near Providen= (b) secure tourist demands is questionable. ing growth, should provide land to satisfy some public access to the shoreline, in- Despite these problems, the SENE region is of the demand for hunting, hiking, canoeing, cluding continuation of Rhode Is- rich in recreation potential. Its miles of streams sport fishing, and certain extensive forms of land's public access program and and coastline, and acres of lake and forestland outdoor recreation. To satisfy the region's consideration by Massachusetts of offer considerable opportunity to meet much, if other more intensive recreational needs, the various programs and legislation for not all, of the region's needs for recreation. Study developed 21 specific recommendations. improving access; and (c) improve Converting this potential into new facilities, Highest priority was given to the following: public transportation access, in- however, faces two important hurdles. First, 1. The respective states should exe- cluding parking facilities, and the use recreational use of these lands is in direct com- cute their current plans to acquire of shuttle buses. petition with other legitimate uses of the land, and develop the Boston Harbor Is- 3. Within urban centers recreation primarily residential and commercial develop- lands and Narragansett Bay Is- opportunities should be increased ment. Moreover, short of outright acquisition, lands Park. With inexpensive ac- through every available means, in- public access to private lands is very limited. At cess and well-developed day use cluding outright purchase where pos- present, only 225 of the region's 1540 miles of facilities, these two plans would help sible, and increasing the efficiency of coastline are open to the public for recreation. meet the region's most critical unmet existing areas. Only one out of every 10 acres has guaranteed recreational demands. That such an public access. Most of the nearly 1200 stream- opportunity should occur twice in the bank miles are privately owned and closed to region, adjacent to the largest de- NA, Mar 15 Other high priority recommendations include: (a) adjusting current policy so as to per- mit limited public recreational use of secondary water supply reservoir lands, for low-intensity activities like walking and picnicking; (b) designating parts of the Charles, North, Ipswich, and Taun- Z ton, and consideration of the North and South Rivers, as Massachusetts Scenic Rivers, and the Wood, Beaver, and Pawcatuck as Rhode Island Scenic Riv- ers; and (c) developing new recreational boating harbors at Salem, Plymouth, Warwick-East Greenwich, and Providence-East Providence; (d) study- ing the possibility of adding sand to 12 other beaches-such as Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts-to combat erosion and especially to increase their capacities: (e) encouraging the private sector to provide more recreational op- Z "'n portunities, keeping in mind the protec- tion of Critical Environmental Areas. Implications. It is difficult to measure the 7z@ benefits of recreational programs. Clearly the greatest advantage, particularly 6f the two priority recommendations, is the improvement they would bring to the quality of life of the people living in the region's largest urban cen- 4 ters. In addition, direct economic benefits in the commercial recreation business could be substantial. Meeting all of the currently unmet needs for outdoor recreation through 1990 has an e sti mated value of about a quarter of a bi 11 ion dollars annually. More importantly, providing facilities and increased recreational oppor- tunities will improve the region's attractiveness as a place to live, and strengthen its ability to draw and hold the skills essential for its increas- ingly service s- oriented economy. There are a surprising number of scenic "il natural areas (right) and clean, unspoiled riv- ers (above) in SENE, many in or near densely populated areas. The Study urges that Scenic Rivers legislation and other measures be im- plemented as a way to protect these areas and help meet ourfuture recreation needs. 16 Puffing The Sea Back In Our Lives The history of the region's ties to The Situation. As part of its objective to the sea is a long and colorful one. improve the management of the region's marine resources, the Study investigated Yet for the last several decades offshore fisheries, shellfish and aquaculture, SENE's ports, fisheries, and port development, dredged materials disposal, offshore sand and gravel extraction, and the urban waterfronts have been de- status of the region's urban waterfronts. clining. The Study concludes that There are two key issues facing offshore fisheries: intense international harvesting pres- this is not an inevitable result of sure and the inability of the region's fishing progress, but the result of exter- industry to efficiently compete with subsidized foreign fleets. In the last decade, key species nal pressures, internal economic have been depleted by sequentially "fishing problems, and outright neglect. out" specific stocks, resulting in whole fishing areas being closed. Between 1964 and 1965, foreign landings of silver hake were six times higher than the previous average. These were followed in 1965 and 1966 with haddock (580 MARINE MANAGEMENT percent higher), in 1968 and 1969 with herring PROBLEMS AND RESOURCES (450 percent higher), and in 1969 and 1970 with yellowtail, flounder (300 percent higher). Most recently, in 1971 and 1972, mackerel landings have averaged an astounding 127 fimes the average landings for the period from e 1961 through 1966. In each case, markedly Coastal area as d signated by Massachusetts R.I. lower catches followed these inordinately high foreign landings. Coastal wetlands The SENE region's fishing industry-except Regional recreation area for the Port of Point Judith-also has internal and operational problems. In addition to the Declining fish industry V adverse impact of foreign competition, the high Primary fisheries port cost of harvesting, labor, management, proc- essing, and new capital has diminished the effi- Secondary fisheries part ciency of the industry. Nevertheless, the indus- try is important to the region's economy, pro- Deepwater terminal proposals Ar i m ri c ocrAm Tank farm 'd 7,',' -1 @ "' 0 Q0 New or expanded shipbuilding facility 7, Major boating areas H Historic urban waterfronts N A ---- --- 7= L f@' 77 @,V;K @M, t z "'A VrX", 7 7N @Ir V f 17 viding nearly 30,000 jobs and representing $160 million invested in vessels in Mas- sachusetts alone. If the fishing grounds con- tinue to be overfished, a significant world food source will be lost. If the domestic fishing in- dustry is not revitalized, a significant regional economic asset will be lost. Shellfishflats in Massachusetts are man- aged by town wardens at varying levels of effi- ciency and productivity. The Rhode Island De- T@M 0 H H partment of Natural Resources has jurisdiction over the shellfish beds along its coastline. Properly managed, the region's shellfish yields are valued in terms of thousands of dollars per 2- acre. However, many of the SENE region's H AM ME 30,000 acres are closed due to pollution or are 'i tjE otherwise underproductive. In an effort to sup- plement stocks of shellfish available from E natural sources, private aquacultural opera- .2 Z @M tions have been initiated on a small scale in the region with varying degrees of success. Even IN E though a lot of well-researched scientific in- formation is available, it has been difficult to produce marketable quantities of commercially grown shellfish at economically competitive prices. Portplanningis conducted by individual city or metropolitan agencies with little regard for regional coordination. In both major ports, Boston and Providence, an excess capacity of storage sheds, warehouses, and wharfage exists-evidence of the overall decline in con- ventional dry cargo shipping. Major changes in global trading patterns require regional coordi- @NE r, nation of port improvements if the SENE r, gion is to regain a portion of world-wide ship- ping and commerce. The port of Boston, through the innovative leadership of the Mas- sachusetts Port Authority, leads the way in de- velopment of new shipping techniques, such as containerization, and more significantly, plan- ning for deep water oil terminals. However, extremely high capital investments are required and complex infrastructure is needed to support a major oil terminal. This indicates that, in a _121H market as small as SENE's, coordination of port development, rather than competition, would yield the highest returns to the region. The problem of disposing of dredged materials from channel improvements is another con- tributing factor to the stagnation of some of the region's ports. A nationwide U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study on disposal options will shortly lead to improved regulations. Existi 119 interim federal guidelines for disposal Of dredged materials give careful consideration to The port of Boston leads the way in develop- ment of new shipping techniques. The Study proposes a regional effort to revitalize many of our other ports and harbors. V . .... . ... economic and environmental benefits and The Solutions. Although the SENE Study velopment system for handling the costs. These guidelines are felt to be adequate addressed a number of separate marine man- region's shipping and cargo distribu- for continued interim uses. agement issues, several priority recommenda- tion needs, with an emphasis on de- Sand andgravel mining in offshore waters is tions emerged: veloping an oil handling policy. a relatively new concept in the United States, 1. The United States should im- 3. Develop policy and program reg- although much experience has been gained mediately establish a 200-mile ulating commercial extraction ac- with such operations in Northern European offshore economic zone, adopt a na- tivities in coastal waters. Each state waters. Initial analysis shows that while it may tional fisheries management pro- coastal zone program should de- prove a useful supplement to conventional on- gram, and effectively manage velop policies and programs regulat- shore sources, mining in near-shore waters may Georges Bank as an important world ing commercial extraction activities, pose unacceptable environmental and food resource before it is over especially for sand and gravel, in economic costs. One significant drawback, in exploited. In light of the apparent coastal waters. addition to the need for a low conflict site inability of the existing international 4. The states' coastal zone manage- further offshore, is the need for a significant commission to manage the resource, ment programs should review the market immediately adjacent to the land area unilateral control by the U.S.- redevelopment potential of the re- for such, a system to be cost-effective. Only while still permitting foreign fishing gion's decaying urban waterfronts Boston meets that qualification in SENE. vessels-would assure that no area using block grants through the SENE's urban waterfronts are a major re- or species was being overfished. Community Development Act of source whose potential has long been ne- 2. Initiate a regional port planning 1974. Responsibility for redevelop- glected. Extensive wharfage, now decayed and and development program. The ment should continue at the local no longer suitable for modern shipping needs, New England coastal states and ap- level under state, leadership and is available for multiple use planning in several propriate federal agencies, working coordination of federal funding of the region's ports. Of the many activities through the New England Regional programs. already located on the waterfront today, few Commission, and with the assistance Other marine management recommendations have any real need for the waterfront location of the New England River Basins receiving somewhat lower priority include: and the Study encourages redevelopment of Commission, should undertake a re- (a) increase state technical assistance to this valuable land to water related and com- gional port planning study to deter- town shellfish wardens in Mas- plementary uses. mine the most efficient port de- sachusetts to improve shellfish man- IN AW 19 agement; (b) increase shellfish license fees in Massachusetts, and require re- creational shellfish licenses in Rhode Island; (c) continue use of interim fed- eral dredged materials disposal guidelines; (d) develop predictive mod- eling techniques for determining im- pacts of offshore sand and gravel extrac- tion, and (e) require modern dredging equipment with on-board gravel proc- essing capability. Implications. Exerting control over the offshore fishery can have profound national and international economic and social benefits. Revitalizing the region's sagging fishing indus- try will have substantial economic benefits for the region. Local and regional income should be stimulated by a more vigorous fishing indus- try. Moreover, a better managed offshore fishery retains the potential for being a major international food source for the world. In addi- tion to the fishing industry, economic, social, and environmental benefits can accrue from the revitalization of this region's potentially scenic and vibrant urban waterfronts. Boston has al- ready begun such a redevelopment as have Nantucket and Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was not within the scope of the Study to deter- mine whether significant economic benefits might accrue from regional port specialization and integration, although it appears that both regional and national benefits would be gener- ated. - extrac- A cautious go-ahead is given to (he. tion of far-shore mineral resources if conven- tional onshore resources become unavailable or uneconomical. If the technology can be per- fected, the region's offshore deposits are more than adequate to. meet out needs. The Study also urges greater cooperation between local Jl@ and state governments in guiding the develop- ment of aquaculture industries. Better managed natural shellfish beds and successful aquacul- ture can provide economic and social benefits to the region at relatively little cost. Overall, sk the Study's recommendations on marine man- agement are designed to redevelop SENE's his- toric ties to its coastal and marine resources. V o top 20 _577,77-717 77 r5- IMF 7 -7,555F -77P- --o 144 p TWY 5, P F@ A@ Trying to hold back the fury of a hurricane- lashed ocean (above) or a flood-swollen river is, at best, a costl@ losing battle. More often than not, structures