Stormwater and the wetlands.docxTo the Editor
The Department of Public Works has started to repair and replace the city’s storm drains. This invisible but vital network has been neglected for decades as the city struggled
with the austerity that came with the cap on property taxes and dwindling state aid.
The stormwater fee adopted by Northampton last year provides the annual funds necessary to implement
a thoughtful long-range program of new construction and maintenance. It should also be an opportunity for the DPW to adopt the best practices possible when working in a fragile landscape.
By
definition stormwater impacts wetlands, streams and rivers all of which are protected by a web of regulations. But regulation cannot substitute for thoughtful policy by a department
committed to preservation and protection.
The reconstruction of Hinckley Street is scheduled to begin this summer. In addition to replacing existing utilities DPW engineers also want
to build a new drain that will divert a part of the storm water that floods this area into an old canal next to the Mill River. This is the Department at its best with the broad vision
to address long-term problems when they can.
Unfortunately the plan includes building a permanent road from Riverside Drive down to the canal. This seems less well thought out. Given
the topography it is a major intrusion into the wetlands. A different approach might be less expensive and more ecologically sound. Installing the storm drain and outfall will be the
work of an independent contractor who doesn’t need this kind of access and is used to making temporary ramps. The contractor may well have creative idea of his own on how to install
this system.
The DPW contends that it needs this road for maintenance but has not provided much detail. Why can’t this outfall be designed to be maintained with hand tools and accessed
by a path instead of a road.
For 15 years Northampton in public and private has been debating what makes a community sustainable and what policies can we adopt to move in that direction.
I urge the Board of Public Works together with the Conservation Commission to develop guidelines for stormwater projects that includes public review early in the planning process.
Adopting the stormwater fee was a strong statement of civic responsibility. Using the money wisely enhances that commitment.
Alex Ghiselin, 164 Riverside Drive