VP Assessment 4-22-2008
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April 22, 2008
Email
Northampton Conservation Commission
c/o Office of Planning 8. Development
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Vernal Pool Assessment Protocol
Assessor's Map 25C, Parcel 012 & 017
Northern Avenue and View Avenue
Northampton, Massachusetts
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[LEC' File #: KCI\07-300.01]
Dear Commissioners:
On behalf of the Applicant, Northern Avenue Homes, Inc., LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc., (LEC) is
requesting to revise the previously approved Vernal Pool Assessment Protocol, dated March 6, 2008. Since
March 18, 2008, LEC has conducted site evaluations twice a week, totaling I0 site visits. Currently, LEC is
requesting to conduct site evaluations once a week through June 151. The proposed reduction in surveying
effort is based upon the data collected to date. reported regional amphibian movement activity, and existing
water levels.
Investigations to date have confirmed the presence of fingernail clams (family Sphaeriidae, also known as
Pisidiidae) and amphibious air-breathing snails (from two different families: Lymnaeidae and Planorbidae)
within the specific subtle depressions scattered throughout the on-site Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW)
system. No signs of amphibian activity, breeding (e.g., mated pairs, egg masses, transforming
tadpoles/juveniles, etc.) or otherwise, have been documented on-site. Furthermore, considering the time of the
year, weather conditions over the past month, and reported regional amphibian movement activity, it is likely
that most, if not all, vernal pool species have migrated by this time in the Northampton area. Therefore, a
reduction in the surveying effort is justified.
Throughout the remainder of the survey, LEC will continue to record surface water level depths and collect
photographs at the established benchmark locations and photographic stations, as reviewed by Commission
Chair, Paul Wetzel, on April 4, 2008. Additionally. pertinent vernal pool biological data will continue to be
collected and documented if present.
LEC has reviewed and confirmed this request to revise the Vernal Pool Assessnzent Protocol with the abutters'
representative, Daniel Wells of Hyla Ecological Services. Based on conversations, Mr. Wells has indicated
that Hyla will likely only conduct one final site visit in conjunction with LEC, at the conclusion of the
surveying efforts.
LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
www.lecenvironmental.com
1248 Route 28A, Unit 6
36 Cordage Park Circle
107 Audubon Road
P. O. Box 590
P O. Box 778
Suite 312
Budding 2, Suite 110
Rindge, NH 03461
Cataumet, MA 02534
Plymouth, MA 02360
Wakefield, MA 01880
508-563-5357
508-746-9491
781-245-2500
603-899-6726
508-563-5358 (Fax)
508-746-9492 (Fax)
781-245-6677 (Fax)
603-899-6726 (Fax)
capelec'ttecenvironmental.com
southlecklecenvironmental.com
northlec4lecenvironmental.cam
nhlecotlecenvironmental.com
Should you have any questions or require additional information. please do not hesitate to contact Brian
Madden (bmaddeffia Icccnvironmcntal.corn) at 508-746-9491 or Ann Marton (amarronra Icccnvironmcntal.com) at 781-
245-2500.
Sincerely,
LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
6a.401.-( a(eLak—___
Brian T. Madden
SgP
Wildlife Scientist
maait f t I • ''
Ann M. Marton, President
Director of Ecological Services
cc: Northern Avenue Nomes, Inc.