903R99025
Commonwealth of Virginia
State of Maryland
District of Columbia Department of Recreation and Parks
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Chesapeake Bay Commission
Chesapeake Bay Area
Public Access
Technical Assistance
Report
(Second Edition)

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                         Acknowledgements
  The "Chesapeake Bay Area Public Access Technical Assistance Report" was produced by
 the Public Access Workgroup of the land, Growth and Stewardship Subcommittee composed
                      of staff members from the following agencies:

                   Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation;
                      Maryland Department of Natural Resources;
                District of Columbia Department of Recreation and Parks;
                       Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission;
                           U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
                         U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency

  This report represents a true team effort. The Public Access Workgroup wishes to thank all
                those who participated in its production. Thanks are due to:
      local governments, state, and federal agencies who assisted in the review process;
                staff members from each state and the District of Columbia;
                        and other participating federal agencies.

               A special thanks to the Department of Landscape Architecture
    at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for gathering and compiling most
                           of the material found in this report.

  Though space does not allow us to name the many others who helped shepherd the  report to
            publication, our sincere appreciation to each and every one of them.
  Regional Center for Envmnmental Infermat.on
        US EPA Region III
         1650 Arch St.
       Philddelphia, PA 19103
                                  Chesapeake Bay Program
  The Chesapeake Bay Program is the cooperative partnership among the states of Maryland,
 Pennsylvania, Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state
legislative body; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal government;
                         and participating citizen advisory groups.

      For more information, please see our website: www.chesapeakebay.net/bayprogram

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Chesapeake Bay Area
Public Access
Technical Assistance
Report
!;'•"" ;v;' "'Vjon III
Second Edition
       report was originally published in 1990 through funds furnished by the Virginia
  Department of Environmental Quality pursuant to the Coastal Resources Program and
 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The second printing is by the U.S.
         Environmental Protection Agency for the Chesapeake Bay Program.
                                                         Reprinted July, 1999

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   Table of Contents
I. Introduction                                                           Page   Section
   A. Background and Report Purpose	7    I-1
   B. Report Organization and Planning Methodology	8    1-2
       1. Types of Public Access Considered  	8    1-2
       2. Recommended Planning Process 	8    1-2
          a) Needs Assessment  	10  1-3
          b) Site Selection	10  1-3
          c) Design Criteria	10  1-3
          d) Site Management Considerations	11  1-4
          e) Permitting and Regulations	11  1-4
          f) Impact Assessment	14  1-7
       3. Technical Report Limitations	17  1-10

n. Boating Access
   A. Site Selection   	19  II-l
       1. User Considerations	19  II-l
       2. Environmental Considerations 	19  II-l
          a) Topography  	19  II-l
          b) Soils and Substrate Materials	20  H-2
          c) Surface Water Hydrology	20  II-2
          d) Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas  	21  II-3
          e) Water Quality	21  II-3
          f) Wetland Delineation	21  II-3
          g) Cultural Resources	21  II-3
          h) Other Considerations	22  II-4
          i) Site Limitations  	23  II-4
          j) Compatibility Issues	24  II-6
          k) Boating Traffic Conflicts 	24  II-6
   B. Design Criteria	24  H-6
       1. Site Plan Layout	24  II-6
       2. Essential Elements and Desired Relationships  	25  II-7
       3. Land Requirements 	28  II-8
          a) Area Requirements	28  II-8
          b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions	28  II-8
          c) Vehicular Considerations 	29  H-9
          d) Pedestrian Considerations 	35  11-10
          e) Special Development Requirements	37  11-11
              1) Unique Requirements	37  II-l 1
              2) Electricity	37  11-11
              3) Water Supply and Distribution System	38  11-12
              4) Sewage Disposal/Pumpout Facilities/Restrooms	38  11-12

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                                                                             If ^
                                                                             11
                                                                         Page  Section
                    5) Stormwater Management  	38  11-12
                    6) Estimated Design Cost	39  H-13
       C. Management/Maintenance	39  11-13
          1. Maintenance Concerns	39  11-13
          2. Management Concerns	40  11-13

El. Beaches and Swimming
       A. Site Selection  	41  III-l
          1. User Considerations	41  III-l
          2. Environmental Considerations  	41  in-1
              a) Topography  	41  III-l
              b) Soils and Substrate Materials	41  III-l
              c) Surface Water Hydrology	42  ffl-2
              d) Vegetations/Wildlife/Habitat Areas	42  ffl-2
              e) Water Quality	44  III-3
              f) Wetland  Delineation	44  III-3
              g) Cultural Resources	44  III-3
              h) Other Considerations •	44  ffl-3
              i) Site Limitations	.45  III-4
              j) Compatibility Issues	46  III-5
              k) Impact on Off-Shore Aquatic Systems 	46  III-5
       B. Design Criteria  	47  III-6
          1. Site Plan Layout	47  III-6
          2. Essential Elements and Desired Relationships  	47  III-6
          3. Land Requirements  	47  III-6
              a) Area Requirements	47  III-6
              b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions	50  IH-7
              c) Vehicular Considerations  	50  III-7
              d) Pedestrian Considerations	50  IH-7
              e) Special Development Requirements	52  III-8
                    1) Unique Requirements	52  III-8
                    2) Electricity	56  111-10
                    3) Water Supply and Distribution System 	57  IE-11
                    4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms	57  III-l 1
                    5) Stormwater Management  	57  III-l 1
       C. Management/Maintenance	58  IH-12
           1. Maintenance Concerns	58  111-12
          2. Management Concerns	60  III-14

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                                                                            w w w
                                                                            ill
                                                                        Page Section
IV. Pier and Bank Fishing
   A. Site Selection   	61  IV-1
       1. User Considerations	61  IV-1
       2. Environmental Considerations	61  IV-1
          a) Topography	61  IV-1
          b) Soils and Substrate Materials	61  IV-1
          c) Surface Water Hydrology	62  IV-2
          d) Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas  	62  IV-2
          e) Water Quality	62  IV-2
          f) Wetland Delineation	62  IV-2
          g) Cultural Resources	63  IV-3
          h) Other Considerations	63  IV-3
          i) Site Limitations  	63  IV-3
          j) Compatibility Issues	64  IV-4
          k) Impact on Off-Shore Aquatic Systems	65  IV-5
   B. Design Criteria	65  IV-5
       1. Site Plan Layout 	65  IV-5
       2. Essential Elements and Desired Relationships  	65  IV-5
       3. Land Requirements  	68  IV-6
          a) Area Requirements	68  IV-6
          b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions	69  IV-7
          c) Vehicular Considerations 	69  IV-7
          d) Pedestrian Considerations  	69  IV-7
          e) Special Development Requirements	70  IV-8
              1) Unique Requirements	70  IV-8
              2) Electricity   	72  IV-9
              3) Water Supply and Distribution System	73  IV-10
              4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms	73  IV-10
              5) Stormwater Management	73  IV-10
   C. Management/Maintenance  	74  IV-11
       1. Maintenance Concerns	74  IV-11
       2. Management Concerns	74  IV-11
V. Natural Area Access
   A. Site Selection   	75  V-l
       1. User Considerations	75  V-l
       2. Environmental Considerations	76  V-2
          a) Topography 	76  V-2
          b) Soils and Substrate Materials	76  V-2
          c) Surface Water and Groundwater Hydrology	76  V-2
          d) Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas  	76  V-2

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                                                                           IV
                                                                        Page  Section
          e) Water Quality	77  V-3
          f) Wetland Delineation	77  V-3
          g) Cultural Resources	77  V-3
          h) Other Considerations	77  V-3
          i) Site Limitations  	78  V-4
          j) Compatibility Issues	78  V-4
   B. Design Criteria	78  V-4
       1. Site Plan Layout  	78  V-4
       2. Essential Elements and Desired Relationships 	78  V-4
       3. Land Requirements  	81  V-5
          a) Area Requirements	81  V-5
          b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions	81  V-5
          c) Vehicular Considerations	81  V-5
          d) Pedestrian Considerations  	82  V-6
          e) Special Development Requirements	82  V-6
             1) Unique Requirements	82  V-6
             2) Electricity  	85  V-8
             3) Water Supply and Distribution System	85  V-8
             4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms	87  V-9
             5) Stormwater Management	,.  .87  V-9
   C. Management/Maintenance  	88  V-10
       1. Maintenance Concerns	88  V-10
       2. Management Concerns	88  V-10

Bibliography	89

Appendix A - State and Federal Government Resources 	91  A-l

Appendix B - Cost Estimate 	95  B-l

Appendix C - Requirements of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act  . .  .101 C-l

Appendix D - The Maryland Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program .  .103 D-l

Glossary	.105

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    List of Figures
Figure No.     Title                                                       Page Section

1-1          Planning Process Chart	9   1-2

II-l          Boating Access Schematic Plan 	26 II-7
II-2          Concept Layout for Boating Access  	27 II-7
n-3          Ramp Locations Related to Water Flow 	30 H-9
11-4          45 Degree Parking  	31 H-9
II-5          60 Degree Parking  	32 II-9
H-6          90 Degree Parking  	33 II-9
H-7          Boat Launch Ramps	34 II-9
n-8          Pedestrian Access for Boating Sites  	36 11-10

ni-1         Surface Water Hydrology	43 HI-2
ffl-2         Beach/Swimming Access Schematic Plan	48 III-6
ni-3         Concept Layout for Beach/Swimming Access	49 HI-6
ni-4         Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions	51 III-7
III-5         Pedestrian Access for Beach/Swimming Sites	53 III-8
III-6         Beach Construction  	54 III-8

IV-1         Pier and Bank Fishing Access Schematic Plan  	66 IV-5
IV-2         Concept Layout for Pier and Bank Fishing Access	67 IV-5
IV-3         Fishing Piers  	71 IV-8
V-l          Natural Area Access Schematic Plan  	79  V-4
V-2          Concept Layout for Natural Area Access 	80  V-4
V-3          Trail Construction	84  V-7
V-4          Trail Drainage  	86  V-8

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    List of Tables
Table No.
Title
Page Section
 n-i
Parking Stall Dimensions	35  11-10

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       L Introduction
   The Chesapeake Bay watershed, including
the smaller  surrounding  bays and estuaries
cover almost 2,400 square miles in Virginia,
Maryland, Delaware,  Pennsylvania, and the
District of Columbia. Although there is an
abundance of water and open  space  in the
region, public access opportunities are limited.
In fact, less than one percent of the Bay shore-
line is currently in the public domain.  Public
recreational  access  to the Bay and its tribu-
taries consists primarily of marinas and other
private sites which are not in public ownership.
As user demand has risen over the last decade,
the inadequacy of access opportunities has dra-
matically  increased.  Consequently, federal,
state and local officials need to concentrate
their efforts to meet the need for public water
access sites.
   A. BACKGROUND AND
      REPORT PURPOSE

   In 1987, the governors of the Bay states,
the mayor of Washington, D.C., the adminis-
trator of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and the Chair of the Chesapeake Bay
Commission entered into the Chesapeake Bay
Agreement to restore and protect the Bay and
its tributaries. One of the major initiatives of
the Agreement involves the improvement  of
public access to the  waters of the  Bay.  It is
anticipated that this commitment will increase
resources for the improvement of water-depen-
dent and water- enhanced recreational opportu-
nities in  the coming years. Increased public
awareness  through  expanded  Bay  access
opportunities is considered essential in gaining
public support and commitment for the preser-
vation of the Chesapeake Bay. The Agreement
outlines four general objectives to support the
initiatives:

   •  Improve and maintain access to the
      Bay, including public beaches, parks,
      and forested lands.

   •  Improve opportunities for recreational
      and commercial fishing.

   •  Secure shoreline acreage to maintain
      open space and provide opportunities
      for passive recreation.

   •  Secure necessary acreage to protect
      unique habitat and environmentally
      sensitive areas.

   This report will help meet these objectives
by providing a guide for use by localities for
locating and developing access sites. The report
will  identify potential sources of  technical

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assistance to aid the localities with the acquisi-
tion and development  of public access. The
four types of public access to be considered
include beaches and swimming areas, boating
access, fishing pier and bank  access, and
access to natural areas. For each type of access,
recommendations for  site selection, design
criteria,  and management considerations are
provided.

    The first step in developing public access is
to determine the need for the  various types of
access to the Bay. Once  the needs have been
assessed, the site selection criteria, specific
design criteria, and site management consider-
ations should be evaluated for the type of site
to be developed. This report describes the plan-
ning process recommended in establishing the
four types of Bay access areas.

    B. REPORT  ORGANIZATION
       AND PLANNING
       METHODOLOGY

    This  technical report has been organized to
address various types of public access opportu-
nities. A consistent planning  approach is rec-
ommended regardless of the type of site or area
considered for development. The planning
process and issues discussed  for each type  of
public access is intended to serve as  a guide
and checklist for the successful  planning and
development of Bay area access sites.

    1. Types of Public Access Considered

    Public access  includes water-dependent
and water-related facilities which are located
along the Chesapeake  Bay and its tributaries.
Marinas, boat launch ramps, beaches, and pub-
lic water-oriented recreation areas are consid-
ered water-dependent  facilities.  Water-related
activities could include picnicing, facilities for
education, camping, hiking, hunting, wildlife
observation, and other passive recreational
uses. For this report,  types of public access
have been categorized  as follows:

   •   Boat-Related Access - Boat ramps,
       cartop boat launches, and support
       facilities.

   •   Swimming Access - Includes beaches
       and designated areas appropriate for
       swimming.

   •   Fishing Access - Piers, bank fishing,
       and parking adjacent to the water.

   •   Natural Area Access - Wildlife man-
       agement areas, natural area preserves,
       wildlife observation areas, nature
       trails, and educational facilities con-
       tiguous to the water.

   Access  areas may be established as one or
a combination of these types. Access  points
may be developed by local, state, federal, or
private  entities  or  a  cooperative  agreement
between two or more parties.

   2.  Recommended Planning Process

   The diagram shown in Figure: 1-1 outlines
the recommended methodology for planning
public access. The initial component of the
process is assessment of the need and determi-
nation of the appropriate type of public access.
Following  the  needs assessment, the  site
should be selected, design criteria established,
and  potential  management  and maintenance
issues evaluated.

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                                   Figure: 1-1
                             Planning Process Chart
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Bay and River Public Access Guide
Chesapeake Bay Area Plan
Special Studies - Local and Regional Plans
User Considerations
Land Requirements
Site Analysis
Site Limitations
Regulatory Requirements
Essential Site Elements
Standard Structures and Facilities
Site Concept Plan
Preliminary Cost Estimate
Needs
Assessment
                                                                         t
Site
Selection
     I
Design
Criteria
Site Plan Layout
Construction Drawings
Final Permits and Approvals
Final Costs
Site
Development
                                                                         Y
Maintenance Checklist
Management Plan
 Cost Schedule
Site
Management
& Maintenance

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   a) Needs Assessment

   The assessment  of public access needs
should be based on number of existing sites,
level of use along the waterways or river reach-
es,  demographic  considerations,  carrying
capacity of the  site/area,  and trends in boat
ownership. Several  sources of  information
which are listed in the appendix are available
from the appropriate states and the District of
Columbia. These sources of information may
be useful in determining the need for addition-
al Bay access within a locality.

   The Chesapeake  Bay  and Susquehanna
River Public  Access Guide was published in
1989  as a guide  to publicly-owned  access
points surrounding the Bay area, its tidal tribu-
taries, and the Susquehanna River. The guide
includes educational and conservation oriented
information,  as  well as location  and facility
specific information for the identified access
points. The existing  and  future  recreational
demands for Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia,
and the District of Columbia may be found in
each respective State Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP).The SCORP for each
state is referenced in the appendix.

   Additionally, the "Chesapeake  Bay Area
Public  Access  Plan"  was  published  in
December of 1990. This plan identified oppor-
tunities for public access in four major cate-
gories:  boating facilities,  fishing  piers  and
bank fishing, swimming  areas,  and  natural
study areas. The plan is presented in a map for-
mat to provide localities and regional planners
with existing public and private access infor-
mation. The  plan  also identifies  areas which
show a need for the development  of a.ccess
sites  and  recognize potential access areas.
Localities are encouraged  to incorporate the
public  access  plan recommendations   into
their  planning  processes.  The  "Chesapeake
Bay Area Public Access Plan" should be con-
sulted when preparing local demand data.
   b) Site Selection

   User considerations, land  requirements,
and  environmental  limitations  should be
assessed during the site selection phase. User
considerations include the location of an ade-
quate transportation network to the proposed
site and its proximity to other similar types of
public access. Acreage and water quality con-
siderations should be assessed when evaluating
the land requirements necessary for the various
types of public access.  The determination of
potential  environmental   impacts  should
include an assessment of potential site limita-
tions,  presence of environmentally  sensitive
areas,  and an evaluation of potential impacts
caused by the development of the  particular
type of public access. Also, the compatibility
of adjacent land  uses, potential  boating  and
vehicular traffic  conflicts,  and the possible
effect of  development  on nearby cultural
resources,  natural areas, oyster beds, fishing
grounds, and other living resources  should be
considered during the evaluation process.
    c} Design Criteria

    Design criteria will be specifically estab-
lished  for each of the types of public access
being  addressed. Elements to be considered
during the design phase of the various types of
public access  should include the site layout,
vehicular and  pedestrian access requirements,
site carrying capacity, and environmental man-
agement measures. Site layouts should include
the location of required facilities and site fea-
tures,  a landscape  scheme or planting  plan
 10

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if appropriate,  the  identification  of sensitive
lands and  designated  protection areas,  user
access and activity  areas, and maintenance or
service areas. Vehicular and pedestrian access
considerations  should  address  parking,  rest-
rooms, pedestrian walkways, vehicular road-
ways, shelters, interpretive site enhancements,
and handicapped access. Environmental man-
agement may include erosion control options,
maintenance of water quality, replacement of
impacted wetlands,  and special  construction
techniques. Planning, design, and  construction
details and drawings for the identified site fea-
tures should be prepared to show the require-
ments  and  recommended construction tech-
niques for the development of the public access
site. Finally, an estimate of the  design cost for
site development should be based on the site
design selected for a specific site.

   d) Site Management Considerations

   Management of the site should be consid-
ered during the site  selection and design phas-
es. Routine management  and maintenance
efforts should  be  identified for the  public
access site being  developed. Management
techniques  should be  defined and  a mainte-
nance plan including cost should be prepared
prior to site development.

   e) Permitting and Regulations

   Required permits and  applicable regula-
tions  for  each  state  and  the  District  of
Columbia vary. For example,  Maryland and
Virginia have both enacted legislation and reg-
ulations which significantly effect  land use and
development of the shoreline. Local  public
access goals in these states should be consis-
tent with the water quality objectives  of the
Chesapeake Bay   Preservation  Act  and
Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Program.
    A brief summary  of permitting  require-
ments, the permitting process, and the agencies
overseeing these requirements as well as regu-
lations which affect the development of public
access within the Bay area follows.

    Applications for all permits should precede
a project start date. Issuance of a permit will be
based on an impact evaluation of the proposed
work with regard to public interest.
                                         of
   Following is a sampling of the types
uses that need permits:

   •   Proposed construction on-site

   •   Filling on state-owned, sub-aqueous
       bottom

   •   Installation of shoreline erosion con-
       trol structures

   •   Construction of trails, piers, docks,
       ramps, etc.

   •   Removal of existing vegetation

   •   Entranceways onto site

   •   Impacts to wetlands or waterways

Permitting Process
    Once permit applications are submitted to
the Corps of Engineers (COE), the COE will
determine if the project meets a general permit
criteria. If so, the applicant is notified and
instructed to pursue any necessary state and
local approvals. The affected state/local agen-.
cies may then prepare a Public Notice for the
project and place this notice in a local news-
paper at the  applicant's expense. If the pro-
ject does not meet the COE's general permit
                                                                                          11

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criteria, it may go through a joint federal/state
permit application process and be circulated to
appropriate federal and state agencies for com-
ment before the project is approved.

    Property owners adjacent to the proposed
project site and others who have asked to be
mailed any  public  notice involving work  in
their area are sent a copy of the public notice.
Anyone  may  make a comment on  a public
notice.

Public Hearings

    At the close of the Public Notice comment
period, Public Hearings may be held by local,
state, or federal agencies. The applicant will be
contacted by  those agencies  when  a Public
Hearing is scheduled.

Federal Hearing Procedure

    Most projects usually  affect the applicant
and the  surrounding neighborhood. When
issues  are raised, the COE staff discusses the
issues  with the applicant. Attempts are made to
resolve the  issues  in question informally; in
most cases this is successful. Very few projects
require a public  hearing.  When a hearing is
required, a 30 day public  notice is sent to the
public announcing the date, time, and place of
the hearing. A decision on the project will not
be  made at the hearing. A 10 day comment
period will follow the hearing to allow for any
additional facts or information to be submitted
before the District Engineer makes a final (deci-
sion. The purpose of a Federal public he;iring
is to acquire information and provide the pub-
lic  an  opportunity to express their views and
opinions on the proposed project.
State and Local Hearing Procedures

   Projects affecting state and locally protected
wetlands will fall under the laws and regula-
tions established by the local and state entities.

Finalization of Process

   Each agency will  make every effort  to
process the application as quickly as possible.
If a project is approved, the necessary permit
will be forwarded the applicant. In some cases,
the applicant's  notarized  signature will  be
required and fees and royalties paid before the
permit is validated by the appropriate regula-
tory agency.

