Expanding Space for Relaxation and Entertainment in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Coastal Engineering Co. has provided full scope engineering and permitting services for master planning, site redevelopment, and expansion of the existing facilities at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, a five-star luxury waterfront resort.
The first phase of the project involved the construction of a boardwalk over the existing beach and re-nourishment of the beach to provide shorefront protection for existing and proposed structures. As part of the mitigation for the construction, the Inn worked with Coastal Engineering Co. and the Town of Harwich to dredge the entrance channel to Round Cove. Because the project was in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and regulated by local, state, and federal agencies, the project required extensive environmental permitting for the newly-created barrier beach on the east side of Round Cove.
During the second phase, a state-45,000 gallon per day wastewater treatment facility was designed and constructed to replace all of the existing onsite sewage disposal facilities and thus address adverse nitrogen impacts on Pleasant Bay. Three existing buildings were razed and replaced to provide the Inn with 12 new guest units. Other related site improvements designed by Coastal include 4 new clay tennis courts with a pro shop, an childcare facility, a service entrance, a loading dock, and a storage building. A shoreline walkway was also constructed on the property.
Most recently, Coastal provided engineering design services for a $2 million renovation of the pavilion and associated outdoor dining area of multi-tiered terraces with lush landscaping for relaxation and entertainment, walking paths, and continent beach access. This project involved moving the lawn from the 50' no disturb zone and revegetating it with non-invasive, native species, which enhances wildlife habitat along the top of coastal bank and coastal wetlands and enhances the interest of flood control by providing a better buffer along the top of the coastal bank. The existing runoff from buildings & patios is now collected and treated within the drainage systems and recharged on site, which improves groundwater quality by preventing potential pollutants from entering the resource areas and intercepts runoff that otherwise could gully and cause erosion. In essence, during this phase we were able to design and permit a beautiful patio with a gorgeous view in an ACEC, while protecting the interests of wildlife, erosion and sedimentation control.
“They’re creative, knowledgeable and competent”
Coastal Engineering Co. was key to the successful completion of a $25-million project to massively reorganize pathways and parking and add guest rooms, a wastewater treatment facility, a second pool and a children’s center, and also redo the resort’s waterfront landscaping and terracing. John and his team work as true partners of the resort. They’re creative, knowledgeable and competent. They’re also very good at guiding and preparing us about issues important to the community. They’re very mindful of our sense of place.
2014 Gold BRICC Award - Best Engineering Project