Loading...
RC-65533.pdfOctober 17, 2023 Tim Cusson Parallel Products Solar Energy 401 Industry Road Louisville, Kentucky 40208 Northampton Conservation Commission City Hall 210 Main Street Room 11 Northampton, MA 01060 RE: Applicant: Tim Cusson, Parallel Products Solar Energy Project Location: 182 Mount Tom Road Project Description: Solar panels DEP Wetlands File No.: 246-0775 NHESP File No.: 23-8700 Heritage Hub Form ID: RC-65533 Dear Commissioners & Applicant: The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (the “Division”) received a Notice of Intent with site plans entitled "SITE PLAN 182 MT. TOM ROAD" (dated August 8, 2023) for review pursuant to the MA Endangered Species Act Regulations (321 CMR 10.18). The Applicant proposes to construct nine solar canopies and associated utilities at 182 Mt. Tom Road in Northampton, MA. MASSACHUSETTS WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT (WPA) According to the information in our database, the Division has determined that this project, as currently proposed, does not occur within Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife as indicated in the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas (15th Edition) because it is only mapped for state-listed plants. Therefore, the project is not subject to review for compliance with the rare wildlife species section of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.37, 10.59 & 10.58(4)(b)) by the Division. Notice: When filing for any new or amended Notice of Intent, Request for Determination of Applicability or associated renewal, extension, or amendment of the WPA Orders of Conditions the Applicant shall contact the Division for written response regarding impacts to Resource Area habitat of state-listed wildlife. A renewal, extension or amendment of any Order of Conditions or other permit under the MA Wetland Protection Act does not renew, extend or amend this MESA authorization. MASSACHUSETTS ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (MESA) Based on a review of the information that was provided and the information that is currently contained in our NHESP No.Page 2 of 223-8700 October 17, 2023 Issued database, the Division has determined that this project, as currently proposed, will not result in a prohibited Take of state-listed rare species. This determination is a final decision of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife pursuant to 321 CMR 10.18. Any changes to the proposed project or any additional work beyond that shown on the site plans may require an additional filing with the Division pursuant to the MESA. This project may be subject to further review if no physical work is commenced within five years from the date of issuance of this determination, or if there is a change to the project. Please note that this determination addresses only the matter of state-listed species and their habitats. If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact Alexandra Echandi, Endangered Species Review Biologist at alexandra.echandi@mass.gov. Sincerely, Everose Schlüter, Ph.D. Assistant Director cc: