Pine Grove Docks Request for Determination of Applicability.pdfwpaform1.doc Page 1 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
A. General Information
Important:
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1. Applicant:
Northampton Office of Planning and Sustainability
Name
E-Mail Address
City Hall, 210 Main Street
Mailing Address
Northampton
City/Town
MA
State
01060
Zip Code
413-587-1263
Phone Number
Fax Number (if applicable)
2. Representative (if any):
Firm
Contact Name
E-Mail Address
Mailing Address
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Fax Number (if applicable)
B. Determinations
1. I request the Northampton
Conservation Commission
make the following determination(s). Check any that apply:
a. whether the area depicted on plan(s) and/or map(s) referenced below is an area subject to
jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act.
b. whether the boundaries of resource area(s) depicted on plan(s) and/or map(s) referenced
below are accurately delineated.
c. whether the work depicted on plan(s) referenced below is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act.
d. whether the area and/or work depicted on plan(s) referenced below is subject to the jurisdiction
of any municipal wetlands ordinance or bylaw of:
Northampton
Name of Municipality
e. whether the following scope of alternatives is adequate for work in the Riverfront Area as
depicted on referenced plan(s).
wpaform1.doc Page 2 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
C. Project Description
1. a. Project Location (use maps and plans to identify the location of the area subject to this request):
Old Wilson Road
Street Address
Northampton
City/Town
37
Assessors Map/Plat Number
049
Parcel/Lot Number
b. Area Description (use additional paper, if necessary):
Pine Grove Section of Rocky Hill Greenway
c. Plan and/or Map Reference(s):
Dock Locations,
Title
February 2022
Date
Wetand Resource Areas Map
Title
June 2020
Date
Title
Date
2. a. Work Description (use additional paper and/or provide plan(s) of work, if necessary):
Installation of raised aluminum dock structures on posts. Please see attached narrative
wpaform1.doc Page 3 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
C. Project Description (cont.)
b. Identify provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act or regulations which may exempt the applicant
from having to file a Notice of Intent for all or part of the described work (use additional paper, if
necessary).
3. a. If this application is a Request for Determination of Scope of Alternatives for work in the
Riverfront Area, indicate the one classification below that best describes the project.
Single family house on a lot recorded on or before 8/1/96
Single family house on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
Expansion of an existing structure on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
Project, other than a single family house or public project, where the applicant owned the lot
before 8/7/96
New agriculture or aquaculture project
Public project where funds were appropriated prior to 8/7/96
Project on a lot shown on an approved, definitive subdivision plan where there is a recorded deed
restriction limiting total alteration of the Riverfront Area for the entire subdivision
Residential subdivision; institutional, industrial, or commercial project
Municipal project
District, county, state, or federal government project
Project required to evaluate off-site alternatives in more than one municipality in an
Environmental Impact Report under MEPA or in an alternatives analysis pursuant to an
application for a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or 401 Water Quality
Certification from the Department of Environmental Protection.
b. Provide evidence (e.g., record of date subdivision lot was recorded) supporting the classification
above (use additional paper and/or attach appropriate documents, if necessary.)
wpaform1.doc Page 4 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
D. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Request for Determination of Applicability
and accompanying plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my
knowledge.
I further certify that the property owner, if different from the applicant, and the appropriate DEP Regional
Office were sent a complete copy of this Request (including all appropriate documentation)
simultaneously with the submittal of this Request to the Conservation Commission.
Failure by the applicant to send copies in a timely manner may result in dismissal of the Request for
Determination of Applicability.
Name and address of the property owner:
Northampton Conservation Commission
Name
210 Main Street
Mailing Address
Northampton
City/Town
MA
State
01060
Zip Code
Signatures:
I also understand that notification of this Request will be placed in a local newspaper at my expense
in accordance with Section 10.05(3)(b)(1) of the Wetlands Protection Act regulations.
Wayne Feiden
Signature of Applicant
2/2/22
Date
Signature of Representative (if any)
Date
1
As part of the effort to restore the former Pine Grove Golf Course and create an accessible trail
network, the Office of Planning and Sustainability proposes to install approximately 460 linear
feet of boardwalk docks for improved trail access. All locations are seasonally wet, but do not
currently contain hydric soils or wetland indicator plants, and wet areas are not channelized and
lack bank characteristics. As shown on the attached wetland overview map from the Pine Grove
Master Plan, these are potentially historic wetland areas that existed prior to golf course
creation and related dewatering. Portions of the area proposed are within buffer zone to
Nashawannuck Stream bank.
The boardwalk project involves the installation of pre-fabricated aluminum boardwalks, to
follow existing trails. The boardwalks are very similar to a boardwalk installed at both the Ice
Pond Conservation Area and the Mineral Hills several years ago, but these sections will have
flow-through decks to allow light and air to permeate to the ground surface. Boardwalk
segments are 16’ by 4’, and will be secured using 1 ½” aluminum poles with mud augers at the
end, hand-drilled 1-2 feet into the soil. The corners of each segment will require stabilization
with augers. No trees will be removed as part of the project. Docks can be respositioned if
necessary in the future.
Boardwalk locations (North to South)
1.) New Northwest Grassland Trail. Entrance on NW end of Old Wilson
Trail. 100 feet.
There are three current bog bridges quite close together but the 2nd area is usually just
muddy or has small pooled water and just has a board serving as a bridge
2.) Service Road. 160 feet.
Crossing a seasonally wet area that has been muddy and has created trail widening..
Docks will be installed east of the existing service road and at higher elevation, to
enable the road to continue to be used for maintenance and mergencies.
3.) Big Tree Area--Straight shot plus connector to west--200 feet.
Connection of two trails that come together at a T, exact location to be determined.
Docks will work around existing trees, most of the area remains turf grass.
Installation of a similar boardwalk at Ice Pond
Proposed Deck Material