Aster Fields NOI Application.pdf
wpaform3.doc • rev. 2/8/2018 Page 1 of 9
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
Important:
When filling out
forms on the
computer, use
only the tab key
to move your
cursor - do not
use the return key.
Note:
Before
completing this
form consult
your local
Conservation
Commission
regarding any
municipal bylaw
or ordinance.
A. General Information
1. Project Location (Note: electronic filers will click on button to locate project site):
80 Barrett Street
a. Street Address
Northampton
b. City/Town
01060
c. Zip Code
Latitude and Longitude:
d. Latitude
e. Longitude
f. Assessors Map/Plat Number
24B-041 & 24B-072
g. Parcel /Lot Number
2. Applicant:
Margaret
a. First Name
Leonard
b. Last Name
Paradise City Landscape Design
c. Organization
50 Rust Ave.
d. Street Address
Northampton
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01060
g. Zip Code
(413)478-7524
h. Phone Number
(302)343-8332
i. Fax Number
margaretleonard@comcast.net
j. Email Address
3. Property owner (required if different from applicant): Check if more than one owner
Anita and Bettina
a. First Name
Fábos
b. Last Name
Aster Associates, LLC
c. Organization
133 Chestnut Street
d. Street Address
Amherst
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01002
g. Zip Code
(413)230-6223
h. Phone Number
i. Fax Number
afabos@asterfields.org
j. Email address
4. Representative (if any):
Margaret
a. First Name
Leonard
b. Last Name
Paradise City Landscape Design
c. Company
50 Rust Ave.
d. Street Address
Northampton
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01060
g. Zip Code
(413)478-7524
h. Phone Number
(302)343-8332
i. Fax Number
margaretleonard@comcast.net
j. Email address
5. Total WPA Fee Paid (from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form):
500
a. Total Fee Paid
b. State Fee Paid
c. City/Town Fee Paid
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
A. General Information (continued)
6. General Project Description:
The work entails replacing a stormwater drainage pipe, reinforcing the edge of a runoff channel, and
increasing the height of a berm. The work is in a wetland and wetland buffer zone. Refer to
attachment, "Notice of Intent for Aster Fields" for narrative, maps, drawings, photos.
7a. Project Type Checklist: (Limited Project Types see Section A. 7b.)
1. Single Family Home 2. Residential Subdivision
3. Commercial/Industrial 4. Dock/Pier
5. Utilities 6. Coastal engineering Structure
7. Agriculture (e.g., cranberries, forestry) 8. Transportation
9. Other
7b. Is any portion of the proposed activity eligible to be treated as a limited project (including Ecological
Restoration Limited Project) subject to 310 CMR 10.24 (coastal) or 310 CMR 10.53 (inland)?
1. Yes No If yes, describe which limited project applies to this project. (See 310 CMR
10.24 and 10.53 for a complete list and description of limited project types)
2. Limited Project Type
If the proposed activity is eligible to be treated as an Ecological Restoration Limited Project (310
CMR10.24(8), 310 CMR 10.53(4)), complete and attach Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited
Project Checklist and Signed Certification.
8. Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for:
Hampshire
a. County
b. Certificate # (if registered land)
125
c. Book
96
d. Page Number
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent)
1. Buffer Zone Only – Check if the project is located only in the Buffer Zone of a Bordering
Vegetated Wetland, Inland Bank, or Coastal Resource Area.
2. Inland Resource Areas (see 310 CMR 10.54-10.58; if not applicable, go to Section B.3,
Coastal Resource Areas).
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and any supporting documentation describing how the
project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including
standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
For all projects
affecting other
Resource Areas,
please attach a
narrative
explaining how
the resource
area was delineated.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Bank 400
1. linear feet
400
2. linear feet
b. Bordering Vegetated
Wetland
2170
1. square feet
2170
2. square feet
c. Land Under
Waterbodies and
Waterways
1. square feet
2. square feet
5-7
3. cubic yards dredged
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
d. Bordering Land
Subject to Flooding
1. square feet
2. square feet
3. cubic feet of flood storage lost
4. cubic feet replaced
e. Isolated Land
Subject to Flooding
1. square feet
2. cubic feet of flood storage lost
3. cubic feet replaced
f. Riverfront Area
1. Name of Waterway (if available) - specify coastal or inland
2. Width of Riverfront Area (check one):
25 ft. - Designated Densely Developed Areas only
100 ft. - New agricultural projects only
200 ft. - All other projects
3. Total area of Riverfront Area on the site of the proposed project:
square feet
4. Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area:
a. total square feet
b. square feet within 100 ft.
c. square feet between 100 ft. and 200 ft.
