Easthampton Road_Response to Comments Letter.pdf
Ms. Sarah LaValley March 25, 2024
Conservation Planner
Town of Northampton
210 Main Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: Easthampton Road / South Street (Route 10) – Notice of Intent
Northampton, MA
Ref. T1000.24
Dear Ms. LaValley:
On behalf of the Applicant, MassDOT, TEC is pleased to submit this response to MassDEP
comments letter for the proposed roadway project on Easthampton Road and Earle Street
intersection. The following documents have been attached for your review.
Attachments:
• Updated WPA Form 3
• Updated Wetland Report
• NHESP Determination
Please see below for TEC’s responses. Original comments are from the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection Review letter received on February 28, 2024 and are
shown in bold, with TEC responses in italics.
1. This cannot be a buffer zone only project if it also has Riverfront Area alter.
However, it appears most if not all the work in the existing paved area and
sidewalk area that existed in 1996 are exempt from the Riverfront Area standards and should not be included in RFA alterations. Only that work that
is not exempt, per 310 CMR 10.58(6) (a) and/or 310 CMR 10.02(2}(b)2.n.,o.,
and p., should be included in RFA alteration and that work must comply to the
maximum extent practicable with the performance standards if the limited project noted is accepted by the commission.
TEC: Section B in the WPA Form 3 has been updated to reflect the Inland Resource Area impacts calculated as requested.
Revised impacts to the RFA are as follows: 386 square feet of new impervious sidewalk and
209 square feet of removed impervious roadway, resulting in a net 177 square feet of RFA
alterations.
Easthampton Road / South Street (Route 10)
Notice of Intent 3/25/2024
Page 2 of 3
2. Limited projects must comply with the performance standards to the maximum extent practicable. The work in the Riverfront was submitted as a new development, not as a redevelopment. The work cannot meet the
Performance Standard of 310 CMR 10.58(4)(d)1 .a. and therefore the
commission may require the work to be submitted under 310 CMR 10.58(5), where the performance standards are possible to be met. The applicant must
still attempt to fully comply with those standards and it could be done under
redevelopment. The primary requirement is that there must be an improvement over existing conditions, as noted at 310 CMR 10.58(5)(a) and no improvement is proposed.
TEC: Upon review of the documents, TEC believes this project was correctly submitted as a
redevelopment project.
3. Page 5 of the TRC report incorrectly notes the vertical datum of the flood maps is based on NAVD88. In Northampton, the NGVD29 datum is used. Please correct this.
TEC: This has been corrected. A revised wetland report has been attached to reflect the
flood plain elevation references the NGVD29 datum.
4. As noted for Stormwater Standard #7, the regulations state "A
redevelopment project shall also comply with all other requirements of the Stormwater Management Standards and improve existing conditions." It does
not appear that any improvement to the stormwater system is proposed. For
example, does every catch basin have a 4 foot sump? Is there room for any of the BMP's noted in the Stormwater Handbook to be used here for this project?
TEC: The existing catch basins are hooded with deep sumps and due to site and
topographic constraints, no further improvement can be made to the existing stormwater
management system. The installation of additional BMPs are not feasible without a take.
5. The commission shall wait to close the public hearing until NHESP has issued its determination, as required by 310 CMR 10.59.
TEC: The determination issued on February 28, 2024 found that the project will not
adversely affect the actual Resource Area Habitat of state-protected species, nor will the
project result in a prohibited Take of state-listed rare species. Please see attached.
Easthampton Road / South Street (Route 10)
Notice of Intent 3/25/2024
Page 3 of 3
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions at 978-794-1792. Thank
you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
TEC, Inc.
“The Engineering Corporation”
David Nader, PE
Project Manager
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
Important: When filling out forms on the computer, use only the tab key to move your cursor - do not use the return key.
Note: Before completing this form consult your local Conservation Commission regarding any municipal bylaw or ordinance.
A.General Information
1.Project Location (Note: electronic filers will click on button to locate project site):
Easthampton Road / South Street (Route 10)
a. Street Address
Northampton
b.City/Town
01060
c.Zip Code
Latitude and Longitude: 42.306307
d.Latitude
-72.647099
e.Longitude
N/A - public right of way
f.Assessors Map/Plat Number
N/A - public right of way
g.Parcel /Lot Number
2.Applicant:
Erica
a.First Name
Larner
b.Last Name
Massachusetts Department of Transportation-Highway Division
c.Organization
10 Park Plaza, Room 7360
d. Street Address
Boston
e.City/Town
MA
f. State
02116
g.Zip Code
(857)268-1729
h.Phone Number i. Fax Number
erica.n.larner@dot.state.ma.us
j.Email Address
3.Property owner (required if different from applicant):Check if more than one owner
a.First Name b.Last Name
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
c.Organization
10 Park Plaza
d. Street Address
Boston
e.City/Town
MA
f. State
02116
g.Zip Code
h.Phone Number i. Fax Number j.Email address
4.Representative (if any):
David
a.First Name
Nader
b.Last Name
TEC, Inc.
c.Company
282 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
d. Street Address
Lawrence
e.City/Town
MA
f. State
01843
g.Zip Code
978-794-1792
h.Phone Number i. Fax Number
dnader@theengineeringcorp.com
j.Email address
5.Total WPA Fee Paid (from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form):
$500.00
a.Total Fee Paid
$237.50
b.State Fee Paid
$262.50
c.City/Town Fee Paid
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
A. General Information (continued)
6.General Project Description:
Proposing to construct new sidewalk along Easthampton Road (Route 10) at the Earle Street
Intersection for pedestrian safety, including new curbing, guardrail, and traffic signal improvements.
7a. Project Type Checklist: (Limited Project Types see Section A. 7b.)
1. Single Family Home 2. Residential Subdivision
3. Commercial/Industrial 4. Dock/Pier
5. Utilities 6. Coastal engineering Structure
7. Agriculture (e.g., cranberries, forestry) 8. Transportation
9. Other
7b. Is any portion of the proposed activity eligible to be treated as a limited project (including Ecological Restoration Limited Project) subject to 310 CMR 10.24 (coastal) or 310 CMR 10.53 (inland)?
