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Town moves forward on Tom Nevers beach cleanup; upland phase out to bid separately
Summary
Phase 1 beach cleanup at Tom Nevers is out to bid with Phase 2 planned as an upland debris removal; staff outlined permitting complexity, hazardous‑materials needs and an expedited schedule if contracts align.
Parks and public-works staff said the town has split a larger Tom Nevers debris-removal effort into two phases and is pursuing the immediate beach cleanup as a standalone contract, with upland removal planned as a separate follow-up project.
Parks and Rec Manager Charlie Palachi told the Capital Program Committee the beach portion (Phase 1) is currently out for bid, with bids due Nov. 4 and a hoped-for contract award about Nov. 12. He said the town is planning to begin work over the winter and that the schedule aims to complete the beach work before winter storms make the area less accessible. "Bids are due back on November 4, and we'll hopefully be under contract, by November 12," Palachi said.
The work is complex: staff said nine different federal permitting agencies and specialized contractors will likely be involved, including unexploded‑ordnance (UXO) teams and asbestos management crews where materials require hazardous-material treatment. Palachi described a typical approach for Phase 2 (upland) that would leave a 10‑foot buffer behind the bluff initially, excavate and remove identified buried debris behind that buffer, compact and re‑grade soils, and provide ramped access so DPW crews can perform follow-up cleanups as needed without a repeat of the full permitting process.
Background and cost: Committee members noted a prior $2 million appropriation for remediation and asked whether that funding remains sufficient. Staff said Phase 1 had design and permitting cost increases after a winter storm required design changes; the Phase 1 bid results will clarify final construction cost. Palachi said engineering estimates support staying within the original appropriation, but staff will report back if bids exceed available funds.
Timeline and next steps: Staff said if Phase 1 bids are acceptable the town expects to mobilize in December and January, with an on‑the‑ground window of roughly 60 days for the beach portion if weather cooperates. If Phase 1 costs come in significantly higher, staff said they would return to the committee to discuss adjustments and sequencing for Phase 2.
Ending: Committee members asked staff to return with bid results and any necessary requests for supplemental funding; staff repeated that timeliness is important because coastal access and material exposure will change with winter weather.
