2014.05.08 Staff Report.docTo: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Reviewed and Approved by OPD: WF
RE: Staff Report, May 8 Commission Meeting
Date: May 5, 2014
5:00 PM Request for Determination
of Applicability to determine if construction of addition and deck is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. Cynthia Monahan and Edward Ward, 368
Burts Pit Road, Map ID 30C-46
Application Overview:
The application proposes construction of a 10’x14’ addition and connected deck approximately 55 feet from an intermittent stream
in a well-defined channel with steep banks.
Consistency with the Northampton Wetlands Ordinance:
The addition is proposed in an area that is mown lawn and garden. The work area is
at the same elevation as the wetland, but there is a rise adjacent to the barn that separates the addition area from the wetland. Work proposed is outside the 50 foot Protected Zone.
Due to topography and existing conditions, it should not create a new alteration as defined by the Ordinance and WPA.
Staff Recommendations:
The Commission should discuss measures
proposed to ensure no disturbance will occur during construction, and issue a negative determination by checking Box 3, to indicate that the work is within the buffer, but will not remove,
dredge, fill, or alter. Conditions requiring erosion control at the limit of work (not shown on project plans) and requiring that the Commission be notified when erosion control is
installed, and again when work is complete.
Request for Certificate of Compliance for garden creation project, DEP File 246-0654, 138 Sylvester Road, Map ID 28-069
Application Overview:
This
project was a garden creation within the Protected Zone and buffer to bank of a pond. The project was completed substantially as proposed.
Special conditions required that mowing not
occur between the pond and garden, that signs be installed to mark the Protected Zone, and that a stepping stone detail plan be approved by the Commission. All of these conditions have
been complied with.
The NOI included invasive species removal as mitigation. Many have been removed, but there is still a great deal of multiflora rose in the undisturbed area inside
the Protected Zone. Since the NOI was not specific about levels of reduction, and some has been removed, staff still recommends issuance of a complete certificate of compliance.
Request
for Extension of Order of Conditions. DEP File 246-588. Norwottuck Rail Trail, Florence Street to Williamsburg Town Line
Staff application, no recommendation.