15-022_Craig Weise Residential Driveway_DEP Responses_2017-03-21.pdf
ProTerra Design Group, LLC Ph:(413)320-4918
4 Bay Road, Building A, Suite 200 E: info@proterra-design.com
Hadley, MA 01035
To: Mark Stinson
MassDEP Western Regional Office
Cc: City of Northampton Conservation Commission
Craig Weise
From: ProTerra Design Group, LLC
Date: March 21, 2017
RE: Response to Comments on Notification of Wetlands Protection Act File Number
DEP File #: 246-0700
Craig Weise Residential Driveway (Applicant)
1250 Westhampton Road
Map 41; Parcel 047; Block 001
Northampton, Massachusetts
The MassDEP Western Regional Office provided a DEP File Number memo dated February 22,
2017 associated with the Craig Weise residential driveway in Northampton. Two comments
were provided for reference to the City of Northampton Conservation Commission. In order to
facilitate the review process by the Commission, our responses to these comments are provided
in BLUE below with supplemental materials attached.
1. The Commission may require that an Appendix 3 and an Appendix 4 of the MassDEP
Inland Replication Guidelines Manual be submitted to the Commission for the BVW fill
and replication.
ProTerra Design Group, LLC (ProTerra) has reviewed both Appendix 3 and Appendix 4
of the MassDEP Inland Replication Guidelines Manual. A majority of the checklist items
are included on the plans or in the text of the Notice of Intent report. A copy of each
appendix with notes is attached for reference. A brief description of the notes is included
below
Appendix 3 –
Cross-sections of subsurface soil types are described on the delineation
field data forms; however, not shown on the plan itself. A copy of the
delineation forms and wetland memo are attached for reference.
Mottling depth was noted on the delineation field data forms for the
existing wetland resource area. During construction, soil inundation and
saturation depths shall be noted for each mitigation area.
Test pits for the future residential septic disposal system are shown on
the plans.
The residential driveway is not considered a large project; therefore,
micro topography is not shown in cross-sections.
The residential driveway project is not within estimated habitat for listed
rate wetland wildlife.
ProTerra Design Group, LLC Ph:(413)320-4918
4 Bay Road, Building A, Suite 200 E: info@proterra-design.com
Hadley, MA 01035
The wetland replication areas are not being used for credit as “best
management practices.” This is not applicable for a single family
residence.
Appendix 4 – A copy of the wetland replication monitoring data sheet shall be
provided to the Applicant for use during construction. The Applicant and/or his
representative will be instructed to complete the data sheet for each site
inspection. Photos shall be included with each data sheet.
2. The Commission needs to ensure that the BVW on the western side of the crossing
maintains its connectivity to the eastern side wetlands so that the BVW does not become
IVW.
A recently installed catch basin and drainage culvert within the City right-of-way collect
and convey stormwater runoff from Westhampton Road to a discharge point uphill of the
locus property. This roadway drainage appears to have increased the boundary of the
wetland resource between the dates of 2003 and 2015. The proposed driveway will
utilize two 30-inch culverts with their inverts buried approximately 12-inches to provide
the wetland connectivity to both sides of the driveway.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to call us at (413)
320-4918.
Sincerely,
ProTerra Design Group, LLC
Jesse Moreno, PE
Managing Partner
Enclosures
File: Craig Weise, City of Northampton Conservation Commission
DATE:February 22, 2017 Municipality NORTHAMPTON
(city/town)
RE: NOTIFICATION OF WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT FILE NUMBER
The Department of Environmental Protection has received a Notice of Intent filed in accordance with the
Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, §40):
Applicant:
Address:
LOCUS:
CRAIG WEISE
P.O. BOX 2595
1250 WESTHAMPTON ROAD
Owner:DELORES WEISE
Address:53 PINECREST DRIVE
CHICOPEE, MA, 01020
This project has been assigned the following file # :WE 246-0700
Although a file # is being issued, please note the following:
Commissioner
MARTIN SUUBERG
Secretary
MATTHEW A. BEATON
Lieutenant Governor
KARYN E. POLITO
Governor
CHARLES D. BAKER
A FILE NUMBER ONLY INDICATES THAT THE APPLICATION CONTAINS THE MINIMAL
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND IS ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE - NOT THAT
THE INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION IS ADEQUATE FOR ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER
OF CONDITIONS.
