Northampton_12-31337_03.25.2022.pdf
March 25, 2022
Northampton Conservation Commission
City Hall
210 Main Street Room 11
Northampton MA 01060
Alan Verson
Cutlery Building Associates
90 Conz Street, Suite 211
Northampton MA 01060
Project Location: 360 Riverside Drive
Town: Northampton
Project Description: Phase IV Remedy Implementation Plan: Repair existing bank stabilization; install
105 linear ft. new bank stabilization; Grading and rip-rap
Wetlands File No.: Not Available
NHESP Tracking No.: 12-31337
RE: Notice that additional information is required to take further action on your combined
application for review under the WPA and MESA regulations
Dear Commissioners and Applicant:
On 2/23/2022 the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Division of
Fisheries and Wildlife (Division) received a Notice of Intent, site plans (dated 1/31/2022), and other
information from the Applicant pursuant to the rare wildlife species provision of the Massachusetts
Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and its implementing regulations (310 CMR 10.59; 10.58(4)(b)), and the
Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) (M.G.L. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321
CMR 10.18).
The Division has determined that the proposed project is located within the mapped Priority and
Estimated Habitat of Ocellated Darner (Boyeria grafiana), a species state-listed as Special Concern. This
species and its habitats are protected pursuant to the WPA and the MESA. Fact sheets for state-listed
species can be found at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
The purpose of the Division’s review of the proposed project under the WPA regulations is to determine
whether the project will have any adverse effects on the Resource Areas Habitats of state-listed species.
The purpose of the Division’s review under the MESA regulations is to determine whether a Take of
state-listed species will result from the proposed project.
This letter is to inform you that the Division has reviewed the materials submitted with your combined
application under the WPA and MESA regulations and has determined that additional information is
required in order for the Division to complete its review pursuant thereto, as specified below:
1) Alternatives Analysis: Assessment must explore options for the feasibility of bioengineering or
hybrid bioengineering/hardened solutions for the existing wall repair and the proposed stabilization;
in particular, alternatives to the proposed gabion baskets and dry laid boulders.
2) Impact Calculations: Provide clear impact calculations (cumulative square footage) associated with
the temporary construction matting proposed riverward of the existing walls; and excavation
associated with wall replacement with gabion baskets.
3) Site Plan Revisions: The site plans must be revised to detail:
a) Depict the ordinary high-water line in relation to the elevations of the existing wall;
b) It appears that construction matting and equipment access is proposed below MAHW. The plans
must include the proposed construction matting layout, access, and anchoring methods.
c) The cross sections of bank stabilization methods (Types A-D; Sheet C8.2) do not include MAHW
or a range thereof. Further clarification regarding excavation of soils below MAHW, MALW,
particularly in relation to the installation of gabion baskets. The plans must be revised to
include these clarifications.
After receiving the above requested information, the Division will continue its review of the proposed
project for compliance with the state-listed species provisions of the WPA and MESA regulations. The
Division reserves the right to request additional information to understand the potential impacts of the
proposed project on state-listed species and their habitats.
No work or other activities related to your filing may be conducted anywhere on the property while
the Division completes its review. If you decide to withdraw with your application for review under 321
CMR 10.18, please notify the Division of that decision in writing so that we can close out our review file
for this project. If you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact Lauren Glorioso,
Endangered Species Review Biologist, at lauren.glorioso@mass.gov.
Sincerely,
Everose Schlüter, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
cc: Joshua Surette, Epsilon Associates, Inc.
MA DEP Western Region