2023.04.13 Staff Report.pdf
April 13 2023 Staff Report
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
RE: Staff Report, April 13 2023 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if installation of
fencing & bollards, tree removal and shrub plantings within buffer zone to wetlands is
subject to the Northampton Wetlands Ordinance or MA Wetlands Protection
Act. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, 54 Industrial Dr, Parcel 25A-190
Application Overview:
The application proposes a new 7’ metal picket fence, security cameras, and other related work at
the edge of the existing PVTA facility parking lot. Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff
Recommendations:
It is not clear whether trees along the rear of the site are proposed to be removed, or if the fence is
proposed to be installed within the limits of existing vegetation. The Commission should confirm this
with the applicant, and discuss shifting the fenceline to the edge of pavement if vegetation removal in
this area is proposed. Delineation information was not included with the application, and BVW
boundary may extend further than shown. An exact delineation is not critical if work will be confined
to paved areas within the buffer, but may be important if new vegetation removal is proposed. If all
work will be confined to existing paved areas and will not create any new disturbance or impervious
areas, work would be unlikely to impact resource areas, and the Commission could issue a negative
determination by checking box 3. Require notification no less than 48 hours in advance, and again
when work is complete. Note that boundaries are not confirmed.
5:45 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if tree removal
within buffer zone to wetlands is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or
Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, 278 Burts
Pit Rd, Map ID 30D-16
Application Overview:
The Conservation Commission issued a negative determination in 2022 for construction of
three affordable single family homes within the outer 50-100 foot buffer zone to bordering
vegetated wetlands. No work within the BVW or 0-50 foot buffer was proposed. At that time, only
five trees within the buffer zone were proposed be removed, the largest which was 12” dbh, all
other trees within buffer were to be protected and retained. An additional 12 trees within the 50-
100 foot buffer are proposed, ranging from 11”-50” dbh, both coniferous and deciduous. Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff Recommendations:
The Wetlands Ordinance notes that “A growing body of research evidence suggests that even "no
disturbance" areas reaching 100 feet from wetlands may be insufficient to protect many
April 13 2023 Staff Report 2
important wetland resource characteristics and values.” Vegetated buffers are critical to filter
pollutants and nutrients, and treed buffers also screen and protect resource areas from human
disturbance and maintain wetland microclimates. Additionally, while the application proposes only
tree removal. The Commission should require mitigation tree plantings to replicate shade in other
areas of the buffer where solar access for homes is not necessary, and require clear marking of the
buffer to prevent future yard expansion and preserve the vegetated buffer strip through at least the
extent of the 50 foot zone. This should also include understory plantings in the area where trees are
being removed.