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30A-032 Cutlery 2007-2010 Post Construction Report Final-FULL-noAsBuilt October 22, 2010 Sarah LaValley, Preservation and Land Use Planner City of Northampton Office of Planning and Development 210 Main Street, Room 11 Northampton, MA 01060 RE: As-Built Construction Report Bank Stabilization 2007-2010 Cutlery Raceway Slope Stabilization Northampton, MA NEE File #: 02-2053-H MADEP Wetlands File #: 246-546 RTN #1-13320 Dear Ms. LaValley, New England Environmental Inc. (NEE) is pleased to present this As-Built Construction Report for the stabilization of the bank of the Mill River adjacent to the former Cutlery Building Raceway, in Northampton, MA (Figures 1 and 2). As you are aware, this bank stabilization project is part of the contaminated soil remediation project being conducted by NEE under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP; 310 CMR 40.0000). NEE proposed mitigating measures for several MCP-related assessment and remediation activities at the Site under a Notice of Intent (NOI) dated 2004. The Commission approved an Order of Conditions dated September 28, 2004 for this project. NEE designed a bank stabilization plan and submitted it to the Conservation Commission under a NOI dated August 4, 2006. The Commission approved an Order of Conditions dated August 31, 2006 for this project. On May 24, 2007, Mr. Verson (Cutlery Building Associates) and Ed Severance (Northeast Environmental Solutions; NES) appeared before the Commission and requested approval for a “revised remediation plan” which was later submitted to your office in a letter dated May 29, 2007 (Appendix A). This revised plan was implemented by Northeast during the 2007 growing season. Overall, the NOI scopes of work and bank stabilization project had seven (7) major components. These were designed to allow removal of the most-contaminated soil from the bank of the Mill River, to stabilize the erosion which was evident along portions of the project site, to provide a long-term cover for the soil stockpile, and to isolate contaminated soil from potential human and/or environmental receptors. These activities were designed to bring this MCP Disposal Site to a condition where a Response Action Outcome (RAO) Statements can be filed for the Disposal Site with the DEP, effectively closing this file for this Site. The disposal Site has been divided into three Areas of Concern (AOC). AOC-1: This portion of the Site includes the northwestern portion of the southerly Cutlery Lot 32 and the western portion of the Valley Home Improvement (VHI) Lot 76 as shown on Figure 3. This includes the paved parking lots behind the Cutlery building and the VHI building and the sloped bank down to the Mill River west of these parking lots. As-Built Construction Report Bank Stabilization Areas October 22, 2010 Cutlery Raceway NEE Project #: 02-2053 DEP File #: 246 546 Northampton, MA AOC-2 and AOC-3: These areas of the Site occupy the narrow strip of undeveloped land between Riverside Drive and the Mill River, from the northern VHI property line to the northern portion of Lot 77, where water entered the raceway at a former dam (Figure 3). AOC-2 includes the filled portion of the raceway, but does not include the bank of the Mill River west of this section. AOC-3 includes the entire exposed levee from the northerly end of AOC-2 north to the chain link fence at the north end of the Site. The NOI scopes of work and bank stabilization project had the following components and associated completion dates: 1) A stockpile of contaminated soil from earlier (2004-2006) excavation of “hot-spot” contaminated soil areas within the Cutlery and VHI gravel parking lots and contaminated soil on the bank of the Mill River west of the Cutlery parking lot, in the the vicinity of soil sample CB-1 existed in AOC-2. This stockpile was covered in plastic. Under an agreement between the owner and DEP, this stockpile was re-graded to a lower total elevation, essentially in the same place, and covered with a marker layer of orange fence, landscape fabric, loam and seed. This was completed in the summer of 2007; 2) The Cutlery and VHI parking lots in AOC-1 were paved with bituminous asphalt to limit access to the underlying residually contaminated soil. This was completed in November 2005; 3) A sediment trap for the newly paved parking lots was constructed by pouring a concrete retaining wall within the existing tailrace. This wall was poured in June 2006, but had undermining erosion issues until a flow-fill base was poured in the Spring of 2008. It has functioned as designed since that time. The owner has an existing Maintenance Agreement with the Northampton DPW to maintain this sediment trap (Appendix B); 4) Five-foot high chain link fence CLF) was installed along the entire length of Riverside Drive from the previously existing CLF at the north end of AOC-3 to the previously existing CLF at the south end of AOC-2 to limit access to these two AOCs. This fence was installed in November 2007: 5) Four-foot high CLF was installed along the entire length of the west side of the Cutlery and VHI paved parking lots to limit access to the residually contaminated soil within the bank of the Mill River in AOC-1. This fence was installed in November 2007; 6) The Mill River bank along the levee in AOC-3 was stabilized in the Fall of 2007 using loam, erosion control fabric as needed, and straw. The top of the levee was also loamed, seeded and stabilized with straw at this time. This work included reconstruction of approximately 40 feet of the stone retaining wall at the base of the levee on the Mill River side. The steepest areas of this bank required heavier erosion control blanket, and re-seeding during the 2008 growing season. These additional efforts were successful and the levee area now is in good condition in terms of erosion; As-Built Construction Report Bank Stabilization Areas October 22, 2010 Cutlery Raceway NEE Project #: 02-2053 DEP File #: 246 546 Northampton, MA 7) The Mill River bank along the paved parking lot in AOC-1 was stabilized in the Spring of 2007 using loam, erosion control fabric as needed, and straw over a marker layer of orange plastic construction fencing. The toe of the slope was marked by a blown compost log which held the erosion control fabric and marker layers in place. This installation required several repairs over the following two years, mostly in terms of replenishment of the loam and seed when the orange layer became visible. In the fall of 2009, high water in the Mill River caused severe erosion of the installed materials at the downstream end of AOC-1. The southern-most 100 feet were determined to require additional stabilization measures, but these could not be installed until after high water in the Spring. Between June 28 and July 14, 2010, NEE field staff installed 160 linear feet of 12” diameter coir logs along the toe of the existing river bank. The location of the coir logs included the 100-feet of bank directly north of the tailrace, plus the next 30 feet which were also determined to be eroded and in need of stabilization, and an additional 30-foot section further north near CB-1. This last 30-foot section was in the best condition of the three, but still showed signs of erosion and was stabilized to ensure future slope stability. On June 29, 2010, NEE began placing loam, above the coir logs, on the slope at the downstream-most portion, where a scoured hole had formed during winter/spring storms. Shortly after loam placement began, NEE discovered that loam was gathering at the toe of slope and not accumulating on the exposed bank. NEE concluded at that time, that placed loam and erosion control blanket alone would not be a viable long term solution and that the slope needed more stability. On July 1, 2010, Lyons Witten, LSP with NEE, met at the Site with Sarah LaValley, Northampton Conservation Agent, to explain the difficulties encountered and to propose completing the project using a vegetated geo-lift system to finish the bank restoration and prevent future erosion. This proposal was accepted by Ms. LaValley as a valid and acceptable alternative for the difficult conditions. It was also noted during this Site Visit that the three-year limit on the Order of Conditions for the latest NOI had expired, and that the work was necessary and complied with the intent of the NOI. Ms. LaValley issued an Emergency Certification to allow the stabilization of the 160 feet of bank to proceed as discussed without further delay. The vegetated geo-lift system was installed between July 5-14, 2010. Details of the 2010 bank stabilization, including project photographs, are included in the Post Construction