   The permitting process  may vary by state.
If there are questions about processing proce-
dures,  applications, or project drawings, the
permitting agency may be contacted for further
information.

                VIRGINIA

   After an access site has been located and
the facilities to be constructed have been deter-
mined, the next step in Virginia is to apply for
the necessary permits.  To learn  what permits
will be required contact the following:

   Va. Marine Resources Commission
   2600 Washington Avenue
   P.O. Box 756
   Newport News, VA 23607
   (757) 247-2200
   Fax (757) 247-2020
 12

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   Department of Environmental Quality
   Division of Water Operation
   629 E. Main Street
   P.O. Box 10009
   Richmond, VA 23240
   (804) 698-4108

   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
   Norfolk District
   803 Front Street
   Norfolk, VA 23510
   (757) 441-7650

   In addition, permits may be required by the
State Historic  Preservation Office, local wet-
land board, and local building inspector.

               MARYLAND

   In Maryland, there are three main permit-
ting authorities associated with the  types of
waterfront activities which are related to public
access. Some of the  permitting and regulatory
issues pertinent to these agencies include tidal
wetlands; the harvesting, cutting, or removal of
submerged aquatic  vegetation; water quality
regulations; boating  facility pumpout require-
ments; on-site sewage disposal; and water sup-
ply systems. It must also be noted that local
governments are responsible  for enacting  the
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area regulations
within their jurisdiction.

   For more information regarding permitting
and regulations contact:

   Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Commission
   45 Calvert Street, 2nd  floor
   Annapolis, MD 21401
   (410) 974-2418
   Department of the Environment
   Water Management Administration
   Tidal Wetlands
   2500 Broening Highway
   Baltimore, MD 21224
   (410)631-8075

   Department of Natural Resources
   Water Resources Administration
   Tidal Wetlands Division
   Tawes State Office Building
   Annapolis, MD 21401
   (410)974-3871

   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
   Baltimore District
   P.O. Box 1715
   Baltimore, MD 21203
   (410) 962-3670

             PENNSYLVANIA

   In Pennsylvania, a plan of mitigation will
be required if a proposed site is classified as a
regulated wetland. Other  issues  which may
require special action include erosion and^ sed-
imentation, water quality, impacts on historical
resources, and highway occupancy. The agen-
cies to contact concerning permitting and reg-
ulations are listed below.

   Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
   Commission
   Bureau for Historic Preservation
   P.O. Box 1026
   Harrisburg, PA 17108
   (717)787-3362

   Susquehanna River Basin Commission
   1721 Front Street
   Harrisburg, PA 17102
   (717) 238-0424
                                                                                       13

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Cumberland County Conservation District
313 S.Hanover St.        _   ,  _ .
                         Example Only
Carlisle, PA 17013      JEachComrtyhasa
District Manager       C»aser*atkmlfetrkt-
i^iOLu^L iYj-uuctgiwi      consult phone directory
(717) 249-8632        amier County name.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Waterways and Storm Water
Management
P.O. Box 8554
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717)787-6826

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection
Harrisburg Regional Office
909 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-8200
Regional Water
Quality Manager
(717)705-4700

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Engineering District
Harrisburg, PA 17103-1699
(717)787-6653
                                6 Regional Offices,
                              check local phone book
                              under Commonwealth of
                                   PA.,J>EP
                              Check focal phone book
                              tinder Commonwealth of
                                PA., Department of
                                 Transportation
       DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

   Within the District of Columbia most of the
shoreline is in federal ownership. The principal
authority to contact for information concerning
permitting and regulation is:

   Associate Director for Land Use
   Coordination
   National Park Service
   National Capitol Region
    1100 Ohio Drive SW
   Washington, D.C. 20242
   (202) 619-7025
   f)  Impact Assessment

   In accurately assessing the impact of the
project, the following factors should be includ-
ed in the assessment report:

   1)  Description of the proposed action

   •   State the major objective of the pro-
       posed development.

   •   State who is proposing the
       development, the contact person, and
       what is to be accomplished through
       this project.

   •   Identify location of the project, when
       the development is to take place, and
       its interrelationships with other feder-
       al, state, or local recreation-oriented
       projects or proposals.

   •   Describe the demand for the project
       and how it complies with the current
       SCORP.

   2)  Description of the existing
       environment

   •   Describe the overall topography.

   •   Identify name and location of any his-
       toric or archaeological sites which will
       be affected.

   •   State whether or not the project is
       located within the 100-year floodplain.

   •   Describe the site's surface and subsur-
       face geological characteristics.
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                                                                               8
•   Describe the soil types in the area.
    (Contact a local Soil Conservation
    Service representative.)

•   Describe the area's flora and fauna
    with special reference to rare, threat-
    ened, and endangered species.

3) Environmental impact of the
proposed action

•   Identify any direct or indirect changes
    to the existing environment, whether
    beneficial or adverse.

•   Describe effects the proposed project
    will have on adjacent land uses.

•   Identify potential impacts on wetlands
    and aquatic resources.

•   Describe the waste management sys-
    tem planned for the project and its
    impact.

•   Describe how water resources will be
    affected, e.g., increased runoff.

•   Discuss proposed management plan
    for the project.

4) Mitigation measures included in the
 proposed action

•   Discuss measures and methods which
    are proposed or will be required to
    mitigate adverse environmental
    impacts.
   5) Adverse environmental effects which
cannot be avoided

   •   Analyze who or what is affected and
       to what degree, e.g., wildlife or vege-
       tation, adjacent properties, erosion,
       compaction and sedimentation of soil,
       etc.

   6) Relationship between  short-term and
    long-term impacts

   •   Identify short-term impacts such as
       loss of wildlife habitat, changes in
       traffic volumes and patterns, etc.

   •   Identify long-term impacts such as
       dedication of land to  public recreation
       and open space for present and future
       use.

   7) Irreversible and irretrievable
   commitments of resources which would
   be involved in the proposed development

   •   Identify the extent to which the devel-
       opment restricts or enhances the range
       of resource uses.

   •   Identify factors such  as erosion,
       destruction of archaeological or his-
       toric sites, elimination of wildlife
       habitat, particularly of threatened or
       endangered species.

   •   Identify significant changes in land
       use with regard to natural resources
       such as forest land, minerals, soils,
       water, etc.
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    8) Alternatives to the proposed action

    •   Discuss modifications of the present
       proposal with different approaches to
       gaining the same result.

    •   Describe beneficial and adverse effects
       of the alternatives along with the
       reasons for the rejections of the
       alternatives.

    •   Explain of the final choice of action
       and the plan for achieving the initial
       objective.

    In preparing the environmental informa-
tion,  narrative explanations should be written
for each category,  and whenever possible,
impacts  should be  quantified.  For example,
record the number  of trees to be  removed,
cubic yards of fill to be required, etc. All sub-
ject matter should be  discussed in as much
detail as is relevant, especially  when specific
facts  or professional opinions  are  available.
Government agencies who are involved in the
project will be incorporating their comments
into the Assessment Report.

    The  impact assessment should  involve a
comparison of  the  land requirements deter-
mined for a particular access site and the envi-
ronmental factors identified during the invento-
ry. A checklist of facility requirements and site
factors to be  included  in the site assessment
would vary depending on type of access being
considered. Following is a list of factors which
could be included:
Facility Requirements

    • .  Access roads (internal and external)

    •   Parking spaces

    •   Dock facilities

    •   Walkways

    •   Service and maintenance areas

    •   Adjacent recreation areas

    •   Water depth

    •   Subsurface conditions

    •   Location of boating access within the
       waterway

    •   Electricity

    •   Signage

    •   Solid waste disposal

    •   Public safety and emergency safety
       facilities

    •   Water supply and distribution

    •   Sewage disposal

    •   Pumpout facilities

    •   Stormwater drainage

    •   Restrooms
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                                                                                   10
Site Factors

   •   Topography-avoid 15% or greater
       slopes

   •   Shoreline erosion - avoid areas with
       erosion rates greater than 2 feet/year

   •   Floodplains - when construction is
       necessary, use appropriate design

   •   Soils and substrate materials - locate
       facilities on buildable soils

   •   Surface water hydrology - needs vary
       with projected use

   •   Existing vegetation - preserve existing
       vegetation to greatest extent possible

   •   Cultural resources

   •   Plant and wildlife habitat areas -
       minimize disturbance

   •   Existing water quality - monitor and
       assess potential impact

   •   Shellfish grounds - avoid location near
       shellfish grounds/minimize impact

   •   Wetlands - avoid/minimize impact

   •   Submerged aquatic vegetation -
       avoid/minimize impact

   •   Scenic and visual opportunities -
       preserve and enhance aesthetic
       environment

   •   Existing and potential noise - monitor
       existing levels and project impact
       based on planned uses
    •   Existing and potential boating traffic -
       avoid placing new access in highly
       trafficked boating areas

    •   Compatibility of adjacent land uses -
       locate near population centers and ser-
       vices which provide amenities to
       access sites

    •   Carrying capacity of site

    •   Proximity to existing or potential
       scenic resources such as designated or
       candidate byways or scenic rivers.

    3.  Technical Report Limitations

    The issues which should be addressed in
developing the various types of public access
are defined in this report.  Each site must be
individually evaluated to determine its suitabil-
ity  for development based on the anticipated
level of use, site-specific factors, and potential
environmental impacts to the site. There may
be issues and situations which are not directly
addressed in this report, but may become evi-
dent during the site investigation and analysis
which will need to be addressed.  Site condi-
tions which are discussed and recommended in
this report are based on ideal conditions;  how-
ever,  optimum conditions  should be sought
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                                                                                   11
during site selection and development so that
most critical factors are satisfied. This techni-
cal assistance report should provide localities
with a checklist of issues to consider, a plan-
ning methodology,  and basic concepts for the
design and construction of the various types of
public access.
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       II. Boating Access
   A. SITE SELECTION

   Environmental factors, suitability of  the
water body  for boat operation, and adequate
shore frontage must be considered when locat-
ing a boat launch ramp. With proper siting and
consideration of environmental factors, many
permitting problems and costly delays can be
avoided. Almost any site adjacent to a water
body can be made into an access area, but gen-
erally, the more extensive the required modifi-
cation, the greater the construction costs and
potential for adverse environmental  impacts.
Whenever possible, alternative  sites on a water
body should be evaluated.

   In selecting a boat launch ramp site, sever-
al features must be met regardless of the size of
the launch ramp or where it is to be located.
The  site must have safe  navigational access to
boating waters, shoreline protection, adequate
access to the site, adequate  interior access,
parking, and a launch ramp. Proximity of the
site to population centers, accessibility of the
launch ramp from the land side  and easy access
to desired boating areas are important evalua-
tion  and site selection factors.
    1, User Considerations

    The planning of public boating access sites
should consider public needs along with the
level of boating activity, facility requirements,
and management duties required to fulfill those
needs. Section I of this report described the
process and resources available for assessing
the need for public access.

    2. Environmental Considerations

    Potential environmental  impacts due  to
boating activity and related facility development
must be considered prior to the development of
access sites. The evaluation of environmental
factors should begin with a thorough inventory
of the potential access site. Data which relates
to the topography, soils, surface water hydrolo-
gy, vegetation, wildlife habitat areas and existing
wetlands should be collected. This information
should then be reviewed to verify the suitabili-
ty of a site for development. The results of the
assessment will likely be incorporated in the
permits required to pursue site development.

    a) Topography

    Shoreline areas with flat to rolling slopes of
less than 15% and with suitable soils based on
standard classifications related to proposed uses
are generally acceptable for facility development.

    The 100-year storm criteria should be used
to define floodplains since this is the criteria
used in the federal flood insurance program in
which most local  governments  participate.
Floodplains are land areas that are occasional-
ly inundated by the overflow of streams and
rivers and  have been determined to have a one
percent probability of flood occurrence in any
given year. Floodplains act as natural sediment
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       n
traps which allow stormwater to disperse and
slow down, causing suspended materials that
have washed off upland areas to settle. Hence,
the development  and disturbance of  flood-
plains should be limited to properly designed
facilities necessary for the planned access.

   b) Soils and Substrate Materials

   Physical considerations at the site include
the assessment of soil geology and substrate
materials. The  nature, extent, and cost of the
substructures necessary for site facilities must
be determined  based  on the soil types.  Test
piles and direct soil evaluation tests are two
commonly used methods for determining the
resistive quality of subsoils. Soil conditions
should provide  suitable foundation support and
wastewater treatment capacity, if^ existing
sewage facilities are not already available  to
the site.

   Shoreline erosion  should be a major  con-
sideration  in   siting  boat  ramp   access.
Developments along shoreline areas should  be
avoided where  existing erosion rates exceed 2
feet/year. These areas are more susceptible to
boat wakes. Facility structures  located within
or near  these  highly erodible  shorelines are
probably impacted by wave  action which will
require continuous maintenance and protective
measures.

   To minimize the adverse effects of human
activities on access sites, a buffer area of vege-
tation is recommended. This buffer is effective
in retarding runoff, preventing erosion, filtering
nonpoint pollution, and reducing sediments.
   c) Surface Water Hydrology

   Normal  precipitation presents no serious
problem in boat launch access site design, pro-
vided an  adequate  surface drainage  plan is
adopted. A drainage plan must provide a facil-
ity with the capability of draining the waters
from a maximum probable  rainfall  without
eroding the adjacent land or causing additional
runoff in  the Bay and its  tributaries.  Inflows
from surrounding lands may also be diverted as
a part of the drainage plan.

   Wave characteristics are important to boat-
ing access sites. Larger waves are generated in
large water  bodies by offshore storms,  while
other waves are generated by winds, boat traf-
fic,  and tides. Ideally, boating access  sites
should be in a protected location (i.e., a cove,
tributary, boat basin, etc.) in order to decrease
the open water distance over which wind blows
unimpeded  (fetch). This  consideration will
help decrease wave action  at the site and thus
reduce erosion at the facility. Waves can create
additional waves by reflecting and resonating
off waterside structures. Shoreline vegetation
is a good energy dissipater as well as a preven-
ter of wave-induced erosion along the shore-
line. Boat wakes can be controlled by proper
access site orientation,  control of boat traffic
speed,  and  route  regulation.  Establishing
boundaries for  speed limit zones may be criti-
cal to the control of boat wakes as wakes gen-
erated during acceleration and deceleration can
be significant.
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       n
    d) VegetationAVildlife/Habitat Areas

    The  Natural Heritage Programs  within
each jurisdiction can help to identify signifi-
cant habitat areas and can provide land man-
agement recommendations for the protection
of these communities. Site selection should be
considered in areas  that will  not affect  rare,
threatened or endangered plants, animals, or
unique natural communities or significant fm-
fish spawning and nursery areas. The protec-
tion of high quality  habitats and the relation-
ships between biological communities may be
incorporated into natural areas or buffer zones
adjacent to the access site. Construction prac-
tices which avoid direct and indirect impacts to
sensitive habitats should be implemented.
Sensitive areas and the limits of construction
should be clearly marked prior to construction.

    e) Water Quality

    Boating related  facilities such  as bulk-
heads, jetties, or other structural measures may
encroach on narrow  waterways.  Water quality
may decrease when encroachment restricts
flushing and mixing of waters in small tribu-
taries or inlets. These changes affect wildlife
habitats  and substrate  conditions of  marine
organisms which may cause a reduction in the
diversity of species.

    The  volume of the water body  and  tidal
action is significant to water quality. For exam-
ple, small bodies of  water can take much less
contamination than larger ones. Existing and
projected water quality conditions within the
vicinity of the access site should be assessed to
determine the  potential  for adverse changes
being caused by access-related  factors. The
thickness and the fineness of existing bottom
sediments is important as a thick layer of very
fine  particles  can be eroded  away  by prop-
wash from boat traffic and become suspended
in the  water,  thus deteriorating water clarity
and quality.

   An understanding of sediment deposition,
littoral transport, and fetch is important to the
development of any site. A flushing study to be
submitted  for review during the permitting
process is encouraged.

   f) Wetland Delineation

   The delineation  of wetlands  boundaries
should ordinarily be  determined by an on-site
visit. In most cases, the local delineation map
or map series will be used in order to identify
the general location of wetlands. The National
Wetland Inventory maps produced  by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service may also  be useful in
the general location of existing wetlands. The
Combined  Federal  Wetland  Delineation
approach should be followed for the site spe-
cific  designation of wetland areas.  This
approach is a systematic approach  which con-
siders soils, hydrology, and vegetative charac-
teristics of a site.

   g) Cultural Resources

   Cultural resources should be evaluated on
each potential  access site. A site may be listed,
nominated, or eligible for  listing on the
National Register of Historic Places. The his-
toric or archaeological significance  of a site
may not be obvious;  therefore, during the site
evaluation the  appropriate  State  Historic
Preservation  Officer should be  contacted.
Information regarding the National Register of
Historic Places may be  obtained from the
National  Park Service,  National  Registry
Programs  (see Appendix A-4).
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       II
    h) Other Considerations

    Other site features and related off-shore
conditions appropriate for inclusion in the
environmental inventory may relate to:

Sand Dunes

    These are fragile resources and  require
special planning so that points of access are well
defined  and  properly constructed.  Foot and
vehicular traffic on dunes should be discouraged.

Shellfish Beds

    The location of active shellfish beds should
be identified. The introduction of a boat ramp
facility  could impact the  water quality near
these areas enough to affect the productivity of
the beds.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

    SAV areas near the shoreline of a proposed
boating  access  development  site  should be
delineated and avoided. SAV beds are gradual-
ly recovering after the precipitous decline in
the 1970's and 1980's. These  areas are impor-
tant to marine life for shelter, propagation, and
food.

Scenic and Visual Opportunities

    The  identification of good and poor views
both on-site and off-site should be considered.
An overall visual analysis of the site  may be
necessary for the ultimate preservation of visu-
al quality.
Noise

   The existing and projected noise levels at
the development site and in the surrounding
area should be assessed, particularly in areas
with anticipated high increases in boating traf-
fic resulting from site development.

Storms

   The history of storms, their frequency, and
intensity may  be significant information  in
considering a site for development, particular-
ly along unprotected waterways. The National
Weather Service  may be contacted to deter-
mine the vulnerability an area has with regard
to storms. The state agency administering  the
federal flood insurance program can also pro-
vide valuable information.

Wind

   Predominant wind patterns and the orienta-
tion  of the shoreline are extremely important,
as these factors can combine to create an area
that  is not conducive for navigation of boats
and can also cause accelerated erosion or wave
damage to the boating facility.

   i) Site Limitations

   Site limitations  should be identified based
on the inventory and analysis of natural, factors
and  environmental  considerations. The capa-
city  a site has for the development of boating
access is also directly related to the conditions
and  characteristics  of the adjacent waterway.
For example, the constriction of narrow coves
and  waterways by  the encroachment  of boat
slips, private  piers,  and open moorings  or
anchorages can be a  problem in  developing
boating facilities.
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       n
   These facilities reduce  the water surface
area available for boating activity, and in nar-
row passages may create a "bottleneck" situa-
tion. Careful siting and maintenance of boating
facilities can avoid or minimize this type of
problem.

   A site analysis which outlines the physical
opportunities  and constraints for a  property
should be conducted to facilitate the assess-
ment of the site.  This analysis  may simply
involve overlaying the identified  environmen-
tal factors and evaluating the overall conditions
of the site, noting areas which are not suitable
for development.

Desirable Site Characteristics Include:

   •   Easy access to open water, population
       centers, and necessary utilities.

   •   Accessibility from existing roads and
       waterways.

   •   Location near existing state or federally
       maintained channels.

   •   High tidal range or flow and high
       flushing rates along the cutting side
       of the water body.

   •   Location in areas free of severe
       shoreline erosion or steep slopes.

   •   Compatibility with existing land and
       water uses.

   •   Location away from shellfish beds
       used for harvesting for human
       consumption.
    •   Access road that meets Department of
       Transportation secondary road
       standards.

    •   Variable turn-around area (size deter-
       mined by design but must be able to
       accommodate a combined vehicle and
       trailer length of 40')

    •   Buffer zone at shoreline for facilities
       which are not water-dependent.

    •   4 foot minimum width for walkways
       located apart from vehicular routes.

    •   Compatibility with local comprehen-
       sive plans.

Undesirable Site Characteristics Include:

    •   Too shallow or with inadequate water
       or land area for intended  use, requiring
       extensive dredging or filling.

    •   Low tidal range or flow and low flush-
       ing rates, such as dead-end canals or
       the upper reaches of tidal creeks.

    •   Location with poor water quality, mar-
       ginally meeting state water quality
       standards.

    •   Location at the mouths of tidal creeks
       and other tributaries may not be advis-
       able due to lower water quality and
       higher sedimentation rates at these areas.
       Location near designated fish or
       wildlife protection areas, shellfish
       beds, or SAVs.
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       II
   •   Location which inhibits public access
       to navigable waters or hinders safe
       navigation by requiring structures that
       would extend into existing channels.

   •   Location near areas of heavy boating
       traffic.

   j)  Compatibility Issues

   External  compatibility of boating access
facilities with adjacent land uses is an impor-
tant consideration. In general, boating access
should be located in areas convenient to popu-
lation centers. Support facilities, such as shop-
ping,  restaurants,  grocery stores,  emergency
services, boating supply houses, repair shops,
service stations, and utilities, should be located
along the primary access route to the site or in
an accessible docking area  off the waterway
being proposed for access.

