PermitApplication_Joseph A. and Cecilia A. SamselCHARLES H. DAUCHY, Environmental Consultant cdauchy @wildblue.net
24 Old Long Plain Road, Leverett, MA 01054 Phone (413) 548 -8005, Fax 548 -9987
Craig Della Penna
14 Strong Avenue
Northampton, MA 01060
30 December, 2010
Re: 22 Nutting, Northampton, MA
Site Investigation for Wetlands
Dear Mr. Della Penma:
This letter is to confirm my phone report to you on 12/16/10. As you requested, I investigated
the subject property on 12/15/10, particularly the vacant land to the south of the existing house,
to determine whether or not the area contained wetland resource areas or might be subject to
jurisdiction under the Mass. Wetlands Protection Act or the Northampton Wetlands Protection
Ordinance. The area is entirely lawn or landscaping, with trees and shrubs along the edge. There
was no significant presence of wetland vegetation indicators. In my opinion, there is no wetland
resource area on the site.
The adjacent lands to the rear and on both sides of the property also do not appear to contain
wetlands that would extend a jurisdictional 100' buffer zone onto the property. However, directly
across the street, there is a low area, with a drain inlet. This area is maintained as lawn, but may
have the hydrologic characteristics that would qualify it as a wetland. If this is the case, the
subject property would be within the 100 ft. buffer zone. Construction or other land disturbance
within a 100 ft. buffer zone requires prior approval by the Northampton Conservation
Commission. In this case, one can still expect approval for construction after appropriate review.
I did not physically investigate the area across the street, lacking authorization for access. If I
have permission for access and to do soil investigations with a small hand auger, I can provide a
more definitive opinion regarding the jurisdictional status of the low area.
The simplest way to obtain a definitive answer may be to file a "Request for Determination of
Applicability" with the Conservation Commission, with a simple plot plan showing a proposed
house and driveway. The Commission can then review the site, and even if they believe the low
area qualifies as a wetland, they can issue a "negative Determination of Applicability"
authorizing construction within the 100 ft. buffer zone because the work will not impact the
wetland itself.
I apologize for my delayed written report. Please contact me if you have additional questions or
if I can assist in further work.
Sincerely,
Charles H. Da Vchy, MFS, PWS
12/30/10
RED land is the buildable lot next to 22 Nutting Ave.
BLUE land is the probable land that could be attached.
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