1. Yes No If yes, describe which limited project applies to this project. (See 310 CMR10.24 and 10.53 for a complete list and description of limited project types)
10.53(3)(f) - maintenance and improvement of existing public roadways
2. Limited Project Type
If the proposed activity is eligible to be treated as an Ecological Restoration Limited Project (310 CMR10.24(8), 310 CMR 10.53(4)), complete and attach Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklist and Signed Certification.
8.Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for:
N/A - public roadway
a. County b. Certificate # (if registered land)
c. Book d. Page Number
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent)
1. Buffer Zone Only – Check if the project is located only in the Buffer Zone of a Bordering
Vegetated Wetland, Inland Bank, or Coastal Resource Area.
2. Inland Resource Areas (see 310 CMR 10.54-10.58; if not applicable, go to Section B.3,
Coastal Resource Areas).
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and any supporting documentation describing how the project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
For all projects affecting other Resource Areas, please attach a narrative explaining how the resource area was delineated.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Bank 1. linear feet 2. linear feet
b. Bordering Vegetated Wetland 1.square feet 2.square feet
c. Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways
1. square feet 2.square feet
3. cubic yards dredged
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
d. Bordering Land Subject to Flooding 1.square feet 2.square feet
3. cubic feet of flood storage lost 4. cubic feet replaced
e. Isolated Land Subject to Flooding 1.square feet
2. cubic feet of flood storage lost 3. cubic feet replaced
f. Riverfront Area Mill River (Inland)
1.Name of Waterway (if available) - specify coastal or inland
2.Width of Riverfront Area (check one):
25 ft. - Designated Densely Developed Areas only
100 ft. - New agricultural projects only
200 ft. - All other projects
3.Total area of Riverfront Area on the site of the proposed project:14850
square feet
4.Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area:
386
a.total square feet
202
b. square feet within 100 ft.
184
c. square feet between 100 ft. and 200 ft.
5.Has an alternatives analysis been done and is it attached to this NOI? Yes No
6.Was the lot where the activity is proposed created prior to August 1, 1996? Yes No
3. Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25-10.35)
Note: for coastal riverfront areas, please complete Section B.2.f. above.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and supporting documentation describing how theproject will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, includingstandards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
Online Users: Include your document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) with all supplementary information you submit to the Department.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Designated Port Areas Indicate size under Land Under the Ocean, below
b. Land Under the Ocean 1.square feet
2. cubic yards dredged
c. Barrier Beach Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coastal Dunes below
d. Coastal Beaches 1.square feet 2. cubic yards beach nourishment
e. Coastal Dunes 1.square feet 2. cubic yards dune nourishment
Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
f.Coastal Banks 1. linear feet
g.Rocky Intertidal Shores 1.square feet
h. Salt Marshes 1.square feet 2. sq ft restoration, rehab., creation
i.Land Under Salt Ponds 1.square feet
2. cubic yards dredged
j. Land Containing Shellfish 1.square feet
k.Fish Runs Indicate size under Coastal Banks, inland Bank, Land Under the Ocean, and/or inland Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways, above
1. cubic yards dredged
l.Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage 1.square feet
4. Restoration/Enhancement If the project is for the purpose of restoring or enhancing a wetland resource area in addition to the square footage that has been entered in Section B.2.b or B.3.h above, please enter the additional amount here.
a. square feet of BVW b. square feet of Salt Marsh
5. Project Involves Stream Crossings
a.number of new stream crossings b.number of replacement stream crossings
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section C and
complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklists – Required Actions(310 CMR 10.11).
Streamlined Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/Wetlands Protection Act Review
1.Is any portion of the proposed project located in Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife as indicated onthe most recent Estimated Habitat Map of State-Listed Rare Wetland Wildlife published by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)? To view habitat maps, see the Massachusetts
Natural Heritage Atlas or go to http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/PRI_EST_HAB/viewer.htm.
a. Yes No If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery of NOI to:
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 09-2023
(MassMapper)
If yes, the project is also subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review (321 CMR 10.18). To qualify for a streamlined, 30-day, MESA/Wetlands Protection Act review, please complete Section C.1.c, and include requested materials with this Notice of Intent (NOI); OR complete Section C.2.f, if applicable. If MESA supplemental information is not included with the NOI, by
completing Section 1 of this form, the NHESP will require a separate MESA filing which may take up
to 90 days to review (unless noted exceptions in Section 2 apply, see below).
c.Submit Supplemental Information for Endangered Species Review∗
1. Percentage/acreage of property to be altered:
(a)within wetland Resource Area 0
percentage/acreage
(b)outside Resource Area 0.21 acres
percentage/acreage
2. Assessor’s Map or right-of-way plan of site
2. Project plans for entire project site, including wetland resource areas and areas outside of wetlands jurisdiction, showing existing and proposed conditions, existing and proposed
tree/vegetation clearing line, and clearly demarcated limits of work ∗∗
(a) Project description (including description of impacts outside of wetland resource area & buffer zone)
(b) Photographs representative of the site
∗ Some projects not in Estimated Habitat may be located in Priority Habitat, and require NHESP review (see https://www.mass.gov/ma-endangered-species-act-mesa-regulatory-review). Priority Habitat includes habitat for state-listed plants and strictly upland species not protected by the Wetlands Protection Act.
∗∗ MESA projects may not be segmented (321 CMR 10.16). The applicant must disclose full development plans even if such plans are not required as part of the Notice of Intent process.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
(c) MESA filing fee (fee information available at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-file-for-a-mesa-project-review). Make check payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts - NHESP” and mail to NHESP at
above address
Projects altering 10 or more acres of land, also submit:
(d) Vegetation cover type map of site
(e) Project plans showing Priority & Estimated Habitat boundaries
(f)OR Check One of the Following
1. Project is exempt from MESA review. Attach applicant letter indicating which MESA exemption applies. (See 321 CMR 10.14, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/exemptions-from-review-for-projectsactivities-in-priority-habitat; the NOI must still be sent to NHESP if the project is within estimated habitat pursuant to 310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59.)
2. Separate MESA review ongoing. a. NHESP Tracking #b. Date submitted to NHESP
3. Separate MESA review completed. Include copy of NHESP “no Take” determination or valid Conservation & Management Permit with approved plan.