   Additional boating access should only be
introduced in areas where  there is a demand or
an increased demand is projected based on cur-
rent user trends. Boating access can create con-
flicts in  sensitive  environmental areas; there-
fore, avoid placing boating access in areas with
identified concentrations of rare, threatened, or
endangered species.

   Several passive recreational  or access-
related uses may be planned for a single access
site within a boating access facility. However,
the compatibility of these  uses with one anoth-
er should be considered to avoid potential on-
site activity conflicts. Compatibility of related
recreational activities is important during site
selection and planning for the appropriate site
facilities and amenities.
   k} Boating Traffic Conflicts

   Competition among  boating participants
for use of the Bay is considerable at peak peri-
ods in  certain areas.  The characteristics of
recreational  boats, including  size,  speed,
maneuverability and  function  may intensify
this boating conflict  on the  waterways.  The
physical characteristics  of the water body
along with environmental constraints such as
shoreline erodibility, fish and wildlife habitat,
and spawning areas contribute to  the magni-
tude of these  conflicts. As the  number of
boaters  increase, problems such as congestion
on the water surface and conflicts between dif-
ferent water-related activities competing for
the same water space may become more evi-
dent.  Some small water bodies may be  best
suited for cartop boat launches and pier fish-
ing,  thus minimizing conflicts with  larger,
faster boats.

   B. DESIGN CRITERIA

    1. Site Plan Layout

   The site plan layout should be correlated
directly with the needs assessment or determi-
nation  of  facilities required  to  support the
desired  user groups. The  land requirements
determined for these proposed facilities may
then be appropriately applied to the site based
on the  environmental considerations and site
limitations considered during the site inventory
and assessment.
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       n
    2.  Essential Elements and Desired
    Relationships

    Because each site is unique and has differ-
ent environmental and natural features as well
as  varying  land  requirements  based  on the
determined  need, a standard site  layout for
boating access sites is not feasible. The essen-
tial elements which will most likely be includ-
ed for all boating access sites include access to
the site, parking, a launch ramp, support facili-
ties, and direct access to the water.  These ele-
ments  and  their  preferred relationships are
depicted in Figure: II-l. Of these essential ele-
ments, it is necessary for only the boat launch
ramp to have  direct access to  the water.  The
remaining elements may be lined by pedestrian
connections, vehicular connections  or  both
pedestrian  and vehicular connections.  For
example, pedestrian access from the support
facilities should be directly connected with the
parking and boat launch ramp and there should
be  a direct  pedestrian  connection  developed
between the boat launch  and water  access.
Vehicular connections are most important in
relation to the site access which  generally leads
to designated parking areas. The parking area
and internal access should provide  a direct
vehicular connection  to the boat launch ramp.
Support facilities which are planned on a site
should be accessible to vehicles for service and
maintenance. Often this necessitates a limited
type of vehicular access.

    A concept plan depicting the general rela-
tionship of the selected site elements may be
helpful to establish the overall site plan layout.
A concept plan which expresses preferred site
relationships is shown in Figure: II-2.
   Recommendations which can enhance the
relationships between  the essential elements
shown on the concept plan include:

   •   Location of parking and support facili-
       ties which are not water-dependent on
       higher ground outside the recommend-
       ed shoreline buffer areas.

   •   For large and highly visible facilities,
       parking areas can be enhanced by
       shrub and tree islands with little loss
       of storage capacity.

   •   Where steeper slopes exist, locate
       parking areas above the crests and
       maintain or reestablish the natural
       vegetation on the slopes. This will
       preserve a natural shoreline
       appearance and also will avoid
       extensive regrading. The toe of the
       slope must also be stabilized to
       prevent further slope erosion.

   •   The scale, species, and spacing of
       plants should be compatible with those
       of surrounding shoreline areas.

   •   In grading of the site, the slope gradi-
       ents and scale of mounds, swales and
       berms should be appropriately
       designed where possible to create
       rounded earth forms compatible with
       those of the natural shoreline. In gen-
       eral, all development of access areas
       shall be constructed in a way that will
       protect and enhance views and visual
       access to water and shorelines without
       compromising the vegetated buffer.
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                    Entrance/exit
            Boarding dock
2 Ramps
                                Water
                               Figure: II-l
                               Boating Access
                               Schematic Plan
                                                               Retain or plant vegetation to
                                                               create buffer between parking
                                                               and adjacent land
                                                               Recreation support area
                                                               Pedestrian crossing
                                                               clearly marked
                                                               Note: Pull through parking
                                                               at 60 and 90 degrees
                                          Legend:


                                          Buffer

                                          Signage
                                          Courtesy dock
                                          Pedestrian
                                          crossing
Source: Recreation Planning & Design Criteria. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
26

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                  Figure: II-2
       Concept Layout for Boating Access
          Water


Launching
    Ramp
       Legend:
       Access road

       Vehicular traffic

       Pedestrian path
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       II
                                8
   •   In developing an access site, the
       effects of human interaction must be
       considered. Pollution factors should be
       examined and addressed as should the
       availability of utilities to the site.

   3. Land Requirements

   The type of boating access facility planned
will  determine the land  requirements for the
facility. Site conditions, land availability, envi-
ronmental factors and regulations,  and pro-
posed  degree  of use must be factored  in the
final determination of land requirements for a
particular facility.

   a)  Area Requirements

   Typical  area  requirements  for boating
access facilities will vary with the number of
launch lanes and  other  recreational facilities
and amenities planned at the site. A boating
access facility may include  access from the
main  road,   parking  for  trailered   boats,
restroom facilities, launch ramp, courtesy pier,
turn  around, buffer zone,  and entrance area.
Additional amenities such as picnicking areas,
overflow parking,  and other recreation-related
facilities may be desired at  certain sites  and
would require additional land.

   If  a  site is  identified  for boating  access
facilities that may have environmental impacts
on adjacent property, additional land may  also
be required for a buffer. A single lane ramp will
require a site of approximately 2.5 acres  For
each additional  lane an additional 1.5 acres is
recommended. A single-lane boat launch ramp
may-have the following land requirements:
   •   30-50, 10' x 40' perking spaces (pull-
       through parking spaces are preferable).
       Plan for a minimum of 35 parking
       spaces.

   •   Allow 400 square feet for each vehicle
       and allow 25' for pull out.

   •   20' wide aisles for one-way traffic

   •   24' wide aisles for two-way traffic

   •   Access road which meets secondary
       road standards

   •   Variable turn area (size determined by
       design, but should accommodate a 40'
       trailer and vehicle combination)

   •   100' buffer zone at the shoreline

   •   Maintenance and service areas

   •   Minimum water frontage required for
       a cartop boat/canoe launch is 50'

   •   Minimum water frontage required for
       trailable boat craft is 100'

   b)  Water Depth and Subsurface
       Conditions

   The area being considered for a launch
ramp should be  a minimum of 3' deep at the
end of the ramp  at mean low water (M.L.W.).
This will lessen  the effects of prop-wash  and
allow a wider variety of boats to use the ramp.
The proposed launching fairway and the chan-
nel should be clear of debris and have a mini-
mum depth of 4' and be approximately 30-50'
wide.
 28

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       n
    A boat launch ramp should be located in an
area which will  not accumulate debris and
cause maintenance problems (see Figure: II-3).
For example, it is most desirable for a ramp to
be located in a protected area off the main
water body. If this is not possible the outside of
a meander or the stretch of water immediately
following abend should be selected. The inside
of a bend should be avoided as this area gener-
ally accumulates the most debris.

    c) Vehicular Consideration

    The external access to a site should be less
than one mile from a maintained public road-
way, which has at least 13'6" of vertical clear-
ance. The external access  road  should meet
traffic flow generated by the access site. A 175'
minimum sight distance along the access road
and a 300' minimum sight distance  should be
provided at intersections.

    External  access  roads  should meet  sec-
ondary road standards  providing a 20'  to 22'
wide pavement with a 3'  to 5'  shoulder to
accommodate boat trailers. The entrance drive
should intersect the access road at a 90° angle.
If this is not possible, the angle should be no
less than 80° and no  more than 100°. The
entrance drive  and internal  site  access  roads
should be 20' to 22' wide with a 3' to 5' shoul-
der to facilitate the movement of two-way traf-
fic and 18' to 20' with a 2' to 3' shoulder for
one-way traffic. Guardrails or posts  should be
provided on 6' centers  for embankments over
6' in height. The entrance drive should not be
directly  aligned with  the  launch ramp and
should provide easy access to the parking
aisles. Proper traffic, informational, and direc-
tional signage should be posted.
    It is important that the location  of the
entrance road off of the public  highway  be
carefully coordinated with state highway offi-
cials. This will assure that adequate site dis-
tance can be provided. Also, if turning lanes
are needed,  it will  be  known  early  in  the
process and necessary land can be acquired.

Parking

    Where possible,  parking areas should  be
located within convenient walking distance of
the launch ramp, but outside the buffer area.
There  should be adequate parking spaces  to
meet the expected demand on a peak day dur-
ing the boating season. Parking stalls for trail-
ered vehicles should be pull through in design
(see Figures: II-4 to II-6). Parking design may
vary with the use of 90°, 60°, or 45° parking
spaces, (see Table: II-l)

    Parking lots should have a finished grade of
no less than 1% and no greater than 5%. A turn
around to accommodate a 40' combination  of
vehicle  and trailer should be provided at the
head of the ramp.

Ramps

    The ramp for launching should ideally con-
sist of two or more lanes. The lanes should be
a minimum of 15' wide; the slope of the ramp
must be uniform and between 12% and 15%. A
smooth transition with a vertical curve  should
be made between the head of the ramp and the
approach  areas to the  ramp. The pavement
should be concrete, scored for traction, and a
wheel stop placed at the toe of the ramp. All
ramps should have adequate erosion protection
to prevent undercutting by wave  and current
action, (see Figure: II-7)
                                                                                          29

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                                     Figure; II-3
                       Ramp Locations Related to Water Flow
                                              Most Desirable Ramp Location
                                              located off of main water body
                                              Acceptable Ramp Location •
                                              located away from curve of
                                                main water body
                                                     Least Desirable Ramp Location -
                                                     due to siltation accumulating at inside
                                                     curve of main water body
                                                     Source; Design Handbook for Recreational
                                                     Boating and Fishing Facilities.
                                                     State Organization for Boating Access (SOBA),
                                                     March, 1996.
30

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                               Figure: II-4
                            45 Degree Parking
Source: Design Handbook for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities. SOB A, March, 1996.
                                                                                     31

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                                        Figure: II-5
                                     60 Degree Parking
         Source: Pesign Handbook for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities. SOBA, March, 1996.
32

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                  f-^—+
        Figure: II-6
     90 Degree Parking
Pfsign
for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities. SOBA, March, 1996.
                                                  33

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            Water
                                    Figure: II-7
                                Boat Launch Ramps
Concrete
  slab
          Erosion protection
                                     Cross Section
                                                      12-15%     Top of ramp
                                                                 Rock and gravel
                                         4    \5'     15"    4-
      Boat ramp
      12%"-15% slope
                                                                     Water depth 3'
                                                                     mean low water
                                                                -*"-— Top of ramp 2'
                                                                 ^ above mean high
                                                                     water
                                                               £ v—Boarding Dock
                       Single Lane
      Double Lane
        Source: Design Handbook for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities. SOBA, March, 1996.
34

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       n
                                                        10
                                 Parking Stall Dimensions-Table 11-1
Trailered Vehicle

Vehicle Only

Handicapped Trailered
  Vehicle
                            No. for Single    Each Additional
                            Lane Ramp     Lane
35

8

2
20

Varies

4
                                                       90°
10' x40'
10' x20'
15' x40'
60°

10' x40'

I0'x20'
15' x40'
Size
45°

10' X40'
10' X20'
15' x40'
Source: Handbqok for the Location. Design. Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Boat Launching Facilities.
       State Organization for Boating Access, Wilson, K., March 1989.
   Access to the launching ramp should be
designed as a one-way system and will require
a separate turn-off from the approach onto the
ramp. Traffic control  devices, such as barri-
cades, traffic islands, or berms, may be used to
ensure that access roads are not in direct align-
ment with the ramp. Overhead power and com-
munication lines are not permitted across boat
launching access roads, parking lots, or areas
where sailboats are rigged.

   d) Pedestrian Considerations

   Pedestrian access should be designated to
provide  safe connections  to site  facilities.
Pedestrian walkways  between service areas,
such  as  parking lots, restrooms, community
buildings, and courtesy docks  are  essential.
Those areas receiving high levels of pedestrian
use should be physically separated from vehic-
ular  traffic  as a safety precaution. Heavily
trafficked  areas  should  be surfaced  with
durable material (see Figure: II-8). The walk-
ways should be designed  with  well-defined
edges and should be a minimum of 4' in width.
                          Trails  may be recommended in  areas
                      receiving less  use. Trails may have  varying
                      widths and be constructed of several materials,
                      provided the resulting path has a suitable sur-
                      face for street shoes and is handicapped acces-
                      sible (see Figure: II-8).

                          Raised walkways and docks (see  Figure:
                      II.8) are generally appropriate  for courtesy
                      piers at boat launch facilities. These walkways
                      should be a minimum of 4' wide and con-
                      structed  of treated wood or other marine-relat-
                      ed  material such as fiberglass,  aluminum, or
                      concrete. The walkways should also be handi-
                      capped  accessible with  railings.  Walkways
                      should be sloped 5% or less for handicapped
                      access.  When the on-site  grade  change is
                      greater than 5%,  handicap  ramps should  be
                      provided to enhance accessibility  to  the  site
                      facilities. Crosswalks should be  constructed
                      with curb ramps on each side whenever they
                      cross vehicular roads.
                                                                                            35

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                                      Figure: II-8
                          Pedestrian Access for Boating Sites
                                    Concrete walk
           Grass  Walkway    Road
                 Section
             Raised walkway -
             Handicapped accessible
             2-5% slope with railings
            Trail for hiking
                                                         Walkway
                                                        • .-1
                                                   Grass ;/£
                                                        Plan view
                                                                      Curb
                                                                      Road
                                                                     Picnic table
                                                                     Existing vegetation
                                    Gravel walk for hiking
               Source: Recreation Planning & Design Criteria. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
36

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                                                                                   11
    e) Special Development Requirements

    1) Unique Requirements

    Each access site requires a different combi-
nation of development features which relate to
the uses planned and the anticipated level of
use for the site. The following elements should
be considered during site development:

Deck Construction

    The use of pier and platform construction
for support facilities may  be  considered in
marshes and wetlands. This type of construc-
tion preserves  marsh  vegetation and allows
tidal circulation. All boat  ramps  should be
designed to withstand typical storm action for
the area, support vehicular loads, and facilitate
backing,  turning,  and  emergency vehicle
access. Walkways, piers, and decks should be
designed to accommodate safe pedestrian pas-
sage and to withstand typical storms for the
area. Additionally, pier and platform construc-
tion for  support facility  walkways  should be
located landward of mean high water.

Signage

    Adequate  signage should  be  posted to
inform the public of the layout and regulations
for the access site.

Solid Waste

    Trash and garbage collection should be fur-
nished by the locality or  by  a privately-owned
refuse company. The provision of appropriate-
ly designed refuse containers and an adequate
maintenance program are essential.
Public Safety and Emergency Services

    Local fire protection as well as local police
security and  emergency medical services
should  be  available.  Location of emergency
services along with emergency^ telephone num-
bers should be posted in a visible area on the
site and telephone  service should be provided.

Traffic

    The  traffic generated by an  access  site
relates to the size of the facility. Projected traf-
fic  volumes  resulting from the  access  site
should  not exceed acceptable levels  on the
existing  major highways or local secondary
street systems.

Handicapped Facilities

    An evaluation  of  appropriate measures to
be taken for improved accessibility should be
made  for  sites related  to  boating access.
Contact  appropriate  state authorities for the
design of handicapped facilities. Any applica-
tion of federal funds in the design and/or con-
struction of  launch  ramps  requires  handi-
capped accessibility.

    2) Electricity

    A  facility should be adequately  lit for
public use  and safety. In order to reduce the
impacts of night lighting on adjacent land uses,
a greater number  of  low-height  lighting  fix-
tures are recommended in the place of a small-
er number of taller fixtures. If higher standards
are used they  should  be  well shielded to pre-
vent light spread, especially out over the water.
Lighting should be directed toward the facility
use areas,  shielded from adjacent properties,
and vandal-proof.
                                                                                           37

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       n
                                 12
    3) Water Supply and Distribution System

    An adequate water supply and distribution
system  may  be desirable to  provide public
drinking water and fire protection and for the
maintenance and operation of the access facil-
ity. It is recommended that the water supply,
treatment, and distribution be planned at the
same time as wastewater collection, treatment,
and disposal. This will avoid conflicts caused by
an increase in discharge into the sewer system.

    It is recommended that wherever possible,
boating access facilities be connected  to an
approved external public  water system. This
feature will eliminate the development cost and
annual operational expenses of a water supply
facility  and treatment plant. If public  water
is not available at a site, an on-site well is
desirable.

    The water supply and distribution system
should be planned under the direction of a san-
itary engineer and should meet local planning
and state health department requirements.

    4)  Sewage Disposal/Pumpout
       Facilities/Restrooms

    The installation and use of sewage pump-
out facilities at marinas and large  boat  ramp
facilities is important. The location of pump-
out facilities for boats is most desirable where
gas is sold or at sites where large boats may be
docked for extended  periods of time, particu-
larly overnight. A pump-out facility should not
contribute more than  1/4 of the  total volume
into a septic tank because of the chemicals
used in boats' toilet facilities. Another option
to a septic tank may be a 1000 gallon holding
tank which could be periodically emptied with
the wastes disposed at a treatment plant.
   The provision of port-a-potty dumping sta-
tions is desired at boat ramps, and designers
should incorporate these features  into  their
development plans. Permanent restroom facili-
ties should be a priority at larger boat launch
access sites. The on-shore toilet facilities  must
meet the public health requirements of local,
state, and federal  agencies within the jurisdic-
tion they are to be built. A minimum of one toi-
let fixture and lavatory per sex for every 30
parking spaces is recommended. Restrooms
should be designed to meet all requirements
for access to and  use by the handicapped and
should be  located on-site  according  to the
appropriate state and local regulations. Waste-
water from these facilities may be (1) tied into
the local sewer system, (2) processed in an on-
site septic system, or (3) collected on site in a
holding tank and disposed off-site.

   5)  Stormwater Management

   Parking  areas  and launching ramps  may
create potential environmental problems relat-
ed to increased runoff and pollutant discharge.
Best management practices should be imple-
mented during site development and after con-
struction is completed to  avoid or mitigate
these potential impacts. The following design
measures may be incorporated into  the site
design for boating facilities to avoid or allevi-
ate site runoff.

   •   Construction of a "crown" at the
       top of the  launching ramps to divert
       parking lot runoff to suitable
       collection points.

   •   Installation of catch basins and
       filters to trap pollutants.
 38

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       II
                                13
   •   Avoidance of direct channeling of
       runoff into tidal wetlands.

   •   Use of porous gravel or a perforated
       paving block surfacing.

   •   Use of porous pavement in lieu of
       traditional asphalt.

   6) Estimated Design Cost

   Specific design  cost  estimates  will  be
determined on a general outline form relative
to a general  site design (see Appendix B -
"Cost Estimate").

   C. MANAGEMENT/
       MAINTENANCE

   Management and maintenance  refers  to
agency  actions needed to keep  a  facility in
desirable condition for public use. Legal liabil-
ities may be incurred in administering a boat
launching facility; therefore, the facility should
be maintained in a safe condition. The admin-
istering agency of a  facility is obligated to
remove dangers and warn  users of dangerous
conditions. The  legal responsibilities of the
administrator should be researched and dis-
cussed  with  counsel when  establishing  or
expanding a boat access facility. Legal obliga-
tions may increase in proportion to potential
dangers and if user fees are charged.

    1.  Maintenance Concerns

   Good maintenance practices should  be
extended to the adjacent waters and shoreline
in addition to the access  site facilities. The
maintenance  plan  may  be established  as a
matrix outlining the types of maintenance tasks
and  the  frequency with which a site would
require this maintenance. Categories of main-
tenance frequency generally include frequent
(weekly to daily), periodic (less than weekly),
and special (as needed). The following mainte-
nance duties should be considered in develop-
ing a maintenance plan:

   •   Launch ramp, maneuvering and tie
       down areas

   •   Channel maintenance (may require
       additional permits)

   •   Removal of shoreline and beach debris

   •   Restroom clean-up

   •   Trash collection schedule maintenance

   •   Shoreline erosion control

   •   Parking surface/access lane

   •   Signage maintenance

   •   Lighting maintenance

   •   Landscape maintenance/mowing

   •   Stormwater facility upkeep

   •   Seasonal upkeep - preseason
       inspections, regular inspection
       schedules, etc.

   •   Post-storm cleanup plan

   •   Removal of pumpout waste
                                                                                        39

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       II
14
    The level of maintenance anticipated  at a
site is directly correlated with the use level at
the facility  and  the location of  the site.
Maintenance at public sites is an extremely
important issue as it relates directly to the  safe
use of the facility.

    2. Management Concerns

    The main objective for the efficient man-
agement of boating access facilities is to facil-
itate boater satisfaction and safety. This in  turn
can be accomplished through the promotion of
diverse boating activity in  specialized areas,
boating safety,  and reduction of boating con-
flict with other users. Sensitive environmental
areas  adjacent  to  or  within  a  boating  access
area may be managed in such a way that recre-
ational  users and facilities do  not  adversely
affect the productivity or value of such areas. A
detailed explanation  of management options
should be considered on a site specific basis.

    Overall management  and maintenance
requirements will be reduced through  proper
site planning efforts which consider environ-
mental conditions and potential impacts to the
site. Issues which relate to management  and
the cost of maintenance and management for a
site may include the frequency of maintenance
requirements, the types of facilities located on
the site, the surrounding vegetation  and habi-
tat located in the vicinity of the site, and the
establishment and enforcement of  rules  and
regulations.
 40

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       HI, Beach/Swimming Access
   A. SITE SELECTION

   When selecting and evaluating a shoreline
area as a potential beach site, considerations
must be given to projected visitation, accessi-
bility, topography, soil composition and stabil-
ity, historical shoreline erosion rates, water
temperature,  water  quality,  wind  and wave
action, water level and tidal fluctuations, and
the currents and tides prevalent for the  area.
The  availability of land for parking, picnick-
ing, other activities, and other support facilities
should be  considered during the evaluation,
selection, and development of a beach site.

    1. User Considerations

   The planning of public beach access sites
should consider public needs along  with the
level of user activity, facility requirements, and
management duties required  for  the  site.
Section I of  this report describes the process
and resources available for assessing the need
for public  access.  For swimming  and beach
access, the  user considerations which are
important to the location of a  public access
area include the existing transportation  net-
work, the surrounding land uses, existing ser-
vices available near the potential site, and the
quality and size of the beach area.
   2. Environmental Considerations

   Beaches are natural landforms which serve
to absorb wave energy. Beaches are dynamic
and should be evaluated and treated according-
ly in planning public access. Natural forces and
elements which have a significant effect on
beaches include topography, wave action, soils
and substrate materials, vegetation,  winds, and
storm activity.

   a) Topography

   The slope of the land both above and below
the waterline is one of the determining factors
in the  selection  of  a good  beach site.
Underwater conditions and slopes  are dis-
cussed in Section IH.B.3.b. of this text. In gen-
eral, a site is difficult to develop if the gradients
exceed  15%. The  beach area should  gently
slope to the water's edge at a maximum of 5%
slope. A slope of 5% or less provides increased
land area available  for use adjacent to the
water.

   b) Soils and Substrate Materials

   Although soil  composition and stability
varies locally, the proposed beach site should
have a proper base  for the beach sand or other
acceptable top  material which allows  swim-
mers adequate footing upon entering the water.
Beaches should not be located in areas where
extensive siltation occurs or is  anticipated. To
avoid excessive siltation, a beach should not be
located at the confluence of two water bodies.

   A detailed  inspection of the underwater
portion  of the beach will be necessary prior to
the beach opening to the public. The inspection
should reveal sinkholes,  depressions,  or dan-
gerous drift material which should be corrected
                                                                                         41

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       m
prior to opening the beach and should be main-
tained during beach operation. All underwater
obstructions, such as tree stumps, should be
removed from  the  area. All swimming eireas
should be inspected for obstructions annually
prior to opening,  after flood events, as well as
on a periodic basis.

    c) Surface Water Hydrology

    Shoreline erosion is the process of detach-
ment and transportation of sediment particles
from the shore, resulting  in the retreat of the
shoreline  (see  Figure: III-l). Although  this
process can be  caused by the surface runoff of
water, the most significant erosion agent on the
shoreline is wave action.

    The growth and height of waves  is con-
trolled by four  factors: the water distance over
which the wind is blowing, known as the fetch;
the speed of the wind; the duration of the wind;
and the depth  of the water. Continued wave
action will  eventually erode the silt and clay
material leaving the sand and gravel to fora a
beach deposit. The beach itself acts as  a buffer
to wave action as the waves break along the
sloping shoreline. The size and shape of any
given beach changes continuously as the accu-
mulation of sand adjusts to the changing con-
ditions. For any  particular segment of shore-
line,  the  source  of sand is derived from an
updrift erosion site. This is an important factor
that must be considered in the planning of ero-
sion control along the shoreline.
   The degree of shoreline recession is depen-
dent upon the following factors:

   1) The intensity of wave action and the
exposure to strong tidal currents.

   2) The character of the sediments at the site
and the amount of protection offered by vege-
tative cover, specifically marsh grass, at the
shoreline.

   3) The amount of sand moving along the
shoreline  from other eroding areas  or  from
streams along the shoreline.

   4) The slope of the land adjacent to the
shoreline and the  slope  of the  nearshore
bottom.

   d) Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas

   Areas selected for development need  to be
assessed to determine  if  they  contain  rare,
threatened, or endangered species  or  other
species in need of conservation. Management
for these species should be incorporated into
the overall beach facility planning and devel-
opment. Areas that could serve as future  habi-
tat or feeding, nesting, or resting areas for rare,
threatened, or endangered or other significant
species  should be  considered a  potential
resource during the site evaluation process.

   Marsh grasses along the shoreline play an
important role in stabilizing the shoreline and
protecting it from erosion. The root system of
the marsh grass binds the substrate soils while
the grass itself slows the water flow and traps
sand. Whenever possible, natural stands of
grass should be retained. Planting marsh grass
for erosion protection has proven successful in
areas not  receiving intense wave  attack.  It
 42

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                                 Figure: III-l
                           Surface Water Hydrology
                                               Wave action from prevailing wind
\
 \   '.
                                                                        Protected
                                                                        beach area
                             Sunrise
                                                      Beach
        Understand the existing shoreline conditions
        and water conditions in swimming areas in terms
        of prevailing winds, currents, tide and surf.
            Source: Recreation Management of Water Resources. Rea & Warren, 1986.
                                                                                     43

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       in
should be noted, however, that areas selected
for recreational beaches, where significant use
is anticipated, should not have marsh grasses
present on the beach face and intertidal zone.

   e) Water Quality

   The location of beach access and use as a
swimming  area may not  affect the existing
water quality  if appropriate sanitary facilities
are incorporated in the  development of beach
and swimming access areas. An assessment of
existing water quality based on its  desirability
for swimming should be incorporated in the
analysis for the location of beach access. Water
samples should be analyzed by the local and/or
state  health department.  Beaches should  be
located where there is adequate water circula-
tion  to  maintain acceptable  water quality.
Adequate circulation frees the water of bacte-
ria and pollutants which  occur when a large
number of swimmers use the beach. Well-cir-
culated water and periodic tidal flows normally
remove surface debris, such as weeds or other
floating objects that would normally tend to be
deposited on the beach.

   If a  beach is located near a  major boat
ramp, marina, industrial site, or other potential
pollutant, it should be located such as to mini-
mize or avoid  the potential effects of fuel spills
and  other  pollutants. Beaches should not be
sited near or adjacent to areas used as roosting
or nesting  sites by waterfowl,  since land and
water contamination is likely due to droppings
deposited in these areas.

   f) Wetlands Delineation

   Tidal and non-tidal  wetlands  should be
identified and delineated on a site. The poten-
tial impact on these areas  should be limited. In
some cases this may require the construction of
bridges, raised decks, and raised walkways to
minimize the impact.

   g) Cultural Resources

   Many archaeological sites and some stand-
ing structures of historical significance may be
located along the water's edge. These cultural
resources should be evaluated for each poten-
tial beach and swimming access site. Although
the historic or archaeological significance of an
area may  not be obvious, the State Historic
Preservation Officer can provide relevant infor-
mation relating to these resources.

   h) Other Considerations

   Other  site features and related off-shore
conditions  appropriate  for  inclusion  in  the
environmental inventory may relate to:

Sand Dunes

   Sand dunes are primarily an accumulation
of sand, often supporting rooted vegetation,
formed by the interaction of wind and wave
action on the sandy material along the shore-
line. Sand moved on the beach during periods
of relatively low wave energy progresses land-
ward  by  the  action  of  onshore   winds.
Vegetation along the dune line acts as a baffle,
slowing wind speed and causing wind-borne
sand to settle and be trapped in the vegetation,
resulting in the growth of the dune. Sand dunes
ate protective buffers to the effects of flooding
and erosion caused by storms and wave action.
They also provide habitat for coastal fauna
and make  up an integral part of the  coastal
environment.
 44

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       ffl
Sediment Movement

    Sediments are eroded soils and other mate-
rials that are  transported from  the land into
rivers and the Bay. The presence of sediments
in the water gives it a cloudy appearance and
causes turbidity. Turbid water blocks sunlight
which is vital to the growth and sustenance of
submerged aquatic  vegetation (SAV). Shore-
line, areas composed of  easily erodible  sedi-
ments which are subject to high wave energy
will have the greatest susceptibility to erosion.
Also, shoreline areas subject to intense ground-
water seepage will experience greater erosion.
Characteristics affecting erosion differ through-
out the Bay; consequently,  the physical envi-
ronment of each segment of shoreline must be
evaluated independently.

Waves

    Waves are generated by wind velocity and
wind duration. Wave generation is  generally
greater  in areas that are exposed to the  open
Bay than in tidal tributaries. A shallow bottom
near shore will more effectively reduce wave
energy  than  deep  water  near shore. Con-
sequently, less wave energy is received by a
shoreline if there is a shoal or tidal flat imme-
diately  offshore. Also, a wide beach is better
than a narrow beach for wave energy dissipation.

Wind

    Predominant wind patterns and the orienta-
tion of the shoreline are important considera-
tions in developing  swimming  and beach
access. These factors can combine to create an
area that is not conducive for swimming and
beach activities and can accelerate beach ero-
sion as well.
Scenic and Visual Opportunities

   The identification of good and poor views
both on-site and off-site should be considered.
An overall visual analysis of the site may be
necessary for the ultimate preservation of visu-
al quality.

   i)  Site Limitations

   Site limitations should be based on a spe-
cific site inventory and analysis of natural fac-
tors and environmental considerations.  For the
development of a beach and swimming  area,
the site capacity is directly related to the size
and condition of the beach resource. An inven-
tory  of the physical opportunities and  con-
straints for a property should be conducted and
summarized  in a site  analysis. The analysis
may  involve the overlaying of identified fac-
tors, evaluation of the site conditions, and the
identification of areas which are conducive to
development of beach access facilities.

   Desirable Site Characteristics Include:

   •   Good transportation network and
       secondary road system to the site
       location.

   •   Location near the population need.

   •   Location near public water supply,
       sewage treatment, and other utilities.

   •   Accessibility  from  on-site to the beach
       resource.

   •   Beach areas receiving sand deposition.

   •   Natural protection  for the beach
       resource such as a  site protected by
       existing dunes or a location in a cove.
                                                                                           45

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      in
   •   Tidal and water current conditions
      which are safe for swimming.

   •   Locations which have not historically
      received severe storm activity.

   •   Good water circulation and flushing.

   Undesirable Site Characteristics Include:

   •   Steep slopes (>15%) and areas receiv-
      ing heavy drainage.

   •   Areas with highly credible soils and
      shorelines which  erode at a rate
      greater than two feet per year.

   •   Beaches which require shoreline ero-
      sion control structures as these struc-
      tures may cause downstream impacts.

   •   Wind and wave patterns which cause
      erosion and/or hazardous swimming
      conditions.

   •   Areas which historically receive
      intense  storm activity.

   •   Location near land uses or other con-
      ditions which have adverse affects on
      water quality.

   •   Location adjacent to SAV and shellfish
      beds.

   •   Beaches which have underwater haz-
      ards which cannot be corrected with-
      out grading or dredging.
   j)  Compatibility Issues

   The internal compatibility of a swimming
beach access site with other types of public
access is dependent on site characteristics and
resource values. Beaches and swimming areas
are most compatible with access areas which
have been designated as natural area access.

   External compatibility of swimming beach
access facilities with adjacent land uses is also
an important consideration.  In general, beach
access should be located in areas convenient to
population centers.  Support  facilities, such as
shopping, restaurants,  grocery stores, emer-
gency services, service stations, and utilities
should be  located along  the primary access
route to the site.

   k)  Impact on Off-Shore  Aquatic Systems

   The impact to the bottom of the shoreline
area needs to be assessed for various reasons.

   •   When shore erosion control structures
       are implemented for a beach site they
       may have adverse impacts on fish
       spawning areas or shellfish beds, etc.,
       due to the filling of wetlands or the
       placement of beach fill channelward of
       mean low water.

   •   The disturbance of bottom sediments
       and introduction of additional beach
       fill may adversely affect water quality
       which may impact productive fishery
       habitat and nearby SAV beds.

   •   Deposited beach sediments may nega-
       tively impact the sediment budget and
       coastal geomorphologic processes.
46

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       in
    B. DESIGN CRITERIA

    1.  Site Plan Layout

    Beach access  sites will be  provided at
water   resource   development  locations
approved by state or local government agen-
cies. The priorities in the design of a beach site
include the safety of the user, the effects that
the physical features of the site will have on the
beach, and future operation and  maintenance
considerations. Beaches may  be designed in
support of multiple use activities or as a single
use area. Small beaches may best be designed
in conjunction with other facilities to disperse
visitor use.  The aesthetic  compatibility  of a
facility with its surroundings, as seen  from
adjacent areas, and the water are also important
considerations during  the site layout  and
design.

    2.  Essential Elements and Desired
       Relationships

    The essential elements  for a beach access
area may include access to the site, parking,
picnicking areas, play areas, bath house, ade-
quate  beach frontage, designated swimming
area, support and maintenance facilities, and a
buffer  zone. The  schematic  plan  shown in
Figure: III-2 depicts  preferred  relationships
for these elements. Of these essential site facil-
ities, the beach and swimming area is the only
water-dependent activity.

    In  Figure: HI-2, the beach area is located
directly adjacent to the water and is buffered
from the remaining site facilities. The beach
and activity  areas are connected by pedestrian
walkways which are separated from vehicular
access and parking areas. Vehicular access is
provided to  the parking area  with a separate
service road to the maintenance facilities and
for emergency access.

   A concept plan depicting the general rela-
tionship of the selected site elements may be
helpful to establish the overall site plan layout.
A concept plan which  expresses preferred site
relationships is shown  in Figure: 111*3.

   3. Land Requirements

   The land requirements for the development
of beach  access are entirely resource depen-
dent. For example, the size and condition of the
beach being considered for development deter-
mines the number of visitors and the size and
type of support facilities which the site can
effectively  serve. In  determining  the  land
requirements for a potential beach access area,
it is not only imperative to assess the potential
capacity  of the beach and adjacent support
lands but also the anticipated use of the beach,
i.e., as a "local" beach  or a "tourist" beach.

   a) Area Requirements

   The anticipated visitation  levels and user
patterns  can be  determined  from  visitation
records, observation of existing use, and user
survey data sources at existing beaches. For
new beach sites, the visitation trends at similar
areas in other locations could be used to deter-
mine the appropriate size requirements for the
beach site and support facilities. On the aver-
age, 50 square feet of sand and 50 square feet
of swimming area per  person are ideal. Thirty
square feet per person for the swimming area is
minimal.

   •   Parking spaces

   •   Restroom facilities-
                                                                                           47

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                                    Figure: III-2
                      Beach/Swimming Access Schematic Plan
                                                                    Entrance/ parking
                                                                    Trails/ walkways from
                                                                    parking to bath house

                                                                    Retained or planted
                                                                    trees create buffer zone
                                                                    between parking lot
                                                                    and beach

                                                                    Picnic tables located
                                                                    on grass area

                                                                    Lifeguard stand
                                                                    Handicap walk to water
                                                                    Buoy Line
 •fT3>
—>->-uvr
                                                                    Legend:

                                                                    Buffer

                                                                    Picnic tables

                                                                    Trail walk

                                                                    Signage
               Source: Recreation Planning & Design Criteria. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
48

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               Figure; III-3
Concept Layout for Beach/Swimming Access
            Water
           Beach
             aa
               eaa
Access Road
Vehicular Traffic
Maintenance Road
Pedestrian Traffic
Natural Buffer
Signage
Area of Conflict
                                        a
                                                              49

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       in
       1 service sink/facility
       toilets -   1/50 men
                 1/50 women
       sinks -    1/50 men
                 1/50 women
       1 drinking fountain/1,000

       Shower stalls -

       for an outside shower,
           1 per 50 visitors, or
       for an inside shower,
           1 per every 50 visitors of each sex
   b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions

   Figure: III-4 shows the desired subsurface
conditions for swimming beaches. Slopes in
the underwater portion of beaches should ide-
ally  range  from 2% to  5%.  Beach bottoms
should exist or be designed to eliminate sudden
changes in grade or drop-offs with depths of up
to 5  feet. Steeper slopes tend to crowd swim-
mers together, making it more difficult for life-
guards to watch  individual swimmers.

   c) Vehicular  Considerations

       Proposed beach sites  should only  be
developed where vehicle access is feasible and
where the entrances can be controlled or sepa-
rated from other area uses. Access to a beach in
a multi-use area should not interfere with the
other uses, create  safety hazards, or adversely
impact the area.  Access roads to beach parking
areas should meet appropriate secondary road
standards. Width of roads should be at least 20
feet  and shoulders  or berms at least 3 feet wide.

   Guardrails or posts should be provided on
6 foot centers for embankments over six feet in
height. Proper traffic  signs should be posted.
Vehicular access is also necessary to the life-
guard building and to beach areas for emer-
gency vehicles.

Parking

   Parking areas should be located within 800
feet of the beach, with 500 feet being desirable
provided the water resource  and vegetation
adjacent to the shoreline is protected. Parking
should not impact the beach resource or vege-
tation which protects  the shoreline area. The
size of the parking area should be determined
from the projected visitor capacities and size of
site. In general, one parking space should be
provided for every three visitors. Additional
parking may be required where multiple use
activities are provided. The layout of the park-
ing area  should minimize  pedestrian conflict
with vehicular areas and circulation. The stan-
dard parking layout for compact and conven-
tional types of automobiles is  150 cars per
acre. The spacing  of parking lanes should be
10 feet by 20 feet with a 25 foot turning strip
between the two parking lanes for a total of 65
feet from end of car to end of car. Parking areas
should be appropriately  surfaced (use BMP)
and marked with bumper blocks and guardrails
or posts. An  adequate  number of  parking
spaces should be provided for the physically
handicapped. These spaces should be connect-
ed to a walkway leading to the swimming area.

   d) Pedestrian Consideration

   Walkways, ramps, and stairs which are sepa-
rate from vehicular circulation patterns should
be provided between parking areas, other sup-
port facilities, and the beach area. Slope, width,
and handrails should be considered
 50

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                           Figure: III-4
             Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions
       Underwater slopes should
       range from 2-5%.
Source:  Recreation Planning & Design Criteria. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1989.
                                                                             51

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                                 8
when designing these features. Access for the
physically handicapped should be a walkway
at least 4 feet wide with a slope not greater than
5 percent. A handrail should be provided to aid
handicapped persons gain easy access to the
swimming  area. If appropriate,  a swimming
area for the physically handicapped should be
marked off at the end of the walkway (Figure:
III-5). To protect dunes along the shoreline, it
may be necessary to provide a series  of ramp
walkways to accommodate  pedestrian access
across the dunes without disturbing the dune's
natural  features  or  the  natural protection
offered by the dune buffer.

    e) Special Development Requirements

    1) Unique Requirements

    The beach should be sited to ensure maxi-
mum solar exposure. Western exposures, how-
ever, should be avoided if possible to reduce
afternoon glare. Designated swimming areas
should  be  planned to provide protection
from boats, fuel  spillage,  and  boat wakes.
Consideration should also be given to siting the
beach at an angle to the prevailing winds to
prevent the  accumulation of debris. The beach
site should not be located in areas with strong
currents  that  may cause sand  loss, deposit
silt, create  drop-offs, or provide a hazard to
swimmers.

Beach Construction (Figure: Jll-6)

    When a natural beach is not available, as a
last resort, a beach may be constructed on an
appropriate site. A detailed inspection of the
area is required to ensure that the site contains
no sensitive flora and fauna, and avoids other
environmental  constraints.  Trees and stumps
along the beach should be removed and holes
and depressions filled with granular materials,
such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone for ade-
quate filtration. The upper limits of graded areas
should be based on an analysis of the daily, sea-
sonal,  or yearly water level fluctuations. The
lower limits should be 6 vertical feet below the
M.L.W. The  beach  and  adjacent underwater
areas should  be graded on a constant slope
ranging from 2% to 5%. Underwater slopes
should extend at least 10 horizontal feet beyond
the lowest placement of buoy lines. Any fill
required  to bring the surface to proper grade
should be constructed with granular material.
Coarse sand shall be placed in areas that do not
have adequate natural beach within  the desig-
nated site. Six inches of sand in excess of the
design thickness should be specified to control
final grades. Sand should be placed on a stone
base to a uniform thickness to reduce turbidity.
A layer  of non-woven  filter  fabric may be
placed on the base prior to sand placement. A
minimum depth of 2 feet of sand  should be
applied on all above water beach areas.

