Essex
THE MAIN IMPACTS:
Erosion Continued marsh erosion could significantly impact structures along the Essex River and around Conomo Point [CIT. 15].
Marsh Loss High marsh, which now covers about 1,800 acres in Essex, may be reduced by 260 acres in 2050 as it transitions to low marsh [CIT. 2].
Habitat Concerns By 2050, 125 (17%) of the town’s 747 acres estuarine beach/tidal flats may become open water [CIT. 2].
Developed Coast Daily tidal flooding will likely impact access on sections of Main Street, Island Road, Robins Island Road, and Conomo Point Road in 2050. Some daily flooding of nearby buildings may occur [CIT. 1].
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FUTURE STORM AND TIDAL FLOODING [CIT 1,3]
Blue=Current Shoreline / Red=2050 Chronic Tidal Flooding (MHHW) / Yellow=2050 1% (1 in 100 year) storm flooding
OTHER RISKS INCLUDE:
Property Damage A 10-year storm in Essex may flood more than 325 buildings (13.6%) in 2050 [CIT. 3]. Chronic daily tidal flooding could impact 84 buildings (3.5%) in 2050 [CIT. 1].
Road Flooding Daily high tides may flood 0.7 miles of roads (1.6%) in 2050 [CIT. 1]. An estimated 5.2 miles (11.7%) of roadway could flood in the event of a 100-year storm in 2050 [CIT. 3].
STRATEGY SNAPSHOT: ARMORED STRUCTURES
Essex is seeking to replace a critical seawall at Conomo Point, that sustained severe storm damage in 2018. The seawall protects properties and the road providing access to the primary boat launch used by emergency services and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Other communities, too, are weighing whether to repair, replace or remove hard barriers, which increase risks to natural ecosystems.