436 DWIGHT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103 413-784-1100
WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
HOLYOKE, MA 01041
[1] The Commission may require that an Appendix 3 and an Appendix 4 of the MassDEP Inland Replication
Guidelines Manual be submitted to the Commission for the BVW fill and replication.
[2] The Commission needs to ensure that the BVW on the western side of the crossing maintains its connectivity to
the eastern side wetlands so that the BVW does not become IVW.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact: MARK STINSON @ (413)-755-2257
Cc: Northampton Conservation Commission, CITY HALL, 210 MAIN STREEET RM 11, Northampton, MA, 01060
Owner: DELORES WEISE, 53 PINECREST DRIVE, CHICOPEE, MA, 01020
Representative: PROTERRA DESIGN GROUP, LLC, 4 BAY ROAD, BUILDING A, SUITE 200, HADLEY, MA,
01035
This information is available in alternate format. Call Donald M. Gomes, ADA Coordinator at 617-556-1057. TDD# 1-866-539-7622 or 1-617-574-6868.
http://www.mass.gov/dep
Printed on Recycled Paper
CRAIG WEISE
P.O. BOX 2595
HOLYOKE, MA 01041
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
27
Appendix 3. Replication Checklist
A.Sequencing (See Section 1.3 for further guidance)
1. The Notice of Intent should include the following information:
Narrative on avoidance of wetland Impacts.
Narrative and plans showing minimization of wetland impacts.
Narrative/drawings of alternative replication designs to ensure success.
Carefully designed replication plans with identified goals for unavoidable impacts.
B. Elements of a Complete Replication Plan (See Section 2.3 for further guidance)
1. The application should include the following general information:
Narrative description of the existing and proposed wetland;
A site location map (such as a USGS locus) of existing and proposed wetlands;
A 1”=10’ to 1” = 40’ plan including easily identifiable landmarks (e.g.surveyed flag locations,
benchmarks, or structures), contour lines at 1-foot intervals, and locations of soil test pits and
vegetation plots. A Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) and/or a Registered Professional Engineer (PE)
should stamp plans.
Grading should demonstrate elevation differences for different vegetation classes (forested, shrub,
herbaceous, open water);
Surface area calculations demonstrating a minimum 1:1 replacement to impact ratio (consider
greater than 1:1 to ensure the success of at least 1:1). Do not count side slopes as part of the
replication area;
Cross-sections of subsurface soil types, depths and locations, 100-year floodplain using both
horizontal and vertical scale, existing and predicted high and low groundwater elevation, perched
water conditions and other indicators of hydrology. Indicate cross-section locations on plan view;
2. Hydrology – The narrative and plans should include the following:
The expected seasonal depth, duration, and timing of both inundation and saturation must be
established for the existing wetland and for each of the proposed vegetation class in the mitigation
area.
Evidence of soil including free water in a soil test hole, soil color, saturated soil or oxidized
rhizospheres.
Cross-sections of subsurface
soil types are described on
the delineation field data
forms; however, not shown
on the plan itself.
Mottling depth was noted on
the delineation field data
forms for the existing wetland
resource area. During
construction, soil inundation
and saturation depths shall
be noted for each mitigation
area.
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
28
In addition, the inputs and outputs in the water budget should be described. Ideally, replication
areas should not depend on precipitation and sheet runoff flow only, but must have a seasonal source
of groundwater and should have a surface water source as well. Perched wetlands may be established
without these latter inputs, but monitoring wells or piezometers should demonstrate that runoff and
precipitation inputs would exceed infiltration rates into the summer.
Demonstration that groundwater and surface water will have unrestricted hydraulic connections
to the replication area;
Only the flood storage that the existing BVW provides should be designed in the replication areas;
3. Soils- the narratives and plans should include the following information:
Test pits of translocated soils including horizons, characteristics such as texture, organic matter,
Munsell hue, value and chroma, consistence and evidence of hydrologic influence, e.g. mottles
(frequency and color), gleying, and root depth;
Replication areas should have a minimum of 6-12” of A- Horizon soil. If used, soil amendments
for the A-Horizon consist of equal volumes of organic and mineral materials. No woodchips should
be used, and organic material should be well or partially decomposed.
Enough A and B-Horizon material (or A over a suitable composition of the C horizon) should be
provided to create a suitable rooting medium, and to approximate the conditions at the nearest
undisturbed existing wetland. Consistency should be loose to friable and texture should be loamy
sand to silt loam.
Although not required, use of Redox and pH Meters in the replication area and adjacent
wetlands may aid in replication success. Seek guidance of a professional experienced in this
testing.
