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2016.09.08 Staff Report To: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley RE: Staff Report September 8 Commission Meeting Date: September 6, 2016 5:30 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if solar panel installation is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. Bruce & Rita Bleiman, 16 Hampton Terr, Map ID 39A-067 Application Overview: The application proposes installation of 32 solar panels mounted on a 44 linear foot area on sonotubes on a hillside behind 16 Hampton Terrace. Access will be provided through an existing access road along the base of the hillside. Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance; Staff Recommendations: The solar panels will be elevated above the ground, and the project does not include creation of cement or gravel bases. New permanent alteration will be limited to the sonotube posts on which the panels will be mounted. If limited to the hillside, the project should not alter the BVW. Issue a negative determination by checking box 3, to indicate that work is within buffer, but will not remove, dredge, fill, or alter the resource area. Include standard conditions, and, as the map included in the application is vague, require that post installation be limited to the hillside, to be verified by staff at the preconstruction visit. Add a requirement that erosion control be installed downgradient of the excavation locations as described, and that equipment shall not be utilized outside the existing access roadyway. 5:45 PM: Notice of Intent for rerouting of a walking trail, including a new stream crossing Work to take place in bordering vegetated wetland and riverfront area (Mill River). MassAudubon, parcel ID 45-10, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary Application Overview: The application proposes re-routing of a trail to discontinue disturbance in a sensitive area, and create a new trail. The work falls within mapped habitat, but NHESP has indicated that the work is exempt as ‘active management of State-listed Species habitat…for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the habitat’ DEP Comments \[1\] The Commission shall wait for 30 days or comments received from NHESP, whichever is first, before it closes the public hearing. NHESP Comments noted above \[2\] The Commission and applicant should review the provisions of 310 CMR 10.53(6) regarding Riverfront Area and the trail work, which can be reviewed as a limited project. This section allows the Commission to issue an Order for trailwork, provided that adverse impacts are minimized, that design specifications are commensurate with the projected use, and are compatible with the riverfront area character. The project appears to meet these standards. Conservation Commission Staff Report 1 September 8, 2016 \[3\] Woody debris in riparian corridors, streams and floodplains can provide significant habitat value for the Fisheries and Wildlife, two of the Interests of the Act. \[4\] The Commission should review bankfull width and compliance with the stream crossing standards. Staff verified that the project meets the stream crossing standards to the maximum extent practicable. The new crossing exceeds 1.2 times bankfull conditions. The standards are: (1) the potential for downstream flooding; (2) upstream and downstream habitat (in-stream habitat, wetlands); (3) potential for erosion and head-cutting; (4) stream stability; (5) habitat fragmentation caused by the crossing; (6) the amount of stream mileage made accessible by the improvements; (7) storm flow conveyance; (8) engineering design constraints specific to the crossing; (9) hydrologic constraints specific to the crossing; (10) impacts to wetlands that would occur by improving the crossing; (11) potential to affect property and infrastructure; and (12) cost of replacement. \[5\] The Commission needs to quantify resource area impacts, including BVW restoration, in the Order of Conditions. Please note line B.23 in the OOC for the square footage of BVW Restoration/Enhancement. The project alters, and replaces, 279 sf of blsf and RFA. Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance; Staff Recommendations: Work is proposed within the Protected Zone of a resource area, but is allowed as both a trail for pedestrian use, and a resource area improvement. The project should result in an overall improvement, and an Order can be issued. Due to the nature of the project, standard conditions do not apply. Add a condition requiring that the closed section of trail be re-evaluated during the 2017 growing season to determine whether additional plantings are required to ensure that the trail remains closed. Review and approve Agricultural License for Meadows Conservation Area, Montview Section The Meadows City Conservation Coalition (MCCC) now holds a conservation restriction on the Montview parcel, and will be presenting a final management plan for the area later in September. In accordance with discussions regarding agriculture on the site a few years ago, MCCC sought a farmer to cultivate the eastern section of the property. In absence of a quorum earlier this summer, staff and the Chairman agreed to support the farmer so that she could make use of this year’s growing season. Agricultural Commission member Richard Jaescke cleared the property at no cost. Staff recommend that the Commission approve the agricultural license. Conservation Commission Staff Report 2 September 8, 2016