Report (NEE, August 17, 2010) included in Appendix C. These installations are now complete and both the planted vegetation and the grass seed have set roots and are established. During the July 1, 2010 site visit, the chain link fences all appeared in good condition in AOC-1, AOC-2 and AOC-3. Gates were all locked. The prior bank stabilization engineering controls appeared in good condition and the planted vegetation appeared healthy. The pavement in the parking lots was in excellent condition and the As-Built Construction Report Bank Stabilization Areas October 22, 2010 Cutlery Raceway NEE Project #: 02-2053 DEP File #: 246 546 Northampton, MA Photographs from a June 9, 2009 Site Visit are included in the photographs section of this report. They show the improvements at the Site prior to the 2010 stabilization effort. These improvements are harder to photograph today as the vegetation is so healthy. The proposed improvements are now complete and we respectfully request a Certificate of Compliance for the three (3) Orders of Conditions on this project (9/28/04, 6/8/06, and 8/31/06). Please note that once a Certificate of Compliance is achieved from the Commission, an Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) will be placed on each of the two properties (Cutlery and VHI) in AOC-1 and on the whole of AOC-2 and AOC-3 combined (Cutlery property). This will then enable the following closure under the MCP: 1) For the Area AOC-1, a Permanent Solution has been achieved, the level of oil and hazardous materials (OHM) in the environment has not been reduced to background and an AUL has been implemented. The exposure point concentrations (EPCs) for identified OHM material at the disposal Site do not exceed any UCL in soil and groundwater, therefore this portion of the Site is eligible for a Class A3 RAO. 2) For the portion of the Site labeled AOC-2 & AOC-3, a condition of No Substantial Hazard exists, response actions to achieve a permanent solution are not currently feasible and an AUL has been implemented. This portion of the Site is eligible for a Class C1 RAO. The terms of the AUL documents require, in part, that: a) Pavement in AOC-1 remain in good condition; b) That all CLF installed as part of this project remain in good condition; c) That the erosion control and bank stabilization installations remain in good condition; and, d) That annual AUL inspections be conducted and that a summary report be submitted to DEP, Division of Waste Site Cleanup. NEE proposes that the Commission be copied on these Annual AUL Inspection Inspection Reports. It is likely that any repairs required to maintain the terms of the AUL will require approval from the Commission, but receipt of the Annual AUL Inspection Report will keep the Commission informed as to the status of this Site on a regular basis. This annual AUL inspection requirement is in perpetuity. As-Built Construction Report Bank Stabilization Areas October 22, 2010 Cutlery Raceway NEE Project #: 02-2053 DEP File #: 246 546 Northampton, MA If you have any questions regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact me. cc: Cutlery Building Associates, PRP, Site Owner, c/o Mr. Alan Verson Mr. Nelson Shifflett, PRP, Site Owner-Former Firehouse Mr. Ben Fish, DEP, Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup Attachments: Photographs -June 2009 Figure 1 Locus Map Figure 2 Aerial Photograph Figure 3 As-Built Site Plan Appendix A -Orders of Conditions dated: September 28, 2004 June 8, 2006 August 31, 2006 “Revised Remediation Plan” letter (NES; May 29, 2007) Appendix B -Maintenance Agreement with Northampton DPW Appendix C -Post Construction Report (NEE, August 17, 2010) FIGURES New England Environmental, Inc. Environmental Consulting Services 15 Research Drive Amherst, MA 01002 413-256-0202 413-256-1092 Fax Figure 1 Locus Map Former Cutlery Raceway 320-260 Riverside Drive Northampton, Massachusetts NEE File #02-2053 N 0.5 Mile Radius SITE USGS Easthampton, MA Quadrangle, 1990 0 0.25 0.5 SCALE IN MILES New England Environmental, Inc. Environmental Consulting Services 15 Research Drive Amherst, MA 01002 413-256-0202 Fax #413-256-1092 Figure 2 Aerial photograph Former Cutlery Raceway 320-260 Riverside Drive Northampton, Massachusetts NEE File #02-2053 N Former -Firehouse Approximate Area -Cutlery of Filled Raceway AOC-3 Former Dam Location