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24C-042 (8) V. CATCH BASINS All proposed storm water catchbasins and manholes designed for the Addition and Renovations to Northampton High School will be installed with 3-1/2 foot sumps. This is above normal depth and will provide a further level of oil/grit and sedimentation control. Maintenance of the catch basins is as follows: 1. Upon completion of the construction project.the contractor will inspect and clean all catch basins and manholes. Remove all accumulated Urit. oil. and sediment and dispose of in a proper manner. 2. Inspect all catch basins and manholes annually. preferably in the early spring time after the last sanding event. Immediately remove all litter or debris that could possible clog the pipe network. Areas of sediment accumulated within the basin or manhole exceeding 12 inches in depth will be removed at these times. Dispose of properly. -19- IV. PARKING LOTS The City of Northampton School Department will be responsible for providing snow removal as well as sanding and salting of the parking lots and walkways at Northampton High School. Because there is no public drinking water resource in the area. standard sand to salt ratio's(approximately 12:1)can be used on site to miti;ate snow and icin',conditions. Lona term maintenance with respect to sand and salt operations is as follows: 1. Clean pavement. sidewalks. islands. and courtyard areas in a re,-Tular basis to avoid sediment clogging of catch basin tops or pipes. -18- MID NOVEMBER TO EARLY DECEMBER Aerate heavy with a spoon type or hollow tine type aerator at the close of the fall playing season. r -17- Mow as needed. THROUGHOUT SUMMER Crabgrass control,postemergence: Ifpreemergence control was not applied it may necessary to apply a postemergence herbicide. Materials should be applied only when there is adequate soil moisture and air temperatures do not exceed 80°F. Do not apply if area has been spring seeded. Mow as needed. Irrigate: Amount of water applied and frequency of irrigation depend upon soil type and natural rainfall. If drought occurs and irrigation is initiated. continue to water throughout the drought period. LATE AUGUST TO EARLY SEPTEMBER Aerate lightly and drag to break up cores. Irrigation may be necessary prior to aeration to obtain maximum spoon or tine penetration. Weed Control. Broadleaf weeds can be controlled at this time. Mow as needed. Irrigate as needed. It is suggested the field be kept low in soil moisture for games and irrigated after use. Fertilize. Apply fertilizer in accordance with soil test results. MID SEPTEMBER TO MID OCTOBER Aerate and overseed. It may be beneficial to lightly aerate and lightly overseed with turf type perennial ryegrass during the fall playing season, especially just prior to or just following game use. Mow as needed. Irrigate as needed. Fertilize: apply fertilizer before November 1 in accordance with soil test results. Lime. If a soil test indicates the need for lime,apply the required amount of ground agricultural limestone just prior to or immediately following aeration. -16- APRIL TO EARLY MAY Clean Up. Collect any debris that has collected over the winter months such as leaves, paper. and other trash. Aerate. Conduct heavy aeration with a spoon type or hollow tine type aerator that removes soil cores. Do not use spiker. Overseed or reseed. Overseed (where some turf exists) immediately following aeration. when it is available,use a disk type turfgrass seeder to cut the seed into the soil. If a disk seeder is not available broadcast seed evenly over the area. Immediately follow either seeding method with some form of covering operation. Use a drag mat. flexible tine harrow,or weighed piece of chain link fence. Use same seed and rate as recommended for seeding on the honeycomb. Reseed where no turf exists. Lightly disk the area to provide a seedbed. Then broadcast seed. rake or drag lightly to cover seed. and roll lightly to put seed in firm contact with the soil. Use same seed as above at full 5 pounds per 1.000 square foot rate. Mow as needed. Cut at height of 2 to 2 '/:: inches. Keep mowing equipment sharp and properly adjusted. MID APRIL TO EARLY MAY Crabgrass control, preengrass (if required). Application date for preemergence crabgrass control materials varies greatly with weather conditions. Apply material when soil temperature in the surface inch reaches 60'F (16'C). If area has been overseeded or reseeded,siduron is the only preemJrgence material that may be used. Mow as needed. EARLY TO LATE MAY Fertilize: Fertilization should be withheld until leafspot conditions (cool, wet weather) subside and should be based on soil test results. Mow as needed. MAY Weeds, Disease, and Insect Control: It may be necessary to apply a herbicide or insecticide at this time. Refer to IPM Guidelines. -15- PART B: IMPLEMENTATION Conclusion A site specific turfgrass management program for the athletic fields will be developed for this project in conjunction with the Turfgrass Specialist at the Universit-' of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Service. The goal of the program will be to reduce unnecessary applications of fertilizers and pesticides, promote sound cultural practices for healthy turfgrass maintenance. and minimize potential impacts to water quality. Initial objectives include: • Maintain a biologically healthy root zone and thatch laver. which plays a significant role in filtering and reducing of any leaching. • Irrigation system to be programmed for lighter and more frequent applications. • Fertilizer applications shall be 'spoon fed'on a lighter but more frequent basis, with maximum