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03-019 Wetland Assessment 15.WestSt.Hatfield.pdf An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H December 13, 2016 15.0166500.00 Task 006 Mr. Mark Reed Heritage Surveys, Inc. College Hwy & Clark St P.O. Box 1 Southampton, MA 01073 Re: Wetland Assessment Findings 15 West Street West Hatfield, MA Dear Mr. Reed, In accordance with our approved contract, GZA reviewed the above referenced property, 15 West Street, for the presence of wetland resources. We offer this letter report to provide an overview of our wetland assessment and findings. Introduction On Friday, October 14, 2016 two wetland scientists from GZA conducted a wetland assessment on the above referenced parcel to determine the physical features of potential wetlands on the Site including identification of vegetation, soils characteristics, and evidence of hydrology (i.e., flooding or inundation). Wetlands were delineated using the methodology outlined in the 2012 Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region and consistent with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 1995 Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) manual. The field data forms provided are those prescribed by the most recent Corps methodology. Existing Conditions The parcel at 15 West Street is a 4±-acre commercial property, with two buildings and paved parking areas, bordered by a field on the southwest and northeast sides. During a 2009 project building addition project, a wetland creation area and multiple stormwater management features were added to the site (DEP No. 175-125). A town line divides the west side of the property between Hatfield and Northampton. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), soils onsite are mapped as moderately well drained Amostown fine sandy loam consociation. The site conditions were considered normal for the time of year and weather conditions were at an “extreme drought” at the time of the assessment. There are no mapped areas of FEMA 100-year floodplain or Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Priority or Estimated Habitat of Rare Species. Assessment Findings Multiple channels were observed onsite, an intermittent stream with bordering vegetated wetland (BVW) in the forested area beyond the property limits. Where the intermittent stream December 13, 2016 Wetland Assessment Letter Report 15 West Street, West Hatfield Page | 2 Proactive by Design An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H channel enters the property, the channel splits and flows in a shallow channel southeast for approximately 275- feet towards a constructed wetland and north along the western property line for approximately 345-feet in a shallow, vegetated swale. At northwest corner of the property, the stream crosses under an unpaved access road in a small culvert. The Bank resource was delineated along two narrow channels that run from south to north along the western property line. The channel is shallow and vegetated, but is maintained as part of the field, having been recently mowed. The Bank boundary was demarcated in the field with sequentially numbered flagging and labeled as A-1 through A-13 and B-1 to B-8. The BVW is a small offset from the Bank and is delineated between flags B-2 and B-4, in addition to the wetland created as part of the 2009 project, flags B-8 to B-12. Based on the size of the vegetation, it appears to be maintained by mowing at least somewhat regularly. The predominant wetland vegetation observed within the BVW includes sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus), red maple (Acer rubrum), and Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Upon completion of the wetland assessment, we conclude that the wetland resources located west of the existing buildings is are BVW and Bank, as defined in the WPA regulations at 310 CMR 10.55 and 310 CMR 10.54, respectively. Of note, the vegetated area between the constructed wetland replacement area and the stormwater management wetland, there is a dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, including sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) and tear thumb (Persicaria sagittata). The area was thoroughly evaluated and checked for other indicators of wetland hydrology and hydric soil, but was not found to have evidence of either. We concluded that the area is not a wetland based on the lack of field evidence. Conclusions The BVW and Bank Resource Areas onsite are expected to serve the Interests of the WPA, as defined under 310 CMR 10.01(2), including Protection of Wildlife Habitat, Protection of Ground Water Supply, Prevention of Pollution, and Storm Damage Prevention. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kasie Collins at 413-726-2132 or Dan Nitzsche at 413- 726-2108. Sincerely, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Kasie D. Collins, PWS Daniel M. Nitzsche, CPESC, CESSWI Wetland Scientist Consultant Reviewer/Senior Environmental Scientist Encl: Natural Resource Survey Limitations USACOE Wetland Data Forms NATURAL RESOURCE SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT LIMITATIONS 15.0166500.00 Task 006 Page | 1 January 2015 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H active by Design USE OF REPORT 1. GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) has prepared this report on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of HERITAGE SURVEYS, Inc. (“Client”) for the stated purpose(s) and location(s) identified in the report. Use of this report, in whole or in part, at other locations, or for other purposes, may lead to inappropriate conclusions; and we do not accept any responsibility for the consequences of such use(s). Further, reliance by any party not identified in the agreement, for any use, without our prior written permission, shall be at that party’s risk, and without any liability to GZA. STANDARD OF CARE 2. GZA’s findings and conclusions are based on the work conducted as part of the Scope of Services set forth in the Report and/or proposal, and reflect our professional judgment. These findings and conclusions must be considered not as scientific or engineering certainties, but rather as our professional opinions concerning the data gathered and observations made during the course of our work. Conditions other than described in this report may be found at the subject location(s). 