3.For coastal projects only, is any portion of the proposed project located below the mean high waterline or in a fish run?
a. Not applicable – project is in inland resource area only b. Yes No
If yes, include proof of mailing, hand delivery, or electronic delivery of NOI to either:
South Shore - Cohasset to Rhode Island border, and the Cape & Islands:
Division of Marine Fisheries - Southeast Marine Fisheries Station Attn: Environmental Reviewer 836 South Rodney French Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02744 Email: dmf.envreview-south@mass.gov
North Shore - Hull to New Hampshire border:
Division of Marine Fisheries - North Shore Office Attn: Environmental Reviewer 30 Emerson Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930 Email: dmf.envreview-north@mass.gov
Also if yes, the project may require a Chapter 91 license. For coastal towns in the Northeast Region, please contact MassDEP’s Boston Office. For coastal towns in the Southeast Region, please contact MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office.
c. Is this an aquaculture project? d. Yes No
If yes, include a copy of the Division of Marine Fisheries Certification Letter (M.G.L. c. 130, § 57).
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4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
C.Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
Online Users: Include your document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) with all supplementary information you submit to the Department.
4.Is any portion of the proposed project within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)?
a. Yes No If yes, provide name of ACEC (see instructions to WPA Form 3 or MassDEP Website for ACEC locations). Note: electronic filers click on Website.
b.ACEC
5.Is any portion of the proposed project within an area designated as an Outstanding Resource Water(ORW) as designated in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00?
a. Yes No
6.Is any portion of the site subject to a Wetlands Restriction Order under the Inland WetlandsRestriction Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40A) or the Coastal Wetlands Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 130, § 105)?
a. Yes No
7.Is this project subject to provisions of the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards?
a. Yes. Attach a copy of the Stormwater Report as required by the Stormwater Management Standards per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)-(q) and check if:
1. Applying for Low Impact Development (LID) site design credits (as described in Stormwater Management Handbook Vol. 2, Chapter 3)
2. A portion of the site constitutes redevelopment
3. Proprietary BMPs are included in the Stormwater Management System.
b. No. Check why the project is exempt:
1. Single-family house
2. Emergency road repair
3. Small Residential Subdivision (less than or equal to 4 single-family houses or less than or equal to 4 units in multi-family housing project) with no discharge to Critical Areas.
D.Additional Information
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section D and completeAppendix A: Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent – Minimum Required Documents (310 CMR10.12).
Applicants must include the following with this Notice of Intent (NOI). See instructions for details.
Online Users: Attach the document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) for any ofthe following information you submit to the Department.
1. USGS or other map of the area (along with a narrative description, if necessary) containing sufficient information for the Conservation Commission and the Department to locate the site. (Electronic filers may omit this item.)
2. Plans identifying the location of proposed activities (including activities proposed to serve as a Bordering Vegetated Wetland [BVW] replication area or other mitigating measure) relative to the boundaries of each affected resource area.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
D.Additional Information (cont’d)
3. Identify the method for BVW and other resource area boundary delineations (MassDEP BVW Field Data Form(s), Determination of Applicability, Order of Resource Area Delineation, etc.), and attach documentation of the methodology.
4. List the titles and dates for all plans and other materials submitted with this NOI.
Easthampton Road / South Street (Route 10) Roadway Plans
a.Plan Title
TEC, Inc.
b. Prepared By
Rebecca L. Clark
c.Signed and Stamped by
2/14/2024
d.Final Revision Date
As Noted
e.Scale
f. Additional Plan or Document Title g.Date
5. If there is more than one property owner, please attach a list of these property owners not listed on this form.
6. Attach proof of mailing for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, if needed.
7. Attach proof of mailing for Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, if needed.
8. Attach NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
9. Attach Stormwater Report, if needed.
E.Fees
1. Fee Exempt: No filing fee shall be assessed for projects of any city, town, county, or district
of the Commonwealth, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authority, municipal housingauthority, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Applicants must submit the following information (in addition to pages 1 and 2 of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form) to confirm fee payment:
18060
2.Municipal Check Number
2/14/2024
3.Check date
18059
4.State Check Number
2/14/2024
5.Check date
TEC, Inc.
6.Payor name on check: First Name 7.Payor name on check: Last Name
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Northampton
City/Town
F. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Notice of Intent and accompanying
plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand
that the Conservation Commission will place notification of this Notice in a local newspaper at the
expense of the applicant in accordance with the wetlands regulations, 310 CMR 10.05(5)(a).
I further certify under penalties of perjury that all abutters were notified of this application, pursuant to the
requirements of M.G.L. c. 131, § 40. Notice must be made by Certificate of Mailing or in writing by hand
delivery or certified mail (return receipt requested) to all abutters within 100 feet of the property line of the
project location.
1. Signature of Applicant
2. Date
3. Signature of Property Owner (if different)4. Date
5. Signature of Representative (if any)6. Date
For Conservation Commission:
Two copies of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents,
two copies of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and the city/town fee payment, to the
Conservation Commission by certified mail or hand delivery.
For MassDEP:
One copy of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents, one
copy of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and a copy of the state fee payment to the MassDEP
Regional Office (see Instructions) by certified mail or hand delivery.
Other:
If the applicant has checked the “yes” box in any part of Section C, Item 3, above, refer to that section
and the Instructions for additional submittal requirements.
The original and copies must be sent simultaneously. Failure by the applicant to send copies in a
timely manner may result in dismissal of the Notice of Intent.
