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Hampton commission backs Exeter Road culvert and streambank repair, citing sewer constraints on design
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval for a culvert replacement and streambank stabilization on Exeter Road, a voter-funded project estimated at more than $600,000 that will require a state dredge-and-fill permit and likely close the road during fall construction.
The Hampton Conservation Commission on May 26 recommended approval of a Town Wetland Permit to allow replacement of a perched culvert and streambank repairs on Exeter Road, a voter-backed project estimated at more than $600,000.
Jennifer Hale of the Hampton Department of Public Works said the culvert has become perched due to streambed erosion and discharges without sufficient energy dissipation, causing bank erosion. The proposed work includes replacing the culvert with a four-foot reinforced concrete pipe, installing concrete headwalls, adding a riprap splash pad, reshaping streambanks and using coconut fiber and native plantings to stabilize the channel.
Hale said the project went beyond routine culvert maintenance because a stream runs through the culvert, and that a full dredge-and-fill permit has been submitted to the state and undergone environmental and species review. She told the Commission construction is targeted for the fall and that Exeter Road will need to be closed during work. She also said voters approved funding for the work, estimated at over $600,000.
Commissioners asked whether a box or open-bottom culvert would be used; Hale said a round culvert was specified because an open-bottom/box design was not feasible where the sewer trunk line and other utilities are located. “An open-bottom/box design would normally be preferred for this type of stream, but it is not feasible because of the sewer trunk line and other utility constraints,” Hale said.
John Croteau moved to recommend approval of the Town Wetland Permit for the Exeter Road culvert and streambank repair project; Patricia Swank seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
The Commission’s recommendation is advisory; the project requires the state dredge-and-fill permit and coordination on road closures during construction.