3. GZA’s services were performed using the degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by qualified professionals performing the same type of services, at the same time, under similar conditions, at the same or a similar property. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made. LIMITS TO OBSERVATIONS 4. Natural resource characteristics are inherently variable. Biological community composition and diversity can be affected by seasonal, annual or anthropogenic influences. In addition, soil conditions are reflective of subsurface geologic materials, the composition and distribution of which vary spatially. 5. The observations described in this report were made on the dates referenced and under the conditions stated therein. Conditions observed and reported by GZA reflect the conditions that could be reasonably observed based upon the visual observations of surface conditions and/or a limited observation of subsurface conditions at the specific time of observation. Such conditions are subject to environmental and circumstantial alteration and may not reflect conditions observable at another time. 6. The conclusions and recommendations contained in this report are based upon the data obtained from a limited number of surveys performed during the course of our work on the site, as described in the Report. There may be variations between these surveys and other past or future surveys due to inherent environmental and circumstantial variability. RELIANCE ON INFORMATION FROM OTHERS 7. Preparation of this Report may have relied upon information made available by Federal, state and local authorities; and/or work products prepared by other professionals as specified in the report. Unless specifically stated, GZA did not attempt to independently verify the accuracy or completeness of that information. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND CODES 8. GZA’s services were performed to render an opinion on the presence and/or condition of natural resources as described in the Report. Standards used to identify or assess these resources as well as regulatory jurisdiction, if any, are stated in the Report. Standards for identification of jurisdictional resources and regulatory control over them may vary between NATURAL RESOURCE SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT LIMITATIONS 15.0166500.00 Task 006 Page | 2 January 2015 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H active by Design governmental agencies at Federal, state and local levels and are subject to change over time which may affect the conclusions and findings of this report. NEW INFORMATION 9. In the event that the Client or others authorized to use this report obtain information on environmental regulatory compliance issues at the site not contained in this report, such information shall be brought to GZA's attention forthwith. GZA will evaluate such information and, on the basis of this work, may modify the conclusions stated in this report. ADDITIONAL SERVICES 10. GZA recommends that we be retained to provide further investigation, if necessary, which would allow GZA to (1) observe compliance with the concepts and recommendations contained herein; (2) evaluate whether the manner of implementation creates a potential new finding; and (3) evaluate whether the manner of implementation affects or changes the conditions on which our opinions were made. Project/Site:Sampling Date: Applicant/Owner:State: Sampling Point: Investigator(s): Subregion (LRR or MLRA): Lat: Long: Datum: Soil Map Unit Name:NWI classification: Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. If yes, optional Wetland Site ID: Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required) Wetland Hydrology Present? Slope (%):Landform (hillside, terrace, etc.): Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? naturally problematic? Surface Water Present? Section, Township, Range: noneLocal relief (concave, convex, none): Yes Algal Mat or Crust (B4) (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Thin Muck Surface (C7) Kasie Collins, GZA LRR R (If no, explain in Remarks.) Terrace Marl Deposits (B15) Yes No 0 WGS 1984 Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Wetland Hydrology Present? Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? Weather conditions were at an “extreme drought” at the time of the assessment. Site vegetation is disturbed- maintained/mowed field. Primary Indicators (minimum of one is required; check all that apply) Yes Yes Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Hydric Soil Present? Water-Stained Leaves (B9) NoNo X XNo Yes Remarks: (Explain alternative procedures here or in a separate report.) Yes X HYDROLOGY Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Aquatic Fauna (B13) Drainage Patterns (B10) Moss Trim Lines (B16) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Northcentral and Northeast Region X Steibel Eltron Inc No 42.368501 258A- Amostown fine sandy loam, 0-3% slopes 10/14/2016 B5 Steibel Eltron- 15 & 17 West Street Hatfield & Northampton/Hampshire City/County: MA -72.638933 X XYes No No x Surface Water (A1) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Microtopographic Relief (D4) Remarks: (includes capillary fringe) Yes No NoYes Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Field Observations: Water Table Present? High Water Table (A2) Saturation (A3) Water Marks (B1) Iron Deposits (B5) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Other (Explain in Remarks) Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)Sediment Deposits (B2) Drift Deposits (B3) Crayfish Burrows (C8)Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) NoYes Depth (inches):X XX Depth (inches): X Depth (inches): Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Saturation Present? US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentral and Northeast Region – Version 2.0 Sampling Point: (Plot size: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.