5. Has an alternatives analysis been done and is it attached to this NOI? Yes No
6. Was the lot where the activity is proposed created prior to August 1, 1996? Yes No
3. Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25-10.35)
Note: for coastal riverfront areas, please complete Section B.2.f. above.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and supporting documentation describing how the
project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including
standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
Online Users:
Include your
document
transaction
number
(provided on your
receipt page)
with all
supplementary
information you
submit to the
Department.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Designated Port Areas Indicate size under Land Under the Ocean, below
b. Land Under the Ocean
1. square feet
2. cubic yards dredged
c. Barrier Beach Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coastal Dunes below
d. Coastal Beaches
1. square feet
2. cubic yards beach nourishment
e. Coastal Dunes
1. square feet
2. cubic yards dune nourishment
Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
f. Coastal Banks
1. linear feet
g. Rocky Intertidal
Shores
1. square feet
h. Salt Marshes
1. square feet
2. sq ft restoration, rehab., creation
i. Land Under Salt
Ponds
1. square feet
2. cubic yards dredged
j. Land Containing
Shellfish
1. square feet
k. Fish Runs Indicate size under Coastal Banks, inland Bank, Land Under the
Ocean, and/or inland Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways,
above
1. cubic yards dredged
l. Land Subject to
Coastal Storm Flowage
1. square feet
4. Restoration/Enhancement
If the project is for the purpose of restoring or enhancing a wetland resource area in addition to the
square footage that has been entered in Section B.2.b or B.3.h above, please enter the additional
amount here.
a. square feet of BVW
b. square feet of Salt Marsh
5. Project Involves Stream Crossings
a. number of new stream crossings
b. number of replacement stream crossings
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section C and
complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklists – Required Actions
(310 CMR 10.11).
Streamlined Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/Wetlands Protection Act Review
1. Is any portion of the proposed project located in Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife as indicated on
the most recent Estimated Habitat Map of State-Listed Rare Wetland Wildlife published by the
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)? To view habitat maps, see the
Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas or go to
http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/PRI_EST_HAB/viewer.htm.
a. Yes No If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery of NOI to:
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (508) 389-6360
b. Date of map
If yes, the project is also subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review (321
CMR 10.18). To qualify for a streamlined, 30-day, MESA/Wetlands Protection Act review, please
complete Section C.1.c, and include requested materials with this Notice of Intent (NOI); OR
complete Section C.2.f, if applicable. If MESA supplemental information is not included with the NOI,
by completing Section 1 of this form, the NHESP will require a separate MESA filing which may take
up to 90 days to review (unless noted exceptions in Section 2 apply, see below).
c. Submit Supplemental Information for Endangered Species Review∗
1. Percentage/acreage of property to be altered:
(a) within wetland Resource Area
percentage/acreage
(b) outside Resource Area
percentage/acreage
2. Assessor’s Map or right-of-way plan of site
2. Project plans for entire project site, including wetland resource areas and areas outside of
wetlands jurisdiction, showing existing and proposed conditions, existing and proposed
tree/vegetation clearing line, and clearly demarcated limits of work ∗∗
(a) Project description (including description of impacts outside of wetland resource area &
buffer zone)
(b) Photographs representative of the site
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
∗ Some projects not in Estimated Habitat may be located in Priority Habitat, and require NHESP review (see
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/). Priority Habitat includes habitat for state-listed plants
∗∗ MESA projects may not be segmented (321 CMR 10.16). The applicant must disclose full development plans even if such plans are
not required as part of the Notice of Intent process.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
(c) MESA filing fee (fee information available at
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_review/mesa/mesa_fee_schedule.htm).
Make check payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts - NHESP” and mail to NHESP at
above address
Projects altering 10 or more acres of land, also submit:
(d) Vegetation cover type map of site
(e) Project plans showing Priority & Estimated Habitat boundaries
(f) OR Check One of the Following
1. Project is exempt from MESA review.
Attach applicant letter indicating which MESA exemption applies. (See 321 CMR 10.14,
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_review/mesa/mesa_exemptions.htm;
the NOI must still be sent to NHESP if the project is within estimated habitat pursuant to
310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59.)