3/20/2024
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TEC Sidewalks Project -
Northampton
Route 1 Intersection from
Easthampton Road (Route
10) to Earle Street,
Northampton,
Massachusetts
Prepared By:
TRC
Wannalancit Mills
650 Suffolk Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
Wetland and
Waterbody
Delineation
Report
March 2023
TEC Sidewalks Project - Northampton March 2023
Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................1
2.0 REGULATORY AUTHORITY ..........................................................................................1
2.1 United States Army Corps of Engineers .............................................................. 1
2.2 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection .................................... 2
2.3 City of Northampton Conservation Commission .................................................. 3
3.0 PROJECT SURVEY AREA CHARACTERISTICS ..........................................................4
3.1 Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 4
3.1.1 Floodplains ............................................................................................... 4
3.2 Federal and State Mapped Wetlands and Streams ............................................. 5
3.3 Mapped Soils ...................................................................................................... 5
3.3.1 Hydric Rating ............................................................................................ 6
3.3.2 Natural Drainage Class ............................................................................ 6
3.3.3 Prime Farmland ........................................................................................ 6
3.3.4 Hydrologic Soil Groups ............................................................................. 7
3.4 NHESP Priority and Estimated Habitats .............................................................. 8
4.0 WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION METHODOLOGY ........................................8
4.1 Non-wetland Aquatic Resource Methodology ...................................................... 8
4.2 Wetland Delineation Methodologies .................................................................... 8
5.0 RESULTS .......................................................................................................................9
5.1 Delineated Wetlands and Waterbodies ............................................................... 9
5.1.1 Delineated Wetlands ................................................................................ 9
5.1.2 Delineated Streams .................................................................................. 9
6.0 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................ 10
7.0 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 10
TEC Sidewalks Project - Northampton March 2023
Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report ii
Table 1: Mapped Soils ...................................................................................................... 5
Table 2: Delineated Wetlands and Waterbodies ..............................................................10
APPENDICES
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1. Site Location Map
Figure 2. Wetland Delineation Map
Appendix B Survey Area Photographs
Appendix C NRCS Soil Report
TEC Sidewalks Project - Northampton March 2023
Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 1
1.0 Introduction
This report presents the results of a wetland and waterbody delineation conducted on February
16, 2023, by TRC Companies, Inc. (TRC) along the Route 1 from Easthampton Road (Route 10)
to Earle Street in the City of Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts (Site). The wetland
delineation only included the area along the intersection (Survey Area) within the 1957 State
Highway Layout (SHLO) No. 4559 and the City of Northampton Layout lines along Route 1.
This report documents wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources (ponds, lakes,
impoundments, etc.) within the Survey Area regardless of assumed jurisdictional status and
addresses the implementation of local and state regulated buffer areas. To the extent practicable,
the delineated resources were investigated to determine drainage patterns and a physical nexus
to Waters of the United States (WOTUS).
Appendix A provides a Site location map (Figure 1) and a map of the delineated wetland resources
within the Survey Area by TRC (Figure 2). Appendix B includes representative photographs of
the Survey Area, and Appendix C contains the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Soil Report.
2.0 Regulatory Authority
2.1 United States Army Corps of Engineers
In accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) asserts jurisdiction over WOTUS, defined as wetlands, streams, and other
aquatic resources under the regulatory authority per Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Part 328, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) per Title 40 CFR Part
230.3(s). Wetlands are defined as “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil
conditions” (EPA, 2023).
The USACE will assert jurisdiction over the following waters:
Traditional navigable waters;
Wetlands adjacent to traditional navigable waters;
Non-navigable tributaries of traditional navigable waters that are relatively permanent
where the tributaries typically flow year-round or have continuous flow at least seasonally
(e.g., typically three months); and
Wetlands that directly abut such tributaries.
The USACE will decide jurisdiction over the following waters based on analysis to determine
whether they have a significant nexus with a traditional navigable water:
TEC Sidewalks Project - Northampton March 2023
Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 2
Non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent;
Wetlands adjacent to non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent; and
Wetlands adjacent to, but that do not directly abut, a relatively permanent non-navigable
tributary.
The USACE generally will not assert jurisdiction over the following features:
Swales or erosional features (e.g., gullies, small washes characterized by low volume,
infrequent, or short duration flow); and
Ditches (including roadside ditches) excavated wholly in and draining only uplands, and
that do not carry a relatively permanent flow of water.
The USACE will apply the significant nexus standard as follows:
A significant nexus analysis will assess the flow characteristics and functions of the
tributary itself and the functions performed by all wetlands adjacent to the tributary to
determine if they significantly affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of
downstream traditional navigable waters; and
Significant nexus includes consideration of hydrologic and ecologic factors.
The USACE also regulates navigable waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act (33
U.S.C. 401 et seq.), which requires that a permit must be issued by the USACE to construct any
structure in or over any navigable WOTUS, as well as any proposed action (such as
excavation/dredging or deposition of materials) that would alter or disturb these waters. If the
proposed structure or activity affects the course, location, condition, or capacity of the navigable
water, even if the proposed activity is outside the boundaries of the stream in associated wetlands,
a Section 10 permit from the USACE is required.
2.2 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) (Section 40 of Chapter 131 of the General
Laws of Massachusetts and regulated under 310 Code of Massachusetts Regulations [CMR]
section 10.00) defines multiple coastal (310 CMR 10.25-10.37) and inland resource areas (310
CMR 10.54-10.59) and gives the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
(MassDEP) jurisdiction over these resource areas. In most cases, the WPA also gives MassDEP
jurisdiction over buffer zone extending 100 feet from the edge of the resource area. In addition to
MassDEP, local municipalities’ Conservation Commissions are responsible for administering the
WPA and any local wetlands ordinance or bylaw.
The WPA defines two types of Land Subject to Flooding (310 CMR 10.57): isolated and bordering.
Isolated Land Subject to Flooding (ILSF) is defined as “an isolated depression or a closed basin
which serves as a ponding area for run-off or high ground water which has risen above the ground
surface.” Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF) is defined as “an area with low, flat
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 3
topography adjacent to and inundated by flood waters rising from creeks, rivers, streams, ponds
or lakes. It extends from the banks of these waterways and water bodies; where a bordering
vegetated wetland occurs, it extends from said wetland.” The boundary of BLSF is further defined
as “the estimated maximum lateral extent of flood water which will theoretically result from the
statistical 100-year frequency storm” as shown on the most recently available flood profile data
prepared for the community by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), currently
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), successor to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development). Under the WPA, ILSF and BLSF do not have
associated buffer zones.
The WPA defines Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW) under 310 CMR 10.55 as any freshwater
wetland which borders on creeks, rivers, stream ponds or lakes. Under the WPA, a 100-foot buffer
zone is associated with BVWs. Isolated wetlands (IWs) are not connected to a waterway or
waterbody and; therefore, are not regulated under the WPA and do not have an associated buffer
zone under the WPA. Isolated wetlands may have an associated buffer zone or similar zone
associated with them under the local ordinance or bylaw. In some cases, IWs may qualify as ILSF
and, in those instances, are regulated under the WPA.
The WPA defines Bank (310 CMR 10.54) as the portion of the land surface which normally abuts
and confines a waterbody, occurring between a waterbody and a BVW and adjacent floodplain,
or between a waterbody and an upland. Under the WPA, a 100-foot buffer zone is associated with
Banks.
