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Dennis approves emergency certification to clear clogged Baker's Way drainage ditch
Summary
Faced with flooding after a blizzard and rapid melt, the commission granted an emergency certification allowing work to clear the Baker's Way drainage ditch, with staff to file a Notice of Intent for longer-term permitting and restoration work.
The Dennis Conservation Commission granted an emergency certification March 19 authorizing crews to clear a drainage ditch on Baker's Way in West Dennis that has repeatedly plugged with sand and drift, causing roadway and yard flooding.
Mike Lassen, Dennis public works director, told commissioners repeated clogging and the recent blizzard followed by rapid melt left water impounded against roads and residences and that immediate action was needed to protect infrastructure and access. He said the town intends to take ditch maintenance in-house and engaged contractors for the short-term work while filing a full Notice of Intent (NOI) to develop a more comprehensive maintenance plan.
Russ Kleekamp of Environmental Design & Research cautioned the site is environmentally sensitive — with barrier beach, salt marsh and rare-species habitat in proximity — and said some long-term remedies may require Chapter 91 review or Army Corps permitting. Commissioners and staff insisted on minimizing impacts to piping plover habitat; the emergency certificate included a condition that excavated sand be removed off-site and an end date (March 31) so work would not extend into plover season.
The commission moved, seconded and approved the emergency certification by voice vote. Staff said dredged material may be suitable for beach nourishment where feasible, and that the town will continue with the NOI and a fuller permitting process for future maintenance.