2. Separate MESA review ongoing.
a. NHESP Tracking #
b. Date submitted to NHESP
3. Separate MESA review completed.
Include copy of NHESP “no Take” determination or valid Conservation & Management
Permit with approved plan.
3. For coastal projects only, is any portion of the proposed project located below the mean high water
line or in a fish run?
a. Not applicable – project is in inland resource area only b. Yes No
If yes, include proof of mailing, hand delivery, or electronic delivery of NOI to either:
South Shore - Cohasset to Rhode Island border, and
the Cape & Islands:
Division of Marine Fisheries -
Southeast Marine Fisheries Station
Attn: Environmental Reviewer
836 South Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
Email: DMF.EnvReview-South@state.ma.us
North Shore - Hull to New Hampshire border:
Division of Marine Fisheries -
North Shore Office
Attn: Environmental Reviewer
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
Email: DMF.EnvReview-North@state.ma.us
Also if yes, the project may require a Chapter 91 license. For coastal towns in the Northeast Region,
please contact MassDEP’s Boston Office. For coastal towns in the Southeast Region, please contact
MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office.
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
Online Users:
Include your
document
transaction
number
(provided on your
receipt page)
with all
supplementary
information you
submit to the
Department.
4. Is any portion of the proposed project within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)?
a. Yes No If yes, provide name of ACEC (see instructions to WPA Form 3 or MassDEP
Website for ACEC locations). Note: electronic filers click on Website.
b. ACEC
5. Is any portion of the proposed project within an area designated as an Outstanding Resource Water
(ORW) as designated in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00?
a. Yes No
6. Is any portion of the site subject to a Wetlands Restriction Order under the Inland Wetlands
Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40A) or the Coastal Wetlands Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 130, § 105)?
a. Yes No
7. Is this project subject to provisions of the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards?
a. Yes. Attach a copy of the Stormwater Report as required by the Stormwater Management
Standards per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)-(q) and check if:
1. Applying for Low Impact Development (LID) site design credits (as described in
Stormwater Management Handbook Vol. 2, Chapter 3)
2. A portion of the site constitutes redevelopment
3. Proprietary BMPs are included in the Stormwater Management System.
b. No. Check why the project is exempt:
1. Single-family house
2. Emergency road repair
3. Small Residential Subdivision (less than or equal to 4 single-family houses or less than
or equal to 4 units in multi-family housing project) with no discharge to Critical Areas.
D. Additional Information
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section D and complete
Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent – Minimum Required Documents (310 CMR
10.12).
Applicants must include the following with this Notice of Intent (NOI). See instructions for details.
Online Users: Attach the document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) for any of
the following information you submit to the Department.
1. USGS or other map of the area (along with a narrative description, if necessary) containing
sufficient information for the Conservation Commission and the Department to locate the site.
(Electronic filers may omit this item.)
2. Plans identifying the location of proposed activities (including activities proposed to serve as
a Bordering Vegetated Wetland [BVW] replication area or other mitigating measure) relative
to the boundaries of each affected resource area.
D. Additional Information (cont’d)
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
3. Identify the method for BVW and other resource area boundary delineations (MassDEP BVW
Field Data Form(s), Determination of Applicability, Order of Resource Area Delineation, etc.),
and attach documentation of the methodology.
4. List the titles and dates for all plans and other materials submitted with this NOI.
a. Plan Title
b. Prepared By
c. Signed and Stamped by
d. Final Revision Date
e. Scale
f. Additional Plan or Document Title
g. Date
5. If there is more than one property owner, please attach a list of these property owners not
listed on this form.
6. Attach proof of mailing for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, if needed.
7. Attach proof of mailing for Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, if needed.
8. Attach NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
9. Attach Stormwater Report, if needed.
E. Fees
1. Fee Exempt: No filing fee shall be assessed for projects of any city, town, county, or district
of the Commonwealth, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authority, municipal housing
authority, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Applicants must submit the following information (in addition to pages 1 and 2 of the NOI Wetland
Fee Transmittal Form) to confirm fee payment:
10757
2. Municipal Check Number
8-12-2019
3. Check date
4. State Check Number
5. Check date
Paradise City Landscape Design
6. Payor name on check: First Name
7. Payor name on check: Last Name
F. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Notice of Intent and accompanying
plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand
that the Conservation Commission will place notification of this Notice in a local newspaper at the
expense of the applicant in accordance with the wetlands regulations, 310 CMR 10.05(5)(a).