The WPA defines Land under Water Bodies and Waterways (LUW) (310 CMR 10.56) as land
beneath any creek, river, stream, pond, or lake. The boundary of LUW is the Mean Annual Low
Water (MALW) line. There are no buffer zones associated with LUW under the WPA.
The WPA defines Riverfront Area (RA) (310 CMR 10.58) as the 200-foot area of land measured
horizontally from a river’s Mean Annual High Water (MAHW) line. The section defines a river as
any stream that is perennial and includes, but is not limited to, streams shown as perennial on
current USGS maps or that have a watershed size greater than or equal to one square mile.
Riverfront Area is not associated with intermittent streams as they do not flow throughout the year.
Under the WPA, RA does not have an associated buffer zone.
A Notice of Intent (NOI) filing is required from the MassDEP for any disturbance, including the
removal of vegetation or alteration to a Banks, BVW, ILSF, BLSF, RA, or buffer zone.
2.3 City of Northampton Conservation Commission
The Northampton Conservation Commission (NCC) administers a local wetlands protection bylaw
in addition to the WPA. In addition to the 200-foot Riverfront Area, the Town of Northampton has
a Wetlands Protection Ordinance that no person shall remove, fill, dredge, build upon, or alter the
following resource areas: any bordering vegetated wetland, riverine wetland, marsh, wet meadow,
bog or swamp, or within 100 feet of said areas and any lake, river, pond, or stream, whether
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 4
intermittent or continuous, natural or man-made, or within 100 feet of said areas (NCC Wetlands
Protection Ordinance, 2007). The Northampton Wetlands Protection Ordinance also prohibits any
work within a 50-foot “Protected Zone” of any resource areas.
3.0 Project Survey Area Characteristics
TRC reviewed publicly available literature and materials used for the investigation, survey, and
report preparation, including:
MassGIS MassMapper1, the National Hydrography Dataset;
The USGS Topographic, 7.5 Minute Quadrangle for Easthampton, Massachusetts
(USGS, 2021);
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 2501670002A (effective date April 3,
1978);
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Wetlands Inventory (NWI);
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NRCS Web Soil Survey;
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Priority and Estimated
Habitats Mapper
Recent aerial orthoimagery.
The following sections summarize TRC’s review of each of these resources.
3.1 Hydrology
The Survey Area includes the crossing of the Mill River, which flows southwest (Figure 1).
3.1.1 Floodplains
Flood hazard areas identified on the FEMA’s FIRMs are identified as Special Flood Hazard Areas
(SFHAs). SFHAs are defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-
percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent annual chance
flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood. Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled
Zone B or Zone X (shaded on FEMA mapping) are also shown on the FIRM, and are the areas
between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2-percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood. The
areas of minimal flood hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and higher than the
elevation of the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone X (unshaded on
1 The MassDEP Wetlands Conservancy Program uses aerial photography and photo interpretation to delineate and map wetland
boundaries. These boundaries are available via the Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS) online mapping tool,
MassMapper. Desktop review consisted of utilizing MassGIS MassMapper to gather a general understanding of existing conditions
and potential regulated resource areas.
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 5
FEMA mapping). FEMA uses a variety of labels for SFHAs and moderate flood hazard areas, but
only one was identified within the Survey area:
Zone AR/A1-A30
According to the FEMA FIRM 2501670002A (effective date April 3, 1978), Zone A13, an SFHA
area with base flood elevation of 126 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929,
occurs throughout the Site. Additionally, the Site is located over a Regulatory Floodway, the Mill
River.
3.2 Federal and State Mapped Wetlands and Streams
The USFWS is the principal federal agency tasked with providing information to the public on the
status and trends of wetlands on a national scale. The USFWS NWI is a publicly available
resource that provides detailed information on the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of
nationwide wetlands (where mapped). The NWI mapping data is offered to promote the
understanding, conservation, and restoration of wetlands. The online MassGIS MassMapper
mapping tool was accessed to determine the extent of state-mapped aquatic resources.
According to the NWI and MassDEP mapping, there is one riverine, lower perennial,
unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded (R2UBH) stream, the Mill River, mapped within the
Survey Area. There is one mapped palustrine forested, broad-leaved deciduous, temporary
flooded (PFO1A) wetland located just outside of the Survey Area that is identified as a wooded
swamp deciduous wetland. The one MassDEP and NWI stream and wetland are mapped within
the center portion of the Survey Area.
3.3 Mapped Soils
The NRCS’s Web Soil Survey identifies eight soil map units within the Survey Area. Map units
can represent a type of soil, a combination of soils, or miscellaneous land cover types (e.g.,
water, rock outcrop, developed impervious surface). Map units are usually named for the
predominant soil series or land types within the map unit. A summary of soil characteristics for
soils mapped within the Survey Area is included in Table 1, below. The following sections
provide details about hydric ratings, drainage class, prime farmland, and hydrologic soil
groups (HSGs). Details regarding soil map unit descriptions are provided in the NRCS Soil
Report included as Appendix C.
Table 1: Mapped Soils
Symbol Soil Name
Hydric
Rating
(%)
Drainage Class Hydrologic
Soil Group
Farmland
Classification
1 Water 0 N/A N/A Not prime
farmland
225B Belgrade silt loam, 3 to
8 percent slopes 15 Moderately well
drained C All areas are
prime farmland
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 6
Table 1: Mapped Soils
Symbol Soil Name
Hydric
Rating
(%)
Drainage Class Hydrologic
Soil Group
Farmland
Classification
741A
Amostown-Windsor
silty substratum-Urban
land complex, 0 to 3
percent slopes
15 N/A N/A Not prime
farmland
3.3.1 Hydric Rating
The Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory, 1987) (1987
Manual) defines a hydric soil as “…a soil that in its undrained condition, is saturated, flooded or
ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the
growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation.”
Due to limitations imposed by the small scale of the soil survey mapping, it is not uncommon to
identify wetlands within areas not mapped as hydric soil while areas mapped as hydric often do
not support wetlands. This concept is emphasized by the NRCS:
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the
detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small
areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.
Hydric Soil Rating (HSR) indicates the percentage of a map unit that meets the criteria for hydric
soils.
Map unit 225B and 741A have a HSR of 15 percent, and map unit 1 has a HSR of 0 percent.