Approximate Extent of Raceway Levee Approximate Extent of “Site” and Impacted Soils AOC-2 AOC-1 PHOTOGRAPHS Class A3 & Class C1 RAO Report RTN #1-13320 Cutlery June 16, 2009 320-360 Riverside Drive Photo Page 1 Northampton, MA The tailrace sediment trap with water in it. New asphalt and 4-foot high CLF behind Cutlery Building. New asphalt parking lot in AOC-1. New asphalt parking lot and 4-foot high CLF near tailrace. New asphalt parking lot in AOC-1. New asphalt parking lot in AOC-1. Class A3 & Class C1 RAO Report RTN #1-13320 Cutlery June 16, 2009 320-360 Riverside Drive Photo Page 2 Northampton, MA Brown patch was repaired in Fall 2008 with addition of more blown-in compost. Orange marker layer is visible in small patch; center of photo. Area will be repaired. Grass on soil stockpile is healthy and no erosion is evident. Orange marker layer is visible in small patch; center of photo. Area will be repaired. Gap between bottom of fence and asphalt will be repaired by adding more fence material in the gap. Grass on top of the levee is healthy. Class A3 & Class C1 RAO Report RTN #1-13320 Cutlery June 16, 2009 320-360 Riverside Drive Photo Page 3 Northampton, MA Vegetation on levee bank above re-built stone retaining wall is in good condition. Grass on slope just north of well CR-3 is established. Well CR-2 on top of levee. Grass on slope near center of levee and well CR-3 is established. Slope just south of well CR-2 is too dry to support vegetation. Northeast corner of chain link fence along Riverside Drive. APPENDIX A Orders of Conditions APPENDIX B Maintenance Agreement APPENDIX C NEE Post-Construction Report August 17, 2010 Mr. Alan Verson 56 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 Via Email: alanverson@justic.com RE: Post Construction Report Bank Stabilization Cutlery Raceway Slope Stabilization Northampton, MA MADEP File #: 246-546 NEE File #: 02-2053H Dear Mr. Verson, On July 14, 2010, New England Environmental, Inc. (NEE) completed the stabilization activities associated with 160 linear feet of slope located along the Mill River behind the Cutlery Building, in Northampton, MA. All work activities were completed by NEE in accordance with the Order of Conditions and site plans (Figure 3C, Proposed Bank Treatment, dated April 6, 2006), as well as the approved alteration to the plan, recommended by NEE field staff (see July 1, 2010, below). The goal of the project was to stabilize the toe of the slope, then stabilize a portion of the existing riverbank that had degraded and exposed previously capped hazardous materials. On June 28, 2010, NEE field staff installed 100 linear feet of 12” diameter coir logs along the toe of the existing river bank. The location of the coir logs were determined in the field based on the ability to anchor the logs around existing erosion and sediment controls as well large boulders. Once the coir logs were placed, NEE field staff installed CF 700 erosion control blanket under the coir logs, then secured both in place with duckbill earth anchors and alloy wire. The anchored erosion control blanket was left rolled at the base of the slope in order to secure the placed loam on the slope at the conclusion of the project. On June 29, 2010, NEE began placing loam, above the coir logs, on the slope at the downstream-most portion, where a scoured hole had formed during winter/spring storms. Shortly after loam placement began, NEE discovered that loam was gathering at the toe of slope and not accumulating on the exposed bank. NEE concluded at that time, that placed loam and erosion control blanket would not be a viable long term solution and that the slope needed more stability. On July 1, 2010, Lyons Witten, LSP with NEE, met at the Site with Sarah LaValley, Northampton Conservation Agent, to explain the difficulties encountered and to propose completing the project using a vegetated geo-lift system to finish the bank restoration and prevent future erosion. This proposal was accepted by Ms. LaValley as a valid and acceptable alternative for the difficult conditions. On July 5-8, 2010, NEE field staff began building vegetated geo-lifts on the eroded bank. This process began with blowing loam in place (Express Blower) behind the anchored coir logs at the toe of the slope and creating a flat 4’ wide shelf. Plants were then laid out on the shelf with 5’ spacing. Half of