Beach  Change Shelters

    A  minimum of  one  bath change  shelter
should be provided  for each  swimming area.
These  change houses should  be between 200
and 500 feet from the water's edge and should
meet local and state regulations relating to Bay
development.  Whenever  possible,  dressing
rooms should be combined with, or located
adjacent  to sanitary facilities  and  showers.
Interiors  of bathhouses should be constructed
of an easily cleaned material and floors should
have a non-slip surface, impervious to moisture
and sloped to drain. Open air or outdoor show-
ers should be used where practical to reduce
cost. If an open air facility is the only  facility
provided, a 3 to 4 foot roof shelter may be con-
sidered for protection from rain. All bathhouses
or  shelters should  be designed for pressure
hose cleaning.
 52

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                                      Figure III-5
                     Pedestrian Access for Swimming/Beach Sites
                         Accessible Pathway From Parking to Beach
       Pathways may be located
       to one side of the beach
       but should not be segre-
       gated at the far end. •   •
Boardwalk
                                                   Slip-resistant platform
                                                       or rubber mat
                            Accessible Swimming Platform
     Height of handrails
                                    \
                                       Wheel stop

Source:  Guidelines for the Design of Barrier-Free Recreational/Boating & Fishing Facilities. SOBA, February, 1992.

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                                      Figure ffl-6
                                  Beach Construction
    Beach
    2' Coarse sand

    6" Stone base

    Filter fabric

    Water

    Buoy

    Underwater slopes
    should range from 2-5%
               Source:  Recreation Planning & Design Criteria. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
54

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Sports, Play Areas, and Pedestrian Walkways

   Active play areas for all age groups, with
consideration  for  the handicapped, may  be
desirable in conjunction with beaches.  This
provision can best be accomplished by desig-
nating the necessary space for users to partici-
pate or spectate in an area that will minimize
impacts on the environment. Where feasible,
these play areas should be located in conjunc-
tion  with  other supporting facilities such as
parking, restrooms, water, and trash recepta-
cles. Additional support items to  consider are
benches, water fountains, trails, fencing, etc.

   Play areas should be designed and located
in areas which do not require the pedestrian to
cross vehicular roads to  reach the facility. If
road crossings cannot be avoided, play areas
should be located  so that necessary crossings
occur where there is adequate stopping dis-
tance along the roadway. Pedestrian crossings
should be adequately signed and well defined.
Speed control  devices such as rumble strips or
speed bumps may be used if necessary. Deck
construction may  be implemented  to  avoid
impact to environmentally sensitive areas par-
ticularly across vegetation,  marshland, and
dunes adjacent to the beach area.

Buffer Zones

   Beaches including turf  sunbathing areas
should be separated from parking areas with an
adequate grass buffer. Trees should be left to
provide shade in the turf areas adjacent to sand
beaches. If surface runoff is anticipated to be
heavy, diversion contouring or ditches  should
be designed to divert flow toward stormwater
management  facilities. Picnicking  facilities
should not be  located in the buffer area; how-
ever, if these facilities are included within the
beach area, they should be located so as not to
interfere with beach activities. In general, plant
material should be used to  effectively screen
parking areas as well as adjacent residential
and other potentially impacted land uses from
exposed facility  areas, and to  maintain and
enhance the natural character of the landscape.

Other Shelters/Lifeguard Stands

   Lifeguard and first aid stations should be
incorporated at all public beach sites. Elevated
lifeguard stands should be located to provide a
complete view of swimmers. A lifeguard stand
or platform at least 6 feet high should be locat-
ed at 200 foot intervals  along  the beach. It
should be equipped with an umbrella and a
storage  compartment for a first aid kit and
other supplies. Lifeguard facilities and first aid
stations should be located in the same building,
if possible. First aid equipment, a telephone,
and emergency numbers should  be accessible
to the lifeguards and the public.

Buoys and Markers

   The limits of the swimming area should be
designated with buoy lines or foam filled float-
ed pipelines  where  feasible. The PVC  pipe
buoy is preferred in beach areas that will expe-
rience heavy traffic. Larger beaches  may be
divided  into one or two  sections  so  that the
appropriate number of sections may be opened
as needed  during peak use hours or days.
International  orange colored floats should be
provided every 15 feet on buoy  lines or at all
angles when PVC pipe is used. No lines should
be  anchored  to  trees, rocks,   or  walls.
Hazardous areas such as shallow water should
be marked off-limits for  swimmers by buoy
lines or floating pipelines.
                                                                                           55

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       m
                                 10
Ideally, buoy lines used to mark the limit of the
swimming area  should  be placed  in  water
depths of 5 feet  or less. However, where the
water level fluctuates, the buoy line may need
to be placed in a deeper area so that swimming
areas would not be severely limited during low
tide. In areas where the water level fluctuates
significantly, buoy lines  must be designed so
they can be adjusted as necessary. A minimum
of two warning marked buoys or floating signs
indicating the "boats keep out"  symbol (dia-
mond  shape and international orange) should
be spaced at a maximum of 200 foot intervals
to warn  vessels approaching the swimming
area. The buoys should be located between 100
and  300 feet from the swimming area buoy
lines.

Signage

    Signs should be provided only where need-
ed to regulate traffic, warn of hazardous condi-
tions,  establish restrictions, or provide  emer-
gency  contact information.

Additional Safety Measures

    Life-saving devices consisting of life jugs,
a ring buoy and line, and one 10 to 12 fooi: pole
(shepherd's hook) every 200 feet may be locat-
ed in beaches where lifeguards are not provid-
ed. In larger beach areas a  small craft  or raft
may also be located at  the lifeguard station.
Depth gauge poles should be placed  at regular
intervals along buoy lines. Bulletin boards or
signs should be located  where swimmers can
see them before entering the area. Emergency
phone numbers  and  safety messages should
also be posted in conspicuous places.
   2) Electricity

   Electricity should be provided as necessary
to support the safe use of the beach and swim-
ming facility. The location of electrical  lines
may affect the aesthetics, costs, and manage-
ment of the site. Consideration should be given
to the costs of installing, operating, and main-
taining the electrical systems. All  proposed
systems must meet state and local codes and
standards for health and safety. Normally, all
utility  lines  should be  placed underground
unless special conditions make such an instal-
lation prohibitive. Underground utilities should
be located outside the roadway to avoid any
disturbance to  traffic  during utility mainte-
nance activities. If electric and telephone lines
are located underground, they may be placed in
a common trench.

   Lines between use areas and lines from site
boundaries to use areas can be placed above
ground only if they do not interfere with safe-
ty, maintenance, or aesthetics. Overhead power
lines should be aligned behind forest cover out
of view where feasible.

   Lighting for safety and security should be
incorporated  into  the design of the facility. All
major road intersections and major facilities
such as parking areas, restrooms,  group  shel-
ters, and walkways should have adequate lights
when available.

   Telephones should be available for emer-
gency use. Public pay phones may  also be pro-
vided in public use areas. If the lines must be
located above ground and cross a road right-of-
way, this should be considered in location and
design of the road.
 56

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       ra
                                 11
    3) Water Supply and Distribution System

    Water supply and  distribution systems
should be provided at all beach sites. Water
supply systems serving  recreational areas are
similar in some respects to rural communica-
tion systems. As  a rule,  they are rather com-
pact, have branching type distribution piping,
and must respond to widely varying water use
rates which may be affected by many variables
including state/local regulations, location, visi-
tation, and seasonal requirements. Water lines
should be located underground and should be
outside  the  road right-of-way. Water supply
and distribution systems must meet all federal,
state, and local requirements for  health  and
safety. Water lines should be placed in a sepa-
rate trench from power  and telephone  lines.
Potable water  should be used in all supply
systems with municipal or public systems sup-
plying water whenever feasible. If municipal
systems are  not  available,  the  second most
desirable source of water is wells.

    4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms

    All beaches with an expected visitor use of
400 or  more per weekend  day should have
waterborne toilets. When such toilets are con-
sidered, a well or other  water supply system
must be provided to supply 10 gallons per user
day. Where waterborne toilets and showers are
present, the  water  supply requirements will
increase to 25 gallons per user  day. Sanitary
sewers  or sewage containment  or treatment
facilities should be adequately sized according
to visitation data. All designs for water supply,
sewer, and  wastewater   systems  must be in
accordance with state and local health require-
ments. User safety and environmental impacts
should be considered in siting these structures
in order to minimize the need for the user to
cross roads.

   The most desirable method for sewage dis-
posal is to tie into a public or municipal sys-
tem. Where municipal waste treatment systems
are not available, an on-site treatment and dis-
posal or a holding tank and pump-out facility
may be used. The design and specifications for
sewage disposal systems is  site  specific and
the selected system must be cost effective and
meet all  current state  and  local  standards.
Accurate visitation projections are necessary to
determine sewage flow levels. Sewage dispos-
al for beach access areas are generally associ-
ated  with the capacity of restroom and shower
facilities.

   5) Stormwater Management

   Stormwater runoff must be given special
attention  during the planning and design of a
beach site. Surface runoff must not be allowed
to drain across the beach area; therefore, the
runoff from any area including parking areas
upland of the beach must be diverted. Methods
of diversion might include grassed swales, ter-
racing, and inlets. The use of porous gravel  or
perforated  block surfacing  for  parking and
roadway areas is also encouraged. Any method
used to divert the surface runoff away from the
beach  area should  complement the beach
development and minimize impact to the site.
                                                                                          57

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                         12
Outfall of the diversion of the treated stormwa-
ter should be located downstream of the swim-
ming beach or contained in a holding pond and
allowed to percolate into the soil. The potential
runoff from agricultural activities  within the
watershed should be considered when locating
a beach site as these activities may  impact the
water quality for swimming.

   C. MANAGEMENT/
       MAINTENANCE

   1.  Maintenance Concerns

   Beach areas, buildings,  grounds, access
facilities, and utilities require pre-seasonal and
post-seasonal attention  as well as  periodic
maintenance during the bathing season. When
beaches and support facilities are  subject to
frequent or sudden fluctuations of water level
or flooding, particularly in the winter or  early
spring, the importance of regular maintenance
is magnified.

Swimming Areas

   The following is  typical of the  kind of
maintenance performed at successful swim-
ming facilities:

   •  Beach and swimming areas  should be
       checked each day before opening, with
       areas that have been designated for
       wading, diving, or for use by the phys-
       ically handicapped given particular
       attention.

   •  The swimming area should also be
       inspected at least weekly and after
       each severe storm or flood to assure
       safe  slope and placement of sand  and
       that the area is free of holes, drop-offs,
 58
or submerged debris which may
endanger bathers. Immediate steps
should be taken to remove a hazard or
to rope off or sign potentially danger-
ous areas. Swimmers should be pre-
cluded from using any area which is
not safe and should be notified of cur-
rents, waves, and storm conditions
which may be hazardous.

The swimming area facilities and
equipment, including the cable buoy
line or floating pipe line, depth indica-
tors, "No Swimming Zone" buoys,
first aid supplies, etc., should be
inspected at least weekly to ensure
they are in place and are in a safe
condition.

Seaweed and algae growth accumula-
tions, as well  as floating logs and
other debris, should be removed from
the swimming area.

To prevent ice damage, floating struc-
tures should be removed from the
water during the off-season.

Water samples shall be taken periodi-
cally and analyzed as required by the
appropriate state and/or local health
department. Beaches should be
promptly closed when they are deter-
mined to be unsuitable for safe use.

A light coating of sand should be
placed on concreted swimming areas
(if they are provided) to improve  foot-
ing and break up the algae.

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       ffl
                          13
Buildings

   •   Use non-slip coatings to treat floors of
       bathhouses, concession areas, life-
       guard stands, and offices.

   •   Clean public use areas in buildings at
       least daily during the recreation sea-
       son. Bathhouse floors and sanitary
       facilities should be cleaned near clos-
       ing time each day.

   •   Keep comfort stations equipped with
       disposable supplies.

   •   Periodically spray or otherwise treat
       buildings, inside and out, using
       Integrated Pest Management (IMP) to
       control insects. Agents should not be
       used in such a manner as to be harmful
       to humans, pets,  or the environment.

   •   Inspect buildings periodically and life-
       guard stands daily for structural
       defects and have them repaired
       promptly.

   •   Food processing, drinking water sys-
       tems, and sewage systems shall be
       monitored and maintained to meet the
       appropriate state and local health
       requirements.

Grounds and Facilities

   •   Clean up litter as required, but usually
       not less than daily during the peak
       recreation season.

   •   Place trash containers at comfort sta-
       tions and at convenient locations
       throughout the beach area.
Provide and keep in place tight-fitting
lids on all trash containers.

Keep grass cut to a height of 2 to 2 1/2
inches in turf areas and use only
approved chemicals for weed control.
Any use of chemicals to control weeds
should be under the supervision of a
trained and licensed person, and part
of an approved IMP program.

Maintain and replenish sand beach
surface each year or as needed to
replace that which is washed away or
displaced.

Roads and parking lots shall be kept
clean and in good repair, parking
spaces defined, traffic regulatory signs
in place, and traffic appropriately
restricted from the beach area.
Provisions should be made for emer-
gency vehicles to be driven to the
beach area, if needed.

Ensure that the public is not endan-
gered by the operation of mechanical
beach cleaners, lawn mowers, or other
equipment used on the site.

Inspect warning and information signs
regularly, keeping them maintained, in
place, in good repair, and legible.

Ditching or contouring shall be
arranged to divert surface run-off away
from the beach.

All utilities should be inspected before
each season and regularly during the
season with repairs made promptly by
qualified personnel.
                                                                                           59

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       in
14
    2. Management Concerns

    Managers should develop year-round oper-
ating procedures to ensure safe and healthful
beach conditions and to support facilities, such
as  comfort  stations, bathhouses, concession
buildings, parking areas, walkways, and access
roads.  Trained staff,  including  maintenance
personnel and lifeguards (if provided), are
required to ensure that  adequate supervision,
inspection, control, and enforcement are pro-
vided  to ensure the safety  of  the  public.
Competent beach supervisors  are essential to
proper beach  management.  Periodic training
for supervisors in beach management is strong-
ly encouraged.

    Perhaps the most critical factor in design-
ing for minimal grounds maintenance is the
selection of appropriate plant materials. Native
trees and shrubs should be chosen and allowed
to develop into their natural form without prun-
ing or shearing. Areas naturally vegetated on-
site should be retained  as buffer areas which
will require minimal upkeep.
 60

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       IV, Pier and Bank Fishing Access
   A. SITE SELECTION

   The selection and evaluation of a site for
fishing activities should consider environmen-
tal factors including the existing fish habitat,
the amount of shore frontage, projected visita-
tion,  accessibility,  slope  gradient,  historical
shoreline erosion rates, wind and wave action,
water level and tidal fluctuations, and the cur-
rents  and tides. The availability of land for
parking, picnicking, play areas, and other sup-
port facilities which are not  water-dependent
should also be  considered during the evalua-
tion, selection,  and development of a fishing
access site. In selecting an access site for pier
and bank fishing, one of  the most  important
criteria is the availability of fish for catch in the
immediate vicinity of the site.

    1. User Considerations

   The planning of public fishing access sites
should consider public needs along with the
level of user activity, facility requirements, and
management duties  required to fulfill  those
needs. Section  I of this report describes the
process and resources available for assessing
the general need for public access.
   The user considerations in locating a fish-
ing access site include an evaluation of the site
to gain information on the extent, nature, loca-
tion and quality of the existing water body and
fish resources. Fish species, population, sizes,
and characteristics should be determined prior
to site development. An assessment is needed
to determine if there are enough fish in the area
and if the fish population may be sustained by
natural reproduction, or will require stocking.

   2. Environmental Considerations

   Potential  environmental   impacts  due to
fishing activity and related  facility develop-
ment must be considered prior to the develop-
ment  of access sites. The  evaluation of envi-
ronmental factors should begin with a thorough
inventory of the  potential access site. Data
which relates to the topography, soils, surface
water hydrology,  vegetation,  wildlife habitat
areas, and existing wetlands should be collected.
This information  should then be reviewed to
verify the suitability of a site for development.

   a) Topography

   Shoreline areas  with flat to rolling slopes
of less than 15%  and suitable soils based on
standard classifications  related to proposed
uses are generally preferable for fishing access
development.

   b1 Soils and Substrate Materials

   Physical considerations at the  site include
the assessment of soil geology and substrate
materials. The nature, extent, and cost of the
substructures necessary for site facilities must
be determined  based  on the  soil types. Test
piles  and direct soil evaluation tests  are two
commonly  used methods for  determining the
resistive quality of subsoils.  Soil conditions
                                                                                          61

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       IV
should provide suitable foundation support and
wastewater treatment  capacity,  if  existing
sewage facilities are not  already  available to
the site.

    Shoreline erosion should be a major con-
sideration in siting locations for bank and pier
fishing. Access  sites along  shoreline areas
should be avoided where existing erosion rates
exceed 2 feet/year. In general, banks that are
composed of easily credible sediments and are
subjected to high wave energy will have the
greatest susceptibility to  erosion.  Facility
structures located within  or near these highly
erodible shorelines may be impacted by wave
action and require continuous maintenance or
the implementation of erosion protection.

    c) Surface Water Hydrology

    Provided an adequate surface drainage plan
is adopted, normal precipitation  presents no
serious  problem in fishing access site design.
Waters  from  a  maximum probable  rainfall
should drain from the site without eroding the
adjacent land or causing  additional runoff in
the Bay and its tributaries.  Inflows from sur-
rounding  lands  may need  to be diverted or
retained on-site  for infiltration as a part of the
drainage plan.

    dl Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas

    The potential for adverse impact is directly
related to the proximity of the access point to
existing vegetation,  waterfowl,  and  wildlife
habitat areas. State agencies dealing with
wildlife and rare, threatened, and endangered
species, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service  and  the National Marine Fisheries
Service, can help to identify significant areas
of habitat.
   Adjacent to the water body,  a 100  foot
buffer area of vegetation is recommended. This
buffer is effective in retarding runoff, prevent-
ing erosion, filtering nonpoint pollution from
runoff, and reducing sediments which enter the
water. The buffer area can also help to maintain
established habitat on the site.

   e) Water Quality

   The location of a public fishing pier may
not affect the existing water quality if appro-
priate sanitary facilities and fish cleaning areas
are incorporated in the development of pier and
bank fishing access areas. However, the exist-
ing water quality should be assessed based on
its desirability for fishing prior to the develop-
ment of the fishing access site.

   f) Wetland Delineation

   To avoid potential  impacts, the identifica-
tion and delineation of tidal and non-tidal wet-
lands should be determined by an on-site visit.
The National Wetland Inventory  maps pro-
duced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Service
may also  be useful in the general  location of
existing wetlands.  The Combined Federal
Wetlands Delineation  Methodology  should
then be followed for the site-specific designa-
tion of wetland areas. This approach is a sys-
tematic  approach  which   considers soils,
hydrology, and vegetative characteristics of a
site.
 62

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       IV
    g) Cultural Resources

    For each potential access  site,  cultural
resources should be  evaluated  for historical
significance. A  site may be listed, nominated,
or eligible for listing on the National Register
of Historic Places. The historic or archaeologi-
cal significance of a site may not be obvious;
therefore,  the  State  Historic  Preservation
Officer should be  contacted prior to  site
development.

    fr) Other Considerations

    Other site features and related off-shore
conditions appropriate for inclusion  in the
environmental inventory may relate to:

Wading

    Wading into the water creates a disturbance
for other fishermen and  disrupts banks  and
underwater surfaces, thus causing damage to
aquatic life. Wading in areas with shellfish may
also be hazardous to fishermen if they do not
wear hard soled shoes.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

    S AV areas near the shoreline of a proposed
bank fishing access development site should be
delineated and  avoided. These areas provide
shelter and food to marine life and should not
be disturbed.

Scenic and Visual Opportunities

    The identification of good and poor views
both on-site and off-site should be considered.
An overall visual analysis of the site may be
necessary for the ultimate preservation of visu-
al quality.
Piers

   Piers should be provided in high use areas
and in areas where the shoreline is inappropri-
ate for bank fishing due to shallow waters close
to the shoreline or to banks with concentrated
aquatic vegetation along the shoreline.

Storms

   The history of storms, their frequency, and
intensity may  be significant information in
considering a site for development, particular-
ly along unprotected waterways. The National
Weather Bureau may be contacted to determine
the vulnerability an area has with  regard to
storms.  The  state agency  administering the
National Flood Insurance  Program can also
provide valuable information.

Wind

   Predominant wind patterns and the orienta-
tion  of the shoreline are  extremely important,
as these factors can combine to create an area
that  is not conducive for fishing and can also
cause accelerated erosion to the shoreline.

   i) Site Limitations

   In order to  determine the fishing capacity
of a given area of the Bay, characteristics of the
water body and the spatial requirements of the
activity  should  be  considered.  Bank  fishing
capacity is affected  by the size of the water
body, depth closure, and shoreline configura-
tion. Shoreline configuration  determines the
extent of usable space along the shoreline.
                                                                                           63

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       IV
   A site analysis which outlines the physical
opportunities and constraints for a  property
should be conducted. This analysis may s imply
involve overlaying the identified environmen-
tal factors and evaluating the overall conditions
of the site, noting areas which are not suitable
for development.

   Desirable Site Characteristics Include:

   •   Good transportation network and
       secondary road system to the site
       location.

   •   Location near the population need.

   •   Location near public water supply,
       sewage treatment,  and other utilities.

   •   Ease of accessibility from on-site to
       the fishing resource.

   •   Natural protection for the fishing
       resource such as a site protected by
       existing vegetation or a location in a
       cove.

   •   Tidal and water current conditions
       which are acceptable for fishing.

   •   Location which has not historically
       received severe storm activity.

