2013.03.28 ConCom Agenda and Staff Report
Northampton Conservation Commission
Agenda
5:00 PM, Thursday March 28, 2013
City Hall Hearing Room 2 floor, 210 Main Street, Northampton
nd
General Public Comment
Approval of Minutes
February 14, 2013
February 14, 2013 Executive Session
March 28, 2013
5:00 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if installation of an irrigation
pump in the Mill River is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act/Northampton Wetlands Ordinance,
and if it will alter an area subject to protection. Crimson & Clover Farm, 2154 Spring Street, Parcel
22B-067.
Mineral Hills Conservation Area:
Continued discussion - proposed temporary access and landing use license – WD Cowls
Mineral Hills
Plans for improvements, Friends of Mineral Hills
Mini Training: Open Meeting Law
Review of Mail
Review of Staff-Issued Permits
All other business not foreseen when agenda was published
Adjourn
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Reviewed and Approved by OPD: WF
RE: Staff Report, March 28 Commission Meeting
Date: March 25, 2013
5:00 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if installation of an
irrigation pump in the Mill River is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act/Northampton
Wetlands Ordinance, and if it will alter an area subject to protection. Crimson & Clover
Farm, 2154 Spring Street, Parcel 22B-067.
Application Overview:
The application proposes installation of a 5.5 horsepower gas-powered water pump to draw water from
the Mill River in two locations. Water will be used for field irrigation in summer, and drawn from the
river with a two-inch suction hose. The pump is proposed to be placed on a movable trailer that will be
moved away from the river when not in use. The proposed withdrawal does not meet thresholds for DEP
Water Management Act review (10,0000 gpd, or 9,000,000 gallons in 3 months). Agricultural uses are
not subject to the City’s water restriction policy. The project is located within estimated and priority
habitat, but appears exempt. Staff is confirming this with NHESP.
Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance:
The pump is proposed as a new agricultural use, so cannot be considered as an exemption for
maintenance of an existing use. If a negative determination is issued, the use will become part of the
agricultural operation, and can continue as a maintenance activity. In addition to direct disturbances,
alterations also include ‘the lowering of the water level or water table.’ The project proposes to draw no
more than 10,000 gallons per day. The lowest monthly average Mill River discharge in summer months
during the past ten years was 10.0, or 6,451,200 gallons per day. At this low-flow condition, the irrigation
pump will draw 0.1% of the River’s daily flow. At 225 gallons per minute, the pump’s maximum output,
the withdrawal would be five percent of the River’s discharge. At more typical conditions, the pump
would withdraw .01% of daily flow, and one percent of discharge at any point. Real-world operating
conditions of the system will reduce the pumps efficiency and lower these numbers.
Staff Recommendations:
The amount of water proposed to be seasonally withdrawn seems unlikely to impact water levels in the
Mill River. A negative determination can be issued by checking box 2 to indicate that the work is within
an area subject to protection under the Act, but will not remove, fill, dredge, or alter that area. Conditions
requiring a filter at the end of the hose, and a meter should be included.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
March 28, 2013