A detailed schedule for collection, stockpiling and placement of soils, including a discussion of
techniques used to prevent the drying out and contamination of hydric soils.
Confirmation that invasive species listed in Section 2.3.3 are not present in the vicinity of the soil
to be translocated.
If soil amendments will be brought from off-site, a description of the source, preparation and
placement should be included.
Discussion of a method to ensure appropriate compaction levels and the final consistency and
texture of mitigation soils, by horizon.
Survey of finished elevations during construction should be conducted frequently and a proposed
schedule included.
Discussion of post-construction soil characteristics such as horizons, depths, texture, organic
matter, Munsell hue, value and chroma, consistence and evidence of hydrologic influence, e.g.
mottles (frequency and color), gleying, percent gravel and rock, and root depth;
4. Vegetation- narratives and plans should include the following information:
Test pits for the future
residential septic disposal
system are shown on the
plans.
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
29
The dominant plants in each layer of the existing and proposed wetland and the relative cover and
wetland indicator status for each vegetative layer proposed (herbaceous, shrub, sapling, tree and
climbing woody vine);
Transplantation techniques including maintenance of viability of seeds, rootstock and plants
during transplantation. Shrubs should be planted 8-10” on center and trees should be planted 10-15’
on center unless otherwise recommended by a nursery or wetland professional.
Consideration should be given to leaving mature trees on hummocks for shading if they are
facultative or wetter.
A detailed description of sources of off-site plant material, species list, and methods to be used
for planting.
Schedule for planting (at the beginning or end of the growing season - before the first frost).
Check each species for ideal planting times. See Appendix 2 for growing seasons.
Wetland vegetation expected after two growing seasons as well as predicted community after
natural succession.
Contingency plan in case of mortality of vegetation, invasive species, complete failure, inadequate
size, etc.
For larger projects micro topography should be shown in cross-sections including number of
mounds and pools if proposed to replicate existing conditions.
5. Wildlife Habitat
Documentation of the Estimated Habitat Map of State-Listed Rare Wetlands Wildlife findings for
the site should be included.
For projects impacting the wildlife habitat functions of BVW’s, wildlife habitat characteristics of
the site, including vernal pools, should be described and replicated. Design should include diversity of
vegetation structure and composition, and of hydrological conditions. Credentials of wildlife habitat
specialist should be included.
6. Stormwater Management
Created wetlands for stormwater “best management practices” shall not be given credit as
replication areas;
7. Erosion Control- narratives and plans should include the following:
An erosion control plan that details stabilization techniques during construction and a
contingency plan for construction and post- construction periods.
A commitment to remove erosion control measures once the site is stabilized and following
approval by the issuing authority.
Embankment slopes should be no greater than 2H: 1V unless structural stabilization.
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
30
C. Considerations During Construction (See Section 3.0 for further guidance)
The erosion and sedimentation control plan must be implemented.
The wetlands and replication area should be reflagged prior to construction start date if the flags
placed during permitting are not clearly visible.
A construction schedule listing the sequence of events for replication construction (preferably
before work in the existing wetland);
A project monitor with a minimum 5 years experience should be identified;
D. Monitoring Plan (See Section 6.0 for further guidance)
A plan to monitor the construction and subsequent growth for at least two years or until the 75%
criteria is met following construction should be included (See Appendix 3 for example checklist).
Include contingency plan in the event that the replication area does not meet the 75% reestablishment
standard.
Colored photographs from established reference points should be included with each monitoring
report.
Plan must include inspection of embankments to ensure that they are stable, properly vegetated
and constructed as designed.
A copy of the wetland
replication monitoring data
sheet shall be provided to
the Applicant for use during
construction. The Applicant
and/or his representative will
be instructed to complete the
data sheet for each site
inspection. Photos shall be
included with each data
sheet.
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
31
Appendix 4. Example Monitoring Data Sheet
(Note: this sheet should be accompanied by a plan or sketch showing the locations of the
monitoring points. Representative photos should be taken at each visit)
DEP FILE NUMBER: ___________________
Landowner Name: Address:
Person completing form:
Inspection at project stage (circle one):
9Before excavation work or erosion control installation begins to inspect site flagging;
9During excavation of the altered area if vegetation is to be translocated to the replication
area to ensure survival of the plantings;
9Before soil translocation or addition, to inspect excavated elevations;
9After each stage of grading work is completed to inspect finished elevations;
9During planting and seeding and after first month of growing season to inspect
propagation techniques;
9After one growing season to observe vegetation development;
9After two growing seasons to determine regulatory compliance;
9After subsequent growing seasons if greater than a 2-year monitoring program is
required;
Note: when possible, monitoring should be conducted in late spring and at the end of the
growing season.