I further certify under penalties of perjury that all abutters were notified of this application, pursuant to
the requirements of M.G.L. c. 131, § 40. Notice must be made by Certificate of Mailing or in writing by
hand delivery or certified mail (return receipt requested) to all abutters within 100 feet of the property line
of the project location.
1. Signature of Applicant
8-12-2019
2. Date
3. Signature of Property Owner (if different)
4. Date
5. Signature of Representative (if any)
t
6. Date
For Conservation Commission:
Two copies of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents,
two copies of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and the city/town fee payment, to the
Conservation Commission by certified mail or hand delivery.
For MassDEP:
One copy of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents, one
copy of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and a copy of the state fee payment to the
MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions) by certified mail or hand delivery.
Other:
If the applicant has checked the “yes” box in any part of Section C, Item 3, above, refer to that
section and the Instructions for additional submittal requirements.
The original and copies must be sent simultaneously. Failure by the applicant to send copies in a
timely manner may result in dismissal of the Notice of Intent.
noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 1 of 2
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Important: When
filling out forms
on the computer,
use only the tab
key to move your
cursor - do not
use the return key.
A. Applicant Information
1. Location of Project:
80 Barrett S
a. Street Address
Northampton
b. City/Town
c. Check number
500
d. Fee amount
2. Applicant Mailing Address:
Margaret
a. First Name
Leonard
b. Last Name
Paradise City Landscape Design
c. Organization
50 Rust Ave.
d. Mailing Address
Northampton`
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01060
g. Zip Code
(413)478-7524
h. Phone Number
(302)343-8332
i. Fax Number
margaretleonard@comcast.net
j. Email Address
3. Property Owner (if different):
Anita and Bettina
a. First Name
Fabos
b. Last Name
Aster Associates, LLC
c. Organization
PO Box 1130
d. Mailing Address
Easthampton
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01027
g. Zip Code
413-230-6223
h. Phone Number
i. Fax Number
afabos@asterfields.org
j. Email Address
To calculate
filing fees, refer
to the category
fee list and
examples in the
instructions for
filling out WPA
Form 3 (Notice of
Intent).
B. Fees
Fee should be calculated using the following process & worksheet. Please see Instructions before
filling out worksheet.
Step 1/Type of Activity: Describe each type of activity that will occur in wetland resource area and buffer zone.
Step 2/Number of Activities: Identify the number of each type of activity.
Step 3/Individual Activity Fee: Identify each activity fee from the six project categories listed in the instructions.
Step 4/Subtotal Activity Fee: Multiply the number of activities (identified in Step 2) times the fee per category
(identified in Step 3) to reach a subtotal fee amount. Note: If any of these activities are in a Riverfront Area in
addition to another Resource Area or the Buffer Zone, the fee per activity should be multiplied by 1.5 and then
added to the subtotal amount.
Step 5/Total Project Fee: Determine the total project fee by adding the subtotal amounts from Step 4.
Step 6/Fee Payments: To calculate the state share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and subtract $12.50. To
calculate the city/town share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and add $12.50.
noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 2 of 2
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
B. Fees (continued)
Step 1/Type of Activity Step 2/Number
of Activities
Step
3/Individual
Activity Fee
Step 4/Subtotal Activity
Fee
Drainage repairs/improvements
1
500
500
Step 5/Total Project Fee: 500
Step 6/Fee Payments:
Total Project Fee: 500
a. Total Fee from Step 5
State share of filing Fee: 237.50
b. 1/2 Total Fee less $12.50
City/Town share of filling Fee: 262.50
c. 1/2 Total Fee plus $12.50
C. Submittal Requirements
a.) Complete pages 1 and 2 and send with a check or money order for the state share of the fee, payable to
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Department of Environmental Protection
Box 4062
Boston, MA 02211
b.) To the Conservation Commission: Send the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent; a copy of
this form; and the city/town fee payment.
To MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions): Send a copy of the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of
Intent; a copy of this form; and a copy of the state fee payment. (E-filers of Notices of Intent may submit these
electronically.)