    •   Good water circulation and flushing.

    •   Location free of severe shoreline ero-
       sion or steep slopes.

    •   Natural buffer zone along shoreline for
       facilities which are not water-dependent.
   Undesirable Site Characteristics Include;

   •  Location where the water is too shal-
      low or the land area is unsuitable for
      intended use.

   •  Low tidal range or flow and low flush-
      ing rates, such as dead-end channels or
      the upper reaches of tidal creeks.

   •  Steep slopes (>15%) and areas receiv-
      ing heavy drainage.

   •  Highly credible soils and shorelines
      which erode at a rate greater than 2
      feet/ year.

   •  Wind and wave patterns which cause
      erosion and/or unacceptable fishing
      conditions.

   •  Location near land uses or other con-
      ditions which may contribute to poor
      water quality.

   •  Location which has  underwater haz-
      ards that cannot be corrected without
      grading  or dredging.

   •  Locations near areas of heavy boating
      traffic.
   j)  Compatibility Issues

   The internal  compatibility  of a  fishing
access site with other types of public access is
dependent on site characteristics and resource
values. Aquatic  growth  necessary for  fish
 64

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cover and  sustaining the aquatic  food chain
conflict with boating and swimming; therefore,
pier and bank fishing are often most compati-
ble with natural areas.

    External  compatibility of  fishing access
facilities with adjacent land uses is an impor-
tant consideration. In general, fishing access
should be located in  areas convenient to popu-
lation centers. Support facilities, such as shop-
ping,  restaurants,  grocery stores,  emergency
services, bait and tackle shops, service stations,
and utilities, should  be  located along the pri-
mary access route to the site.

    k)  Impact on Off-Shore Aquatic Systems

    Impact to the  bottom of the water  body
adjacent to  the shoreline area  should  be
assessed for the following reasons:

    •   When shore erosion control structures
       are  implemented for a site they may
       have adverse  impact on fish spawning
       areas or shellfish beds, etc., due to the
       filling of wetlands or the bottom of the
       shoreline.

    •   The disturbance of the bottom sedi-
       ments may adversely affect water
       quality which impacts productive  fish-
       ery habitat and S AV beds if they are
       located nearby.
    B. DESIGN CRITERIA

    1.  Site Plan Layout

    The priorities in the design and site layout
for a fishing site  include the enjoyment and
safety of the user,  the effects that the physical
features of the site will have on the environ-
ment, and  future operation and  maintenance
considerations. Provisions  for  preserving a
high quality aquatic habitat on the site should
include avoiding  construction on or near  the
habitat  areas, maintaining  vegetative  buffer
strips along the waters, and revegetating dis-
turbed areas.

   2.  Essential Elements and Desired
       Relationships

   The essential elements  which  will  most
likely be included for all fishing access sites
include access to  the site, adequate  shore
frontage, direct access to the water, adequate
parking, picnicking  areas,  and  support  and
maintenance facilities. These  elements  and
their preferred relationships are  depicted in a
schematic plan, Figure: IV-1.

   A concept plan depicting the  general rela-
tionship of the selected site elements may be
helpful to establish the overall site plan layout.
A concept plan which expresses preferred site
relationships is shown in Figure:  IV-2.

   Recommendations which may enhance  the
relationships between  the  essential elements
shown on the concept plan may include:

   •   Location of parking and support facili-
       ties which are not water-dependent
       outside the recommended  shoreline
       buffer areas.

   •   For large and highly visible facilities,
       parking areas can be enhanced by
       shrub and  tree  islands with little loss
                      of storage capacity.
                                                                                           65

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                                     Figure; IV-1
                    Pier and Bank Fishing Access Schematic Plan
   Bulkhead or barrier placed
   well upland of marsh.
                                                           Retained or planted trees
                                                           increase compatibility of
                                                           parking and dry storage areas
                                                           with adjacent residences.
                                                           Porous parking and storage
                                                           surfaces and pollutant traps
                                                           permit filtered runoff to enter
                                                           the water table.
                                                           Fish cleaning area
                                                           Buffer
                                                                 Legend:

                                                                 Buffer

                                                                 Signage
66

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                   Figure. IV-2
Concept Layout for Pier and Bank Fishing Access
        Water
 Buffer
 (Vegetation)
Fish cleaning
shelter
                      Pier
                                                    Shoreline
Buffer
(Vegetation)
                Legend:
                Access Road
                Vehicular Traffic
                Pedestrian Path
                Signage
                Vegetation Buffer
                                                                     67

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       IV
   •   Where steeper slopes exist, locate
       parking areas above the crests to avoid
       extensive regrading and maintain or
       reestablish the natural vegetation on
       the hillside. Also, stabilize the toe of
       the slope to prevent erosion.

   •   Where steep slopes to a water body
       exist, use of pier access is recom-
       mended.

   •   The scale, species, and spacing of
       plants should be compatible with those
       of the surrounding, undisturbed shore-
       line areas.

   •   Site grading should be implemented to
       create rounded earth forms compatible
       with those of the natural shoreline

   •   Development of fish access areas
       should protect and enhance views and
       visual access to water and shorelines.

   •   Pollution along a water body should
       be examined.

   •   The availability of utilities  to the site
       should be considered on larger access
       sites where facilities are essential for
       site development.

   3.  Land Requirements

   The land requirements for the development
of fishing access are entirely resource depen-
dent. For example, the size and physical char-
acteristics  of the site  being considered  for
development determines the number of visitors
and  the size  and  type of support facilities
which the site can effectively serve. In deter-
mining the land requirements for a potential
fishing access area, it is imperative to assess
the carrying capacity  of the site and the adja-
cent lands to preserve the integrity of the fish-
ing resource.

    The land requirements determined for pro-
posed facilities may be applied to a site based
on  the environmental  considerations and site
limitations considered during the site inventory
and needs assessment.

    a) Area Requirements

    The anticipated visitation  levels and user
patterns  can be  determined  from  visitation
records, observation of existing use, and user
survey data sources at existing fishing  sites.
For new fishing sites, the visitation trends at
similar areas in other locations  could be used to
determine the  appropriate size requirements
for the site and support facilities.

    Generally, the minimum  river width  for
fishing is about 30 feet with a safe casting area
of 15 feet of clear space behind the angler. The
number of anglers able to use a stretch of water
at one time varies according to water quality
and type of fishing. An acceptable spacing for
recreational anglers along a bank is approxi-
mately 20 yards apart.

    The site from which casting takes place
must be on firm,  level ground covered with
short grass or sand. The casting area must be
clear of trees but some bushes and trees suit-
ably located near the water may provide ade-
quate cover. A surrounding woodland environ-
ment for fishing will tend to reduce the outside
noise and increase the seclusion of the area,
which is preferred by most anglers.
 68

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       IV
   b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions

   An assessment of the water depth and sub-
surface conditions at a proposed fishing access
site is necessary.to determine fishing activity.
Water depth should be a minimum of 2 feet at
low tide. Different fish species prefer and are
attracted to specific habitats; therefore, various
characteristics for consideration include water
current, water clarity,  water depth, numbers
and types of aquatic plants, and the nature of
subsurface material. A combination of these
characteristics affords  fish protection,  food,
and  security and provides habitat diversity
needed  for  desirable  fishing  conditions.
Backwaters,  marshes,  and sandbars should
receive    special   management   protection
because of their importance as fish spawning
and nursery grounds.

   c) Vehicular Considerations

   Vehicular entrances for proposed fishing
sites should be separated from and should not
adversely  impact other uses.  External access
roads to parking areas should meet appropriate
secondary road standards with the road  width
of at least 20 feet and shoulders or berms at
least 3 feet wide. Guardrails or posts should be
provided on 6 foot centers along embankments
over six feet in height. Proper  traffic signs
should be posted both inside  and outside the
site with access available for emergency vehicles.

Parking

   Parking areas should be located within 800
feet of the shoreline, with 500 feet being desir-
able provided the water resource or vegetation
adjacent to the shoreline is protected. Once the
visitor capacity of the site is determined, park-
ing should be provided at the rate of one park-
ing space for every three visitors. The layout of
the parking area should minimize pedestrian
conflict with vehicular circulation. The spacing
of parking lanes should be 10 by 20 feet with a
25 foot turning strip between the two parking
lanes.  Based  on these dimensions  approxi-
mately 150 cars  may be parked per acre of
land.  Parking areas should  be appropriately
surfaced  (using  BMP's) and  have  parking
stripes, bumper blocks, and guardrails or posts.
An adequate number of parking spaces should
be provided for the physically handicapped.
These spaces should be connected to a handi-
capped accessible walkway leading to the fish-
ing area.

   $) Pedestrian Consideration

   Separate pedestrian access should provide
safe access to the fishing facilities. Walkways,
ramps, and stairs which are  separate from
vehicular circulation patterns should be provid-
ed from the parking areas and other support
facilities  to the  fishing  area.  Handicapped
accessibility considerations  including  appro-
priate  slope, walkway  width,  and handrails
should be  incorporated into the pedestrian
design. The walkways should be designed with
well defined edges and should be a minimum
of 4 feet in width.  Access for  the physically
handicapped should be a walkway constructed
of a  durable material at least 4 feet wide and
have a slope not greater than 5 percent.

   In cases of dune protection along the shore-
line, it may be necessary to provide a series of
raised walkways to  accommodate  access
across the  site without disturbing the natural
dune. Raised walkways should be a minimum
of 4 feet wide and constructed of treated wood
and should  be designed to provide handicapped
accessibility. When the on-site grade change is
                                                                                          69

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       IV
                                8
greater  than  5%, handicap ramps  should  be
provided to enhance accessibility to the site
facilities.  Crosswalks  should  be constructed
with curb ramps on each side whenever they
cross vehicular traffic patterns. Trails may  be
recommended  in  areas receiving less use.
Trails may have varying widths and be con-
structed of several materials,  providing they
are constructed out of a suitable surface and are
handicapped accessible.

   e) Special Development Requirements

    1) Unique Requirements

   Each access site requires a different combi-
nation of development features which relate to
the uses planned and the anticipated level of
use for the site. The following elements should
be considered during site development:

Fishing Pier Construction

   Wood for piers should  be treated to retard
decay. Pressure-treated (CCA) wood is pre-
ferred because it can be ordered with various
amounts of treatment and is durable over time.
CCA wood that is in continuous contact with
salt  water should be treated to a level  of 2.5
pounds of retention „ per  cubic  foot.  Wood
which will occasionally be in salt water should
have 1.5 pounds per cubic foot retention, and
wood that is rarely in contact with salt.water
should  have  0.6 pounds per  cubic foot. All
hardware  used in the pier construction should
be hot-dipped  galvanized  and, if in  frequent
contact with  salt  water,  should  be  stainless
steel to protect against rust.

    The design and construction of the fishing
pier should be such that it will accommodate
safe pedestrian use and be able to withstand
typical storms for the area. One major consid-
eration for pier construction is how the pilings
will be installed. They can be driven with some
type of pile driver, or pumped into place using
high pressure jets of water from water pumps if
the bottom is free of large rocks. This proce-
dure is usually called "jetting" the pilings into
place. The piling is held upright and a high
pressure stream of water is used to loosen the
soil  around  and under the piling. The piling
continues  to settle as the area is probed with
the end of the nozzle. Once the piling has set-
tled as far as it will go, or the proper depth has
been obtained, rocks may need  to be tamped
around the piling to stabilize it.

    Decking should overlap the stringers by no
more than 2 inches to help keep the decking
from flipping up in  the event it comes loose
and someone steps on the end. Overlapping the
decking 2 inches also prevents most splitting of
the decking when it is nailed in place. Spacing
between planks on deck should be less than 1/2
inch apart.

    Fishing piers should be designed to provide
shade, space for gear, and benches. Fishing
piers should be handicapped-accessible  by
firm surfaced trails that are flush with the sur-
face of the pier. Piers should also provide a bait
shelf, 8 to 12 inches wide, and an arm/pole rest
inclined about 30°. They should provide a 4
inch kickplate along the edge of the pier for
safety, (see Figure IV-3)
 70

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                  Bait shelf
                                       Figure. IV-3
                                       Fishing Piers
                                                                               Graspable
                                                                               rail
                                                                            Shoreline
                                                          Firm path with
                                                          shaded seating area
              Armres

       Bait shelf
        Kick plate
Source: Guidelines for the Design of Barrier-Free Recreational Boating & Fishing Facilities. SOBA, February 1992.
                                                                                              71

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       IV
Signage

   Adequate  signage should be  posted to
inform the public of the layout and regulations
for the access site.

Solid Waste

   Trash and garbage collection should be fur-
nished by the  locality or a  privately-owned
refuse company. The provision of appropriate-
ly designed refuse containers and an adequate
maintenance program are essential. Fish clean-
ing facilities should also be incorporated into
these access areas.

Public Safety and Emergency Services

   Local fire protection as well as local police
security  and  emergency medical services
should be available.  Location of emergency
services along with emergency telephone num-
bers should be posted in a visible area on the
site and telephone service provided.

Play Areas

   It is  desirable, where possible, that  other
activities such  as picnicking or play areas be
provided near fishing areas. This provision can
best be accomplished by  designating the nec-
essary space for users to participate or spec-
tate in an area that will minimize impacts on
the environment. These play  areas should be
located outside the designated buffer  area in
conjunction with  other  supporting facilities
such  as parking,  restrooms,  and  water.
Additional  support  items to  consider are
benches,  trash  receptacles,  water fountains,
trails, fencing, etc.
   Play areas should be designed and located
in areas which do not require the pedestrian to
cross vehicular roads to reach the  facility. If
road crossings cannot be avoided,  play areas
should be located so that necessary crossings
occur where there  is adequate stopping  dis-
tance and appropriate signage along the road-
way.  Speed control devices such  as rumble
strips or speed bumps may be used if neces-
sary. Deck construction may be implemented
to avoid impact to environmentally sensitive
areas particularly across marshland, and dunes
adjacent to the shoreline.

   2) Electricity

   Electricity should be provided as necessary
to support the bank and pier fishing facility.
The  location of electrical lines may affect the
aesthetics, costs, and management of the  site.
Consideration should be given to the costs of
installing, operating, and maintaining the elec-
trical systems. Proposed systems must meet all
state and local codes and standards for health
and safety. Normally, all utility lines should be
placed underground unless special  conditions
make   such  an   installation  prohibitive.
Underground utilities should be  located  out-
side the roadway to avoid any disturbance to
traffic during utility maintenance activities. If
electric and telephone lines are located under-
ground,  they  may  be placed in a common
trench.

   Lines between use areas and lines from site
boundaries to use areas can be placed above
ground only if they do not interfere with safe-
ty, maintenance, or aesthetics. Overhead power
lines should be aligned behind forest cover and
 72

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       IV
                                 10
    Lighting for safety and security should be
incorporated into the design of the facility. All
major  road intersections and major facilities
such as parking areas, restrooms, group shel-
ters, and walkways, should  have  adequate
lights.

    Telephones should be available for emer-
gency  use and public pay phones  should be
provided in public use areas.

    3) Water Supply and Distribution System

    An adequate water supply and distribution
system is desirable for providing public drink-
ing water, fire protection, and for the mainte-
nance and operation of the access facility. It is
recommended that the water supply, treatment,
and distribution be planned to correspond with
wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal.

    Wherever possible, fishing access facilities
with high use levels should be connected to an
approved external public water system.  This
feature will eliminate the development cost and
annual operational expenses of the water sup-
ply and treatment facilities. If public water is
not available, an on-site well is  suggested.

    The water supply and distribution system
should be planned under the direction of a san-
itary engineer and should meet local planning
and health department requirements.

    4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms

    The most desirable method for sewage dis-
posal is to tie into a public or  municipal sys-
tem. Where municipal waste treatment systems
are not available, an on-site treatment and dis-
posal or a holding tank and pump-out facility
should be used. Land treatment should be eval-
uated as an  alternative to  any positive  dis-
charge treatment system. The design and spec-
ifications for sewage disposal systems is site-
specific.  The  selected system must  be cost
effective and meet all required state and local
standards. Accurate visitation projections are
required  to  determine sewage volumes. The
location  and  selection of  sewage  disposal
should be in accordance with state and local
regulations. Do not overlook the proper dispos-
al of waste at any fish cleaning stations.

   5) Stormwater Management

   Parking areas may create potential environ-
mental problems  related to  increased runoff
and  polluted  discharge.  Best  Management
Practices (BMP) should be implemented dur-
ing site development and after construction is
completed to reduce these potential impacts.
The following design measures may be incor-
porated into the site design  for pier and bank
fishing facilities  to avoid  or alleviate  site
runoff.

   •   Installation of catch basins and filters
       to trap pollutants.

   •   Avoidance of direct channeling
       of runoff water into adjacent water
       bodies. Current BMP's must be used
       to manage storm water.

   •   Use of porous gravel or a perforated
       paving block surfacing in place of
       impervious surfaces on most parking
       areas and walkways.
                                                                                          73

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       IV
                                11
   C. MANAGEMENT/
       MAINTENANCE
   Management  and maintenance refers to
agency  actions needed  to  keep a facility in
desirable condition for public use. Legal liabil-
ities may be incurred in administering a fishing
facility; therefore, the facility should be main-
tained in a safe condition.  The administering
agency of a facility is obligated to remove dan-
gers and warn users of dangerous  conditions.
The legal responsibilities of the administrator
should be researched and discussed with coun-
sel when establishing or expanding a fishing
facility.  Legal obligations may increase in pro-
portion to the potential dangers and if user fees
are charged.

    1. Maintenance Concerns

   Good maintenance  practices  should  be
extended to the access waters and shoreline in
addition to the access site facilities. The main-
tenance plan may be established as  a matrix
outlining the types of maintenance tasks and
the frequency which a site would require this
maintenance. Categories of maintenance fre-
quency  generally include frequent (weekly to
daily), periodic (less than weekly), and special
(as needed). The following maintenance duties
should be considered in developing a mainte-
nance plan:

    • Fishing pier maintenance

    • Removal of shoreline and beach debris

    • Restroom clean-up

    • Fish cleaning shelter clean-up

    • Maintain trash collection schedule
   •   Shoreline erosion control

   •   Parking/pavement access maintenance

   •   Signage maintenance

   •   Lighting maintenance

   •   Landscape maintenance/mowing

   •   Storm water facility upkeep

   •   Seasonal upkeep - preseason inspec-
       tions, regular inspection schedules,
       etc.

   •   Post-storm cleanup plan

   The level of maintenance anticipated at a
site is directly correlated with the use level at
the facility and  the  location  of the site.
Maintenance  at public sites is  an extremely
important issue as it relates directly to the safe
use of the facility. A public agency responsible
for the operation and maintenance of a pier and
bank fishing facility is responsible for any lia-
bility  associated with safe maintenance prac-
tices at the site.

   2.  Management Concerns

   The management of fishing access should
provide a safe, comfortable environment  for
the angler. The management concerns for fish-
ing access are dependent on the level  of devel-
opment and anticipated number  of users at a
particular site. Less active use areas will gener-
ally involve fewer management requirements,
while  larger, more active sites  will require
greater amounts of upkeep and a more detailed
management plan.
 74

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       V,  Natural Area Access
    A. SITE SELECTION
   A natural area is generally land which has
ecological or educational value. A designated
nature area is managed to  ensure continued
preservation of the natural  resources it sup-
ports. In many states, Natural Area Preserves
have been established to protect special natural
areas through formal recognition and articles
of dedication which provide stringent legal
safeguards for preservation. The preserve sys-
tem is usually managed by  a federal or state
agency.  Officials must carefully choose areas
which are important for long-term protection.
Many  states use  the  state  natural heritage
inventories to identify the areas possessing the
most  significant natural values. Natural area
preserves are protected for  their scientific,
ecological, research, interpretive,  and scenic
values.

   Encouraging proper public use of open
spaces protected for their natural resource val-
ues is  an essential part  of long-term steward-
ship. The fragility  of various areas within a
preserve should be determined so that proce-
dures can be established to ensure that the most
important and vulnerable areas receive special
protection. In selecting a site for public access
on a natural area, the design and construction
of the access site should cause minimal distur-
bance of the natural environment. The access
developments  should ensure  the safety  and
enjoyment  or  education of the users, protect
adjacent resources, consider the aesthetic qual-
ities of an  area, and adequately function as a
tidal public access site. Public access and visi-
tation can occur with minimum damage to the
resource if access points and trails are designed
to control visitor activity.

