2016.09.08 Staff Report
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
RE: Staff Report September 8 Commission Meeting
Date: September 6, 2016
5:30 PM: Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if solar panel
installation is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands
Ordinance. Bruce & Rita Bleiman, 16 Hampton Terr, Map ID 39A-067
Application Overview:
The application proposes installation of 32 solar panels mounted on a 44 linear foot area on
sonotubes on a hillside behind 16 Hampton Terrace. Access will be provided through an existing
access road along the base of the hillside.
Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance; Staff
Recommendations:
The solar panels will be elevated above the ground, and the project does not include creation of
cement or gravel bases. New permanent alteration will be limited to the sonotube posts on which the
panels will be mounted. If limited to the hillside, the project should not alter the BVW. Issue a
negative determination by checking box 3, to indicate that work is within buffer, but will not remove,
dredge, fill, or alter the resource area. Include standard conditions, and, as the map included in the
application is vague, require that post installation be limited to the hillside, to be verified by staff at
the preconstruction visit. Add a requirement that erosion control be installed downgradient of the
excavation locations as described, and that equipment shall not be utilized outside the existing access
roadyway.
5:45 PM: Notice of Intent for rerouting of a walking trail, including a new stream
crossing Work to take place in bordering vegetated wetland and riverfront area (Mill
River). MassAudubon, parcel ID 45-10, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
Application Overview:
The application proposes re-routing of a trail to discontinue disturbance in a sensitive area, and
create a new trail.
The work falls within mapped habitat, but NHESP has indicated that the work is exempt as ‘active
management of State-listed Species habitat…for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the
habitat’
DEP Comments
\[1\] The Commission shall wait for 30 days or comments received from NHESP, whichever is first,
before it closes the public hearing.
NHESP Comments noted above
\[2\] The Commission and applicant should review the provisions of 310 CMR 10.53(6) regarding
Riverfront Area and the trail work, which can be reviewed as a limited project.
This section allows the Commission to issue an Order for trailwork, provided that adverse impacts
are minimized, that design specifications are commensurate with the projected use, and are
compatible with the riverfront area character. The project appears to meet these standards.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
September 8, 2016
\[3\] Woody debris in riparian corridors, streams and floodplains can provide significant habitat value
for the Fisheries and Wildlife, two of the Interests of the Act.
\[4\] The Commission should review bankfull width and compliance with the stream crossing
standards.
Staff verified that the project meets the stream crossing standards to the maximum extent
practicable. The new crossing exceeds 1.2 times bankfull conditions. The standards are:
(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.
\[5\] The Commission needs to quantify resource area impacts, including BVW restoration, in the
Order of Conditions. Please note line B.23 in the OOC for the square footage of BVW
Restoration/Enhancement.
The project alters, and replaces, 279 sf of blsf and RFA.
Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance; Staff
Recommendations:
Work is proposed within the Protected Zone of a resource area, but is allowed as both a trail for
pedestrian use, and a resource area improvement. The project should result in an overall
improvement, and an Order can be issued. Due to the nature of the project, standard conditions do
not apply. Add a condition requiring that the closed section of trail be re-evaluated during the 2017
growing season to determine whether additional plantings are required to ensure that the trail
remains closed.
Review and approve Agricultural License for Meadows Conservation Area, Montview
Section
The Meadows City Conservation Coalition (MCCC) now holds a conservation restriction on the
Montview parcel, and will be presenting a final management plan for the area later in September. In
accordance with discussions regarding agriculture on the site a few years ago, MCCC sought a farmer
to cultivate the eastern section of the property. In absence of a quorum earlier this summer, staff
and the Chairman agreed to support the farmer so that she could make use of this year’s growing
season. Agricultural Commission member Richard Jaescke cleared the property at no cost. Staff
recommend that the Commission approve the agricultural license.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 2
September 8, 2016