National Grid Main Street Leeds Pole Replacment
WO #30386526
N-5068-119-02
July 21, 2021
Northampton Conservation Commission
Attn: Sarah LaValley, Conservation, Preservation, and Land Use Planner
210 Main Street, Room 11
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Re: Notice of Utility Line Maintenance Activities
Main Street Utility Pole Replacement
Northampton, Massachusetts
Dear Members of the Commission:
Massachusetts Electric Company (MECo) respectfully submits this written notification of the
intent to conduct exempt utility maintenance activities at the intersection of Main Street and
Mulberry Street in Northampton, Massachusetts. The proposed project consists of replacing
the existing utility pole (Pole 17) and anchor. Please refer to the attached Site Location Map
(Figure 1) which shows the location of the proposed work.
The utility pole and anchor replacement are exempt from the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, § 40) and its implementing regulations (per 310 CMR
10.02(2)(a)(2)) as “activities conducted to maintain, repair or replace, but not substantially
change or enlarge an existing and lawfully located structure or facility used in the service of
the public to provide electric…”.
The proposed maintenance work is also exempt from the City of Northampton Wetlands
Protection Bylaw (per Chapter 337-4(B)) as “maintaining, repairing, or replacing but not
changing or enlarging, an existing or lawfully located structure or facility used in the service of
the public to provide electric… provided that written notice has been given to the Commission
at least 48 hours prior to commencement of work…”.
Site Description and Wetland Resource Areas
The proposed project site is located within a maintained roadway shoulder at the intersection
of Main Street and Mulberry Street. The Mill River is located approximately 120 feet west of
the pole, so the work will take place within the 200-foot Riverfront Area. The location appears
to be outside of any other wetland buffer zones or jurisdictional wetland resource areas. The
land use of this area is primarily residential.
Rare Species
The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Atlas, dated
August 1, 2017, and MassGIS online mapping were consulted during the preparation of this
maintenance notification letter. According to these sources, the proposed work is not located
within the limits of mapped Priority or Estimated Habitats.
Maintenance Activities
The proposed maintenance activities include the replacement of one utility pole and anchor.
James Rynes
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Permitting
Using a truck mounted auger, the new pole will be installed to a depth of six (6) feet. The
disturbed area of the utility pole is anticipated to be minor in nature (no more than 18 inches
in diameter). The old pole and anchor will be removed from the site and properly disposed.
Protective Measures
MECo has established procedures that are to be followed by all employees accessing and
performing construction and maintenance activities on transmission and distribution rights-of-
way (ROWs). These procedures ensure that MECo’s projects are completed in accordance with
all applicable environmental laws and regulations. A copy of MECo’s Environmental Guidance
for ROW Access, Maintenance and Construction Best Management Practices (EG-303NE) is
available upon request.
Where deemed necessary, protective measures consisting of silt fence or straw wattles will be
installed between proposed activities and resource areas. Any areas of disturbed soil will be
mulched with straw as necessary following the completion of work.
Should you have any questions regarding this notification or require any additional
information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (978) 337-6988 or Katy Wilkins, Project
Manager with Tighe & Bond, at (413) 875-1305.
Respectfully,
James Rynes
Environmental Scientist
Attachments:
A - Site Location Map
40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA 02451
T: 978-337-6988 James.Rynes@nationalgrid.com www.nationalgrid.com
File Location: G:\GIS\MA\SiteLocus\Leeds\NGrid_Topo_260MainStreet.mxdDate Saved: 7/14/2021 5:49:15 PM
THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.
ASSET REPLACEMENTÜ
0 1,000 2,000
Feet
1 inch = 2,000 feet
Based on USGS Topographic Mapfor Easthampton, MA Revised1979. Circles indicate 500-footand half-mile radii.
Index Map
SITE LOCATION
Site Location
260 Main StreetLeeds, MA
Figure 1 Tighe&Bond