246-0696.pdfDATE:July 20, 2016 Municipality NORTHAMPTON
(city/town)
RE: NOTIFICATION OF WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT FILE NUMBER
The Department of Environmental Protection has received a Notice of Intent filed in accordance with the
Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, §40):
Applicant:
Address:
LOCUS:
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON DPW
125 LOCUST STREET
AUDUBON ROAD
Owner:
Address:
This project has been assigned the following file # :WE 246-0696
Although a file # is being issued, please note the following:
Commissioner
MARTIN SUUBERG
Secretary
MATTHEW A. BEATON
Lieutenant Governor
KARYN E. POLITO
Governor
CHARLES D. BAKER
A FILE NUMBER ONLY INDICATES THAT THE APPLICATION CONTAINS THE MINIMAL
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND IS ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE - NOT THAT
THE INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION IS ADEQUATE FOR ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER
OF CONDITIONS.
436 DWIGHT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103 413-784-1100
WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
NORTHAMPTON, MA
The project proposes the replacement of one or more stream crossings, yet does not appear to conform with the
General Performance Standards at 310 CMR 10.54(4)(a)(6) and 310 CMR 10.56(4)(a)(5), which require a full span
or properly embedded structure 1.2 times the mean channel width. Conformance with these General Performance
Standards is the primary way to demonstrate the proposed project complies with and contributes to the protection
of the interests of the Wetlands Protection Act. Alternatively, for the replacement of an existing crossing and per
310 CMR 10.53(8), the applicant may demonstrate that conformance with the Massachusetts River & Stream
Crossing Standards (Standards) has been achieved to the maximum extent practicable, and shall consider site
constraints in meeting the Standards, undesirable effects of risk in meeting the Standards, and the environmental
benefit of meeting the Standards—compared to the costs—by evaluating the following criteria:
(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.
This information is available in alternate format. Call Donald M. Gomes, ADA Coordinator at 617-556-1057. TDD# 1-866-539-7622 or 1-617-574-6868.
http://www.mass.gov/dep
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CITY OF NORTHAMPTON DPW
125 LOCUST STREET
NORTHAMPTON, MA
Per the sample worksheet provided, MassDEP requires that three different stream crossing alternatives be
considered: 1) structure replacement in-kind; 2) a structure that meets the General Performance Standards; and 3)
a structure that complies with the minimum applicable Massachusetts River & Stream Crossing Standards for
replacement crossings, namely one designed to avoid or mitigate one or all of the following attributes: a) inlet
drops; b) outlet drops; c) flow contraction that produces significant turbulence; d) tailwater armoring; e) tailwater
scour pools; and e) physical barriers to fish and wildlife passage. A “No Action” alternative need not be evaluated.
This assessment is required in order to determine whether the project will require an Individual Massachusetts
Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certificate (WQC) from the MassDEP, per 314 CMR 9.03(1)(c). A
project that is not designed in accordance with the General Performance Standards or with the minimum applicable
Massachusetts River & Stream Crossing Standards for replacement crossings will require a WQC from MassDEP.
Upon receipt of this requested information MassDEP will inform all parties as to whether an Individual WQC will be
required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
This project proposes a discharge of dredged or fill material into “Waters of the United States” potentially subject to
the federal Clean Water Act. Per the Massachusetts General Permit (MAGP) issued under the federal Clean Water
Act, you may be required to notify the US Army Corps of Engineers, New England District of this project proposal.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact: MARK STINSON @ (413)-755-2257
Cc: Northampton Conservation Commission, CITY HALL, 210 MAIN STREEET RM 11, Northampton, MA, 01060
Representative: Tighe and Bond, 53 Southampton Road, WESTFIELD, MA, 01085
This information is available in alternate format. Call Donald M. Gomes, ADA Coordinator at 617-556-1057. TDD# 1-866-539-7622 or 1-617-574-6868.
http://www.mass.gov/dep
Printed on Recycled Paper