use water insoluble nitrogen (WIN). • The following outline is offered only as a guide. Depending on weather fluctuations and localized conditions, this schedule may vary as much as plus or minus 2 to 4 weeks,especially as regards timing of operations and application of materials. This outline is suggested for use on general athletic fields and may be modified as required or recommended by the Turfgrass Specialist. LATE FEBRUARY TO LATE MARCH Overseeding on honeycomb (where feasible). Apply seed in early morning when soil is frozen and is expected to thaw during the day. Divide total amount of seed to be sown into three to four equal lots and apply on three to four different mornings. Use a certified variety of turf type perennial ryegrass or a blend of certified turf type perennial ryegrass. Seeding rate may vary from 1 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet depending on existing turf density. Soil Test. Prepare a soil test for mailing to the Cooperative Extension Service office. Be sure the sample submitted is representative of the entire area. -14- protective equipment. Mixing and loading should take place on a concrete slab to minimize the risk to ground water. Only the amount of pesticide required for each application will be mixed. Empty containers will be disposed of according to label instructions. As soon as pesticides are mixed and loaded,all equipment will be cleaned in accordance with Pesticide Applicator requirements. -13- will help to slow percolating water movement allowing longer time periods for pesticide degradation. Organic material content influences soil water holding and cation exchange capacity. As the organic matter content increases, the soil will be able to hold more water, reduce percolation and there is an increased adsorption capacity. This, in turn will increase the residence time of pesticides within the root zone which will favor microbial degradation of the pesticide. (3) Pesticide Properties The movement of pesticides is controlled by the chemical properties of its constituents. Those which are highly soluble in water are more likely to leach. Nianv materials are sorbed to soil particles, and a few are volatile and are lost as vapors. All of the properties are considered in determining the degradation rate which refers to the speed with which the materials are broken down in the environment. In order for groundwater contamination to occur, the chemical must move through the soil at a rate faster than its degradation rate. An index of the rate of degradation is the length of time required for 50% of the material to disappear. This is referenced to as tlfe half-life or T-1/2 value of the compound. T-1/2 values are variable for each soil type. By utilizing chemicals with a low half-life, the potential for ground water contamination will be greatly reduced. (4) Application Practices Personnel handling pesticides must be trained and registered with the Commonwealth for this work. If personnel within City/School staff are not registered, any work must be contracted out to an independent licensed applicator. Special attention will be given to warnings and precautions listed on the label. The spray system operator will wear the proper -12- environmental controls with a low-volume sprayer. Pesticide use will be rotated to deter the development of resistant strains of pests which may require more frequent and/or higher rates of pesticide applications. Protection of water quality from pesticide contamination of the following factors: (1) site conditions; (2) soil properties; (3) pesticide properties; (4) application practices. (1) Site Conditions Depth to ground,,vater is an important consideration. The lack of shallow groundwater under the athletic field sites where pesticides may be applied and the opportunity for dilution of materials if they were to leach past the root zone are favorable factors. Thatch plays a significant role in pesticide adsorption and degradation.The turf root zone and thatch lavers have high biological activity, which enables the turf to act as a filter for both pesticide and fertilizer application. The timing of pesticide applications is also an important consideration. Apply pesticides in periods when no rainfall is expected. Also, since volatility loss reaches a maximum when surface temperature and solar radiation !ire the greatest, the best time of application to minimize volatility is late in the day. (2) Soils Soil texture, permeability, pH and organic matter content are important considerations for pesticide selection. Texture and permeability determine how quickly water percolates through the soil profile. These factors change with the development of mature turf and active thatch layer. Permeability can decrease by as much as 66% during periods of active turf growth due to the influence of the root system on soil drainage. This -11- practices in addition to pesticide use in controlling pest problems. It is an ecologically based system that uses both biological and chemical approaches of control. Turf grass pest management uses three strategies: prevention;eradication;and containment. The particular pest problem determines which approach is the best choice. The overall condition of the turf is a vital factor in its ability to tolerate specific pest problems and which of the three approaches is the best choice. In order for IPM to work,the field manager must be familiar with the grasses, the environment. and the signs and symptoms of primary, occasional, and potential turf pest problems. IPM focuses on six basic steps: (1) monitoring for potential pest problems: (2) determining pest injury levels and establishing