Salt hay farming was conducted at the site for several decades but was discontinued several years ago. The perimeter dikes and their associated outlet structures were constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s to protect the salt hay farm from flooding. However, lack of maintenance on the dikes and outlet structures has led to their deterioration and as a result, many breaches in the dikes have formed. These breaches now control the tidal flow into and out of the restoration area. The topography across the site is generally flat.
Elevations are lowest in the center of the site and increase towards the perimeter.
The site has experienced settlement and consolidation of the sediments as a result of the restriction of tidal flows. The existing drainage channels are not sufficient to convey tidal flows throughout the site. These channels are not interconnected and are generally hydraulically isolated during periods of lower water. Currently, tidal flows are conveyed throughout the interior of the site predominantly by overland flow. The objective of the hydraulic study was to develop a conceptual design of a channel system that would convey tidal flows throughout the wetland with minimal channel erosion and tidal attenuation.