Riverbank Road Enforcement Order.pdf
July 27, 2021
John Citro
PO Box 702
Goshen MA 01032
RE: Wetlands Enforcement Order, Riverbank Road
Enclosed please find an enforcement order for vegetation clearing that has recently occurred
on Riverbank Road. This work is in violation of the Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, the
Wetlands Protection Act, and potentially the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act
All work must cease immediately, and a restoration plan developed in accordance with the
enclosed documents.
Thank you for your prompt response to this matter.
Sarah LaValley
Electronic Cc: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Western
Region
Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
wpaform9a.doc • rev. 7/14/04 Page 1 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 9 – Enforcement Order
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
DEP File Number: N/A
A. Violation Information
Important: When filling out forms on the computer, use only the tab key to move your cursor - do not use the return key.
This Enforcement Order is issued by:
Northampton
Conservation Commission (Issuing Authority)
July 27, 2021
Date
To:
John Citro
Name of Violator
PO Box 702, Goshen MA 01032
Address
1. Location of Violation:
Property Owner (if different)
Riverbank Road
Street Address
Northampton
City/Town
01060
Zip Code
25
Assessors Map/Plat Number
001, 002
Parcel/Lot Number
2. Extent and Type of Activity (if more space is required, please attach a separate sheet):
Removal of vegetation within riverfront and bank to the Connecticut River. All vegetation cleared for approximately 200 linear feet, within inner riverfront area. See attached 7/27/2021 photos
B. Findings
The Issuing Authority has determined that the activity described above is in a resource area and/or buffer zone and is in violation of the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40) and its Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), because:
the activity has been/is being conducted in an area subject to protection under c. 131, § 40 or the buffer zone without approval from the issuing authority (i.e., a valid Order of Conditions or Negative Determination).
wpaform9a.doc • rev. 7/14/04 Page 2 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 9 – Enforcement Order
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
DEP File Number: N/A
B. Findings (cont.)
the activity has been/is being conducted in an area subject to protection under c. 131, § 40 or the buffer zone in violation of an issuing authority approval (i.e., valid Order of Conditions or Negative Determination of Applicability) issued to:
Name
Dated
File Number
Condition number(s)
The Order of Conditions expired on (date):
Date
The activity violates provisions of the Certificate of Compliance.
The activity is outside the areas subject to protection under MGL c.131 s.40 and the buffer zone, but has altered an area subject to MGL c.131 s.40. Other (specify):
C. Order
The issuing authority hereby orders the following (check all that apply):
The property owner, his agents, permittees, and all others shall immediately cease and desist from any activity affecting the Buffer Zone and/or resource areas.
Resource area alterations resulting from said activity shall be corrected and the resource areas returned to their original condition.
A restoration plan shall be filed with the issuing authority on or before August 25, 2021
Date
for the following:
see attachment
The restoration shall be completed in accordance with the conditions and timetable established by the issuing authority.
wpaform9a.doc • rev. 7/14/04 Page 3 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 9 – Enforcement Order
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
DEP File Number: N/A
C. Order (cont.)
Complete the attached Notice of Intent (NOI). The NOI shall be filed with the Issuing Authority on or before:
Date
for the following:
No further work shall be performed until a public hearing has been held and an Order of Conditions has been issued to regulate said work.
The property owner shall take the following action (e.g., erosion/sedimentation controls) to prevent further violations of the Act: All vegetation removal and ground disturbance within resource areas shall cease immediately
Failure to comply with this Order may constitute grounds for additional legal action. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, Section 40 provides: “Whoever violates any provision of this section (a) shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, such fine and imprisonment; or (b) shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars for each violation”. Each day or portion thereof of continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense.
D. Appeals/Signatures
An Enforcement Order issued by a Conservation Commission cannot be appealed to the Department of Environmental Protection, but may be filed in Superior Court.
Questions regarding this Enforcement Order should be directed to:
Sarah LaValley
Name
413-587-1263
Phone Number
M-F 9:00-4:30
Hours/Days Available
Issued by:
Northampton
Conservation Commission
Conservation Commission signatures required on following page.
On or before August 6, 2021, the Recipient shall nominate in writing an environmental
consultant qualified to delineate resource areas protected under the Wetlands
Protection Act and regulations, and to develop a riverfront restoration plan.
On or before August 25, 2021, the Recipient shall submit a draft plan prepared by the
consultant, detailing plantings and other work necessary to restore the riverfront area,
including details on species, planting methodology, and work plan. The Plan shall be
reviewed and approved by the Commission or its agent, and the Massachusetts Division
of Fisheries and Wildlife prior to the start of work. The Recipient shall cause the
replacement area to be fully constructed, planted, and stabilized per the Plan by
September 30, 2021.
If any documented unforeseen occurrence renders any deadlines contained herein
impossible to achieve, The Recipient shall inform the Commission. The replacement
area shall in any circumstance be fully constructed, planted, and stabilized no later
than October 31 2021.
The Recipient shall cause the environmental consultant to monitor the “restoration
area” for a period of at least two (2) consecutive growing seasons beginning on the first
full growing season after construction.
July 27, 2021 Photographs