treatment thresholds, (3) developing and inte``rating all biological, cultural, and, if required, chemical control strategies; (4) educating personnel on all biological and chemical control strategies; (5) timing and spot treatment utilizing either chemical,biological. or cultural control methods: (6) evaluating the results of treatment. IPM programs depend upon several approaches to plant protection including the used of certified seed to prevent weed contamination. Other plan protection initiatives include selection of grasses which perform well in specific areas and show a resistance to pest problems, following recommendations for proper cultural practices designed to maintain healthy turf, and the use of clean equipment to prevent the spread of disease. In the selection of pesticides,consideration will be given to the effectiveness,toxicity to non-target species, solubility,and persistence of the material. Pesticide applications will be done on an "as needed" basis not on a preventative basis. Materials will be applied strictly in accordance with label instructions, at labeled rates, under appropriate -10- availability and balance. With this information, the most effective lime and fertilizer application program can be developed. Nitrogen is the component in fertilizer used by grasses in the largest quantities. It stimulates vegetative growth. Leaching of nitrate nitrogen can be safely regulated through controlled applications(spoon feeding)and by using controlled materials(slowly available). Controlled applications can be made with soluble fertilizers applied with a spraver that is calibrated to dispense a measured amount per acre. Controlled materials such as natural organic sources (i\/Iilorc anite et al.). Isobutylidene diurea (IBDU), ureaformaldehvde (UD) and coated ureas (SCU) are all slow release nitrogen sources. Advantages of their use include the supply of a uniform source of nitrogen,a lower salt index, and reduced nitrogen leaching. By combining soluble nitrogen sources with slow release (water insoluble) nitrogen products, availability can be extended to the grass without the leaching of nitrogen through the soil and into the ground water. Athletic fields should be fertilized three times per year(spring,late summer,and mid fall). However, no fertilization should take place after November 1. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus rates will be based upon soil test results and will be applied at a rate per year divided into the three suggested applications. To prevent runoff,the water application rate must not exceed the soil infiltration rate. The irrigation system will be equipped with soil moisture and rain sensors and can be cycled to ensure the appropriate infiltration rates. Pest Management: IPM(Integrated Pest Management)is a preventative approach that incorporates other -9- prone to disease,and more dependent upon chemical treatments. For this reason,the highest mowing height permissible for the playing surface should be utilized for all cuts. Any time that the turf is observed to be in a weakened condition, the mowing height should be raised and use of the field suspended until recovery occurs. Growth rate and mowing height largely determine mowing frequency. Ideally, mowing should be done frequently enough so that no more than 30% of the leaf blade is removed at any given mowing. This practice minimizes the impact of mowing on plant photosynthesis and help to maintain a high percentage of leaf surface which in turn promotes healthv root development. Varying the mowing patterns on field surfaces encourages upright growth and reduces wheel or mower wear and compaction. Proper mower adjustment and blade sharpening are also recommended measures that produce clean uniform cuts and reduce the chance of injury to the grass. Research has shown the returning grass clippings to the surface is beneficial. This practice does not greatly increase thatch build-up. Clippings contribute nutrient value and decompose rapidly thereby returning organic matter to the soil. Clippings and the resultant thatch layer also help to conserve moisture and insulate the soil. For these reasons,clippings should not be removed from the fields. Fertilizing: The most important aspect of a fertilizer management program is to ensure that the materials used do not contaminate surface and ground water systems. To this end, the soil will be tested to determine the pH, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium -8- contamination. The solubility, adsorption rate, and persistence of each pesticide must be weighed. Soil and site conditions are another important consideration. Sandy soils and soils low in organic matter are the most vulnerable to the potential of pesticide leaching. A site with a shallow soil profile or high water table is also vulnerable to pesticide contamination. The potential for negative impacts increases if there is excessive irrigation. This proposed management plan for the Northampton High School athletic fields has been developed to be compatible with environmental protection and will serve to reduce the risk of runoff resulting from the maintenance of the athletic fields. Athletic Fields Operations A low risk maintenance program will be utilized which includes Integrated Pest Management(IPM). The program will employ various management practices that maximize water, fertilizer, and pesticide efficiency. The program for mowing practices, fertilization rates,and irrigation system operation is developed to ensure efficient and effective water use. Mowing: Mowing is one the most important maintenance operations for athletic fields. Without regular mowings