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
Narrative for Notice of Intent for Aster Fields, 80 Barrett Street, Northampton
Parcel ID 24B-041 and 24B-072
In the 1960’s, Aster Fields was built along the Barrett Street Marsh. Graphic #1 shows an
aerial map of Aster Fields with Jackson Street Elementary School in the west and King Street
to the east. The Barrett Street Marsh abuts the southern boundary of the property. Graphic
#2 illustrates the layout of the apartment complex, with (3) residential apartment buildings
immediately off Barrett Street, and a larger (3) story building, called Aster Row, located in the
lower elevation along the Barrett Street Marsh.
Graphic #3, a planimetric map from 1967, shows the location of Aster Row in the lower
portion of the property relative to the surrounding watershed.
A drainage system utilizing a designed berm and releasing stormwater flow into the nearby
channel addressed Aster Field’s drainage needs until the last decade. With increasingly
severe storm events, the volume of water that the drainage system needs to process is in
danger of over flowing the current berm. Moreover, sediment deposits over time have raised
the bottom of the channel so that the flowing stormwater may soon overflow the sides of the
embankment.
Project scope
All work is to be completed near Aster Row, the lower apartment building at Aster Fields, and
the scope of the proposed work is three-fold:
1. Replace the broken asbestos concrete pipe that carries stormwater to the runoff channel
behind Aster Row
2. Armor the structure side of the channel behind Aster Row to protect the edge of the
embankment from erosion
3. Raise the level of the existing berm by 18-22” to prevent flooding of the apartment
building
The work is within the wetland and the wetland buffer, and it is subject to the regulations of
the Wetlands Protection Act. The extent of the work is illustrated in the attached drawing,
Aster Fields, Proposed Hydrology near Aster Row (Aster Fields NOI Graphic #4). We would like
to complete the work in early Fall, 2019, during the dry season.
Below is a discussion for each project.
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
2
Project #1. Replace broken asbestos concrete pipe
The stormwater pipe flows under both the parking lot and the open space on the southern
end of Aster Row and is approximately 165’ in length. It is broken where it meets the runoff
channel, and the last 25’ of pipe holds water continuously (documented by Fletcher Sewer
and Drain in October, 2018). Photos #1 and #2 illustrate the broken outflow pipe in the
channel.
Graphic #4a shows the location of the new drainage pipe to be positioned over the existing
pipe.
Stormwater from catch basins 1-3 flows into catch basin 4 along the parking lot edge. The
invert of the inflow pipe is 48”. The invert of the outflow pipe is 22” below the invert of the
inflow pipe or 70”. We will install the replacement pipe using 12” PVC at an invert height 8”
below the invert of the inflow pipe, or 56”. Graphic #4b compares the positioning of the old
and the new pipes and describes the materials to be used in the replacement.
The work will be completed as follows:
Sediment prevention
a. Straw wattle (12” diameter) will be installed as shown in Graphic #4a. The straw wattle will
be installed similarly to a silt fence with stakes driven every 4’ through the rear half of the
logs perpendicular to the slope. Separate pieces will overlap by 6”.
b. Two runs of straw wattle will protect from above the embankment, with the ends
extending uphill to prevent flow bypassing. A third segment will reside in the channel. The
three segments will provide multiple lines of protection, overlapping and working together to
prevent sediment flow into the channel.
c. The wattles will be left in place until work is completed and the embankment is stabilized
with vegetation (grass).
Excavation
a. Asphalt from the parking lot will be cut, removed and properly disposed of over the first
75’ above the existing buried pipe.
b. Garden fencing and posts will be temporarily moved to give machine access for digging the
trench for the new pipe.
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
3
Project #1. Replace broken asbestos concrete pipe (cont’d)
c. Care will be taken to protect a nearby sycamore tree.
d. A trench will be dug using a backhoe to a depth necessary for the new pipe (refer to
Graphic #4b). The new pipe will be located above the existing pipe, which will remain buried
to minimize disturbance to the site.
e. A concrete plug will be placed in the catch basin where the current pipe is connected. A
new hole will be drilled in the catch basin to allow for the new 12” PVC pipe to be connected.
f. An ADS flared end attachment will allow water to slow and disperse into the channel. The
bed at the stormwater outflow will be lined with 2-3” rip rap, slowing the velocity of the
water as it merges with flow in the runoff channel.
g. The pipe trench will be backfilled with soil from site, smoothed and raked, then overseeded
with a conservation grass seed and mulched with a shredded straw mulch. No material is
expected to be removed from or added to the site.
h. Sediment prevention measures (the wattles) will remain in place until the grass is well-
established on the disturbed site.