built to hold back theforces of nature create a false sense of security. We build, and sooner or later, a storm stronger than our protection works pulls our investment - out from under us (right). The Study offers measures to break this cycle. Living With The 21 Forces Of Nature The Situation. Southeastern New England's management program but recently proposed to programs by basin, making use of major coastal communities have a long history be expanded to include wastewater manage- non-structural solutions wherever of damages from hurricanes and "north- ment, water supply, navigation, and other con- possible. First priority should be easters". The 1954 hurricane caused over $154 siderations, particularly for the Pawtuxet and given to the Ipswich, Neponset, and million in damages along the Rhode Island and Blackstone and Vicinity; the Corps' landmark Taunton River basins. southern Massachusetts coasts. Major tidal Charles River flood plain wetlands acquisition 2. Full participation in the National flood protection projects have since been built program; and the Department of Housing and Flood Insurance Program is urged at Providence and New Bedford. Urban Development's National Flood Insur- for all communities. A 1959 "northeaster" caused damages total- ance Program, under which every community 3. Restrict adverse development, or ling six million along the Massachusetts coast, in SENE has been declared flood prone. Both redevelopment, in inland or coas- from Newburyport to Plymouth. In contrast, states have enacted legislation designed to pro- tal flood prone areas and coastal damages from inland riverine flooding have tect critical inland and coastal wetlands. erosion areas. Zoning to carry out been relatively minor, except for the heavily The region's flooding and erosion problems this recommendation should take ad- developed reaches of rivers such as the can be lessened significantly under existing vantage of existing wetlands legisla- Blackstone and Pawtuxet. The 1955 flood of federal and state programs. The Study recom- tion, protect barrier beaches, and be record in the Blackstone River caused over $65 mends using a combination of structural solu- consistent with state coastal zone million in damages. Four flood protection pro- tions, such as dams and dikes, and non- programs. jects have since been built in the Blackstone structural solutions, such as flood plain zoning 4. Strengthen state wetlands legisla- River basin: a diversion project at Worcester, a and wetlands protection. Greatest emphasis is tion. floodwater storage reservoir at West Hill (Ux- given, however, to the non-structural solu- 5. Acquire key wetlands and flood bridge, Massachusetts), and two local protec- tions, and for several very good reasons. For plain areas where necessary to tion projects at Worcester. Elsewhere, the re- one thing, few opportunities for structural solu- guarantee the public health and safe- gion's inland flood damages have been surpris- tions exist in the SENE region. On the other ty. ingly low because, unlike many other parts of hand, much of the region's natural flood and 6. Selectively construct flood control New England, the SENE region retairis vast storm damage reducers-wetlands, flood projects where the area to be pro- expanses of flood flow holding wetlands and plains, barrier beaches-remain intact and the tected is of high value to the com- flood plains. Thus, the opportunity exists for Study's examination of land needed for future munity, options for relocation are the region to continue to experience only minor growth indicates these valuable areas can be limited, and the cost of construction damages, if these critical lands remain unde- avoided. The fact is that, according to the fed- is less than acquisition of the flood veloped. eral North Atlantic Regional Water Resources hazard area. The inland and coastal erosion situation Study, using non-structural measures can re- closely parallels flooding. The region's topog- duce flood damages by as much as 75 percent Implications. The region's network of wet- raphy and soils are such that inland erosion is by 2020. The federal government has begun to lands and flood plains provide an ideal oppor- relatively insignificant. In contrast, however, give much more support for these non- tunity to use non-structural measures, estab- many of the region's most heavily used beaches structural steps than in the past. The Water lished at the local level under state guidance, to are eroding more than three feet per year. Key Resources Development Act of 1974 raises reduce damages. The importance of these problem areas are Plum Island on the North consideration of, and federal funding for, non- natural areas to public health, safety, and wel- Shore, the northern portion of the South Shore, structural measures to a level comparable with fare is reemphasized in the Study's priority portions of Cape Cod and the Islands, Block structural measures for the first time. recommendation to strictly control develop- Island, and coastal Rhode Island. ment on wetlands and flood plains (discussed A multitude of federal and state programs are The Solutions. The Study's key recommen- above under Guiding Growth). proposed or in progress in the region to reduce dations for flood damage reduction are: flood damages. Some of the federal programs 1. Prepare comprehensive flood plain include Soil Conservation Service and Corps of management programs. Federal Engineers flood control projects; the Corps of and state agencies working with Engineers Pawcatuck-Narragansett Bay Study, municipalities should prepare com- initially designed as a comprehensive flood prehensive flood plain management It has been many years since the last major hurricane or disas- trous flood, and we have built on a lot of land that belongs to the sea and the rivers. Some day, in- exorably, nature will take some of it back. 4 T@ 16 P- AV Electric power plants, oil tank F 6 farms, pipelines, and terminals, F 5@ A, Jog; J:t V -0, W AFRY'flFp',LL"qf , P1,11 sand and gravel extraction oper- WAY., IV Alf! J ations, and solid waste disposal plo", -_V At AW My @7, @N F P e? VAIP, @Yrl facilities are as critical to the the public health f economy and "Ni Ll and safety as are wetlands or "1 -1 "Pi, T,- b A, flood plains. It is the Study's con- J--VIOLIAIV Nni -4 clusion that the protection of suitable sites for these needed Y- facilities should be given as high a @r i'10 AP priority as preserving Critical i" k L6 'Alg@MiZ Environmental Areas. gll "N' A AP u "A' V gi, " 72 Rj@ AAPFI@ A AV. I 2`45,VAF 'w'; &AR R _jT 4 U V&l M @j Tankfarms are unsightly but necessary in this Win oz oil consuming region. But high-value coastal I Y7 landshouldnotbe wastedon them. Theyshould Map d be moved inland and serviced by pipeline in- stead. t FL p _0 7, - Loccffing 23 Key Fmilifies The Situation. The onshore extraction of rapidly being preempted by other land uses as growth, technology, public policy, conserva- sand and gravel is noisy, dirty, and brings with development pressures spread outward from tion programs, changes in style and taste, and it heavy equipment traffic. Power plants, re- the region's urban centers. As convenient de- the cost and availability of alternative sources fineries, and solid waste disposal sites are un- posits disappear, extraction operators are of fuel. sightly, and are potential polluters. Consider- forced to move further away. As a result, the A number of generation technologies are ing the generally negative effects such key availability of the commodity is decreasing and available and each has its strong and weak facilities have traditionally had on the physical the cost, because of transportation distance, is points. Emissions from oil-fired plants can be landscape, the "put them in someone else's increasing dramatically. controlled but the supply of oil is extremely backyard" attitude prevalent in most com- The availability of energy-and, by exten- unstable and the costs are skyrocketing. Coal, munities is understandable. But the region's sion, its cost-has become the Achilles heel of Possibly even locally supplied, is an alternative economy depends on these services, and we Southeastern New England. The region's but the environmental and health problems are would be worse off without them than we are deepening energy shortages depress the costly to resolve. Heavy reliance on nuclear with them-at least for the forseeable future. economy and threaten to eclipse environmental generation is planned for the near future, but a The objective, then, is to determine how badly concerns. The atmosphere of crisis is not con- number of significant environmental and public we need these facilities and then to provide for ducive to careful decision making. safety questions remain unanswered. While them in a manner which minimizes their effects Electrical power peak market demand in the some nuclear reliance may be unavoidable, the on our landscape, using criteria such as re- SENE service area was 5,000 megawatts in magnitude can be very significantly reduced source capability, visual quality, and relation- 1971. By way of comparison, the Plymouth through enforced conservation measures and ship to existing services. nuclear unit produces 665 megawatts. The staff thorough development of energy source Production of sand and gravel, two of the of the Federal Power Commission predicts that alternatives-from solar energy, wind power, region's most valuable resources, was 15.3 the annual rate of growth in power consumption and even the renovation of abandoned small million tons in 1970. Demand projections for will decrease from 7.6 percent in 1971 to 4.0 hydroelectric plants. the future range between 23 and 28 million tons percent in 2020. Yet even under those condi- Under these circumstances, two issues are in 1990, and between 33 and 49 million tons in tions, the production of power will have to paramount. Unless Southeastern New England 2020. Similarly, the production of crushed increasefourfold by 1990 to meet the demand. reduces its electricity consumption growth rate stone was 6.2 million tons in 1970; demand for No one is entirely confident of these or any significantly, a score of new power plants will it in 1990 is projected at 10.5 to 13.5 million other projections of energy needs these days. be needed in the next 15 to 40 years. Unless tons, and between 17.4 and 27.9 million tons in Energy consumption is responsive to many acceptable sites for new power plants are iden- 2020. However, these 1972 U.S. Bureau of forces: price, personal income, population tified and secured-now, the region will have to Mines projections may be somewhat overesti- resort to either massive importation of power mated, because the rate of growth of road con- from elsewhere in the Northeast, which may struction and housing, and the industrial de- not always be available, or accept significant mands for sand and gravel have begun to slow. risk of environmental degradation. Road construction alone decreased 25 pecent in. Massachusetts between 1971 and 1972. Technically, regardless of projects, we proba- bly have enough sand and gravel deposits to meet our needs! But the known deposits are A Q 24 Petroleum facilities siting-refineries, tank products will worsen and the region's already farms, deepwater ports-is a major issue in beleaguered industries will suffer further set- N N SENE. The United States is the most oil- backs. Second, unless both states establish hungry country in the world. New England is mechanisms for identifying and securing poten- 4@ %,mg the most oil-hungry region in the nation. And tially acceptable industrial development sites, 50 percent of New England's consumption is in as well as reviewing siting proposals they will vM-,- @:i,3 A-c N X-1 SENE. To complicate things further, over 50 have little control over, and experience no sig- percent of that oil is imported. The energy crisis nificant benefits from, the siting and operation has made everyone hesitant about making pro- of such facilities. I NO, jections of future demand. Like electrical pow- Solid waste disposal is another important but ef, consumption of oil is responsive to many often unwelcome service. Together both states market and public policy factors. However, produced over eight million tons of solid waste according to the best available information, in 1973 and can expect to handle almost ten 3, "N Q -, consumption of petroleum in SENE by the year million tons in 1980. The Study is confiden , RTC K, C_ 2000 could vary between 2 million and 4 mil- however, that the new solid waste recovery lion barrels per day. The higher figure is based programs established in each state will, with on the unlikely continuation of the pre-energy funding and community support, be adequate -10 R crisis rate of four percent annual increase. The to reduce the resource degradation currently lower figure is based on a 50 percent cut in that caused by dumps and poorly managed sanitary @W% rate of increase. Even the lower figure is./our landfills. @R-,, C-i times our current consumption. SENE neither W produces nor refines oil. The federal government and the oil industry think that significant reserves of oil and gas may exist on Georges Bank, on the outer conti- nental shelf off Massachusetts, and the process of leasing this area for exploration has already z- begun. This potential, added to the region's -Z, ,Z-7 inordinate dependence on imported petroleum, W 3 vF%"Aoi@ 2, Ae has spawned a number of proposals for refinery @,N vt construction, deepwater port development and service and industrial development related to offshore exploration and production. Two is- sues are paramount. First, unless steps are taken to slow the region's oil consumption growth rate, the instability and high cost of oil % AM, t 4-, 25 Vt _9" I V, 4@ - 1, "' - ' , ,-"' -' -- % T@. "s NO 2. Establish comprehensive energy The Solutions, For each of these four vital V services, siting is the key issue. For power and facilities siting authorities in each IQ petroleum, the importance of siting is matched state; secure sites for the future. by the need to manage consumption. Highest The authority of the Rhode Island Tol, priority recommendations include: Statewide Planning Program and 1. Establish, immediately, energy Massachusetts Energy Facility Sit- -0 demand management and conser ing Council should be expanded as vation programs in each state. For required to give both agencies the 'A both electrical power and petroleum, authority to approve or reject energy I mediate steps should be taken in facility siting proposals and to iden- m '@ T'i both states to set voluntary and man tify and secure economically and en datory conservation measures, make vironmentally desirable sites for changes in building code standards, power plants, refineries, tank farms, and provide tax incentives to reduce and other energy-related key demand. The success of such a pro- facilities. Lands classified by the gram will depend in large part on Study as Critical Environmental the success of a recommended state Areas (described above under Guid- energy awareness program. Both ing Growth) should be avoided. programs would be directed by the 3. Centralize mineral management respective state energy offices. uthority in each state department of natural resources; manage se- 7@ ne R Iffe quential land use program. Au- 4W, thority for minerals resources i A P z- 'A olicy-making monitoring and regu- "OWA lation should be centralized in the Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources and the Massachusetts 777, Department of Environmental Qual- -'N ity Engineering or Department of bl Environmental Management. Under this new authority, the agencies -. . . . . . . . . . should be the technical backbone of S the recommended local sequential land use program designed to permit extraction of minerals and restora- W, 1, VIN 26 -42 ic, tn- I'Of XOPI IV 4A .1 P.