    1. User Considerations

    Providing  the public with quality passive
recreational and educational opportunities
while protecting  and preserving  the natural
resource is  a major management concern and a
difficult balance to achieve.  Mode  of travel,
site access, trail environment or setting, loca-
tion of sensitive features, physical  demands on
the user, imposed controls, expectations of the
user, and volume of use are factors which must
be considered  as planning objectives and man-
agement criteria.  Section I  of  this  report
describes the process and resources  available
for assessing   the  need for  public access.
Natural areas  and  preserves  are not  public
parks or areas managed for their harvestable
resources such as state forests, wildlife areas,
or  state  parks; therefore, activities  such  as
camping, picnicking, and swimming, may not
be  permitted.  Natural  area access is recom-
mended for passive recreational uses such as
nature study, birdwatching, hiking, and nature
photography. Encouraging the proper  public
use of natural areas is an essential part of long-
term stewardship.
                                                                                          75

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       V
    2. Environmental Considerations

    Anticipation  of potential  environmental
impacts should be considered during the plan-
ning phases and  development of  the  public
access.  This will minimize  or eliminate the
adverse environmental effects on the site. The
evaluation of  environmental factors  should
begin with a thorough inventory of all sensitive
resource areas  and potential access points to
the site. The design of the access into the nat-
ural area should reflect consideration  of the
topography, vegetation,  soil types, weather,
wetlands,  drainage patterns   and  cultural
resources along and adjacent to the access site.
All of these factors should be  evaluated to
determine site development suitability, how the
access should be located, and how the site will
function.

    a) Topography

    Terrain  and elevation changes  should not
be extreme  at the point of access for a natural
area.  Trail  grades  and  other  access roads
should run parallel to the contours as much as
possible. As a general rule, a slope should not
be steeper than 10 percent (10 foot rise in 100
linear feet). Slopes of less than 7 percent are
preferable.

    b} Soils and Substrate Materials

    Pedestrian access trails into  natural areas
should be located on stable soils. Access to or
through wetlands is usually discouraged; how-
ever, the location of access facilities in these
areas may  be desirable in certain circum-
stances.  To best  protect sensitive wetlands,
access point trails should be raised 3 feet above
mean high water on decked platforms.
   c)  Surface Water and Groundwater
       Hydrology

   The surface water drainage and circulation
of a site should not change upon development
of public access, particularly in wetland areas.
Whenever possible, access should be located
on an upland site with an adequate vegetated
wetland buffer. Strict erosion and sedimenta-
tion preventive measures should be taken. If
work is being done in wetlands, the structures
should be elevated  on pilings and bottomless
arched culverts should be installed to maintain
natural drainage.

   d)  Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas

   Access development for  a natural area
should avoid potential impacts to plants, ani-
mals, and natural communities. The purpose of
the access should be to provide the public with
an appreciation of the environment; therefore,
trails should contain vistas, observation points,
or overlooks for  observing  wildlife at a dis-
tance and vegetation in its native context. State
Natural Heritage Programs focus on identify-
ing significant habitats for rare species, natural
communities such as freshwater tidal marshes,
and other natural features  such as migratory
bird concentrations.  The  Natural  Heritage
inventories provide information to public agen-
cies for making informed decisions and devel-
opment plans. Site selection for public access
to natural areas  should  consider only  those
sites that, if developed,  will  not affect rare,
endangered, or unique biological communities.
The protection of high quality habitats or bio-
logical communities may be incorporated into
natural  areas or buffer zones adjacent to  the
access site. Construction  practices which avoid
direct and indirect impacts to sensitive
 76

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habitats  should be implemented. The limits
of construction should  incorporate sensitive
areas and should be  clearly marked prior to
construction.  .

   e) Water Quality

   Existing and projected water quality condi-
tions within the vicinity  of the access site
should be assessed to determine  the potential
for adverse changes being caused by  access-
related factors. Strict erosion and sedimenta-
tion  measures should be implemented as part
of the Best Management Practices to avoid
degradation of water quality during develop-
ment of the access site.

   f) Wetland Delineation

   The  delineation of  wetlands boundaries
should be  determined by an on-site visit. In
most cases, the local delineation map  or map
series will be used in order to identify the gen-
eral  location  of  wetlands.  The  National
Wetland Inventory maps produced by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service may also be useful in
the general location of existing wetlands. The
Combined  Federal   Wetland  Delineation
Methodology should be  followed for the site-
specific  designation  of wetland areas. This
method is a systematic approach which consid-
ers soils, hydrology, and vegetative characteris-
tics of a site. The identification  and delineation
of wetlands should be accomplished pursuant
to an objective to avoid or minimize impacts to
the resource.

   g^ Cultural Resources

   For interpretive and educational purposes,
the location of site features and access trails
within the natural area access site should pro-
tect and focus on natural, historical, cultural
and scenic resources.

   Cultural resources should be evaluated at
each potential access site. A site may be listed,
nominated,  or  eligible  for  listing on  the
National Register of Historic Places. The his-
toric or archaeological significance of a site
may not be obvious; therefore, during the site
evaluation the  appropriate  State Historic
Preservation  Officer  should  be  contacted.
Information regarding the National Register of
Historic Places  and  the National  Natural
Landmark Program may be obtained from the
National Park Service (see Appendix A-4).

   rO Other Considerations

   Other  site features and related off-shore
conditions appropriate for inclusion  in  the
environmental inventory may relate to:

Scenic and Visual Opportunities

   The identification of good and poor views
both on-site and off-site should be considered.
An overall visual analysis of the site may be
necessary for the preservation of visual quality.

Noise

   The existing and projected noise levels at
the development site and in the surrounding
area should  be  assessed.  Special attention
should be given to the problems that traffic and
traffic-related noise could create for the user of
the access trail and for sensitive habitats with-
in the natural area.
                                                                                            77

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    i)  Site Limitations

    Site limitations should be identified based
on the inventory and analysis of natural factors
and environmental  considerations. A  site
analysis which outlines the physical opportuni-
ties and  constraints for a property should be
conducted to  facilitate the assessment of the
site. This analysis may simply involve overlay-
ing the  identified environmental  factors and
evaluating the overall conditions  of the  site,
noting areas which are not suitable for devel-
oping.

    Desirable Site Characteristics Include:

    •   Natural areas which can provide edu-
       cational and interpretive opportunities.

    •   Natural areas already coexisting with
       some level of human influence.

    Undesirable Site Characteristics  Include:

    •   Sensitive plant and animal  habitats
       which  would be disturbed by pass:ive
       recreation activity.

    •   Natural areas which are extremely
       remote, and if developed as access,
       points, would unnecessarily introduce
       human influences.

    j)  Compatibility Issues

    Several passive recreational or access-
related uses may be planned for a single access
site within a natural area. For example, multi-
use trails may be provided for walking, biking,
and horseback riding. Facilities for picnicking,
camping, fishing,  and swimming  may also  be
considered. However,  the compatibility of
these uses with one another and the resource
must be considered to avoid potential on-site
conflicts.

   B. DESIGN CRITERIA

    1.  Site Plan Layout

   A  natural  area  access site should be
designed to produce minimum disturbance to
the environment, considering the safety and
enjoyment of the users, the volume and type of
traffic,  the protection of adjacent resources,
and  the aesthetic quality of an area. The site
plan layout should also incorporate features to
minimize  adverse impacts on the environment
while providing passive recreation, education-
al opportunities, and interpretive features (see
Figure V-l). Such an access site should exhib-
it a quality environment with low maintenance
requirements.

   2.  Essential Elements and Desired
       Relationships

   Essential elements and their location  with-
in natural  areas include convenient  access to
the  site, designated trails,  adequate parking,
picnicking areas, play areas, restroom facili-
ties, utilities, interpretive centers, and mainte-
nance facilities. A concept plan depicting the
general relationship of the selected site ele-
ments may be  helpful to establish the overall
site plan layout; Figure: V-2 illustrates the pre-
ferred  relationships  for  these   elements.
Pedestrian access extends  from the parking
area to the interpretive center and restroom
facilities.  The trailhead for the natural area is
located at the interpretive center.
 78

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                        Figure: V-l
           Natural Area Access Schematic Plan
                                                    Retain or replant vegetation
                                                    to create buffer area between
                                                    adjacent land.
                                                    Facilities located for
                                                    easy access to parking
                                                    & trailhead
   —'•>—• -vw .          Water


Source: Recreation Planning & Design Criteria. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Legend:

Buffer

Signage

Raised Boardwalk
                                                                          79

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                 Figure: V-2
           Concept Layout for Natural Area Access
 QQD DOQQQ Doacmana
      Legend:

      Access Road

      Vehicular Traffic

  * * * Pedestrian

      Natural Buffer

      Creek
80

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    3. Land Requirements

    Specific site conditions,  including habitat
requirements, land availability, environmental
factors, regulations, and  proposed degree  of
use, must be assessed  to determine  the land
requirements and potential user capacity for a
particular access site. The land requirements
for the development of natural area access are
entirely resource dependent.  For example, the
size and site conditions of a designated natural
area determines the visitor capacity of the site.
The determined visitor  capacity relates direct-
ly to the size and type of  support  facilities
required for the site.

    a) Area Requirements

    Typical area requirements for natural area
facilities will vary according to other passive
recreational facilities and amenities planned at
the site. A  natural area access may include
facilities such as raised boardwalks and trails;
observation platforms and blinds along  water
resource areas for viewing unique natural fea-
tures, vegetation, and/or wildlife; access roads;
parking; an interpretive center; and  restroom
facilities. Additional amenities such as picnick-
ing areas, camping areas, and other recreation-
related facilities may be desired at certain sites
and may require additional land.

    b) Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions

    The wafer depth,  subsurface conditions,
and wetlands within a designated natural area
should be left undisturbed.  Water depth and
subsurface conditions are not a consideration
for determining the suitability of a site to func-
tion as a natural area.
    c} Vehicular Considerations

    If natural area managers decide that roads
and parking areas  are needed,  these areas
should be designed  to have minimum impact
on the natural resource. The use of any type of
motorized vehicles in areas other than on des-
ignated access  roads should be prohibited in
natural areas. The destructive effects of vehi-
cles and soil compaction related to vehicular
use in these areas has been proven to harm
wildlife.  Proposed access  into a natural area
should  only  be  developed where  vehicle
entrances are feasible and  where the roadway
does not interfere with other uses, create safe-
ty  hazards,  or adversely  impact  the area.
External access roads to the site should meet
secondary road standards with road widths of
at least 20 feet  and shoulders or berms at least
4 feet wide. Guardrails or posts should be pro-
vided on 6 foot centers  for embankments over
6 feet high on  all internal and external access
roads. Proper traffic  signs should be posted.

Parking

    Parking areas  should  be  located  within
convenient walking distance of the pedestrian
access facilities, trailheads, interpretive centers
and observation areas.  Parking areas serving
natural area access should  be located in areas
which cause the least direct and indirect distur-
bance to significant habitats. The  amount of
parking should be determined from the carry-
ing capacity of the access site. In general, one
parking space  should  be provided  for every
three visitors.  Additional  parking  may be
required where multiple use activities are pro-
vided. The layout of the parking area should
minimize pedestrian conflict with vehicular
areas and  circulation.  The  standard  parking
layout for compact and conventional types of
                                                                                            81

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       V
automobiles is 150 cars per acre. The spacing
of parking lanes should be  10 feet by 20 feet
with a 25 foot turning strip. Bumper blocks and
guardrails  or posts should also be installed
where necessary. In natural areas,  gravel and
crushed stone surfaces are preferable to asphalt
or concrete paving. Slope and drainage factors
should  be considered during  the design of
these facilities. An adequate number of parking
spaces should be provided  for the physically
handicapped. These spaces should be connect-
ed  to a walkway suitable  for  handicapped
access  which leads  to the  site's  support
facilities and trails. Appropriate BMP's should
be used.

    d) Pedestrian Considerations
  •*
    Designated pedestrian access  should pro-
vide safe connections to site facilities'includ-
ing maintenance areas, parking lots, restrooms,
interpretive centers, and trails.  These  areas
receiving high level of pedestrian use should be
physically separated from vehicular traffic as a
safety precaution.  These heavily used  areas
should also be surfaced  with a hard material,
while trails  and passive areas  may  be con-
structed using more natural materials. Access
walkways  should be designed for handicapped
accessibility  with  well-defined edges and
should be a minimum of 4 feet in width.

    Raised boardwalks are generally appropri-
ate for access into natural areas where trails at
grade are not  feasible  or  appropriate. The
boardwalks should  be a minimum of 4 feet
wide with railings constructed of treated wood
with a slope of 5 percent or less. When on-site
grade change  is  greater than 5%, handicap
ramps should be provided to enhance accessi-
bility to the site facilities. Crosswalks should
be constructed with curb ramps  on each side
whenever they cross vehicular roads.
   e) Special Development Requirements

   1) Unique Requirements

   Each access site requires a different combi-
nation of development features which relate to
the activities planned and the anticipated level
of use  for  the  specific site. The following
elements  should be considered  during site
development.

Trails

   Factors to consider when designing a trail
are alignment,  topography, vegetative  cover,
aesthetic value, points of interest, road cross-
ings or other potential dangers, and final desti-
nation. Trails should allow users to enjoy pas-
sive  activities  such  as  nature  photography,
birdwatching,  and  natural  history interpreta-
tion. The trail should begin and end  near the
interpretive  building. The entrance should be
clearly marked with a sign which includes a
trail map that marks the highlights of the area.
An interpretive trail could deal with the history
of an area, the natural resources, and the dif-
ferent habitats found on the land.

   Trails can be designed  for the visitor  to
travel alongside, through, or over resource pro-
tected areas. This  can  be done  by  a  raised
boardwalk or footbridge which permits maxi-
mum observation  without destruction  to the
protected areas. It is recommended that trails
lead to points of interest via routes carefully
chosen to minimize erosion, soil compaction,
and disturbance to wildlife.
 82

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       V
    Foot trails should be designated for hiking
only.  Motorized vehicles are not compatible
with non-motor uses.  Barriers such  as  logs,
stairways, and narrow stream crossings can be
utilized to  discourage  non-pedestrian users.
However, some trails should be  handicapped
accessible.

Trail Construction

    Trail dimensions should be based on the
type and volume of use anticipated, on the sta-
bility of native soil, and on the type of terrain
along the proposed route. Generally, a pedes-
trian trail tread width should not be less than 2
feet wide for foot trails. Main trails should be
approximately 6 feet wide and fire trails a min-
imum of 8 feet wide. Additional width could be
considered to reduce impacts from heavy traf-
fic. As a rule of thumb, the width of the trail
varies according to its use. Short trails within
heavily  used recreation areas will normally be
considerably wider than the trails designed for
an area  that will not be used as often. Bushes
and trees that are in the route of the trail should
be cut flush with the ground. Trees and stumps
should be removed if the tree roots will inter-
fere with grading. Overhead limbs should be
removed to a height of 8 feet above the finish
grade of the trail.

    Tread width - 2 feet minimum
    Clearing width - 4 feet
    Height of clearing - 8 feet minimum
    Maximum sustained trail grades - 8-10%

Trail Layout

    In general, the layout of the trail should be
inconspicuous. The trail should have a variety
of experiences taking advantage of views, open
spaces and forested areas, and whenever possi-
ble, it should run along water bodies and habi-
tat areas of interest.

Trail Base Preparation

   In preparing the base for a trail, the subsur-
face material and slope of the land should be
considered. If the site is wet, the trail should be
raised six inches above the surrounding area.
This is done through the use of board walls or
grading, if environmentally  acceptable. In
some  situations trails may run along hillsides
where cuts must  be made in order  to achieve
level treads as shown in Figure: V-3.

   The following  characteristics should be
incorporated in trail surfacing:

   •   Use of compacted materials.

   •   Resistance to anticipated foot traffic
       and erosive factors.

   •   Usability when wet, and minimal dust
       when dry.

Grade

   Trails should be built to follow the contour
of the land if at all possible. A grade of 10 per-
cent or less is recommended for ease of hiking
and to prevent erosion.

Length

   Trails should be of a loop design returning
to their point of beginning. Options to termi-
nate a hike or extend a hike for a greater dis-
tance along the trail are desirable for day users.
                                                                                           83

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                                       Figure: V-3
                                    Trail Construction
                                                            Width necessary to take
                                                            care of drainage

                                                            *Minimum excavation
                                                            and fill 3" for trail and
                                                            drainage
                                                            Pruning height 8'
                                  Minimum 4'-0" desirable
  Source: Trail Development and Management Standard Operating Procedures Manual, VA Dept. of Conservation &
                                Recreation (VA OCR), January, 1999.
84

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                                                                                   8
Drainage

    Drainage is one of the most important
items in trail construction. Water must be kept
within manageable limits  to prevent erosion
and maintain a trail throughout the year. To
facilitate surface runoff, the tread of the  trail
should be graded  so that the outside is three
inches lower than the inside edge along a hill-
side. This is referred to as outsloping. To  pre-
vent excess water from accumulating along a
trail, water breaks or bars and grade dips may
also be used, (see Figure: V-4)

Surfacing

    Surfacing is a costly item in trail construc-
tion and natural materials should be used wher-
ever feasible. Hard surface materials may be
used on walkways located at  an  interpretive
center  or  at  points  of  concentrated use.
Otherwise, surfacing material  that is durable
and blends  with the environment should be
used.

Signage

    Adequate signage is essential at the begin-
ning of a trail, at intersections, and at locations
on  the trail where the  direction is not readily
discernible.  Trail  signs  should include  dis-
tances to various points of interest along the
way. Frequent mileage markers along the trail
are helpful to the hiker and useful  in the oper-
ations  and  maintenance  of  the  park.
Interpretive  markers  and information  are
desirable features on any  type of trail. Trail
signs should conform with the standards of the
natural area.
Revegetation

    During the design and construction process
adequate revegetation using native plant mate-
rials should be planned for areas where exist-
ing vegetation had to be removed.

    2) Electricity

    Public telephones should be placed where
they are easily found, generally at comfort sta-
tions, visitor information buildings, or near the
parking lot. All lines  should be placed under-
ground, unless special conditions make such an
installation impossible.

    Adequate lighting around the parking area
should be considered for safety if the natural
area will remain open after dusk.  In order to
reduce the impacts of night lighting on adja-
cent land uses,  low-height lighting fixtures  are
recommended.  Lighting should be directed
toward the  facility use areas,  shielded from
adjacent properties and vandal-proof.

    3) Water Supply and Distribution System

    An adequate water supply and  distribution
system may be desirable  to provide public
drinking water  and fire protection, and for  the
maintenance and operation of the access facil-
ity. It is recommended that the water supply,
treatment, and distribution be planned to com-
plement the wastewater collection, treatment,
and disposal system.
                                                                                            85

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                                       Figure: V-4
                                     Trail Drainage
                Drainage
                Remove loose earth and slide rock 2'
                to 3' above edge of cut if it is obviously
                about to slide into the trail.
                                  Fill from
                                  excavated material
                                    Trail Construction

                        Trails should be sloped to the outside to permit
                         runoff. Do not gutter trails on the inside cut.
           Slope trail to outside
                                  Minimum Trail Slope
   (DraftV.  Trail Development and Management Standard Operating Procedures Manual. (VA OCR) January, 1999.
86

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       V
    Natural  areas  at remote sites which are
open as access sites on a limited basis would
not require restroom  facilities. In  high use
areas, however, restroom facilities should be
connected to an approved external public water
system or an on-site well.

    The water supply and distribution system
should be planned under the direction of a san-
itary engineer and should meet local planning
and health department requirements.

    4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms

    If use of a natural area is such that dispos-
al and/or treatment of waste is necessary, all
designs for sewage disposal shall be in compli-
ance with state and local requirements.

    The most desirable method for sewage dis-
posal is  to tie into an existing system.  If an
existing system is not available, on-site  treat-
ment is required. Prior to the design of an on-
site treatment  system, the proposed area for
treatment should be evaluated according to
local regulations. The design and specifications
for sewage disposal systems is site specific.

    Permanent restroom facilities should be a
priority  at  larger heavily used  natural  area
access sites. The facilities should be sited con-
veniently to the access trailhead and other sup-
port facilities. The restroom  facilities  must
meet the public health requirements of local,
state, and federal agencies within whose juris-
diction they are to be built. A minimum of one
toilet fixture and lavatory per sex for every 30
parking  spaces is  recommended. Restrooms
should be designed to meet all requirements
for access to  and use by  the handicapped.
Wastewater from these facilities may be (1)
tied into  the local sewer system; (2) processed
in an on-site septic system; or (3) collected on
site in a holding tank and disposed off-site.

    5)  Stormwater Management

    Parking areas may create potential environ-
mental impact related to  increase runoff on-
site. Best management practices should be
implemented during site development and after
construction is completed  to avoid or mitigate
these potential impacts. The following design
measures  may be incorporated into the  site
design for natural area access facilities to avoid
or alleviate site runoff.

    •   Installation of catch basins and filters
       to trap pollutants. In natural areas
       stormwater management devices
       should be constructed of stone or
       made to blend with the surrounding
       environment.

    •   Avoidance of direct channeling of
       runoff water onto tidal wetlands or
       other sensitive resource areas.

    •   Use of porous gravel or a perforated
       paving block surfacing for parking
       areas and pedestrian walkways.
                                                                                           87

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                                                                                 10
    C. MANAGEMENT/
       MAINTENANCE
   Management  and maintenance refers to
agency  actions needed  to  keep a facility in
desirable condition for public use. The objec-
tives of appropriate management are to provide
for user safety and convenient access  and to
protect adjacent resources.  Unsafe conditions
should be corrected, as legal liabilities may be
incurred if situations prove unsafe.

   1.  Maintenance Concerns

   To ensure that the maintenance objectives
are met, the maintenance plan  may be estab-
lished as a matrix outlining the types of tasks
and the frequency with  which each would be
required. Categories of maintenance frequency
generally  include frequent  (weekly to  daily),
periodic  (less than weekly), and  special (as
needed). The following maintenance  duties
should be considered in developing a mainte-
nance plan:

   •   Restroom cleanup (if applicable)

   •   Maintaining a regular trash collection

   •   Parking/surface access maintenance
       and litter control

   •   Maintenance of signage and interpre-
       tive/ educational display

   •   Lighting maintenance

   •   Trail maintenance
   •   Landscape maintenance/mowing

   •   Stormwater facility upkeep

   •   Seasonal upkeep - preseason inspec-
       tions, regular inspection schedules,
       etc.