Performance standard
It is expected that there will be minimal adverse impact on the stream channel because the
volume of water released will be unchanged from existing conditions.
Wildlife habitat will be enhanced because the installation will stabilize the embankment and
stop the erosion due to the pipe breakage.
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
4
Project #2: Armor the channel behind Aster Row
The runoff channel, behind Aster Row, is situated within the Aster Fields property line, and it
carries stormwater from a number of sources:
- Rainwater from the surrounding properties, including the Barrett Street Marsh
- Stormwater from the Aster Row parking lot via catch basins
- Roof runoff from gutters connected to PVC pipes that flow into the channel
Photos 3-4 show the runoff channel in mid-June, 2018, and Photos 5-6 illustrate flow in
October, 2018. In both cases, the channel is full to capacity and is in danger of overflowing
the existing berm. Photo #6 illustrates a significant breach in the embankment with water
channeled from the abutting Barrett Street Marsh in October, 2018.
This project consists of installing the Filtrexx Bank Stabilization System to strengthen the
edges of the runoff channel. The armoring will be approximately 400’ in length lining the
channel starting on the western end of Aster Row and will extend to the outflow pipe from
the parking lot catch basins. The armoring will consist of (3) rows of 12-inch Filtrexx Grow
Soxx as described later in this narrative. Refer to Graphic #5 for an illustration of the
placement of the Filtrexx soxx. The armoring will work in conjunction with enhancing the
height of the berm, as illustrated in the elevation shown in Graphic #5a.
The Filtrexx® Bank Stabilization vegetated soft armoring system is designed to stabilize banks
and prevent erosion of waterway and shoreline banks. The bank stabilization system is
composed of GroSoxx® - heavy duty tubular mesh netting matrix used to contain and stabilize
GrowingMedia™ and vegetation. The bank stabilization technology provides structural
protection, erosion control, vegetation growth, and vegetation reinforcement in one system.
The bank stabilization weight and anchoring system can withstand storm runoff velocities and
hydraulic shear stresses similar to traditional soft armoring devices (brush mattresses,
coconut fiber logs, turf reinforcement mats), while the injected GrowingMedia ensures
establishment and sustainability of both seeded and live stake plantings. Bank stabilization is
specifically designed to establish and reinforce vegetation under intense hydraulic pressure.
Refer to Appendix A for product information about the Filtrexx® Bank Stabilization system.
Sediment prevention
We hope to work during a period of minimal water flow in the channel and keep our
excavation and soil disturbance to a minimum. Refer to Photos 7-8 for examples of stream
levels in the channel during excavation.
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
5
Project #2: Armor the channel behind Aster Row (cont’d)
a. Straw wattles (12” diameter) will be installed to divert water to the opposite side of the
channel. The position of the straw wattle will be as close to the existing edge of the
embankment while also allowing room to install the Filtrexx Soxx.
b. The straw wattle will be installed the entire length of the Filtrexx Soxx as shown in Graphic
#5.
c. Every effort will be made to ensure the channel is maintained at maximum width to ensure
that no scouring of the existing sediment will occur, and no controls will be installed unless
deemed to be required.
Soil Disturbance
Some soil will need to be moved along the bank to insure proper installation of the Soxx
system. The Soxx must make good contact with the side of the channel with no voids to
allow water behind the Soxx during “grow in”. Some soil will need to be shaped along the
bank to insure proper installation of the Soxx system.
a. Every effort will be made to maintain the natural shape and flow of the channel.
b. Soil movement will be kept to a minimum and placed above the Soxx along the channel to
be utilized in any shaping of the berm that is required after installation.
c. All soils will remain on site and any additional soil required to grade away from the Soxx
will be kept to a minimum.
d. Two methods of excavation will be used for this process: by machine and by hand. Utilizing
a small Mini excavator, which is a more traditional method by current standards, is the faster
method giving the best results. There is, however, a concern that soft soils near the
excavation site will be negatively impacted by machine access. Hand excavation will cause
less damage to non-target areas causing less restoration, but will require more time, possibly
exposing the site to additional rain events. We will use a mix of both machine and hand
digging to achieve the best of both methods.
e. Access mats will be used to protect the berm from machinery.