- -jig Deposits o - sand and gra v el are abundant in solffe parls o( SENE. WICI badl "v needed 'lot- funtre consirm-non. But thev Must be mined belbredevelopmentpoVes themmer. TheSimA, suggesis t7 phUSM MillifIg and rechunaltoll sirategv to meet our needs and still leave the siies auractive and o'ei elopable. ... . .. .. ..... tion before preemption bN other forms ot de%elopment. State prog- rarns should include: public educa- don programs to encourage protec- iion of deposits, guidance to municipalities for permit programs, siate,A ide operating and site rehabili- sing of tation standards, state licen, extraction operators. and state re- F clamation of hieh-value abandoned extraction sites. Other high priority reco ni mendat ions include: (aistudNine the electrical rate structure. particularly decreasing block rates: ibi maximizing de%elopment at existing po%%er plant sites: (c) upgrading or phas- in2 out inefficient power plants: id) simplif%ing po,.%-er plant licensing proce- dures: (e) locating future petroleum facilities inland near infrastructure: (f) distributiniz refined products b% pipeline: 12) enforcing existing landfill regUla- tions: fh) funding the public Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation: and i i i conductine a Massachusetts min- eral surveN. Implicaflons. Implemention of the Study's recom menda I ions on major facilities-po%%er plants. petroleum facilities, sand and grave[ extraction operations. solid waste disposal sites %kill give the states a much stronger, and much more direct. method for controlling the im- pacts, both economic and environmental, of major developments with greater than local im- pact. The minor adjustments to the institutional mechanisms discussed will allow the states to become more responsive to the economic. so- cial. and environmental needs of the entire re- 2ion. rather than simplN reacting to the propos- als of indi%idual de%elopers. Both states have begun to mo%e in the direction of controlling development %khich has major regional impact. The Stud%'s recomme ndat ions are meretv an emension of current state siting initiafives. Fi- nallv. if the economv of the reizion is to be %iable at all. specific measures to slow the growth of totalenereN consumption in the re - gion must be implemented immediatelN. Like it or not. We Will need more power in the hiture. Just hot%, much will elepend on hot%, well conservation ineeisures such as those recom- tnentled bY the StudY are implemented--and how sooll. IF 74 4P, J Plott 4kOwl 'Ex I SO Ni Rl@ ,0-4 n- w. A um -V K7 W i3N umv, %7@- NX, M%@j 'A, C-3 VN; 3 . VA K@T' 71- V.1 X, @iv ,,V- w, 4N 2N% 6W., f MtM a, W. EAM MW --y W aM -kr XL W, AT UN % MEAT-- M- Strengthening Our Natural 29 Resources Management System The recommendations outlined in the pre- direct growth so that state programs can pro- pare advisory guidelines for developments ceding sections of this summary, and detailed vide for future growth needs rather than react to of greater than local impact, which would in the full report, form a comprehensive pro- the problems growth can create, some changes be applied in local and state development gram for guiding future growth through the in the way decisions are made and who makes decisions. management of the natural resources of South- them, some new legislation, and some addi- 2. Mandatory local planning and zoning. eastern New England. The program contains tional funds will be necessary. Every town would be required by. law to some new ideas as well as some old ones which The question of who should decide where adopt a development plan, consistent with still have validity or which have been re- growth should and should not occur-whether state criteria, and regulate development ac- focused. it be residential, commercial or industrial-is cording to the plan. State and regional ac- While the recommendations deal primarily one of the most volatile issues facing us in our tion would be guided by the local plans. with natural resources, they were made with an efforts to stimulate development and yet protect 3. State designation and local regulation of eye on the economic and social goals of both certain environmental amenities. It goes critical areas. The state would indicate states. As with any planning activity which straight to the heart of the traditional balance of those areas it considers "critical" and intimately affects people's lives, implementa- power between the state and its political sub- towns would regulate development in those tion can only be successful if the recommenda- divisions, between government and private areas based on state guidelines. Should they tions are integrated with the full range of state property. Both states are in the throes of trying fail to do so, the state or a regional body human services, economic development, and to resolve this issue today. However the ques- would make the decision for them. environmental goals and programs. tion of how resources are to be managed is 4. State or regional regulation of critical Both states are in the position of being able to resolved, though, three fundamental principles areas with municipal administration. The offer that kind of integrated program planning should be adhered to: state (or regional body) would designate and policy-making, though room for improve- 1. Towns should continue to have the authority critical areas, establish regulations, for their ment exists. In Rhode Island, the State Plan- to make decisions about land and water use protection, and supervise their administra- ning Council (SPQ integrated the resource which have local significance. Moreover, tion by municipalities. Where a municipal- programs and policies of a number of agencies any town affected by a decision made ity refused or was unable to perform, au- and has prepared a State Guide Plan for that elsewhere should have a say in that deci- thority would move to either the regional or purpose. Complete integration is hard to sion. state level. achieve, however, since the State Water Re- 2. When a land or water use decision has In addition to these forms of growth man- sources Board determines long-range water re- greater than local effects, regional (or in agement, the SENE Study also investigated a sources policies and programs on its own. Rhode Island, state) general policies and number of state and regional comprehensive In Massachusetts, the Cabinet structure standards set by the state should apply. programs for managing water resources which brought about by the state's recent reorganiza- 3. The state should exercise decisively its di- would, among other things, influence the pat- tion could function through the cooperation of rect planning and regulatory authority in terns of growth, and gave special attention to a the Secretaries, as a program and policy coor- decisions which will affect the entire state. method for integrating the long-range planning dinating body. But it is too soon to tell if that How these principles are emphasized will authority of Rhode Island's Water Resources ideal can be reached. vary somewhat depending on what each state Board with that of the Statewide Planning Pro- The fact is that existing government agencies decides will be the way decisions are to be gram. already have some of the tools needed to carry made in the future. Ultimately the final deci- The four forms of growth management are out many of the recommendations made in the sion will be made through the political process, neither unique nor exclusive. There are many SENE Study. For that reason, so we can move where it rightfully belongs. The SENE Study options in between. Of the four, however, it is immediately on some of the region's most pres- has looked at a number of different approaches important to note that clear public preference sing resource management issues, the Study for strengthening the management of our has been voiced for the last approach, "state or recommends: natural resources. As both states are trying to regional regulation with municipal administra- Maximize use of existing pro- find ways to set aside those lands which they tion. grams and institutions. The resource consider environmentally and-in the case of management policies and programs re- Rhode Island-economically "critical", one commended by the SENE Study should thing the Study did was to examine four dif- be reviewed, and appropriate state ferent ways governments control the use of policies adopted, by the Massachusetts such lands. They range from major local con- Cabinet and Rhode Island State Planning trol to major state control and are summarized Council, as currently constituted. below: But to effectively guide our future growth 1. State development guidelines for use by and guarantee solid economic opportunities, to local government. Each state would pre- Closer To 'm Moo iT;7 77. ..........- a 2 @@-I: V IPSWICH v NORTH SHORE BOSTON METROPOLITAN SOUTH' SHORE COAS STR NE & TAUNTON ---------- 1V PAWTUXET BUZZ RDS -t BAY COA STR Am, CAPE COD& ISLANDS PAWCATUCK NARRAGANSETT a BAY& BLOCK ISLAND I Ipswich-North Shore 31 T Located in the northeastern corner of Mas- WEST sachusetts, the Ipswich-North Shore planning area covers 428 square miles (270,000 acres). It is situated roughly north of Boston and south and east of the Merrimack River. The thirty-two towns in the planning area are: Beverly; Boxford; Danvers; I Essex; GEORGE-N R-E, PLUM ISLA" 30U11 Georgetown; Gloucester; Groveland; Hamilton; Ipswich; Lynn; Lynnfield; Manchester; Marblehead; Middleton; Nahant; Newbury; Newburyport; North BOXFORD VIR ROCKPORT Andover; North Reading; Peabody; Read- 4, ing; Revere; Rockport; Rowley; Salem; TOPEFIELD Saugus; Swampscott; Topsfield; HAM LTON ESEE Wakefield; Wenham;. Wilmington; MIDDLETON M- Winthrop. @ / .'CLI 9@ Burlington and West Newbury are "fringe NORTH hADING MANCHESTER t owns. DANVERS 'k\ The area is known for its rolligg low hills BEVERLY 1@ 0-MINGTON and rocky outcroppings, meandering small READING !1_YNNFIEtC Z rivers and salt marshes. The most important ... rivers are the Ipswich, Saugus-Pines, and Parker Rivers. The southern coast is rugged and rock-bound, while the northern coast is BURLIN'NJQNJ protected by Plum Island, a barrier beach. In 1970, the population was 580,000-the third largest of the region!s ten planning areas-having climbed about 70,000 since 2, 1960. Indensity(2.1 personsperacre) it was second only to Boston. In the next 20 cars it AHANT VA y 'J REVE is expected to grow at a rate nearly double that VERETT of the rest of the region, and the population is likely to reach 770,000, some 30 percent higher than the 1970 size. WIN HROP BOSTON HARBOR The North Shore's reputation for coastal has put forth certain basic principles for guiding water management agency to protect the water beauty and planned colonial villages is future growth to ensure this. Among the rec- quality and quantity in the Ipswich River area. threatened by the dense press of people and ommended measures are the clustering of de- commerce creeping northward from Boston. In velopment on those lands identified by a town Scenic River Proposed fact, of all planning areas in the Study's juris- as being capable of supporting growth and pro- The Ipswich River is one of the few remain- diction, only the Boston Metropolitan area is tecting those which are not. In addition, sewer, ing relatively unspoiled rivers in Southeastern more heavily urbanized than the North Shore. water, and other municipal services can be New England. In addition to its special attrac- planned to direct future development to accept- tion as a recreational resource, the Ipswich and Land Tight after 1990 able areas. The Study's land capability maps the many wetland areas which border it serve to The 'Study found that there is enough land will help towns make these decisions. control flood waters and keep flood damages in suitable for development to meet the area's neighboring communities to a minimum. To growth needs until about 1990, without having Reservoir Urged ensure that the river continues to serve these to touch areas important for flood control, The North Shore's rapid growth has had an valuable functions, the Study urges immediate water supply, recreation and amenities. But effect on its water supplies too. For some c0m- action by the State to include the Ipswich as one after 1990, the North Shore is going to be in a munities, supplying adequate water for the fu- of the first of the state's "scenic rivers." Legis- bind. Almost half of the land which is still ture is a matter of protecting and developing lation providing for scenic river designation has unurbanized is unsuitable for most kinds of local ground water resources. For communities been on the books for some time, but the state development-either the soil is unsuitable for in the general vicinity of the Ipswich River, the has not as yet acted to apply it. septic wastes, or the land is valuable for flood situation is more complicated. Dozens of other recommendations in the control and for meeting the area's water supply The planning area report for the Ipswich- Ipswich-North Shore report cover such subjects needs. North Shore area details a number of alternative as improving public access to the coastline, The 37 percent increase in urbanization on ways for