3.3.2 Natural Drainage Class
Natural drainage class refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods under conditions similar
to those under which the soil developed. Anthropogenic alteration of the water regime, either
through drainage or irrigation, is not a consideration unless the alterations have significantly
changed the morphology of the soil.
Map unit 225B is rated as moderately well drained.
3.3.3 Prime Farmland
Prime farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for
producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is available for these uses (the land
could be cropland, pastureland, rangeland, forestland, or other land, but not urban built-up land
or water). Land used for a specific high-value food or fiber crop is classified as “unique farmland.”
Generally, additional “farmlands of statewide importance” include those that are nearly prime
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 7
farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed
according to acceptable farming methods. In some local areas, there is concern for certain
additional farmlands, even though these lands are not identified as having national or statewide
importance. These farmlands are identified as being of “local importance” through ordinances
adopted by local government. The NRCS State Conservationist reviews and certifies lists of
farmland of state and local importance. These lists, along with state and locally established Land
Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) systems where applicable, are used by federal agencies
to review and evaluate activities that may impact farmland. As defined in 7 CFR Part 657,
important farmland encompasses prime and unique farmland, as well as farmland of statewide
and local importance.
According to the NRCS, map units 1 and 741A are classified as “Not prime farmland” and map
unit 225B is classified as “All areas are prime farmland”.
3.3.4 Hydrologic Soil Groups
Soils are assigned to a HSG based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are assigned to one of
four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by
vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long-duration storms.
The soils in the United States are assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D) and three dual classes
(A/D, B/D, and C/D). The groups are defined as follows:
Group A: Soils have a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet.
These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands.
These soils have a high rate of water transmission.
Group B: Soils have a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly
of moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drained soils that have
moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of
water transmission.
Group C: Soils have a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of
soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or soils of moderately
fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.
Group D: Soils have a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly
wet. Soils consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell potential, soils that have a
high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils
that are shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of
water transmission.
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 8
If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is for drained
areas and the second is for undrained areas. Only the soils that in their natural condition in Group
D are assigned to dual classes.
Map unit 225B is in HSG C.
3.4 NHESP Priority and Estimated Habitats
NHESP Priority Habitats are identified as the known geographical extent of habitat for all state-
listed rare species, including both plants and animals in the 15th Edition Natural Heritage Atlas.
Priority Habitats are codified under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). Habitat
alteration within Priority Habitats may result in a “take” of a state-listed species and is therefore
subject to regulatory review by NHESP (MassWildlife, 2023).
NHESP Estimated Habitats, a sub-set of the Priority Habitats, are identified based on the
geographical extent of habitat of state-listed rare wetlands wildlife. Estimated Habitats are codified
under the WPA, therefore does not include the protection of plants. All state-listed wetland wildlife
species are protected under MESA and the WPA (MassWildlife, 2023).
The Survey Area does overlap with any NHESP Estimated Habitats (EH 1319) of Rare Wildlife
(Figure 2) and therefore, all state-listed wetland wildlife species are protected under MESA and
the WPA.
4.0 Wetland and Stream Delineation Methodology
In addition to the desktop review, TRC wetland biologists performed field investigations within the
Survey Area to identify wetlands, waterbodies, and other surface waters on February 16, 2023.
4.1 Non-wetland Aquatic Resource Methodology
Streams and other non-wetland aquatic features within the Survey Area were identified by the
presence of an Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM), which is the line established by the
fluctuations of water (33 CFR 328.3). The OHWM line is indicated by physical characteristics,
which can include: a clear, natural line impressed on the bank; shelving; changes in the character
of soil; destruction of terrestrial vegetation; the presence of litter and debris; or other
characteristics of the surrounding areas. For streams three feet or more in width, each stream
bank was delineated with blue flagging. For smaller streams, the stream centerline is delineated
with notes for the width. Flags were located with a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS)
unit and the data post-processed to achieve sub-meter accuracy.
4.2 Wetland Delineation Methodologies
The delineation of wetlands was conducted in accordance with criteria set forth in the 1987
Manual, the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:
Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0) (USACE, 2012) (Supplement), and the
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 9
Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act- A
Handbook (MassDEP, 1995).
The three-parameter approach to identify and delineate wetlands presented in the 1987 Manual
and the Supplement requires that, except for atypical and disturbed situations, wetlands possess
hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. A two-parameter approach that
considers only vegetation and hydrology indicators is presented in the MassDEP Handbook. Per
the MassDEP Handbook, hydric soil is included as evidence of wetland hydrology.
Wetland boundary flags were located with a handheld GPS unit and the data were post-processed
to achieve sub-meter accuracy. Delineated resources were classified in accordance with the
system presented in The Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States,
Second Edition (Federal Geographic Data Committee, 2013).
5.0 Results
5.1 Delineated Wetlands and Waterbodies
Delineated wetland and waterbodies are described in the following sections, summarized at the
end of this section in Table 2 and shown on figures in Appendix A.
Survey Area photographs are provided in Appendix B.
5.1.1 Delineated Wetlands
TRC identified no wetlands within the Survey Area during the February 2023 wetland delineation
effort (Appendix, A, Figure 2).
5.1.2 Delineated Streams
TRC identified one blueline perennial river within the Survey Area during the February 2023
resource delineation effort (Appendix, A, Figure 2).
Stream S-MJR-1 is a perennial river, named the Mill River (R3), located within the middle portion
of the Survey Area. This river originates off-site and flows in a southerly direction. The riverbed
was comprised of sand and TRC observed an average width of approximately 80 feet, a water
depth of approximately six feet, a left bank height of approximately two feet and a right bank height
of two feet. This river is MassDEP jurisdictional, and it also falls under USACE jurisdiction, as it
is likely connected to other WOTUS in accordance with the CWA.
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 10
6.0 Conclusions
It is TRC’s opinion that delineated perennial river S-MJR-1 is regulated by MassDEP, the NCC,
and is also likely under USACE jurisdiction, as it flows out of a MassDEP and USACE-regulated
wetland. There is a 200-foot RA associated with stream S-MJR-1. Where the delineated river
abuts upland, the Bank of the river has an associated MassDEP-regulated 100-foot buffer zone,
and NCC regulated 50-foot no build zone. Additionally, portions of the Project are located within
FEMA mapped floodplain which is regulated by MassDEP as BLSF under the WPA. There are no
buffer zones associated with BLSF.