Site Visit Date:
Designed Size:
Note: In the post-construction monitoring phase % below should be given for each separate area
or class of that particular vegetation type (example: if replication area is designed to include
two shrub dominant areas, then a percentage should be given for each of the two areas).
Percentages should include hydrophytic non-invasive species and non-hydrophytic non-invasive
species.
VEGETATION & COVER
Hydrophytic/Non-Hydrophytic
% Cover herbaceous vegetation ___________/_____________
% Cover shrubs __________/______________
%Cover trees __________/______________
246-0700
Delores Weise (Craig Weise)1250 Westhampton Road, Northampton, MA
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
32
%Cover woody vines _________/____________
%Cover aquatic vegetation _________/____________
% Total Cover non-invasive vegetation: _________________
% Cover invasive species _________/____________
Location and type of invasive species: ___________________________
Distance to nearest potential source of invasive species:
____________________________________________________________________
Efforts taken to control invasive species: ___________________________________
%Cover exposed soil ____________________
%Cover standing water: ____________________
HYDROLOGY
Unrestricted connection to neighboring water body or waterway:
(Contiguous, isolated, channel connection): ______________
Elevation of seasonal high and average groundwater table and surface water depth:
______________________________________________________
Other indicators of hydrology______________________________
SOILS
Profile, Munsell hue, value, chroma________________________________________
Evidence of mottling, gleying etc. _________________________________________
Ph and Eh (Redox Potential) recommended but not
required______________________________________________________________
OTHER
Anticipated Succession___________________________________________________
Department of Environmental Protection
Replication Guidelines – March 2002
33
Are erosion control measures in place and well maintained, embankments stable, vegetated and
constructed as designed? ______________________
Wildlife Observed________________________________________________________
i
______I
I
\
/
MassDEP Bordering Vegetated Wetland (310 CMR 10.55) Delineation Field Data Form
Applicant:_________________________ Prepared by: Northeast Land & Water LLC Project location: Rt 66, Northampton DEP File #:_______________
Check all that apply:
Vegetation alone presumed adequate to delineate BVW boundary: fill out Section I only
Vegetation and other indicators of hydrology used to delineate BVW boundary: fill out Sections I and II
Method other than dominance test used (attach additional information)
Section I.
Vegetation Observation Plot Number: Transect Number: Date of Delineation:
A. Sample Layer & Plant Species
(by common/scientific name)
B. Percent Cover
(or basal Area)
C. Percent
Dominance
D. Dominant Plant (yes or no) E. Wetland Indicator Category*
Trees:
Eastern Hemlock/Tsuga canadensis 45 45 Yes FACU*
Red Maple/Acer rubrum 30 30 Yes FAC
White Pine 15 15 No FACU
White Ash/Fraxinus americana 10 10 No FACU
Shrubs/saps:
None
Herbs:
Jewelweed/Impatiens capensis 50 91 Yes FACW
Evergreen Woodfern
* Use an asterisk to mark wetland indicator plants: plant species listed in the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131, s.40); plants in the genus Sphagnum; plants listed as
FAC, FAC+, FACW-, FACW, FACW+, or OBL; or plants with physiological or morphological adaptations. If any plants are identified as wetland indicator plants due to
physiological or morphological adaptations, describe the adaptation next to the asterisk.