(A/B) 7. Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:x 1 = 1.x 2 = 2.x 3 = 3.x 4 = 4.x 5 = 5.Column Totals:(B) 6. 7. Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1. 2.4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. (Plot size: 1. 2. 3. 4. VEGETATION (A) (B) (A) Prevalence Index = B/A = Tree Stratum Woody Vine Stratum Remarks: (Include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet.) 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is ≤3.01 ) =Total Cover 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic. 4.00 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain) Taraxacum officinale 70Poa spp. Indicator Status Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Trifolium pratense 25 15' 100 ) Difficult to identify vegetation- field is regularly maintained/mowed. =Total Cover ) 15' 5' =Total Cover =Total Cover Tree – Woody plants 3 in. (7.6 cm) or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), regardless of height. Definitions of Vegetation Strata: Herb – All herbaceous (non-woody) plants, regardless of size, and woody plants less than 3.28 ft tall. x Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Woody vines – All woody vines greater than 3.28 ft in height. Yes No Sapling/shrub – Woody plants less than 3 in. DBH and greater than or equal to 3.28 ft (1 m) tall. No Yes 5 FACU Yes FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 0 120 Multiply by: 0 0.0% Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: Total % Cover of: Prevalence Index worksheet: 0 x 0 0 30 data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 0 30 0 0 120 – Use scientific names of plants. OBL species FACW species FAC species FACU species UPL species B5 0 2 30' Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: )Dominance Test worksheet: Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentral and Northeast Region – Version 2.0 Sampling Point: 98 Marl (F10) (LRR K, L) Other (Explain in Remarks) 2 2 Loc2 Texture Remarks Loamy/Clayey Loamy/Clayey Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. Prominent redox concentrations Prominent redox concentrations Color (moist) CM7.5YR 4/6 12-24 98 XDepth (inches):YesHydric Soil Present? % M This data form is revised from Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement Version 2.0 to reflect the NRCS Field Indicators of Hydric Soils version 7.0 March 2013 Errata. (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_051293.docx) Remarks: Stripped Matrix (S6) Restrictive Layer (if observed): No Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) B5SOIL Type1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Histosol (A1) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: 2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR K, L, MLRA 149B) Redox FeaturesDepth (inches) Color (moist) 2.5Y 5/1 10YR 3/30-12 2.5Y 6/6 MLRA 149B) Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (LRR K, L, R) 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix. Hydric Soil Indicators: Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR R, % Matrix Histic Epipedon (A2) C 5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (S3) (LRR K, L, R) Sandy Redox (S5) Dark Surface (S7) Mesic Spodic (TA6) (MLRA 144A, 145, 149B) Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 149B) Red Parent Material (F21) Depleted Matrix (F3) Black Histic (A3) Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR K, L) Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR K, L) Iron-Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR K, L, R) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic. Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Redox Depressions (F8) Redox Dark Surface (F6) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Stratified Layers (A5) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (LRR K, L) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) High Chroma Sands (S11) (LRR K, L) Type: Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR R, MLRA 149B) US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentral and Northeast Region – Version 2.0 Project/Site:Sampling Date: Applicant/Owner:State: Sampling Point: Investigator(s): Subregion (LRR or MLRA): Lat: Long: Datum: Soil Map Unit Name:NWI classification: Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. If yes, optional Wetland Site ID: Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required) Wetland Hydrology Present? Slope (%):Landform (hillside, terrace, etc.): Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? naturally problematic? Surface Water Present? Section, Township, Range: noneLocal relief (concave, convex, none): Yes Algal Mat or Crust (B4) (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Thin Muck Surface (C7) Kasie Collins, GZA LRR R (If no, explain in Remarks.) Terrace Marl Deposits (B15) Yes No 0 WGS1984 Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Wetland Hydrology Present? Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? Weather conditions were at an “extreme drought” at the time of the assessment. Site vegetation is disturbed- maintained/mowed field. Primary Indicators (minimum of one is required; check all that apply) Yes Yes Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Hydric Soil Present? Water-Stained Leaves (B9) NoNoX XNo Based on the MassDEP Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands manual crteria (i.e. the two-paramenter method), the site meets the defination of a wetland based on the presence of hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soils. Yes Remarks: (Explain alternative procedures here or in a separate report.) Yes X HYDROLOGY Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Aquatic Fauna (B13) Drainage Patterns (B10) Moss Trim Lines (B16) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Northcentral and Northeast Region PEM2E X Steibel Eltron Inc No 42.368501 258A- Amostown fine sandy loam, 0-3% slopes 10/14/2016 B5 Steibel Eltron- 15 & 17 West Street Hatfield & Northampton/HampshireCity/County: MA -72.638933 X XYes No NoX Surface Water (A1) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Microtopographic Relief (D4) Remarks: (includes capillary fringe) Yes No NoYes Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Field Observations: Water Table Present? High Water Table (A2) Saturation (A3) Water Marks (B1) Iron Deposits (B5) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) X Other (Explain in Remarks) Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)Sediment Deposits (B2) Drift Deposits (B3) Crayfish Burrows (C8)Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) NoYes Depth (inches):x x Depth (inches): X x Depth (inches): Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Saturation Present? US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentral and Northeast Region – Version 2.0 Sampling Point: (Plot size: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.(A/B) 7. Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:x 1 = 1.x 2 = 2.x 3 = 3.x 4 = 4.x 5 = 5.Column Totals:(B) 6. 7. Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1. 2.4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. (Plot size: 1. 2. 3. 4. VEGETATION (A) (B) (A) Prevalence Index = B/A = Tree Stratum Woody Vine Stratum Remarks: (Include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet.) 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is ≤3.01 ) =Total Cover FACW 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic. 2.60 No 21 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain) Agrostis stolonifera 20Phleum pratense FACU Indicator Status 10 3 Absolute % Cover No Yes FACW FACW 10 Yes FAC Dominant Species? Scirpus microcarpus 5 15' Rosa multiflora 105 ) Onoclea sensibilis 10 FACW Difficult to identify vegetation- field is regularly maintained/mowed. =Total Cover ) 15' 5' =Total Cover =Total Cover Tree – Woody plants 3 in. (7.6 cm) or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), regardless of height. Definitions of Vegetation Strata: Herb – All herbaceous (non-woody) plants, regardless of size, and woody plants less than 3.28 ft tall. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Woody vines – All woody vines greater than 3.28 ft in height. XYes No Sapling/shrub – Woody plants less than 3 in. DBH and greater than or equal to 3.28 ft (1 m) tall. Yes No 70 10 FACW No OBL FACUYes Ilex verticillata Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 0 395 Multiply by: 188 60.0% Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: Total % Cover of: Prevalence Index worksheet: 10 1 FACUYes No 26 3 5 x 94 10 43 data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 0 152 X X 30 5 172 Populus tremuloides – Use scientific names of plants. OBL species FACW species FAC species FACU species UPL species B5 3 5 Quercus palustris Fraxinus pennsylvanica Tsuga canadensis Acer rubrum FACU 30' Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: )Dominance Test worksheet: Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: No US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentral and Northeast Region – Version 2.0 Sampling Point: 98 Marl (F10) (LRR K, L) Other (Explain in Remarks) 2 2 Loc2 Texture Remarks Loamy/Clayey Loamy/Clayey Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. Prominent redox concentrations Prominent redox concentrations Color (moist) CM7.5YR 4/6 12-24 85 XDepth (inches):YesHydric Soil Present? % M This data form is revised from Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement Version 2.0 to reflect the NRCS Field Indicators of Hydric Soils version 7.0 March 2013 Errata. (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_051293.docx) Remarks: Stripped Matrix (S6) Restrictive Layer (if observed): No Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) B5SOIL Type1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Histosol (A1) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: 2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR K, L, MLRA 149B) Redox FeaturesDepth (inches) Color (moist) 5Y 6/2 2.5Y 3/10-12 X 10YR 4/6 MLRA 149B) Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (LRR K, L, R) 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix. Hydric Soil Indicators: Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR R, % Matrix Histic Epipedon (A2) C 5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (S3) (LRR K, L, R) Sandy Redox (S5) Dark Surface (S7) Mesic Spodic (TA6) (MLRA 144A, 145, 149B) Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 149B) Red Parent Material (F21) Depleted Matrix (F3) Black Histic (A3) Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR K, L) Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR K, L) Iron-Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR K, L, R) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic. Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Redox Depressions (F8) Redox Dark Surface (F6) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Stratified Layers (A5) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (LRR K, L) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) High Chroma Sands (S11) (LRR K, L) Type: Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR R, MLRA 149B) US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentral and Northeast Region – Version 2.0