these communities to augment their expanding and improving transportation to the North Shore in the last ten years was largely existing water supplies. The result of that some beaches, waterfront improvements in contained within Route t28. In the next ten evaluation is the recommendation that the con- some of the areas major port communities, and years the greatest development pressure will be troversial Reservoir 30-B be developed im- improving the management of the area's rich felt in the towns immediately north of Route mediately. The reservoir, which would fall shellfish beds. 128, but also as far north as North Andover, primarily in Ipswich, would serve that town as Boxford, Georgetown, and Groveland. well as Gloucester, Rockport, Hamilton, Enough of the right kind of land must be Topsfield, Beverly, Salem, and Peabody. Also available for future development. The Study recommended is the creation of a regional 32 2. Boston Metropolitan Densely urban for decades, the Boston Met- ropolitan planning area does not face the same intense pressures for future development as some of the more suburban areas in SENE. The area, with its western boundary falling gener- ally between Routes 128 and 495, does contain some of Boston's "bedroom communities;" and growth has been steady, if slow. J, Good Land Remains w.,T 80S- -BOR A surprisingly large amount of open and even scenic land still exists in and around Bos- ton. With growth expected to level off by 2020, 1@4 it appears that the available developable land will be sufficient to meet the area's growth needs. However, unless the particularly scenic areas-along river banks, around water supply -TR-. reservoirs and elsewhere-are protected, there is a real threat that future growth will engulf them. Urban living is, by definition, crowded, but r,\ there is no reason why the landscape must be f- . ..... _.T. bleak. The Study's Boston Metropolitan plan- ning area report details steps which can be taken today to accommodate future growth v'o without sacrificing the few natural and scenic r" IT01G. vl@ areas left in the city and its environs. One recommendation even offers the opportunity of decreasing the cost of future growth to the tax- payer. Preliminary studies indicate that exist- ing and proposed sewer services in the met- ropolitan area exceed the expected peak popu- lation considerably. If a conscious planning effort were made to direct future growth to those area's already served by these services, a major public expenditure-the cost of instal- ling new capacity-could be saved. With urban finances what they are, this "excess capacity" The Boston Metropolitan area is defined in Three major rivers drain the planning area, offers a special opportunity. this report as essentially all the land that the Mystic, Charles, and Neponset. Despite drains into,Boston Harbor. The area covers the intensity of development in the area, these Water Shortage a Legacy of Growth about 640 square miles (409,000 acres) and rivers contain a surprisingly large amount of One of the major victims of the Boston Met- includes some 49 towns: wetland which serves to control floods and ropolitan area's past growth has been its water lessen flood damages. Arlington; Bellingham; Belmont; Boston; Population in the area was about 2.1 mil- supplies. Development, and its by-product pol- Braintree; Brookline; Cambridge; Can- lion in 1970 and is only expected to grow to lution, have to a large extent limited the useful- ton; Chelsea; Dedham; Dover; Everett; 2.4 million by 2020. Nearly half of SENE's ness of local sources of ground and surface Franklin; Hingham; Holbrook; Holliston; entire population lives in this one planning water in many core communities. Today, the Rull; Lexington; Lincoln; Maiden; Med- area, and while overall growth is, expected to Metropolitan District Commission provides for field; Medford; Medway; Melrose; Mil- be slow, a few of the communities on the the water needs of 23 of the metropolitan area's ford; Millis; Milton; Natick; Needham; planning area's fringe can expect heavy de- communities, with water gathered primarily Newton; Norfolk; Norwood; Quincy; Ran- velopment pressure in the next decade. from Quabbin Reservoir in the center of the dolph; Sharon; Sherborn; Somerville; Stoneham; Stoughton; Walpole; Walt- state. In fact, the MDC provides nearly half of ham; Watertown; Wellesley; Weston; all the water used in the entire Southeastern Westwood; Weymouth; Winchester; New England region. Woburn; Wrentham. However, the MDC system's existing de- pendable water yield is already overtaxed, and ,the MDC is having trouble meeting the needs of its current customers, much less those com- munities which would like to join. In perhaps the most comprehensive search for additional water done to date, the Study found the presently most feasible strategy to meet the metropolitan area's water needs: in- 33 tensi%e %%ater conservation and immediate completion of the controversial diversion of waier from the Connecticut Ri%er at Northfield Mountain. Also recommended %kas further planning for another di%ersion from the Con- neciicut Ri\ er basin. the Millers River. subject to conditions dealinL with %%ater riphis of downstream states, & e\aluation of e_nviron- mental, social. economic impacts and in-basin needs. and others. While e%ervone aarees that it is not an '*optimal" solution. it appears to be the onl\ one CUrrentl\ available. Ne%erlheless Wirt= the Study encoura2es more detailed e%aluation of the 'akernafikes considered. including sources from the Merrimack Rker. the Lipper LT@@ SUdbUrN River, desalinafion. and wasie%%aier reuse. Making the Cit.@ More Livable One theme runs consistenih throughout the dozens of recommenclal ions in the Boston Met- ropolitan planning area report-thai [he manN unique opportunities for making cit@ li%ing at- tracti%e in the Boston area be seized at once. Principal amone them is an endorsement of the Comrnonvvealtl@% plan for developing the recreational potential of the Boston Harbor Islands and providing affordable transportation to these islands for thousands of cii) dvvellers. Also recommended are proposals to impro%e the transportation links bei%keen the city and North and South Shore beaches. acceleratin2 the rehabilitation of the metropolitan area s %%aterfront properties and city recreation fa- cilities, and the designation ot portions of the Charles Rker as an initial element of the State's Q scenic rker program. A, A w. t w 1, @A Pi IA0 jJ I- -.- -, I -i;T@ 7 A -lam 34 3. South Shore The South Shore is rapidly running out of room to grow. It is a classic example of what COHASSET can go wrong when highway construction and rapid residential and commercial development G@ go unplanned. From Farmland to House Lots _IT ATE In the past ten years, the South Shore area grew an incredible six and a half times faster than the rest of Southeastern New England. In RWIELL all, urbanized land increased 70 percent in the last decade. Some 30 percent of the South Shore's farmland was carved into house lots. 'ROCKLAND' The spectacular growth experienced by MARSHFIELD South Shore communities is not unique. It is a HANOVER nationwide phenomenon and has been vari- ously described as "the flight to the suburbs", or, more graphically, "spread city. " People in communities throughout the South Shore have P- PEMBROKE begun to realize that the blessings from the G,.., prosperous sixties are mixed. The highway that d would speed them to work and home again is DUXEIURY choked with traffic. The open spaces they sought have been replaced by massive shop- ping centers and acres of asphalt. The low tax bills on their homes have skyrocketed as towns struggle to provide services to their burgeoning populations. And they are running out of water. WNJION The seriousness of the land crunch in the PY-Wh S., South Shore is masked by an apparent abun- dance of open Inad. But it is an illusion. The @.@S SENE Study's land resources inventory has YMOUTH discovered that less than half of the remaining land is suitable for development. Either the slopes are too steep and the soil unable to accept olv@ Wh d septic wastes, or the land is valuable for flood 01 protection or for sustaining the area's already endangered water supplies. Much of it is al- \-?O4 ready protected wetland. The remainder appa- 2 1 -LES rently could accommodate growth only until KILOMETERS roughly 1990, if land consumption continues at IZ? about one acre for every additional three people. Y* Solutions are difficult. Calling for a morilorium on development is a popular but unworkable remedy, especially in light of the D/ transportation improvements planned from Boston to the South Shore. The South Shore The South Shore coastal planning area, lo- beaches, harbors, estuaries, and coastal rivers Planning Area Report outlines a pragmatic cated south of metropolitan Boston has a total are its most valuable natural assets. The two strategy for protecting certain fragile lands and area of some 270 square miles (172,000 principal rivers the North and South, are ex- guiding growth to lands' most capable of sup- acres). In some ways it mirrors the geography ceptionally clean. But the growth these assets porting it. More efficient forms of develop- of thecoast north of Boston, with rocky coast have attracted may make them liabilities. The ment, such as clustering, are advocated, espe- nearest to the city, moderate to gentle rolling best available statistics indicate that the area's hills and sandy beaches to the south, ending in population of 116,000 people will more than cially for towns experiencing high develop- towcring bluffs facing Cape Cod. Ten towns double by 1990, to 238,000, possibly doubl- ment pressure-Plymouth, Duxbury, Marsh- are included in the planning area: ing again by 2020. field, Pembroke, Hanover, Norwell, Scituate, Population density already exceeds 1500 and Cohasset. Cohasset; Duxbury; Hanover; Kingston; people per square mile in the northern part of Marshfield; Norwell; Pembroke; Ply- the planning area, and is nearly 1000 per mouth; Rockland; Scituate. square mile along the coast. Many of the area's new residents have built on high- The South Shore's coastal resources, its hazard flood lands. 35 Mffii . . . . . . . . 'Mgt t 44 2-@ kj@ -7 ... .... .. T '31 N y -4 MF 5@2 !r iAN,@!!@ _4@- 1 M N1, M Nw- L Regional Water District Urged Waste Water Recycling Project two natural features stand out. Duxbury Beach Several South Shore communities are criti- Strong support was expressed at public meet- and the North and South Rivers. Duxbury cally short of water. The availability of water, ings held by the Study throughout the region for Beach's private owners and the nearby and municipal improvements needed to make it the process of spreading treated waste water on Gurnet-Saquish Corporation, have been doing available, can be a powerful growth guiding open farm and forestland-a process called the an outstanding job of protecting and maintain- tool. One of the Study's principal recommenda- "Living Filter" for the way it purifies water as ing this barrier beach and at the same time tions is that future growth should be directed to it percolates through the soil to the water table. providing for public use. As a result, the Study areas already served by such municipal " infra- Located near the ocean, ground waterresources supports continuation of the present manage- structure" as water, roads, and sewers. Also in several South Shore communities are sus- rn ent system for the time being, and encourages municipalities should plan expansion of such ceptible to sea water intrusion. One of the the towns of Duxbury and Plymouth to con- services and ensure that new growth occurs Study's most exciting recommendations is that tinue to assist the Beach Association in patrol- only in those areas. a federal-state feasibility study for land applica- ling and protecting the beach. The development boom of the sixtic s has had tion of waste water be undertaken immediately. The Study also urges that the historic and a profound effect on the quality of both the unspoiled North and South Rivers be desig- drinking water and the streams and rivers in the Outstanding Recreation Opportunities nated as initial elements of the Common- area. A few towns appear to have sufficient While the South Shore is running out of wealth's state scenic river program. These two water to meet their needs for the future, and options for accommodating future growth, the rivers are among the cleanest in the state. From Plymouth has a surplus. There are a few attrac- picture is much less bleak for meeting future their colonial shipyards came the Boston Tea tive sites for small intermunicipal reservoirs recreation needs. The area's abundance of salt Party ship "Beaver" and the first American too. To help these communities plan future marshes and wetlands ensures that some open ship to sail around the world, the "Columbia. water supplies and manage what they have to- space will always be available. Its many They are seriously threatened by pressure for day, the Study recommends that a South Shore beaches appear more than able to meet future development from all sides and could provide a Water District be formed. swimming needs, both local and regional. But unique recreational experience for the area's population if protected now. 36 4. Cape Cod and the Islands It is perhaps Southeastern New England's most precious natural asset, a coastal mecca for the entire Northeast. It is a landscape of intense contrasts, of sleepy colonial villages and sprawling retirement communities, of exclu- sive summer estates and garish strip develop- ment. Its economy is booming. And its activity may all simply grind to a halt for lack of water. Water Supply Situation Critical The economy of Cape Cod and the well- being of both its permanent and seasonal popula- tions rests, literally and figuratively, on its fresh water supply. Both the economy and the population show every sign of continued growth. Water demand for the Cape's under- Q3 "Pv_ ground 'water supply is increasing at a rapid rate and could soon reach its limits. As de- '0 /1/ monstrated in other parts of the region, the quality of the aquifer, if forced to accept in- d creasingly heavy pollution loads, will deterior- ate. Also, with each new withdrawal the threat of salt water intrusion into aquifer will in- crease. And the same situation exists on Nan- tucket and Martha's Vineyard. The water supply situation requires coordi- nation among water authorities throughout Barnstable County and parts of Dukes County, to maintain an adequate water supply