Vegetation conclusion:
Number of dominant wetland indicator plants: 3 Number of dominant non-wetland indicator plants: 0
Is the number of dominant wetland plants equal to or greater than the number of dominant non-wetland plants? yes
If vegetation alone is presumed adequate to delineate the BVW boundary, submit this form with the Request for Determination of Applicability or Notice of Intent
Section II. Indicators of Hydrology
Hydric Soil Interpretation
1. Soil Survey
Is there a published soil survey for this site? online
title/date: NA
map number: NA
soil type mapped: Gloucester fine sandy loam
hydric soil inclusions: Norwell, Brocton
Are field observations consistent with soil survey? yes
Remarks:
2. Soil Description
Horizon Depth Matrix Color Mottles Color
A 0 – 6” 10YR 2/2 None
B 6 – 12 (refusal) 10YR 5/2 10YR 5/4
Remarks:
3. Other:
Conclusion: Is soil hydric? yes
Other Indicators of Hydrology: (check all that apply & describe)
Site Inundated: __________________________________
Depth to free water in observation hole: _______________
Depth to soil saturation in observation hole: ____________
X Water marks: ____________________________________
Drift lines: _______________________________________
Sediment Deposits: ________________________________
X Drainage patterns in BVW: __________________________
Oxidized rhizospheres: _____________________________
X Water-stained leaves: ______________________________
Recorded Data (streams, lake, or tidal gauge; aerial photo; other):
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Other: __________________________________________________
Vegetation and Hydrology Conclusion
Yes No
Number of wetland indicator plants
> # of non-wetland indicator plants yes ____
Wetland hydrology present:
Hydric soil present yes _____
Other indicators of hydrology present yes _____
Sample location is in a BVW yes _____
Submit this form with the Request for Determination of Applicability or Notice of Intent.
MassDEP Bordering Vegetated Wetland (310 CMR 10.55) Delineation Field Data Form
Applicant:_________________________ Prepared by: Northeast Land & Water LLC Project location: Rt 66, Northampton DEP File #:_______________
Check all that apply:
Vegetation alone presumed adequate to delineate BVW boundary: fill out Section I only
X Vegetation and other indicators of hydrology used to delineate BVW boundary: fill out Sections I and II
Method other than dominance test used (attach additional information)
Section I.
Vegetation Observation Plot Number: Transect Number: Date of Delineation:
A. Sample Layer & Plant Species
(by common/scientific name)
B. Percent Cover
(or basal Area)
C. Percent
Dominance
D. Dominant Plant (yes or no) E. Wetland Indicator Category*
Trees:
Eastern Hemlock/Tsuga canadensis 30 50 Yes FACU*
Black Birch/Betula lenta 30 50 Yes FACU
Shrubs/saps:
Black Birch/Betula lenta 60 43 Yes FACU
Sugar Maple/Acer saccharum 30 21 Yes FACU
Northern Dewberry/Rubus flagellaris 50 36 Yes FACU
Herbs:
Hay-scented Fern 30 43 Yes FACW
Evergreen Woodfern/Dryopteris intermedia 20 29 Yes FAC
New York Fern/Thelypteris novaboracensis 20 29 Yes FAC
* Use an asterisk to mark wetland indicator plants: plant species listed in the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131, s.40); plants in the genus Sphagnum; plants listed as
FAC, FAC+, FACW-, FACW, FACW+, or OBL; or plants with physiological or morphological adaptations. If any plants are identified as wetland indicator plants due to
physiological or morphological adaptations, describe the adaptation next to the asterisk.
Vegetation conclusion:
Number of dominant wetland indicator plants: 4 Number of dominant non-wetland indicator plants: 4
Is the number of dominant wetland plants equal to or greater than the number of dominant non-wetland plants? yes
If vegetation alone is presumed adequate to delineate the BVW boundary, submit this form with the Request for Determination of Applicability or Notice of Intent
Section II. Indicators of Hydrology
Hydric Soil Interpretation
1. Soil Survey
Is there a published soil survey for this site? online
title/date: NA
map number: NA
soil type mapped: Gloucester fine sandy loam
hydric soil inclusions: Norwell, Brocton
Are field observations consistent with soil survey? yes
Remarks:
2. Soil Description
Horizon Depth Matrix Color Mottles Color
A 0 – 8” 10YR 2/2 None
B 8 – 14 (refusal) 10YR 5/5 None
Remarks:
3. Other:
Conclusion: Is soil hydric? no
Other Indicators of Hydrology: (check all that apply & describe)
Site Inundated: __________________________________
Depth to free water in observation hole: _______________
Depth to soil saturation in observation hole: ____________
X Water marks: ____________________________________
Drift lines: _______________________________________
Sediment Deposits: ________________________________
X Drainage patterns in BVW: __________________________
Oxidized rhizospheres: _____________________________
X Water-stained leaves: ______________________________
Recorded Data (streams, lake, or tidal gauge; aerial photo; other):
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Other: __________________________________________________
Vegetation and Hydrology Conclusion
Yes No
Number of wetland indicator plants
> # of non-wetland indicator plants yes ____
Wetland hydrology present:
Hydric soil present _____ no
Other indicators of hydrology present _____ no
Sample location is in a BVW _____ no
Submit this form with the Request for Determination of Applicability or Notice of Intent.