Final determination of jurisdictional status for the waterbody within the Survey Area must be made
by the NCC.
7.0 References
Bureau of Geographic Information (MassGIS). 2023. MassMapper Interactive Map.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massmapper-interactive-map. Accessed February
2023.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2023. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 40,
Chapter 1, Subchapter H, Part 230, Subpart A, Section 230.3. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-
bin/text-
idx?SID=c2ac4e35564a7e132276a5092222dded&mc=true&node=se40.27.230_13&rgn
=div8. Accessed February 2023.
Federal Geographic Data Committee. 2013. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of
the United States. FGDC-STD-004-2013. Second Edition. Wetlands Subcommittee,
Federal Geographic Data Committee and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). 1995. Delineating Bordering
Vegetated Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act. Publication No.
17668-1022000-2/95-2.75-C.R. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection,
Division of Wetlands and Waterways. Boston, MA. Scott Jackson, author.
Table 2: Delineated Wetlands and Waterbodies
Wetland Field
Designation
Field Designated
NWI Classification 1
Assumed Jurisdictional
Status
Assumed Buffer/ Setback
Requirements
S-MJR-1 R3 USACE/MassDEP/Local 100-ft buffer zone / 200-ft Riverfront
Area / 50-ft no build zone
1 The Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, Second Edition (Federal
Geographic Data Committee, 2013). Categories include Riverine Perennial (R3).
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report 11
MassWildlife Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (MassWildlife). 2023. Regulatory
Maps: Priority & Estimated Habitats. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/regulatory-
maps-priority-estimated-habitats. Accessed February 2023.
New England Hydric Soils Technical Committee. 2017. Version 4, Field Indicators for Identifying
Hydric Soils in New England. New England Interstate Water Pollution Control
Commission, Lowell, MA.
Northampton Conservation Commission (NCC). 2007. Town of Northampton Conservation
Commission 210 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060. Wetlands Protection Ordinance.
Revised October 4, 2007. Available online at https://ecode360.com/11956974. Accessed
February 2023.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0). U.S.
Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, 162 pp.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Web
Soil Survey. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed February 2023.
USDA NRCS. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United
States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. USDA Handbook 296.
U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife (USFWS). 2023. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
Mapper. https://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/. Accessed
February 2023.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey (USGS). 2021. Easthampton, Massachusetts
Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute Series (Topographic).
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report
Appendix A: Figures
DATE:
APPROVED BY:
CHECKED BY:
DRAWN BY:PROJ. NO.:
FILE:
TITLE:
PROJECT:
Northampton_Sidewalk_ProjectCoordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001 Feet; Map Rotation: 0 -- Saved By: MBILLINGS on 2/23/2023, 11:43:52 AM; File Path: T:\1-PROJECTS\TEC\523687_5_Routes\2-APRX\Northampton_Sidewalk_Project.aprx; Layout Name: Fig1_USGS_8_5x11P - Northampton650 Suffolk StreetSuite 200Lowell, MA 01854Phone: 978.970.5600
1" = 2,000'1:24,000
0 1,000 2,000
FEET
BASE MAP: USA TOPOGRAPHIC MAPDATA SOURCES: ESRI, MASSGIS, TRC
FEBRUARY 2023
T. SULLIVAN
K. FERGUSON
P. JACQUES
FIGURE 1
421805.0000.0000
SITE LOCATION MAP
TEC SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS
EASTHAMPTON RD AND SOUTH ST (ROUTE 10)
NORTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, MA
PROJECT BOUNDARY
TOWN BOUNDARY
CT RI
MA
VT NH
DATE:
APPROVED BY:
CHECKED BY:
DRAWN BY:PROJ. NO.:
FILE:
TITLE:
PROJECT:
Northampton_Sidewalk_Project -- Saved By: MBILLINGS on 2/23/2023, 11:39:38 AM; File Path: T:\1-PROJECTS\TEC\523687_5_Routes\2-APRX\Northampton_Sidewalk_Project.aprx; Layout Name: Fig2_Resources_11x17L - NorthamptonCoordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane New Hampshire FIPS 2800 Feet; Map Rotation: -151:1,200
1" = 100'
0 100 200FEET
BASE MAP: GOOGLE IMAGERY
DATA SOURCES: ESRI. MASSGIS, FEMA MSC, TRC
NOTE: SFHA DATA WAS DIGITIZED FROM FEMA FIRM 2501670002
(EFFECTIVE APRIL 3, 1978). THE FLOODPLAIN BOUNDARY IS APPROXIMATE
ONLY AND NOT INTENDED FOR REGULATORY PURPOSES.
FEBRUARY 2023
J. RINGLER
I. MOHAMMADI-HALL
M. BILLINGS
FIGURE 2
523687.0000.0000
WETLAND DELINEATION MAP
TEC SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS
EASTHAMPTON RD AND SOUTH ST (ROUTE 10)
NORTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, MA
PROJECT AREA
CULVERT
DELINEATED WATERBODY
200-FT RIVERFRONT AREA
100-FT PERENNIAL STREAM BUFFER
50-FT PROTECTED ZONE
FEMA SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
(100-YEAR OR 1% ANNUAL CHANCE
FLOOD)
REGULATORY FLOODWAY
NHESP ESTIMATED HABITATS OF RARE
WILDLIFE
NORTHAMPTON
NORTHAMPTON
S-MJR-1
S-MJR-1
650 Suffolk StreetSuite 200Lowell, MA 01854Phone: 978.970.5600
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report
Appendix B: Survey Area Photographs
TEC Sidewalks Project - Northampton
Page 1
TEC SIDEWALKS PROJECT - NORTHAMPTON
ROUTE 1 INTERSECTION FROM EASTHAMPTON ROAD (ROUTE 10) TO EARLE
STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Photograph: 1
Date: 2/16/2023
Direction: Northwest
Description:
Photo of S-MJR-1 on the
north side of Route 10
facing northwest.
Photograph: 2
Date: 2/16/2023
Direction: South
Description:
Photo of S-MJR-1 on the
north side of Route 10
facing south.