of good quality. The SENE Study urges the immediate creation of two regional water management agencies-one for Cape Cod and one for Martha's Vineyard-to coordinate the de- velopment and management activities of all the municipalities and local water authorities. The idea has been around a long time, and its time has come. Whether it functions as part of an existing regional body, or independently, it The sandy parcel of land the Pilgrims de- CAPE COD- Barnstable; Bourne; Brew- should carefully monitor withdrawals, deter- cided was unsuitable for establishing a new ster; Chatham; Dennis; Eastham-1 Fal- mine the position of the salt water/fresh transi- colony has now become prime real estate, and mouth; Harwich; Mashpee; Orleans; Pro- tion zone, study ways of augmenting the water is beginning to show the effects. The Cape, vincetown; Sandwich; Truro; Welifleet; supply, and help decide appropriate locations the Elizabeth Islands, Martha's Vineyard, Yarmouth; MARTHA'S VINEYARD: for waste disposal. and Nantucket together comprise some 590 Chilmark; Edgartown; Gay Head; Oak square miles (378,000 acres) of rapidly de- Bluffs; Tisbury; West Tisbury; NAN- Land Use Key to Clean Water veloping land. TUCKET ISLAND: Nantucket; The key to protecting the water supply un- The 23 municipalities in this planning area ELIZABETH ISLANDS: Gosnold. dergTound, of course, is to do a better job of had the second fastest growth rate in the entire SENE region for the 1960-1970 period. More Each year the area's permanent population siting new developments above ground. The important, they sustain the greatest seasonal of 107,000 swells at least three times. Study Cape and Islands grew nearly four times faster variations of any other SENE planning areas, projections indicate that the permanent popu- than the rest of the region in the period between creating major dislocations and placing a se- lation could climb over 50 percent to 165,000 1960 and 1970. During that decade, urban land vere strain on municipal services. The com- by 1990. increased more than 40percent. Anditdoes not munities include: appear to be tapering off. Even the most con- I servative projections show the population more than doubling by 2020. Moreover, improve- ments planned for major highways to the Cape will even futher aggrevate the area's seasonal growth problems, requiring more and better municipal services. The Study recommends a series of steps towns should take to ensure that future growth is guided to those lands most capable of supporting it, with a special eye towards protecting the fragile water supply. In 37 addition, it urges that the Cape Cod Joint Reg- ional Transportation Committee undertake, as ','@T, _;i LZW part of next year's work plan, studies of the feasibility of mass transit systems on the Cape s reinstatement of rail service from Boston, bu @T& service to the seashore from major highways, a ban on non-local automobiles on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, and a system of bike trails, impact all to reduce the tremendously negative. of traffic congestion and highway construction. Among the dozens of other recommenda- tions for the Cape and Islands in the planning area report are wiser use of existing marina facilities, the dredging of selected recreational .0 Ant boating channels, providing state assistance for local shellfish management, and research into the potential for aquaculture in some of the Cape's estuaries. N Ink JW_ I NV AT 38 5. Buzzards Bay With such a slow rate of growth, Buzzards Bay communities have a opportunity than most parts of the SENE region to pro- better tect the vast wealth of natural areas-salt marshes and wildlife areas, beaches and coastal streams. While recognizing a need for economic growth some communities have de- T 0 G, monstrated a large concern for where they will 2. 1. -1 C2 f allow it to occur. Westport and Dartmouth, for example, are making vigorous efforts to guide new development away from beaches, dunes, T and estuaries by means of zoning and the ac- quisition of property or easements. WAREHAM 0 10 Federal Action to Help Fishing Industry E. A predominating influence on this slow pace of growth has been the troubled fishing indus- try. The situation stems from circumstances both within and without immediate geographic -NET boundaries. The truth is, the entire American I,,\INAT A-SETT@l fishing fleet is struggling to compete with better NEI BEDFOR equipped foreign fleets. Moreover, the virtual absence of control on the major fishing grounds has resulted in one species after another being IES-A DART-TH "fished out." The SENE Study joins those who call for an interim 200 mile economic zone to protect what few species are left until an acceptable management program can be ham- mered out by the Law of the Sea Conference. Perhaps to a greater degree, however, the fishing industry's most pressing problems are BUZZARDS BAV at home, not out on Georges Bank. Their busi- ness has been marginal for years and, as a result, they have been unable to modernize. And while the prime fish species have nearly disappeared, America's appetite for them has Hugging the Massachusetts coast from the presently urbanized, this represents a 65 per- not. So the Study urges a number of steps be Cape Cod canal to Rhode Island's east- cent increase over 1960 totals. The rurab taken from the federal to the local level. Among emmost border, the Buzzards Bay planning coastal character of Buzzards Bay is begin- the recommendations are establishing a na- area is one of the slowest growing in South- ning to feel the inexorable press of urban tional fisheries management program which eastern New England. The total population of sprawl. With an abundance of developable would allow foreign entry, enforcing quotas, the ten communities in the area (below) was land, communities in the area should have 178,000, only a nine percent increase from little trouble accommodating projected controlling species and seasons and establish- 1960 to 1970. growth. ing fishing gear specifications. Seven of the most important coastal Also recommended are programs to improve Acushnet; Carver; Dartmouth; Fairha- streams are the Wareham, Weweantic, Sippi- the marketability of new fish species, state as- ven; Marion; Mattapoisett; New Bedford; can, Mattapoisett, Acushnet, Slocum, and sistance to local planners to better accommo- Rochester; Wareham; Westport. Westport Rivers. Most of the waters in the date fishing industry facilities.. and repeal of the planning area are clean enough to swim in, act prohibiting the purchase and importation of While only 14 percent, or some 29,000 but New Bedford Harbor and Acushnet River foreign-built vessels. acres, of the area's total of 205,000 acres is have severe water quality problems. Oil Development: The New Challenge Some new faces have been seen down around the docks in New Bedford and in several other port cities in Southeastern New England. Buzzards Bay is a quiet, almost isolated Modest Growth Locally Controlled And their speech is colored not by the flat "a" corner of the Massachusetts coast, an area The nine percent increase in population from of New Englanders, but with the broad "a" of which has grown slowly in the past decade. For 1960 to 1970 in the Buzzards Bay area was one Texans. They are oil men, and they are looking hundreds of years the economic health of the of the smallest in Southeastern New England. for harbor space, storage areas, office space, communities along this ragged coast has mir- The development it stimulated appears to have and hotel rooms. They are checking channel rored the health of the commercial fishing in- been dispersed throughout the cities and towns depths and harbor traffic. They are casing New clustry. The sluggishness of development in in the area. In absolute numbers, the City of Bedford's ability to support a service and sup- recent years parallels the deceleration of the New Bedford registered the greatest population ply base for offshore oil drilling. For the port of New Bedford. But that may all be growth in the area in the ten year period-only fishermen, for New Bedford, and for the entire changing. 2600 people. 39 Buzzards Bay area, the coming of the oil men is Study, there appears to be enough land to sup- try has supported residents of Buzzards Bay for a threat, and an opportunity. port such development. There may even be over 300 years. Georges Bank oil and gas re- Oil development could revitalize the port, enough water. But none of the municipalities in sources could be exhausted in less than a de- provide some jobs and taxes, and might even the Buzzards Bay area is fully capable of deal- cade. Both industries are vital. Both should get attract new development. It could also end up ing independently with oil industry developers the careful planning they deserve. shouldering the already weak fishing industry on an issue of such regional importance. As a aside in the competition for dock space and result, the Study recommends that state policy labor. And in a few years it could be gone makers-particularly coastal zone manage- again, leaving the bill for housing, schools, and ment and energy plan ners-participate fully in other municipal services as a reminder, Ac- any decisions on the siting of facilities related cording to information developed by the SENE to offshore oil development. The fishing indus- 6. Taunton The Taunton planning area lies just south AVON and slightly west of the Boston metropolitan @INGION area, wholly within the state of Mas- sachusetts. The 23 cities and towns in the area cover roughly 522 square miles (351,000 -11kON acres) of generally flat, low-lying land. The TON 0.1 WOCK ft 23 municipalities include: FOXDOVUcH I- ----- -4'N JI Abington; Avon; Berkley; Bridgewater; ell Brockton; Dighton; East Bridgewater; -SFtELO EASTON @IAI --.E-WATERR Easton; Fall River; Foxboro; Freetown; @@T -....ATER i A", Halifax; Hanson; Lakeville; Mansfield; Middleborough; Norton; Plympton; Raynham; Somerset; Taunton; West Bridgewater; Whitman. BRIDG-AT NORTON IYMKI Principal drainage in the basin is provided by the Taunton River and its tributaries. (6 Originating in Bridgewater, the Taunton flows southwest for 3 8 miles, through a com- plex network of wetlands, to Mount Hope TAUNTON 0/ Bay, the northeast arm of Narragansett Bay. P - The major tributaries are the Winnetuxet, Nemasket, Mill, Three Mile, Assonet-Cedar Swamp, and Quequechan Rivers. The Taunton area's population in 1970 was @ON -R- LAIE@ LIE nearly 400,000 with a growth rate roughly equal to that of the region as a whole. Study projections indicate that the area's population could climb another 28 percent, to 512,000, by 1990. V@4 SET 4 40 St NO'! The Taunton planning area is big, rural and wet. In fact, there are so many ponds, swamps and bogs that for years many have thought that the only,thing this soggy landscape was good for was raising cranberries. But they were wrong. The wetlands which drain to the Taun- ton River are vital to the present and the future of the 23 communities in the area. V4 Plenty of Room For Growth Despite the fact that it is home for such major cities as Taunton, Brockton, and Fall River, A more than 80 percent of the Taunton planning area is open space-forests, farmland, wet- lands, and open water. There are more of what the SENE Study defines as "critical environ- mental areas" in this planning area than any other in the region. Yet while the area's charac 'J, ter is largely rural, it has hardly been over- looked by developers. In typical fashion, a sig- nificant amount of new development occured in the last decade on the heels of major improve- ments in highways. Urbanized land increased 60 percent between 1960 and 1970. There is even a possibility that commercially developable coal deposits may exist in the area. Certainly, if coal resources prove worthy of development, there would be significant prim- MEWOO-0-1 ary and secondary impacts on the growul Of UIC region and the quality of the environment. As it turns out, there is plenty of land availa- ble in the Taunton planning area to meet pro- jected growth needs even through 2020. But much of the developable land lies less than 20 feet above surrounding wetlands and flood plains. To protect these resources, and to pro- tect the investments of its residents, future de tt velopment will have to be closely monitored and carefully done. The Study report details a Z:ycl. .1 series of steps to guide future growth to achieve these goals. complex arrangement of surface water bodies, down in the past. The entire region is very flat Water Supplies Fragile water diversions, and water withdrawal agree- and highly susceptible to flooding, but the wet- Because of their constant proximity, there ments. With a few recommended adjustments lands and ponds retain excess flows, releasing are few places in the SENE region where the and strict protection of the quality of these them slowly, and reducing the danger of flood- intricate interrelationships between land and sources, it appears that they can continue to ing. Where upstream wetlands have been water are more apparent than the Taunton area. serve the area's needs. One of the Study's prin- filled, as in the case of Brockton, damages have Everything th ,at happens on the land is mirrored cipal recommendations is the creation of a reg- increased dramatically. The Study recom- in the quality of the water and has an impact on ional water authority for Taunton, Dighton, mends that the Corps of Engineers, working the availability of drinking water, the oppor- Raynham, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, with state and local agencies, develop a flood tunities for recreation, the abundance of Middleborough, Attleboro, and North plain management program for the entire Taun- wildlife, and the vulnerability to flooding. Attleborough to develop and plan both water ton River basin. Outside of the major cities, ground water is supply and water quality management pro- One way to protect portions of the Taunton the major source of water supply, and many grams. Their first order of business would be River for flood prevention, conservation, and residents are sensitive to how quickly it can diversion of water from Fall Brook in Lakeville recreation purposes is to use the state's scenic become contaminated. They thwarted a pro- to Assawompsett Pond to, among other things, river legislation. The stretch between Bridge- posal to extend interstate highway 495 through meet the projected 1990 water needs of member water and Taunton seems to be the most ap- Hockomock Swamp largely because of the towns. Several of these towns will be under propriate for designation. The Department of threat that their drinking water supplies would high development pressure in the next decade. Environmental Management should implement be polluted by highway deicing salts. The pro- immediately this dormant legislation, includ- tection of the asea's swamps and ponds is also Keeping Flood Damages Down ing the Taunton as a component of the scenic critical to surface water supplies. Taunton The Taunton area's vast network of wetlands rivers system. planning area communities are linked by a has also been critical in keeping flood damages 7. Blackstone 41 and vicinity The Blackstone and Vicinity planning area consists of the land in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that eventually sheds water to Providence Harbor. The area covers about 640 square miles (410,000) and 30 cities and towns in south-central Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island: MASSACHUSETTS: Attleboro; Auburn; Blackstone; Douglas; Grafton; Hopedale; Mendon; Millbury; Millville; North Attleborough; Northbridge; Plainville; Seekonk; Shrewsbury; Sutton; Upton; Uxbridge; Worcester; RHODE ISLAND: Burrillville; Central Falls; Cumberland; East Providence; Glocester; Lincoln; North Providence; North Smithfield; Paw- L tucket; Providence; Smithfield; Woonsoc- ket. Four major rivers drain in the area: the Blackstone, Ten Mile, Woonasquatucket, LM." ILL. and Moshassuck. The Blackstone originates in Worcester and flows in a southeasterly (7 direction to its mouth in Pawtucket, where it becomes a t id at est uary kn own as t he S ee konk River. Nearly 20 percent of SENE's population lives in the major cities in this planning area. The population, however, increased only two percent, from 8 10,000 to 824,000, in the six- ties, making it the slowest growing area in the region. According to projections, the popula- tion will continue to grow slowly, to 886,000 by 1990 and 920,000 by 2020. Most of this growth can be expected in suburban areas as urban centers decline, reflecting national trends. The area drained by the Blackstone River factories cut back or closed down. At the same guided to areas already served by water and and three others cuts a broad swath from Wor- time, some of the suburban areas actually grew sewer lines. With the prospect of revitalizing cester to Providence. The major cities along relatively rapidly, with land consumption equal the cities and reducing the burden on surround- this corridor were in the forefront of New Eng- to the average for the region as a whole. ing communities, guiding growth in this man- land's early industrial revolution. Linked by Based on the modest growth rate of the last ner could have a salutary effect on the area's the river, and later by the railroads, these towns decade, there should be little difficulty accom- economy. At the very least, it would not burden prospered and became major industrial centers. modating future growth. A large amount of it further. But that was a long time ago, and things have land suitable for development exists in the area changed some since then. and if growth is guided to these lands, what is The Ever-Present Flood Hazard left in the way of critical environmental areas The Blackstone area has one of Soutly Declining Cities, Expanding Suburbs should be relatively easy to protect. It will take eastern New England's most serious flood The population growth rate in the Blackstone a conscious effort on the part of each communi- problems. In fact, high flood damages are a area was the lowest of all the area in South- ty, however, to make this happen. The expan- legacy of the industrial revolution. Much of the eastern New England-two percent. New ur- sion around Worcester is a case in point. The industrial, commercial and even residential de- banization was the second lowest. From the decline of the inner city and expansion on the velopment which occured in those days hugged generalized statistics, growth in this huge sec- fringes has placed a difficult burden on munici- the river banks. The river was, after all, a tion of the region would appear to be at a near pal finances. With excess capacity in water and power source, transportation system, and water standstill. But the figures mask the true picture. sewer services growing in the city, funds are source. As upstream wetlands were filled and The four largest cities, Worcester, Woon- being poured into still more municipal services the river's flood plains developed, flood dam- socket, Pawtucket, and Providence, lost much on the edges of the city and in surrounding ages rose. In the Blackstone River basin alone, population during the sixties, the decreases re- communities. One of the Study's principal re- damages from Hurricane Diane in August 1955 lated to the decline in manufacturing jobs as old commendations is that new development be were nearly $68 million. In the aftermath, a 42 number of flood control projects were con- Ten Mile River. Also recommended is an as- and Wood Rivers. The SENE Study endorses structed. However, development has continued sessment of the recreational potential of the the Big River Reservoir, but stops short of in the basin's flood plains and, despite the flood area's many mill ponds, remnants of the area's recommending that the Wood River Reservoir control projects, a recurrance of the 1955 flood industrial heritage. also be built. According to SENE Study calcu- would cause an estimated $30 million in addi- The many water supply reservoirs in the lations, construction of the Big River Reser- tional damages. Blackstone planning area could meet some of voir, if combined with full development of The key to ending this cycle of damage, these recreation demands, if public access to local water sources, will push the need for the protection, development, and new damage- storage areas for certain limited uses were per- Wood River Reservoir far enough into the fu- and a major recommendation of the Study-is mitted. At present local water authorities, re- ture that other alternatives, such as desalina- to identify and protect the area's flood plains sponsible for the purity of drinking water tion, might become more economical. land upstream flood-retaining wetlands- Ex- supplies, have kept water supply reservoir Not only will the Big River Reservoir be able perience shows that it is fruitless, in most cases, lands "off limits" to the public. The Study to serve the Providence metropolitan area, as to build structures designed to keep floods recommends that each state join local water well as some neighboring communities not yet away from people. The answer is to keep the authorities and public health officials in de- on the system, but there will be enough water people away from the floods. veloping guidelines for light recreational use of left over to serve the towns of Portsmouth, these lands under conditions on which the qual- Middletown, Jamestown, and Newport when Rich Recreation Potential ity of drinking water is not endangered. New those towns need more water after 1990. One way to protect and use flood plains is to sources of funding for managing these ac- develop their recreational potential. With the tivities must be developed. second highest population in the region, the Blackstone area has high recreation demands The Providence Water Supply System which are largely unmet. Some of these de- The Study found that the Providence water mands could be satisfied through innovative supply system, which draws its water from the uses of wetlands, flood plains, river banks, and Scituate Reservoir in the Pawtuxet planning water bodies. The Study details a number of area and supplies communities in several other recommendations for recreational use of some planning areas, will need additional sources of river areas, including a 16-mile trail from supply in the near future. Douglas to Providence, a 51-mile Blackstone The State has identified a number of altema- River Park, and a recreation complex on the tive sources, among them reservoirs on the Big 8. Pawtuxet The Pawtuxet planning area is "waterrich". one considered for the Providence area, can be Tbat is its principal natural characteristic, one put off. Meanwhile, alternative means of water which causes problems as well as oppor- supply may become technically and economi- tunities. cally feasible. Ironically, except for Cranston and Providing Providence's Water Johnston, which are served by the Providence Nearly 20 percent of this planning area is system, none of the communities in the plan- controlled by water authorities, the largest of ning area draw water from surface water which is the Providence Water Supply Board. sources. These communities all rely on the The Scituate Reservoir provides the Providence area's abundant ground water, served by pri- system with its total yield of 72 million gallons vate wells, or supplies from the Kent County per day. But that is not going to be enough to Water Authority. meet the metropolitan area's increasing needs. The Rhode Island Water Resources Board has ControUing Growth To Protect The Water recommended, and the SENE Study has en- With the area's water supplies playing such dorsed, the development of another reservoir in an important role in the future of so much of the the planning area on the Big River. The reser- state, protecting the quality of those supplies is voir would supply the Providence metropolitan of paramount importance. And an enormous areas, some neighboring communities not yet burst of growth in the last decade has begun to on the system, and still have enough left over to threaten some of those supplies. Between 1960 serve Portsmouth, Middletown, Jamestown, and 1970, urbanized lands increased over 125 and Newport after 1990. The state has al- percent, sprawling from 9,000 to 22,000 acres. ready acquired the land. The Study feels that This rate of growth is nearly three times the the proposed Wood River Reservoir, a second average for the region as a whole. Most of this 43 h The Pawtuxet planning area covers some 180,000 acres of land and water (about 280 square miles). Seven Rhode Island cities and towns are located in this area: Coventry; Cranston; Foster; Johnston; Scituate; West Greenwich; West War- wick. The Pawtuxet River and its two tributaries, 1-1, FOSTER SCITUATE the North and South Branches, form Rhode Island's second largest watershed. Two other major tributaries are Meshanticut Brook and f@ . ........ CPANS ON the Pocasset River, which drain most of the Cranston and Johnston area. The Big River flows into the Flat River Reservoir in Coven- try, which, in turn, becomes the South H.Wh anch Branch of the Pawtuxet. In 1970 the population of the area was 154,000, up 18 percent from 130,000 in FI.1 R11.1 1960. Population is expected to increase COVENTR14 S-1h 8 Ch sharply in the future as the Providence met- ropolitan area expands. The 1990 population 9.k S- W ST I K is expected to be 228,000, a 48 percent jump, Mi W Lk. and 318,000 by 2020, for a total 106 percent increase. This projected growth rate is the Mma0 L.k. highest in Rhode Island. WES ENWICH Nf 2 4 MILES 01 ICILOMETERS growth was centered in the eastern part of the tion loads are so heavy along the lower reaches croachment on flood plains and wetlands. It planning area, particularly in Cranston, Coven- of the Pawtuxet River that the small and slug- will never be feasible or possible to completely try, West Warwick, and Johnston. Projected gish river will probably never be much cleaner protect development in flood plains from all future growth will spread :steadily westward than it is today. future flood events. into Scituate and West Greenwich, encroach- That same heavy downstream development Meeting Outdoor Recreation Needs ing on lands important for ground water protec- is also the major reason for the area's chronic By the time the Big River Reservoir is de- tion. flooding problem-one of the worst in the en- veloped, public water agencies will own more Study findings indicate that there is enough tire region. More than 60 percent of the flood than enough land to meet the demand for cer- land in the planning area suitable for new de- plains bordering the main stem of the Pawtuxet tain outdoor recreation activities. The problem velopment to meet needs through 1990. But River have been developed. With each new is that, while not strictly illegal, reservoir lands after that the area will be in a critical growth development, flood damages increased, most are seldom accessible to the public for any pur- bind. To keep new growth away from those severely where flood waters met with high in- pose. There is persuasive evidence, however, lands important for water supply protection, the coming tides near the mouth of the river. that light recreation activities-hiking and na- Study recommends a strategy designed to clus- A number of structures have been suggested ture study, for example-would have little ef- ter growth on developable lands and make to reduce flood damages-dikes and walls, di- fect on the purity of drinking water if permitted maximum use of lands already served by water versions and darns- but none of them appear on storage reservoir lands. The SENE Study and sewer services. to be able to control the most serious flood recommends, therefore, that the Rhode Island problem: the combination of riverine and tidal Department of Natural Resources work with Critical Water Quality and Flooding Prob- flooding. The SENE Study, while awaiting the water and public health authorities to develop lems results of detailed study by the Corps of En- guidelines for light recreational activities on In this planning area there are many exam- gineers, suggests that the only long-term solu- storage reservoirs. Also recommended are ex- ples of what happens when the interrelation- tion is the flood proofing of threatened build- pansion of facilities at John Curran State Park, ships between land use and water resources are ings and the regulation, through flood plain a regional trails system, and increased public ignored. Run-off from development and pollu- zoning and other measures, of further en- access to a number of ponds and streams. 