Soxx Installation
a. Bank stabilization will be placed in a manner that protects the entire bank or shoreline
from erosion and destabilization. In this case approximately 400 feet of bank 3 Soxx high
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
6
Project #2: Armor the channel behind Aster Row (cont’d)
b. Land surface will be cleared of debris, including rocks, roots, large clods, and sticks prior to
bank stabilization installation.
c. Waterway bank or shoreline will be made smooth prior to installation of Bank stabilization.
d. Excavation will be to a minimum of 6 inches below the scour line.
e. Bank stabilization is staked on 5 foot intervals and made in continuous lengths and sleeved
where needed. Stakes are of a hardwood.
f. Bank stabilization will be fabricated on-site.
g. Bank stabilization will be placed parallel to concentrated water flow where Soxx are tightly
stacked or abutted to prevent water seepage between and underneath the system.
h. Once in place, Bank stabilization Soxx™ will be lightly compacted to tighten seal between
socks and encourage even water flow over the surface of the system.
i. Bank stabilization will be seeded at the time of application with a dense shade grass blend.
Native grasses will be used, such as Carex pennsylvanica, as recommended by “Appendix B:
Native Plant List for Vegetated Buffers in New England, “ The Massachusetts Buffer Manual,
(2003).
j. Seed will be thoroughly mixed with the GrowingMedia prior to construction. The growing
media is derived from 100% yard/wood trimmings compost (manure-free).
k. After grass blend establishment, the system may be live staked with desirable species
identified at or adjacent to the site.
l. No fertilizers will be incorporated into the GrowingMedia prior to installation and no
fertilizer will be added in the future
Performance standards
The physical stability of the bank will be greatly improved with the Filtrexx Soxx, and the
water flow in the channel will not be obstructed.
The water carrying capacity of the channel will be enhanced because the Filtrexx Sox will
discourage erosion, enabling the water to flow freely and without slowing down.
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
7
Project #3: Enhance the Berm
The berm between Aster Row and the channel protects against the water flowing towards
the building much like a levee does. This project raises the height of the berm, working with
the Filtrexx Soxx system, to continue protecting the building as rain events and stormwater
become more severe.
The Filtrexx Soxx system provides a more vertical edge to the runoff channel, and this will
have less impact on the flow of water; a more gradual edge would slow the flow of water and
cause more sediment buildup.
The amount of fill to raise the berm will be less with the Filtrexx Soxx product because the
height is achieved with the sock. Graphic #5b shows the Soxx providing a vertical gain in a
short distance, allowing the berm to be more gradual and gentle on the building side.
At the southwest corner of the property, the channel has breached the current berm, causing
erosion of the embankment because the water direction is changing 90 degrees. The Soxx
will allow curving the water flow in a more gentle manner without having to excavate existing
material.
Installation
Once the Filtrexx Soxx is installed, the berm will be augmented.
a. Approximately 90-100 yards of top soil will be used to raise the height of the existing berm
along the armored channel. The final berm will be Top soil will be as clean as possible from
local sources.
b. The material will be manually moved with wheelbarrows and raked by hand.
c. The berm will be graded gently away from the Filtrexx Soxx to allow for planting a mix of
native shrubs and perennials.
d. A community of plants will be used to establish layers within the planting area. An effort
will be made to provide a variety of sizes and species of native plants, including deciduous
and evergreen shrubs as well as perennials and groundcovers. These include but are not
limited to: ferns, winterberry, witch hazel, inkberry, swamp azalea, and others, as
recommended by “Appendix B: Native Plant List for Vegetated Buffers in New England, “ The
Massachusetts Buffer Manual, (2003).
Paradise City Landscape Design
Northampton, Massachusetts
P.O. Box 985, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061 □ 413.478.7524 □ margaretleonard@comcast.net
8
Project #3: Enhance the Berm (cont’d)
e. Plants will be installed using hand-digging methods to minimize soil disturbance.
f. Plants will be mulched with mulch locally available and made of a blend of hardwoods and
no dyes.
Performance standards
Although this project will alter the bordering vegetated wetland, the enhancements will
improve wildlife habitat. Plantings of native perennials and shrubs will provide increased
food and shelter, and wildlife will continue to have unobstructed access to the wetland.
The plantings will also help stabilize the embankment by working in conjunction with the
Filtrexx Soxx. Water flow in the channel will ultimately be unimpeded, and ultimately, the
flow will be ensured as erosion is reduced.
Aster Fields NOI Photo #7
Empty channel looking
downstream August 6,
2019