   •   Post-storm cleanup plan

   The level of maintenance anticipated at a
site is directly correlated  with the use level at
the facility and  the  location  of the site.
Maintenance  at public sites is an extremely
important issue as it relates directly to the safe
use of the facility.

   2.  Management Concerns

   The primary objective for the management
of natural area access is to maintain the integrity
of the natural area being protected while allow-
ing public access for interpretive, educational,
and scientific purposes. The management con-
cerns for each natural  area  site will vary
according to the setting, use patterns, and nat-
ural  features found there. Management  plans
based on the preservation of the ecosystem and
biological requirements of rare species and
other special features are recommended  for
each natural area site.

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      Bibliography
Chesapeake Bay Program. Agreement Commitment Report. Chesapeake Bay Watershed
       Development Policies & Guidelines. January, 1989.

Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Overlay District:
       A Model Ordinance. 1989.

Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department, Local Assistance Manual. November, 1989.

Chesapeake Bay Program. Agreement Commitment Report. Public Access Strategy. July, 1988.

Chesapeake Bay Program. Agreement Commitment Report. Technical Assistance & Incentives to
       Local Governments. December, 1988.

Hooper, Lennon. NPS Trails Management Handbook. U.S. Department of the Interior, National
       Park Service, 1988.

Lancaster, R. Recreation. Park and Open Space Standards  and Guidelines. National Recreation and
       Park Association, 1987.

Maryland Office of Planning. Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan. December, 1989.

Ware, Phillip R., senior ed. Means Building Construction Cost Data. 1998.

The National Water Safety Congress. Planning. Design. Operation & Maintenance  of Inland Water
       Swimming Beaches. 1988.

(Draft) Trail Development and Management Standard Operating Procedures Manual. Virginia
       Department of Conservation and Recreation, January, 1999.

Rea, Phillip, and Roger Warren. Recreation Management of Water Resources. Publishing Horizons,
       NC, 1986.

Simonds, John O. Earthscape: A Manual of Environmental Planning. McGraw-Hill Book Company,
       1978.

State Organization for Boating Access. Guidelines for the Design of Barrier-Free Recreational
       Boating and Fishing Facilities. Washington, D.C., February,  1992.

State Organization for Boating Access. Design Handbook for Recreational Boating & Fishing.
       Washington, D.C., March, 1996.
                                                                                     89

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       Bibliography
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Recreation Planning and Design Criteria—Engineering Manual.
      Washington, D.C., July, 1987.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV. Coastal Marinas Assessment Handbook. Atlanta,
      Georgia, April, 1985.

U.S. General Services Administration, at. al. Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. April, 1984.

Virginia Council on the Environment. Shoreline Management Options for Virginia Coastal
      Localities Volume I. Institute for Environmental Negotiation, University of Virginia, August,
      1988.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Distribution of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the
      Chesapeake Bay & Tributaries & Chincoteague Bay. 1992.

Virginia Marine Resource Commission. Coastal Primary Sand Dunes/Reaches Guidelines. August,
      1986.
 90

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   Appendix
                          A-l
STATE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
The following is a list of state government agencies providing assistance to localities
planning public access.
VIRGINIA

Dept. of Conservation & Recreation
Division of Soil & Water Conservation
(804) 786-2064
Division of Planning & Recreation
Resources
(804)786-1119
203 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
FAX (804) 786-6141

Department of Environmental Quality
629 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 698-4000
FAX (804) 572-5106
Division of Waste Operation
(804) 698-4155
Division of Water Operations
(804) 698-4108

Dept. of Forestry
P.O. Box 3758
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(540) 293-8605

Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries
4010 West Broad Street
P.O.Box 11104
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 367-1000
FAX (804) 367-9147
TDD 800-252-7717
Dept. of Health
Division of Wastewater Engineers
109 Governor St.
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-1755

Dept. of Transportation
Public Affairs Division
1401 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804)786-2715

Virginia Institute of Marine Science
The College of William & Mary
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
(804) 642-7000

Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Dept.
805 East Broad Street, Suite 701
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-3440
FAX (804) 225-3447
(See Appendix C for Requirements of the
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.)

Virginia Marine Resources Commission
P.O. Box 756
Newport News,VA 23607
(757) 247-2200
FAX (757) 247-2020
                                                                              91

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     Appendix
                           A-2
  MARYLAND

  Dept. of Natural Resources
  Tawes State Office Building
  580 Taylor Avenue
  Annapolis, MD 21401
  (410)260-8710
  Forest, Park and Wildlife Service
  (410) 260-8402 Resource Planning
  (410) 260-8403 Program Open Space
  (410) 260-8523 Shore Erosion Control
  (410) 260-8899 Engineering &
     Construction
  (410) 260-7250 Enterprise Development

  Dept. of the Environment,
  Water Management Administration
  Tidal Wetlands
  2500 Broening Highway
  Baltimore, MD 21224
  (410)631-8075

  Dept. of Natural Resources
  Tidewater Administration
  Coastal Resources Division
  Tawes State Office Building
   Annapolis, MD 21401
   1-800-688-3467
Dept. of Transportation
State Highway Administration
707 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 545-0300

Chesapeake Bay Critical
Area Commission
45 Calvert Street, 2nd Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 974-2418
92

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   Appendix
                          A-3
PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Fish
and Boat Commission
450 Robinson Lane
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814)359-5155
FAX (814) 359-5153

Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection
Division of Waterways & Storm Water
Management
P.O. Box 8554
Harrisburg,PA17120
(717) 787-6826

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
& Natural Resources
P.O. Box 8767
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8767
General Information-
(717)787-2869
(800) 847-4872
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

District of Columbia
Dept. of Recreation and Parks
3149 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 673-7692

District of Columbia
Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Environmental Control Division
5000 Overlook Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20032
(202) 565-0040

National Park Service
National Capital Region
Land Use Coordination
1100 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20242
(202) 955-5890
                                                                             93

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     Appendix
                           A-4
  FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

  The following is a list of federal government agencies to contact for information about their
  Chesapeake Bay Programs.
  U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
  Natural Resources Conservation Service
  Virginia Office
  400 North 8th Street, 9th Floor
  Richmond, VA 23240-9999
  (804)771-2463

  U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
  Natural Resources Conservation Service
  Maryland Office
  John Hanson Business Center
  339 Revell Highway, Suite 301
  Annapolis, MD 21401
  (410) 757-0861

  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Region ffl Office
  1650 Arch Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
  (215) 814-5000

  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  401 M Street, S.W.
  Washington, D.C. 20460
  (202) 260-2090

  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Chesapeake Bay Program Office
  410 Severn Avenue
  Annapolis, MD 21403
  (410) 267-5700
  Fax (410) 260-5777

  National Park Service, National Registry
  Programs
  U.S. Department of the Interior
  P.O. Box 37127
  Washington, D.C. 20013-7127
  (202) 343-9559
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Baltimore District
P.O. Box 1715
Baltimore, MD 21203
(410) 962-3070

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Engineer District, CENAP
U.S. Custom House
Second and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2991
(215) 597-0703
(215) 597-4848

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Norfolk District
803 Front Street,
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 441-7652

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chesapeake Bay  Field Office
177 Admiral Cochrane Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 573-4500

National Park Service
Chesapeake Bay  Program Office
410 Severn Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21407
(410) 267-5747
94

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      Appendix
B-l
   COST ESTIMATE

   The following provides general cost estimate information for the construction of items common-
ly used in access facilities. It is necessary to add up to 15 percent for architecture and engineering
costs and 10 percent for contingency events. The costs shown are for budget and preliminary cost esti-
mate only. In order to achieve a more accurate estimate, the estimator must consider quantities of
material, prices of material and labor within the area of the access site as well as the location of the
site itself (e.g., remotely located, near an urban area or a major highway, etc.), the anticipated length
of time of construction, bid preparation time, availability of contractors, and the complexity of the job.
                                                                                      95

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      Appendix
                          B-2
   DESCRIPTION
UNIT
COST (in 1998 $)
1. Site development

   • Clearing and grubbing

      General: clean brash & saplings;                 Per acre

      Select: handwork                              Per acre

   • Grading
      Rough grade: furnish & spread topsoil            C.Y.
          4" deep & fine grade

   • Roads, parking spurs & parking lots

      Asphalt surface 3" thick on 4" compacted
          base & subgrade (over 10,000 S.F.)           S.Y.

      Crashed stone 4" thick compacted on
          compacted subgrade (over 2,000 S.F.)         S.Y.

      Shoulders, 2" gravel                           L.F.

      Curbs, 6" x  12" vertical concrete
          cast in place, plus excavation & backfill       L.F.

      Parking, 2" gravel on prepared
          compacted base                           Per space

    • Sidewalks

      Concrete, 6" reinforced with
          6" gravel base broom finish includes
          expansion joints
          (1,000 S.F. or less)                         S.F.
          (Over 1,000 S.F.)                          S.F.
                   $1,300 -$2,950

                   $1,350-2,800


                   $3.20
                   $5.30


                   $3.43

                   $1.60


                   $5.80


                   $446
                   $2.25
                   $2.18
 96

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   Appendix                                                       B-3
DESCRIPTION	UNIT	COST (in 1998 $)


   Brick pavers, 2 1/4" thick on
       finished compacted subgrade
       with dry joints and 2" sand base              S.F.               $7.60

• Trails

   Hiking, 4' wide, clearing & grading
       includes drainage structures, prepared
       4" base, 2" asphalt surfacing                  S.F.               $1.76

   Bicycle, 8' wide, clearing & grading
       includes drainage structures, prepared
       4" base, 2" asphalt surfacing                  S.F.               $1.76

• Fishing piers

   Decking, pressure-treated wood, 30" above
       grade; 2"  x 6" decking; 4" x 8" beams;
       2" x 8" joists @ 2' O.C.; 4" x 4" posts;
       concrete footings                           S.F.               $33.00

   Railings, 2" x 4" posts pressure-treated
       wood & galvanized hardware                 L.F.               $11.00

• Boat launching  ramp

   2 lane concrete ramp with courtesy dock          Ea.                $125,000 +/-

• Picnic shelter                                   Ea.                $25,000 & up

• Children's play areas
   Depends on size, age group, and amount
   of custom design                                                 $20,000 & up

• Grass seeding

   Hand seeding, fine grading, fertilizer
       & mulching                                S.Y.               $2.06
                                                                                   97

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       Appendix
                           B-4
   DESCRIPTION
UNIT
 COST (in 1998 $)
       Hydroseeding, fine grading, fertilizer
          & mulching                                 S.Y.

     Swimming facilities

       Beach areas, complete, including beach sand,
          lifeguard chairs, buoy lines, beach house
          (dressing rooms, restrooms, showers,
          concession, lifeguard and first aid quarters,
          storage, power, water & sewage), parking,
          landscaping, plumbing and electricity, etc.

     Buildings

       Office, maintenance building, etc.                 S.R
                  $.43
                  +/- $1,500,000.00
                  $120.00
2. Utilities
     Sewage systems

       Sewage treatment plant (secondary treatment)
          installed cost. The cost of treatment plants
          will depend on type of units and degree of
          treatment required. These costs assume that
          there is no tertiary treatment required.
          However, the standards and requirements are
          established by the prevailing state federal
          agencies for the particular site.
 20,000 gal/day
 100,000 gal/day
 500,000 gal/day
$90,000 +
$800,000 +
$1,450,000 +
Source: Means Building Construction Cost Data. 1998.
 98

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    Appendix
                          B-5
DESCRIPTION
UNIT
COST (in 1998 $)
• Water and sewage lines

   Prices vary according to size and type            L.F.
      of pipe and the amount of excavation
      involved; so if the total linear feet of all
      types of pipe on a project is multiplied by
      $10, a reasonably accurate figure should
      be obtained for an overall estimate.

          Sewage lines                           L.F.

          Forced mains                           L.F.

          Manholes                              Ea.

          Hydrants                               Ea.

• Water reservoir

   50,000 gal. prestressed concrete including
      mechanical equipment

   50,000 gal. steel, including mechanical
      equipment

• Sewage pump station

• Electric power lines & equipment

   Overhead                                    L.F.

   Overhead lines (4 aluminum triplex
      wire, per 1,000 ft.)                          M.L.F.

   Underground, direct-burial cable                L.F.
                  $10.00
                  $12.00- $15.00

                  $20.00- $25.00

                  $500 - $700

                  $600 - $700
                 $55,000- $70,000


                 $40,000- $55,000

                 $55,000 +/-



                 $350


                 $200 - $240

                 $8.00 - $10.00
                                                                                 99

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      Appendix                                                     B-6
   DESCRIPTION                                 UNIT              COST (in 1998 $)
         Insulated direct-burial cable copper,          M.L.F.            $530
             single-conductor (per 1,000 ft.)

         30' class 3 wood poles, installed
             (shipping not included)                  Ea.               $250

         Metering equipment & service equipment     Ea.               $300
          NOTE: These are minimum figures. Estimating for utilities is highly variable as far as
                 costs are concerned. If extensive work is proposed, contractors and utility
                 companies usually are helpful in providing needed information.
ABBREVIATIONS

M.S.F = Thousand square feet
S.Y. = Square Yard
C.Y. = Cubic Yard
S.F. = Square Foot
L.F. = Linear foot
Ea. = Each
O.C = On Center
Source: Means Building Construction Cost Data. 1998.
 100

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       Appendix                                                          C-l
               Requirements of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act

    In 1988, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act to address
the degradation of the waters of the Bay by nonpoint source pollutants such as sediment, nutrients,
and hydrocarbons. To implement the Act, the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department issued
regulations which Tidewater local governments must adopt into comprehensive plans, zoning ordi-
nances, and subdivision ordinances. The regulations apply to all land use and development activities
within Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (sensitive lands adjacent to the Bay and its tributaries).
The goal of the regulations is to achieve a no net increase of pollutants resulting from new develop-
ment  activities, a  10% decrease  in pollutants resulting from redevelopment  activities, and a 40%
decrease hi pollutants resulting from land uses such as agriculture and forestry.

    Under the Act, land use and development activities are stringently regulated within tidal shore-
lines, tidal wetlands, streamside wetlands, and the 100-foot vegetated buffer area landward of these
features.  Redevelopment of existing structures and construction of water-dependent facilities are the
only two types of development activity allowed within these areas. "Water-dependent facilities" is
defined to include both public recreation areas and boat docking structures. However, development of
water-dependent facilities is nevertheless subject to certain performance standards which will ensure
the protection of water quality.

    The first of these requirements is that the location of a proposed facility must be in accordance
with the  local comprehensive plan. Thus, as part of the planning  process associated with the Act,
Tidewater Virginia local governments must address the issue of water-dependent facilities in their
comprehensive plans. The plan  must identify potential conflicts  between increasing  recreational
opportunities on the Bay and the protection of water quality.

    To accomplish this, Tidewater local governments have identified areas  where  water  quality/
resource  protection should take precedence over the construction or expansion of boat related facili-
ties. The planning  objective is to designate particular creeks and shorelines for intensive recreational
uses such as marinas and other areas  for passive recreation and limited boat usage. In this way, pub-
lic access goals are achieved while protecting important living resources such as wetlands, submerged
aquatic vegetation, and shellfish grounds.

    Under the Act, the construction of water-dependent facilities is subject to site design requirements
which are intended to minimize adverse water quality impacts. These requirements vary slightly from
locality to locality, since the state regulations are tailored to meet local conditions. Generally, howev-
er, the developer of a water-dependent facility has to prepare a water quality impact assessment as part
of the plan review process. This assessment should delineate the boundaries of all sensitive land fea-
tures  and include  ecological, hydrological, and landscaping considerations. The proposed facili-
ty will have to be designed so that all non-water-dependent components of the project are
                                                                                         101

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       Appendix
G-2
located outside of the 100-foot buffer area. Land disturbance will be restricted to the minimum nec-
essary, and access ways through the buffer to the shoreline must be carefully planned. In addition,
construction of the non-water-dependent components will be subject to stringent erosion and sediment
control and stormwater management standards.

   The Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department, the state agency responsible for the imple-
mentation of the Act, is providing Tidewater local governments with technical assistance in the adop-
tion of the water-dependent facilities requirements. The Department's Local Assistance Manual con-
tains planning and site design recommendations for water-dependent facilities. The Department may
be contacted at (804) 225-3440.
 102

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       Appendix                                                       D-l
               The Maryland Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program

   (The following is excerpted from the brochure "CHESAPEAKE BAY CRITICAL AREA PRO-
GRAM...and how it affects you",  prepared by the Governor's Office of Chesapeake Bay Public
Information and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission.)

   The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission was established by law in 1984 (Annotated Code
of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, §8-101-§8-1816) to develop a protection program for the
vitally important land and water resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

   The "Critical Area" consists of all land within 1,000 feet of the mean high water line of tidal
waters or the landward edge of tidal wetlands or  tributary streams.  It also includes the tidal waters
themselves, and the lands under those waters. Sixty counties and towns in Maryland are affected by
the Critical Area Law.

   The Critical Area Commission consists of 26 members appointed by the Governor. The members
represent a variety of public and private interest groups, including state and local governments, devel-
opers, environmentalists, foresters,  and farmers. The Commission also has a Chairman, an Executive
Director, and staff who oversee implementation of the Critical Area Law.

   The Commission was charged with developing a Critical Area Protection Program to meet the fol-
lowing three goals:

   •   Minimize adverse impacts on water quality that result from pollutants that are discharged
       from structures or conveyances that have run off from surrounding lands;
   •   Conserve fish, wildlife, and plant habitat in the Critical Area; and
   •   Establish land use policies for development in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area which
       accommodate growth and also address the  fact that, even if pollution is controlled, the num-
       ber, movement, and activities of persons in an area can create adverse environmental
       impacts.

   To carry out its goals, the Commission established criteria for the protection of the Critical Area.
These criteria were to be used by the 60 affected jurisdictions (16 counties and 44 towns) to develop
and implement their own Critical Area Programs.

                         FACILITIES IN THE

   Water-dependent facilities, such as marinas, piers, or docks, are  facilities that require location at
or near the shoreline. The Critical Area criteria, through the local jurisdictions, makes provisions for
the development of these facilities,  but only if they meet certain criteria.
                                                                                      103

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      Appendix                                                        D-2


   COMMERCIAL MARINAS AND PIERS

   Commercial marinas in the Critical /irea must meet guidelines that include the following:

   •  No new marinas are allowed in Resource Conservation Areas unless they are part of a public
      project.
   •  New or expanded marinas are permitted in Intensely Developed and Limited Development
      Areas under certain criteria.
   •  Existing marinas in Resource Conservation Areas may be expanded if there are no adverse
      effects on water quality as determined by the local jurisdictions.
   Noncommercial piers, including community or neighborhood facilities, may be located in the
Critical Area under these conditions:

   •   They may not offer food, fuel, or other sales of goods.
   •   They must be community owned.
   •   Certain guidelines for slip and mooring density for community piers are followed.

   OTHER FACILITIES

Provisions are also made for the location of other types of water-dependent facilities in the Critical
Area. Water-dependent facilities are regulated as to their location and type of activity. For example:

   •   Industrial- and port-related facilities are only permitted along the shoreline of Intensely
       Developed Areas.
   •   Public beaches and other public water-oriented recreation or education areas are permitted
       provided adequate sanitary faciliti.es are provided, minimal disturbance to vegetation occurs,
       and permeable surfaces are used.
   •   Research facilities and fisheries activities can locate along the shoreline. However, structures
       not considered to be water-dependent (e.g., parking lots) must be kept out of the 100 foot
       buffer.

For more information please contact:

       Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission
       45 Calvert Street, 2nd Floor
       Annapolis, MD 21401
       (410) 974-2418
 104

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       Glossary
Berm - A narrow raised ridge of soil that provides a visual screen, absorbs sound, or channels
       overland water flow.

Buffer - The separation of use areas at public facilities from neighboring properties consisting of
       either natural or established vegetation.

Culvert - A drain or waterway structure, usually under a roadway.

Cutting side - The side, generally of a river, on which the current has an erosive effect.

Fetch - Open water distance over which wind blows unimpeded.

Floodplains - All lands that would be inundated by flood water as a result of a storm event of a
       100 year return interval.

Impervious surface - Materials through which water will not pass (i.e., roofs, sidewalks, roads,
       etc.).

Littoral drift - The movement of sand or other natural materials along a shoreline. The drift is the
       direction toward which the material is moved.

Mean low water - An average of all measurements of low water over a given period.

Percent of grade - The rise or fall of a surface. The percent is determined by dividing the change in
       vertical height by the horizontal distance and multiplying the results by 100.

Sediments - Eroded soils and other materials that are transported from the land into rivers and
       the Bay.

Siltation - The deposition or accumulation of silt and sediment.

Wake - The track left by a ship or other body in the water usually in the form of waves moving
       from and at an angle to the ship or other body.

Wetland - Land that under normal circumstances has sufficient water to support wetland vegetation
       or aquatic life.
                                                                                        105

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   Notes
106

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                          Chesapeake Bay Program
  The Chesapeake Bay Program is the cooperative partnership among the states of Maryland,
 Pennsylvania, Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state
legislative body; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal government;
                         and participating citizen advisory groups.

      For more information, please see our website: www.chesapeakebay.net/bayprogram
                                  Printed on recycled paper

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