at an appropriate height of cut, fields become unusable. Good mowing practices enhance the density,texture,and color of turfgrass and promote good root development and wear tolerance. A healthy turf and thatch layer minimizes the need for excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Turf that is mowed too closely becomes less tolerant of environmental stresses,more -7- Revised - August 15, 1997 PART A: OVERVIEW Introduction The condition of athletic fields depends upon a combination of management programs primarily those involving irrigation, fertilization, mowing, and disease and pest management. Because of the intensive maintenance requirements, there is a widely held concern with the impact of athletic held operations on water quality. This concern focuses largely upon the use of insecticides/pesticides and on the effects of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) contained in fertilizers. It is often assumed that fertilizers and pesticides. when applied, move off site into surface waters or downward into the groundwater as a response to either irrigation or rainfall. This potential can be greatly reduced by the adoption of low risk irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide programs and the appropriate administration and monitoring of the overall management program. P. The potential for fertilizer leaching is controlled by the amount of leachable material present,the amount of water moving through the soil,and the management of cultural inputs into the soil-plant-water system. Recent studies conducted by various universities, the USGA, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have shown that the potential for ground water contamination due to leaching and surface water contamination due to run off can be greatly reduced by efficient timing and rate of fertilizer applications and irrigation. Several factors contribute to the vulnerability of a given area to pesticide -6- III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RENOVATED ATHLETIC FIELDS PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RENOVATED ATHLETIC FIELDS Northampton High School Northampton, Massachusetts r Richter Cegan & Webb, Inc. Landscape Architects Avon, Connecticut July, 1997 -5- 1. The City of Northampton will annually brush cut the vegetation in the herbaceous zone. The city may use whatever lawn cutting tractor or push mower it has available. Hand held "weedwacker" type tools may be used if necessary. 2. Remove the cut vegetation to a suitable City-designated composting area outside of wetland resources. 3. If the basin bottom is perpetually wet and therefore unable to support the weight of the city's tractor equipment. the city may temporarily block flow to the basin through the 36" inlet for a period of? to 3 days. If sufficient drying occurs, the city may enter the basin with tractors to complete maintenance operations. If sufficient drvin- does not take place, the city must perform the vegetation cutting by hand. 4. Bi-annually and after every major rainfall event (1" or more), the basin outlet and emergency spillway should be inspected and all debris or litter should be removed and disposed of properly. -4- II. REGIONAL STORM WATER DETENTION BASIN The proposed development requires the construction of a Regional Storm Water Detention Basin. The basin will be located in the southernmost portion of the site adjacent to Federal Street. It will encompass approximately 1.685 acres with a detention capacity of 6.937 acre-feet. The basin has been designed to accomplish two very important tasks. First, the basin will provide storm water management control for high-flow discharge. stabilizing peak runoff. and reducing flooding impacts both upstream in the area of Elm and Milton Streets. and downstream in the existing stream as well as the Mill River. Second, it provides extremely important mitigation to this urban/suburban watershed. The watershed currently has few such water quality mitigation measures in place. This entire developed watershed is in the older part of the City of Northampton and, as such, has minimal detention or water quality mitigation measures in place. The obvious results of this uncontrolled runoff has been periodic flooding at Elm and Milton Streets. While the recent construction of a detention pond for the Cooley Dickinson Hospital has been helpful, it addresses only an extremely small portion of the entire developed watershed. To provide for the long-term operation of the regional storm water management basin and the continuing mitigation on storm water quality and quantity a few minor, yet important, maintenance details must be routinely performed by the City of Northampton. They are: -3- . t I. INTRODUCTION Purcell Associates has been retained to develop a comprehensive site maintenance plan for the additions and renovations to the Northampton High School located at 380 Elm Street in Northampton, Massachusetts as requested at a joint meeting of the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board. This plan will include maintenance of the Regional Storm Water Detention Basin. Proposed Environmental Management Plan for the Renovated Athletic Fields, maintenance of the parking lots with respect to sand and salt use, and cleaning and maintenance of the catch basins and sumps. It is assumed that the City of Northampton will be responsible for implementing the following plan. r -2- TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I. INTRODUCTION 2 II. REGIONAL STORM WATER DETENTION BASIN 3 III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 5 FOR RENOVATED ATHLETIC FIELDS IV. PARKING LOTS 18 V. CATCH BASINS 19 -t-