Environmental Concern (EC) was selected by Dorchester County to design and construct a Living Shoreline at Elliott Island. The new marsh is approximately 4,000 linear feet and provides approximately 20 acres of habitat. More than 400,000 Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens plants, grown in EC’s Nursery, were planted in the created wetland. The wetland absorbs wave energy, protecting Elliott Island Road. More important, the marsh improves water quality and enhances habitat.
Preliminary design work was facilitated by the use of GIS datasets, historic aerial photography, and on site GPS mapping of existing conditions. A locally available source for clean dredge material was utilized for the marsh base. Construction commenced in July 2010 and was accomplished in phases, with early phases planted as new phases were begun. The final section was planted in December 2011. Goose exclusion fencing was installed to protect the new plantings.
In order to access the dredge spoil site with heavy equipment, EC engineered and constructed a temporary support system for the Elliott Island road bridge.
This project was made possible by a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to Dorchester County.
