2019.06.27 Staff Report
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1 June 27, 2019
To: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley
RE: Staff Report, June 27 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM – Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if installation of a perimeter drain and drywell within riverfront area (Mill River) is subject to the Wetlands
Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. Jeff Marney/660 Riverside Drive
LLC. 660 Riverside Drive, Map ID 23C-037
Work proposed includes installation of a perimeter drain and connection to a dry well to address ponding
and drainage issues on the site. Work will take place in existing paved/gravel areas approximately 130
feet from the bank of the Mill River.
Application Overview:
All work will take place within existing disturbed areas, and retaining water onsite temporarily in a
drywell should not alter drainage characteristics of the area. Staff notes that the base plan includes
monitoring wells and items related to a past spill response and mitigation. The applicant must verify that
no limitations on excavation at the site exist; mobilization of subsurface chemicals or petroleum within
the riverfront would have negative impacts. The Commission should discuss with the applicant at the
hearing
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff
Recommendation:
The work should otherwise not create any new alterations. Issue a negative determination by checking
box 2, to indicate that the work is within an area subject to protection, but will not alter. Include standard conditions.
5:45 PM – Notice of Intent slope repair and stabilization, stormwater drainage improvements, addition of a deep sump catchbasin and outlet repair within riverfront area (Mill River) and buffer zone to bank. Cutlery Building Condominium Trust. 320 Riverside
Drive, Map ID 30A-032.
The application proposes work to repair and stabilize a slope along the Mill River that currently accepts
sheetflow runoff from the parking area at the Cutlery building. A berm is proposed to be constructed at
the edge of pavement, and a deep sump catchbasin installed to treat parking lot runoff before it enters an existing pipe that flows to the Mill River. Another pipe was found during site investigations; the source of
this is unknown and is proposed to remain undisturbed. The slope is proposed to be cleared of
vegetation, graded, stabilized, and loamed and seeded. A rock apron over geotextile fabric is proposed at
the pipe outlet.
Application Overview:
DEP comments and applicant responses are attached, as well as applicant’s responses to staff questions
and concerns.
DEP Comments:
The application and followup materials include assessments of performance standard compliance with
both the WPA and local Ordinance with which staff generally concurs. The existing parking area and
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff
Recommendation:
Conservation Commission Staff Report 2
June 27, 2019
sheetflow design would not have been allowed under current regulatory requirements. Addressing
erosion and increasing runoff treatment should represent an overall improvement. As always, the
Commission should discuss whether an artificial wetland or vegetated strip would be an alternative to
riprap.
As a redevelopment project, the work is required to meet the stormwater standards to the maximum
extent practicable. The application provides explanations for work proposed, but this is a large area to be
treated by only one catchbasin. The Commission should discuss the possibility for an additional
catchbasin with the applicant, wince the project presents an opportunity to increase water quality
entering the Mill River. The Commission should also discuss street sweeping and operations and
maintenance of the catchbasin, invasive species removal and control, and add conditions as needed. Once
these issues are resolved, issue an Order of Conditions with standard conditions.
Since work will occur directly on the bank of the River, additional conditions are suggested:
At least once during each week in which construction activity occurs on site and for as long thereafter as
ground remains unstabilized, the applicant shall submit a report to the Conservation Commission
providing an update on progress and certifying that, to the best of his knowledge and belief based on a
careful site inspection, all work is being performed in compliance with this Order of Conditions.
The area of construction shall remain in a stable condition at the close of each construction day. Erosion
controls should be inspected at this time, and repaired, reinforced or replaced as necessary.
Two appropriate native replacement trees 2” dbh to shade the coldwater fishery resource shall be planted at the project site. A request for certificate of compliance shall include an assessment of the health of the
trees. If dead or diseased, they shall be replaced.
6:05 PM – Notice of Intent, Ecological Restoration Project for invasive species control at
Rainbow Beach Conservation Area. MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Rainbow Road,
Map IDs 33-033, 33-027 & 33-030.
DFW proposes to restore and maintain the floodplain forest at Rainbow Beach; endangered and
threatened species habitat. Major river floodplain forest, a declining and threatened natural community
type, and invasive species control is proposed to ensure that Rainbow Beach remains a high integrity community, and will still be able to support rare native species. The Habitat Management Plan included
in the application outlines an adaptive management approach to removal of surveyed invasive species,
and techniques will vary based on the species and present and type of occurrence.
Application Overview:
The application is proposed in cooperation with the Office of Planning & sustainability, and work is also
proposed on the City-owned Rainbow Beach.
The application is presented as an Ecological Restoration Limited project; a project proposed to restore
and improve the natural capacity of a resource area. Work is allowed within Protected Zones under the
Ordinance as both a limited project and a project that will advance the intent of the WPA.
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff Recommendation:
Staff-assisted application, no specific recommendation. If the Commission agrees that the work can be
permitted to meet the standards of the WPA and Ordinance, an Order of Conditions should be issued.
Due to the type of project, standard conditions do not apply. Staff have asked DFW staff to discuss possibilities for reporting and assessment with the Commission, and these can be included in conditions.
Opportunities to learn from the success or challenges of this project can then be incorporated into future
invasive management efforts.
Request for Certificate of Compliance, Smith College, Artificial Turf Field, DEP File 246-639 Smith College is requesting a full certificate of compliance for the artificial turf project.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 3
June 27, 2019
In addition to construction conditions, the Order included conditions requiring at least 75% of vegetation to be
native species (exceeded), plans for monitoring and maintaining invasive control areas (submitted separately ) and
reporting (an annual report has been provided each year). Ongoing conditions prohibit evaporative cooling and salt, and requirements that restoration and mitigation areas not be altered in the future. A full certificate can be issued.
Note – the registry reference of the Order is incorrect, it should be 10192 page 19