44 9. Narraganseff Bay tivities and facilities, from light to intensive, r- The sixteen cities and town in the Nar- and the provision of easily affordable public ragansett Bay planning area are: water-bourne transportation to the islands from L Barrington; Bristol; East Greenwich; upper Bay metropolitan areas. Jamestown; Little Compton; Middletown; Providing for Industrial Development Narragansett; Newport; New Shoreham; The closing of government military installa- _J North Kingstown; Portsmouth; Rehoboth; tions on the Bay has slowed the area's growth Swansea; Tiverton; Warren; Warwick. considerably and crippled its economy. Local Shoreline abounds, with nearly 300 miles and state officials are searching for new de- velopment, with particular emphasis on sup- of it in the planning area. Accounting for this rt industries for offshore oil and gas de- amount of coastline are two dozen islands, the po three largest of which are Aquidneck, Co- velopment. The Study urges the state to iden- nanicut. and Pridence. These three islands di- tify, and secure, suitable sites for heavy indus- vide the Bay into three channels which serve trial development and to set standards for such M.- as important transportation routes. Because development which would ensure compatibil- topography is flat, rivers and streams within ity with the recreational and commercial fish- the drainage basin are short and fairly nar- ing uses of the Bay. row. The Combined Sewers Problem Between 1960 and 1970, the population in One of the most serious and persistent prob- the planning area increased from 23 1,000 to 10 13 291,000, a growth rate of 26 percent. By lems affecting the Bay is the heavy pollution 1990, the population could increase a third loading from densely developed areas on the again, and by 2020, it could double. The Upper Bay. Municipal discharges, industrial Narragansett Bay Planning area therefore effluents, and polluted tributary streams all rates as the second fastest growing in the state contribute to the acute water quality problem in of Rhode Island and the fourth fastest grow- the Bay, but the worst offenders are combined ing in the SENE region. stormwater and sanitary sewer systems in Pro- vidence and Pawtucket. When rainfall in a 24- hour period amounts to one-half inch or more, a significant portion of the Upper Bay is closed to shellfishing for a week or more because of the combined discharge of untreated wastewater and stormwater. To a lesser extent Newport, Jamestown, and Bristol have the same prob- lem. The State is working hard to. cope with these discharges. The SENE Study endorses The most attractive quality of the Naffagan- to meet growth needs through 1990. Soon after the State program and urges treatment of the sett Bay area is its ability to accommodate a that, however, the area will be in a bind, unless combined discharges and partial separation of wide variety of human endeavors. The Bay area development densities are increased to reduce storm and wastewater systems in Pawtucket. is one of the most outstanding recreation attrac- the rate of land consumption-or land critical tions in the east, it is home to a large and to water supplies, recreation, and flood control Drinking Water for the Islands thriving commercial fishing industry, supports are sacrificed. The closing of government military installa- a large amount of heavy industry and provides tions on the Bay has lessened the need for new for the overflow residential needs of many of Seizing Recreational Opportunities water supplies in some communities which had Rhode Island's major urban centers. The chal- The Bay area has traditionally served the appeared to be facing a crisis. Rhode Island's lenge for the future is maintaining balance in recreational needs not only of its own resi ents Statewide Planning Program now projects that this variety, ensuring that none of these users of but those of other parts of the state and parts of it will take until 1990 for water demands to the Bay's resources overpowers the others, Massachusetts as well. As those areas have again reach what they were in 1970 in thereby endangering the quality of life. mushroomed, recreational demands have in- Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and creased but, for the most part, opportunities Jamestown. As a result, the SENE Study finds Rapid Urbanization have not. These utimet needs are particularly that the proposed Big River Reservoir will be Between 1960 and 1970 the face of the Nar- critical in the Providence metropolitan area. able to provide sufficient supplies to meet the ragansett Bay area changed considerably as the One of the most outstanding opportunities for needs of these communities after 1990. amount of urban lands grew by nearly 90 per- meeting some of these needs is right at Provi- Ground water from the Pawcatuck planning cent. Most of this growth was at the expense of dence's doorstep: the remaining undeveloped area is another source contemplated for sup- the area's agricultural land-as much as 25 islands in Narragansett Bay. The SENE Study pl,,enting these four communities' supplies. percent of the farmland in the area was lost in urges the state to give highest, priority to de- However, the possibility of new industrial de- the sixties. Despite this rapid development, the velopment of the Narragansett Bay Islands Park velopment means that water demands may sud- planning area still has the highest proportion of system, The state plan includes Patience and denly raise sharply. Therefore, the Study rec- agricultural lands in all of Southeastern New parts of Prudence Islands, Dutch, Despair, and ommends the additional information about England. Gooseberry Islands, and the northern end of Pawcatuck ground water be made available in According to SENE Study calculations, Conanicut and Hope Islands at some later date. case a decision to export it to the Islands be- enough developable land exists -'in the Bay area Proposed are a wide range of recreational ac- comes necessary. 45 10. Pawcatuck The Pawcatuck planning area consists gcn- and three Connecticut municipalities are lo- erally of the lands within the Pawcatuck River cated, in whole or in part, in this planning basin and the southern coastline of Rhode area: Island. The area covers some 251,400 land areas, plus another 11,000 acres of water RHODE ISLAND: Charlestown; Exeter; bodies, for a total area of about 262,400 acres Hopkinton; Richmond; South Kingstown; (about 410 square miles). Six Rhode Island Westerly. CONNECTICUT: North Stonington; Stonington; Voluntown. Forming the largest of Rhode Island's river basins, the Pawcatuck flows roughly south- westerly through the planning area, turning sharply due south to enter Block Island Sound where it forms the boundary of Wester- ly, Rhode Island and Stonington, Conn- r__T__T --- I ecticut. n, The population is low, only 70,000 in 1970 and the area has the lowest density of the entire region. Population is projected to reach only 88,000 by 1990 and 118,000 by 2020. The Pawcatuck planning area is the most The residential development which has oc- pipeline construction to Aquidneck Island. thinly populated portion of the SENE region. curred in barrier beach areas not only exposed Since the closing of the Navy Base on the Most of the population of 70,000 is split be- itself to damage, but by destroying the beaches, island, however, water demands have dropped t ween South Kingstown on the east and Wes- exposes others previously protected. sharply, and the Statewide Planning Program terly and Stonington on the west. It is the most Despite regulations against such develop- projects they will not return to pre- 1973 levels rural and forested of all the SENE planning ment issued by the Rhode Island Coastal Re- until some time after 1990. With the possibility areas, and the people in the area's nine towns sources Management Council, special local ex- of new industrial development on the island, like it that way. ceptions, plus to some degree, the availability however, the SENE Study recommends that the of federally- sponsored flood insurance have, in U.S. Geological Survey conduct data collec- An Important Playground effect, encouraged continuing construction in tion studies, so that the Water Resources Board A lot of people visit this area's vast and these high risk areas. However, the opinion of has the information it needs, should a decision beautiful barrier beaches in the summer. They experts is that federally- supported hurricane to export Pawcatuck ground water become converge down from Providence, Worcester, protection works cannot be justified. In many necessary. Connecticut and New York, but even on the areas the barrier beaches are the only protection Another water development project under hottest summer days the most popular beaches available. The Study outlines a number of mea- consideration in the planning area is the Wood are seldom overcrowded. Local management sures designed to control the uses of flood- River Reservoir. This project will not be neces- and protection of some of these areas for gen- prone lands and protect those beaches, salt sary, according to SENE Study calculation. eral public use has been highly successful in marshes, inland wetlands, and flood plains Construction.of the Big River Reservoir would some cases. Nevertheless, enough people which naturally reduce flood stages. provide adequate water for Jamestown, tramp over the dunes to cause significant dam- Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport after age and preserving the barrier beaches from A Wealth of Water Sources 1990 when additional sources are needed. The erosion is a critical problem. If management The Pawcatuck area is rich in water as well as Study's assessment is that with full develop- problems should get completely out of hand, beaches. Its ground water resources are among ment of local sources of supply and the Big the Study encourages some appropriate form of the most abundant in the region, and while River Reservoir, the Wood River project will state assistance. some will have to be developed to meet local not be necessary until after 1990, when other The South coast in general, and the Paw- needs in the future, still more may be needed sources of supply may be more economical to catuck River in particular comprise one of the for other parts of Rhode Island which find develop. Instead, the Study recommends that most significant boating areas in the entire re- themselves water-short. the state enact scenic rivers legislation, along gion. Marina space is becoming short, how- The Rhode Island Water Resources Board is the lines of the Massachusetts statute, to protect ever, and the Study suggests steps which considering the development of Pawcatuck stretches of the Wood River, as well as the should be taken to accommodate boating de- ground water to supplement the existing sur- Pawcatuck and Beaver Rivers for limited recre- mands in the future without changing the exist- face water supplies of four lower Narragansett ational use. ing environmental quality. Bay communities (Portsmouth, Middleton, Newport, and Jamestown). There are a number Protecting the Flood "Barriers" of problems which would have to be overcome, In the intervening years since the last major however, including the need to maintain hurricane, a lot of people seem to have forgot- minimum flows in the area's streams, depletion ten that the barrier beach refers to an ability to of other wells, treatment for manganese, and a fend off the destructive tides, waves, and wind. price tag of $19 million (1974 dollars) for The SENE Study: What It Is And How To Use It If you have read this far you deserve a useful conserving our natural resources. Not a Who Should Use The Study recap. Stepping back from the details of the completed picture of what the future The SENE Study can be useful at many Study's recommendations, then, just what is should look like, but a series of steps levels. But to begin to implement its recom- the SENE Study? How is it useful? Who should which must be taken to set the future in mendations, commitment is needed at the high- use it and what actions should they take? motion. est level. Establishing this commitment will What The SENE Study is How The SENE Study Is Useful probably require an Executive Orderfrom each I . It is a Planning Tool. It is an objective 1. It can be used to set priorities for action Governor calling attention to the Study and description and display of the develop- by the states or the federal government in requiring individual state resource agencies to ment capabilities and limitations of the their programs to improve the manage- adopt relevant portions as state policy. Or the natural resources of eastern Mass- ment of our resources. Governor could simply call a meeting of ap- achusetts and Rhode Island. In many 2. It can be used to evaluate the plans, pro- propriate Cabinet members to work through the ways it is the start toward state develop- jects, and actions of others. Since it is the details of the Study and determine how well it ment policies and plans, at least from a only common frame of reference about meets state goals, perhaps using Study findings natural resources point of view. Southeastern New England's resources, and recommendations as a point of reference. 2. It is a Guide for Future Development. it can be used so that we can know the The following chart suggests how various Not a blueprint, but a guide. A balanced effects of the development proposals of levels of government might use the Study and and integrated program of actions for others before it is too late. what action they might take. managing, developing, protecting, and Who Could Use It How It Could He Used Action To Implement It At the State Level Governor As support for economic and Issue Executive Order requiring environmental policies state agencies to use it Mass. Cabinet and Rhode Island Identify ways to integrate social, Review and adopt, where appro- State Planning Council economic, and environmental priate, SENE Study policy objectives recommendations Individual To initiate and evaluate agency Enforcing Governor's Executive Department Secretaries programs, review proposals, and Order issuing program directives identify opportunities for co- operation among agencies Subordinate To develop resource management Carrying out Governor's Execu- Agency Heads programs and set priorities tive Order in day-to-day activities Legislative As basis for land use legislation, Enact laws and appropriate funds reviewing funding proposals, and making appropriations At the Regional Level Regional Planning Agencies As a planning guide; siting guide; Review and adopt geographically and checklist for review of devel- appropriate portions of Study; opment and project proposals use as reference At the Local Level City and Town Planning Boards As a basis for revising zoning, Adopt relevant policies and subdivision regulations, or other recommendations of Study; use land use controls them as basisfor local action Conservation Commissions To select appropriate lands for Adopt relevant policies and acquisition; to review develop- recommendations of Study; use ment proposals them as basisfor local action Economic To identify land appropriate for Adopt relevant policies and Development Commissions industrial development; show recommendations of Study; use attractiveness for economic them as basisfor local action development Interested Citizens As a starting point for voicing Voting referenda and as needs and as a basis for lobbying educational tool. efforts At the Federal Level Congress and As a framework for funding; and Take official action and refer to Federal Agencies for project and program evaluation it in making appropriations and developing legislation SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT 47 Southeastern New England Water and Related Land Resources Study [I Draft [XI Final Responsible Agency: U.S. Water Resources Council New England River Basins Commission For Additional Information Contact: R. Frank Gregg, Chairman New England River Basins Commission 55 Court Street Boston, MA 02108 617-223-6244 OR Warren D. Fairchild U.S. Water Resources Council 2120 L. