Dredging plan for Stockbridge Bowl moves into design and permitting phase

Stockbridge staff reported progress on plans to dredge portions of Stockbridge Bowl and outlined the remaining permitting and design steps needed before construction.

Consultants GZA completed an archaeological assessment and sediment pit samples at proposed dredge locations, and those findings allowed the project to advance to the next phase, officials said. "All three of those were successful, so we're able to move on to our next phase," the presenter reported.

The committee heard that the next tasks include MEPA review (the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act process), filing a Notice of Intent with the local conservation commission, Chapter 91 filings for work in waterways, a water‑quality certification, and a stormwater pollution prevention plan. The town will prepare a 70% design for the geotechnical dewatering site, which lays out exactly where and how geo‑tubes will be installed, filled and later buried and restored.

Canales described geo‑tubes as long fabric tubes placed in prepared ledging, filled with dredged material and then covered to restore bank profiles. "You actually have to develop ledging, put them in, you'll fill them with the dredge material...and then you'll put the dirt that you removed to create these steps back over the top, reed it with natural plantings," he said.

Officials said the project team will seek state grant funding for dredging and confirmed an Army Corps filing will be necessary. The town preserved a small account for the boat‑launch project and will evaluate state and federal funding options for the dredging work after 70% design and cost estimates are complete.