the coir erosion blanket was then laid lengthwise along the top shelf of the coir log, with the other half lying free Post Construction Report Bank Stabilization Area August 17, 2010 Cutlery Raceway NEE Project #: 02-2053 DEP File #: 246 546 Northampton, MA beneath the coir log. 12” of loam was then blown in creating a lift that was then seeded, and the coir erosion blanket was pulled up and over the blown in soil to stabilize that lift. This action was repeated, one on top of another, creating a natural vegetated “staircase” stabilizing the slope in sections rather than as an entirety, to ensure stability throughout the site. CF 700 coir erosion blanket was cut to length and anchored in place under the final lift. The remaining upper-most portion of the slope was then covered with 6-10” of loam and seeded, then the CF 700 coir erosion blanket was pulled up to the top of the slope and was anchored in place with 6” turf staples and 3’ wooden stakes. On July 14 NEE applied the same geo-lift technique to stabilize an additional 30’ section of bank, upstream of the previously stabilized 130’ section of bank. The plant material material installed in association with the bank stabilization can be found in Table 1 of this report: Table 1 – Bank Stabilization Plant Materials QUANTITY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HEIGHT 20 Salix discolor Pussy Willow 12-18” 25 Cornus sericea Red-Osier Dogwood 3-4’ 25 Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood 3-4’ 20 Viburnum dentatum Northern Arrowwood 2-3’ 20 Viburnum lentago Nannyberry 2-3’ 15 Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel 12-18” 30 Corylus americana American Hazelnut 2-3’ 30 Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 3-4’ 20 Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood 2-3’ 10 lbs New England Conservation Wildlife Seed Mix 9 lbs New England Erosion Control/Restoration Mix for Dry Sites POST CONSTRUCTION MONITORING During the spring of 2011 NEE will conduct a site inspection to assess the condition of the stabilized bank following the winter months. Following the inspection a report documenting the status of the bank stabilization area will be submitted to your attention. If you have any questions regarding the information presented, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, New England Environmental, Inc. Jesse Laford Scott Fisher Restoration Specialist Senior Restoration Specialist Post Construction Report Photo Page New England Environmental, Inc. Bank Stabilization Cutlery Raceway August 20, 2010 Northampton, Massachusetts 1 Photo 1: Photograph showing the coir bio-logs anchored in at the toe of slope with the CF 700 fabric secured underneath, and the exposed bank. Photograph taken on June 25, 2010. Photo 2: Photograph showing loam being blown in to cover the exposed slope above the bio-logs. Photograph taken on June 25, 2010. Photo 3: Photograph showing the first geo-lift being built. Loam was blown into place creating a 4’ shelf, which was then seeded and the fabric was pulled up and over to stabilize the lift. Photograph taken on July 5, 2010. Post Construction Report Photo Page New England Environmental, Inc. Bank Stabilization Cutlery Raceway August 20, 2010 Northampton, Massachusetts 2 Photo 4: Photograph shows three geo-lifts in place with plant material installed in between each lift. Photograph taken July 5, 2010. Photo 5: A closer look at the plant material installed in between each geo-lift. Photograph taken July 5, 2010. Photo 6: Photograph showing the geo-lift natural vegetated “staircase” in place, and the CF 700 fabric secured underneath the top lift is pulled up stabilizing the top of the slope. Photograph taken July 6, 2010. Post Construction Report Photo Page New England Environmental, Inc. Bank Stabilization Cutlery Raceway August 20, 2010 Northampton, Massachusetts 3 Photo 7: Photograph showing the finished bank 2 weeks after work was completed. Vegetation has begun to grown through the fabric on the bank. Photograph taken July 28, 2010. Photo 8: Photograph documenting the same techniques being used on the additional 30 foot section of bank upstream from the previous 130 ft area. Photograph taken July 14, 2010. Photo 9: Photograph showing the finished product on the additional 30 foot section upstream from the 130 ft section. Photograph taken July 14, 2010.