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 202-254-6442 1. Name of Action (X) Administrative outdoor recreation by protecting beaches subject areas of study and for each of the 10 ( ) Legislative and wetlands; (iii) marine management by geographic planning areas in the Southeast- 2. Brief Description of Action. The New protecting wetlands, estuaries, and shellfish ern New England region. These alterna- England River Basins Commission is sub- areas; and (iv) flooding and erosion by pro- tives, which included no-action options, mitting to the U.S. Water Resources Coun- tecting wetlands, flood plains, beaches, and ranged from a non-structural, non- cil, for transmittal to the President and by critical coastal erosion areas. The Study's regulatory approach to various levels of de- him to the Congress, a report recommend- second lead recommendation-manage velopment. Formulated to meet expected ing policies and actions for balanced con- areas suitable for development-will not needs for water and related land resources, servation, management, and development only reinforce protection of critical en- these alternatives are summarized in the en- of the water and related land resources of vironmental areas, but will also decrease the vironmental statement. In many cases, ele- Southeastern New England. The report con- cost of development by guiding growth to ments of the alternatives were combined to tains a series of policies and structural and lands which can support development, and form the recommended policies and ac- -non-structural solutions in the following within those lands to areas already served by tions. areas: water supply, water quality, land use, essential water, sewer, and transportation 5. Comments and views have been requested outdoor recreation, sport fisheries and services. from the Governors and key agencies in wildlife, offshore fishing, port develop- Adverse Environmental Effects. Net en- Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Con- ment, dredged materials disposal, urban vironmental benefits of the recommenda- necticut, as well as Maine, New Hamp- waterfront use, sand and gravel extraction, shire, Vermont, and New York; the head of flooding and erosion, electrical power, pet- lions are expected to be strongly positive. each federal department or agency and each roleum facilities, and solid waste manage- Environmental impacts were considered as interstate agency which has a representative ment. Actions are directed to all levels of part of the planning process throughout the to the New England River Basins Commis- govemmentand private interests for eastern Study in order to eliminate adverse or irre- sion, as well as appropriate federal agency Massachusetts, all of Rhode Island,. and trievable impacts and to actively enhance offices listed in Appendix III of the NEPA three municipalities in southeastern Conn- environmental quality wherever possible. guidelines. Copies of the complete report ecticut. One of the 128 recommendations-to de- and Environmental Statement were re-. 3. Summary of environmental impact and velop state programs regulating mineral ex- ceived from the Department of Agriculture, adverse environmental effects. traction activities in coastal waters- Department of the Interior, Department of Environmental Impact. Study objectives, appears to have a net negative effect on Commerce, Environmental Protection as outlined in the Principles and Standards the planning objective for providing un- Agency, and the Federal Power Commis- of the U.S. Water Resources Council, were welcome facilities. However, the recom- sion. Considerably more agencies and indi- to enhance environmental quality and na- mendation was formulated to avoid adverse viduals received and commented on the full tional economic efficiency. In sum, the re- environmental effects that near-shore min- Study reports. Their comments and changes commended policies and actions which ing is expected to cause on shellfish beds, made in response to them are included in the make up the SENE program can result in a delicate spawning grounds, and the delicate chapter, Review of the Reports. significant net benefit to the environment of natural equilibrium maintaining the natural 6. Draft Statement to CEQ: May 5, 1975. Southeastern New England. The Study's contours of existing beaches. Final Statement to CEQ [To be submitted lead recommendation is to increase protec- 4. Summary of Major Alternatives Consi- by the U.S. Water Resources Council at the tion of critical environmental areas. Such dered. A number of alternatives were pro- time of transmittal to the President and the action will directly benefit (i) water supply posed and evaluated for each of over 15 Congress.] by protecting well sites and wetlands; (ii) 48 Representatives of Contributing State And Federal Agencies FEDERAL-STATE RHODE ISLAND Department of Transportation New England River Basins Commission Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Federal Highway Achn -inistration: Stanley R. R. Frank Gregg, Chairman"; Robert D. Brown, Daniel W. Varin, Chief**; Patrick V. Fingliss*; Lou Davis**; Charles L. O'Donnell" (to October 1975). Staff Director**; Robert Kasvinsky, Study Man- David. U.S. Coast Guard: Capt. Bernard Thompson* (to ager*; Jane F. Carlson; Cornelia V. H. Ferber; Alan Coastal Zone Management Program October 1973); Capt. Alvin P. Durgin, Jr.* (October Jacobs; Emesta Kracke; James Luty; William Coastal Resources Management Council: 1973 to August 1974); Cdr. C. R. Lindquist* (to Mahoney; Priscilla Newbury; William E. Nothdurft; John Lyons, Chairman. February 1974); Capt. Royal E. Grover, Jr.* (as of William E. Richardson; Philip Tabas. Coastal Resources Center: Stuart 0. Hale; Mal- August 1974); Rear Admiral James P. Stewart" (as New England Regional Commission colm Grant. of October 1975). Thomas Fitzpatrick**; Tirath Gupta* (consultant); Water Resources Board: Robert Russ"; Peter Environmental Protection Agency Robert Bogen*. Calese*. Water Quality Branch; Walter Newman, Chief**; Roger Duwart*; Clyde Shufelt*. MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTICUT Water Supply Branch: Jerome Healey*; Stephen Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Department of Environmental Protection Lathrop*; Alma Rojas* (to February 1974). Dr. Evelyn Murphy, Secretary" Joseph Gill, Commissioner**; Robert B. Taylor, Di- Department of the Interior Coastal Zone Management Program rector* of Water Compliance. Roger Sumner Babb** (as of December 1974); Mark Matthew Connolly"; Dan Calano*. FEDERAL Abelson** (to June 1973); Kenneth Young** (to Department of Environmental Management Department of Agriculture May 1974); William Patterson" (as of September 1974); Robert B. Ryder* (as of May 1975). (formerly Department of Natural Resources) Soil Conservation Service: Dr. Benjamin Isgur**; Bureau of Mines: Robert D. Thompson*; Joseph Arthur W. Brownell, Commissioner" (to February Philip H. Christensen**; Stephen Claughton*. Krickich* (to March 1974); Peter Morey* (as of 1975); Dr. Bette Woody, Commissioner" (as of Economic Research Service: John Green*. March 1974). June 1975). Forest Service: Kenneth Johnson"; Sam Becker* Bureau of Outdoor Recreation: James Donoghue* Division of Water Resources: Charles Kennedy"; (to December 1973); Neil Lamson* (to March 1974); (to March 1973); Eric Finstick* (to September 1974); Emerson Chandler* (as of June 1974); Clinton Wat- Douglas Monteith* (as of March 1974). Alan Hutchings* (as of September 1974); Earl son* (to June 1974). Water Resources Commission: Robert E. Laut- Department of Commerce Nichols (as of September 1974). zenheiser. National Weather Service: Norman L. Canfield" Fish and Wildlife Service: Melvin Evans"; Roy (to September 1975); Albert Kachic**; Joseph 1. Landstrorn*; Dewey Castor; Dave Ferguson; Fred Department of Community Affairs Brumbak. Benson; Tom Oliver. Lewis S. W. Crampton, Commissioner** (to Feb- National Marine Fisheries Services: Russell T. National Park Service: David Clark"; David Kim- ruary 1915); David Terry*. Norriss"; Christopher Mantzaris*. ball; Richard Giamberdine. Resources Management Policy Council Bureau of Economic Analysis: Henry DeGraff; University of Massachusetts (consultants for Vincent Ciampa. Gene Janisch. NPS): Ervin Zube; Julius Gy Fabos; R. Jeffrey Riot- Maritime Administration: William S. Cham- te*. Department of Environmental Quality Engineer- bers**; Robert L. Safarik. U.S. Geological Survey: Michael Frimpter! ing Division of Environmental Health (formerly De7 Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Federal Power Commission partment of Public Health): George Coogan. Corps of Engineers Martin Inwald*; Jonas Barish*. Planning Division: Joseph Ignazio, Chief** (to June Division of Water Pollution Control: Tom Mac- 1974). Mahon**; Dick Young*; Al Cooperman*. Policy and Long Range Planning Branch- Law- Policy level Coordinating Group rence Bergen, Chief**; (As of June 1974); John Technical level Study Management Team Landall*; Gardner Blodgett*; Paul Pronovost. Plan Formulation Branch: Steven Onysko Coastal Development Branch: Harvey Minsky Department of Housing and Urban Development David Prescott** (to September 1974); Sheldon Gil- bert** (as of September 1974); JGA/Wallace, Floyd, Ellenzweig* (consultants). REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND Photo Credits Merrimack Valley Regional Planning Commis- REGIONAL. SCIENTIFIC TASK FORCE sion Gordon Abbott, Milton, Ma.; Dr. Daniel Aldrich III, Cover: Ronald M. Straka Margaret Concannon; Stephen Aradas North Dartmouth, Ma.; Nancy Anderson, Reading, P. 2: Ingbert Gruttner Metropolitan Area Planning Council (also HUD, Ma.; Arthur Barnes; West Newton, Ma.; Gerald p. 4: Boston Globe SENE Study Consultants) Beals, Easton, Ma.; LeoBouchard, Smithfield, R.I.; P. 6- Ingbert Gruttner James Miller; Lawrence Brennan; Bob Joseph (to Prof. Derek Bradford, Providence, R.I.; Jack Con- May 1974). way, Hanover, Ma.; John Davis, Pawcatuck Conn - P. 9: Reginald Jackson Peter Donovan*, Brighton, Ma.; Charles E. @owne' P. 10: Ingbert,Gruttner Old Colony Planning Council West Newton, Ma.; Dr. Madge Ertel, Amherst, Ma.; P. 11: Ingbert Gruttner Daniel Crane; Robert McMahon. Dennis Ducsik, Cambridge, Ma.; Michael Everett*, P. 12: Boston Globe Cape Cod Planning and Economic Development Providence, R.I.; Dr. John W. Farrington, Woods P. 13: Boston Globe Commission Hole, Ma.; Barbara Fegan, Chairman, South P. 14: Irene Shwachman Robert Robes; Paul Doane. Wellfleet, Ma.; Michael Frucci, Hyannis, Ma.; Dr. P. 15: Ronald M. Straka (top) Frederick Glantz, Boston, Ma.; William Graves, Perry Ruben (bottom) Dukes County Planning and Economic Develop- Raynham, Ma.; Rolf Hardy, Boston, Ma.; Robert A. ment Commission Harpell, Cumberland, R.I.; Alfred Hawkes Provi- P. 16: Ingbert Gruttner Robert Kornives. P. 17: Ernst Halberstadt dence, R.I.; Paul Hicks, Providence, R.I.; Dorothy Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Hunnewell, Wellesley, Ma.; Nancy Hustvedt, P. 18: Jock Sturges Commission Woburn, Ma.; John Kellam, Providence, R.I.;Walter P. 19: Boston Globe William R. Klein. Kelly, Waltham, Ma.; Dr. Bostwick Ketchum*, P. 20: Rollie McKenna (top) Woods Hole, Ma.; Paul Klotz, Westerly, R.I.; Ken F. 22: Jock Sturges Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Com- Lagerquist, Seekonk, Ma.; Maurice Leduc, Coven- P. 23: J. R. Selleck mission try, R.I.; Frank Lee, Boston, Ma.; Elwood Leonard, P. 24: R. Lans Christensen David H. Kellogg; James Arnold. Ashton, R.I.; Glenn McNary, North Falmouth, Ma.; Joseph Schyler, Stock Boston (center) Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Dr. Sanford Moss, Westport, Ma.; Herbert Nicker- P. 25- Sinclair Oil Corp. (left) Development District son, Gloucester, Ma.; Ed Plumley, Westboro, Ma.; Universal Publishing Co. (right) William Toole; Eric Sa@blainen; Steven Smith; Spencer Potter, Jamestown, R.I.; Ted Prall, Boston, Alexander Zaleski. Ma.; Martha Reardon, Quincy, Ma.; James Rogers, P. 26: Ingbert Gruttner Southeastern Connecticut Regional Planning Lexington, Ma.; Dr. Neils Rorholm*, Kingston, P. 27: Jock Sturges Agency R.I.; Neil Ross, Kingston, R.I.; John T. Scanlon, P. 28: J. R. Selleck Richard B. Erickson East Greenwich, R.I.; Dr. William Seiferl*, Cam- P. 33: Ronald M. Straka bridge, Ma.; Roland Sherman (to May 1975), Wor- P. 35: Ronald M. Straka CONSULTANTS (not otherwise shown) cester, Ma.; Barbara Sjoberg, Pawtucket, R.I.; P. 37: Ingbert Grutiner Urban Waters Special Study Frederick Smith*, Cambridge, Ma.; Reed Stewart, P. 40- Massachusetts Audubon Society Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Marshfield Hills, Ma.; Merlin Szosz, Foster, R.I.; Dr. Clarence TarzweU*, Wakefield, R.I.; Marshall Economic Analysis Taylor, West Somerville, Ma.; Jens Thornton, Quin- Nathaniel Clapp, Barry C. Field; John M. Gates; cy, Ma.; Bruce Tripp, Woods Hole, Ma.; Ivan Valie- Thomas Grigalunas; J. G. Sutinen; Gregory A. Vaut. la, Woods Hole, Ma.; Thomas Weaver, Kingston, Legal and Institutional Analysis R.I. *RSTF Member Thomas Arnold; Morton Gorden, Development Sci- ences, Inc.; Frances X. Cameron, Interface; Edward R. Kaynor; Edward Selig. Planning Analysis William V. McGuinness, Jr.; Robert Gidez and Paul Merkens, Intasa; Harry Schwartz. Public Participation Survey Research Program; Stephen Logowitz. Report Preparation Ron Nelson; Fordesign. 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