TEC Sidewalks Project - Northampton
Page 2
TEC SIDEWALKS PROJECT - NORTHAMPTON
ROUTE 1 INTERSECTION FROM EASTHAMPTON ROAD (ROUTE 10) TO EARLE
STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Photograph: 3
Date: 2/9/2023
Direction: North
Description:
Photo of S-MJR-1 on the
south side of Route 10
facing northwest.
Photograph: 4
Date: 2/9/2023
Direction: South
Description:
Photo of S-MJR-1 on the
south side of Route 10
facing southwest.
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Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report
Appendix C: NRCS Soil Report
United States
Department of
Agriculture
A product of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey,
a joint effort of the United
States Department of
Agriculture and other
Federal agencies, State
agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment
Stations, and local
participants
Custom Soil Resource
Report for
Hampshire County,
Massachusetts,
Central Part
TEC Sidewalks Project -
Northampton
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service
February 20, 2023
Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas.
They highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information
about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for
many different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban
planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers.
Also, conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste
disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand,
protect, or enhance the environment.
Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose
special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil
properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions.
The information is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of
soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for
identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.
Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area
planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some
cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/
portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/) and certain conservation and engineering
applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center
(https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil
Scientist (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053951).
Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are
seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a
foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as
septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to
basements or underground installations.
The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States
Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey.
Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available
through the NRCS Web Soil Survey, the site for official soil survey information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its
programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability,
and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion,
sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not
all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
2
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or
call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
3
Contents
Preface....................................................................................................................2
How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5
Soil Map..................................................................................................................8
Soil Map................................................................................................................9
Legend................................................................................................................10
Map Unit Legend................................................................................................12
Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................12
Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Central Part...........................................14
1—Water.....................................................................................................14
225B—Belgrade silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes........................................14
741A—Amostown-Windsor silty substratum-Urban land complex, 0 to
3 percent slopes....................................................................................15
References............................................................................................................18
4
How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous
areas in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous
areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and
limitations affecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length,
and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and
native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil
profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The
profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the
soil formed or from the surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is
devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other
biological activity.
Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource
areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that
share common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water
resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey
areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA.
The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that
is related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the
area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind
of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and
miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific
segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they
were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict
with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a
specific location on the landscape.
Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their
characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soil
scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only
a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented
by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to
verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.
Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They
noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock
fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them
to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their
properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).
Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil
characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for
comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic
classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character
of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil
5
scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the
individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that
they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and
research.
The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the
objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that
have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a
unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable
proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components
of the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way
diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such
landforms and landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite
investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.
The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of
mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape,
and experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the
soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at
specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller
number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded.
These measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color,
depth to bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for
content of sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil
typically vary from one point to another across the landscape.
Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of
characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct
measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit
component. Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of other
properties.
While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally
are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists
interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed
characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the
soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through
observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management.
Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new
interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other
sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of
specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management
are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same
kinds of soil.
Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on
such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over
long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example,
soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will
have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict
that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.
After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the
survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and
Custom Soil Resource Report
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identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings,
fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of
soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols
displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to
produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit.
8
9
Custom Soil Resource Report
Soil Map
46863904686420468645046864804686510468654046865704686390468642046864504686480468651046865404686570693860 693890 693920 693950 693980 694010 694040 694070 694100 694130
693860 693890 693920 693950 693980 694010 694040 694070 694100 694130
42° 18' 26'' N 72° 38' 53'' W42° 18' 26'' N72° 38' 40'' W42° 18' 20'' N
72° 38' 53'' W42° 18' 20'' N
72° 38' 40'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 18N WGS84
0 50 100 200 300
Feet
0 20 40 80 120
Meters
Map Scale: 1:1,360 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:15,800.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil
line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of
contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed
scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more
accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as
of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Central
Part
Survey Area Data: Version 17, Sep 9, 2022
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales
1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Oct 15, 2020—Oct
31, 2020
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
Custom Soil Resource Report
10
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor
shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Custom Soil Resource Report
11
Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
1 Water 0.4 11.9%
225B Belgrade silt loam, 3 to 8
percent slopes
0.1 3.9%
741A Amostown-Windsor silty
substratum-Urban land
complex, 0 to 3 percent
slopes
2.8 84.1%
Totals for Area of Interest 3.3 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the
soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along
with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more
major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named
according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic
class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the
landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the
characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some
observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class.
Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without
including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made
up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor
components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.
Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the
map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called
noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a
particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different
management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They
generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the
scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas
are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a
given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit
descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor
components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not
mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it
was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and
miscellaneous areas on the landscape.
The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the
usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate
pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or
Custom Soil Resource Report
12
landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The
delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however,
onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous
areas.
An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.
Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil
properties and qualities.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for
differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major
horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,
salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the
basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas
shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase
commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha
silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.
A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate
pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.
The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar
in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.
An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or
miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present
or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered
practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The
pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat
similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas
that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar
interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion
of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can
be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made
up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil
material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
Custom Soil Resource Report
13
Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Central Part
1—Water
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: 9b24
Mean annual precipitation: 40 to 50 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 45 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period: 120 to 200 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Water:100 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
225B—Belgrade silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: 99z4
Elevation: 100 to 850 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 40 to 50 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 45 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period: 140 to 240 days
Farmland classification: All areas are prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Belgrade and similar soils:85 percent
Minor components:15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Belgrade
Setting
Landform:Terraces
Landform position (two-dimensional):Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Coarse-silty glaciolacustrine deposits
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 10 inches: silt loam
H2 - 10 to 51 inches: very fine sandy loam
H3 - 51 to 60 inches: loamy very fine sand
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 3 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Moderately well drained
Runoff class: Low
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to high
(0.06 to 2.00 in/hr)
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14
Depth to water table:About 18 to 42 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: High (about 10.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 2w
Hydrologic Soil Group: C
Ecological site: F145XY006CT - Semi-Rich Moist Lake Plain
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Raynham
Percent of map unit:15 percent
Landform:Depressions
Hydric soil rating: Yes
741A—Amostown-Windsor silty substratum-Urban land complex, 0 to 3
percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: 99z2
Elevation: 100 to 330 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 40 to 50 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 45 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period: 120 to 240 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Amostown and similar soils:35 percent
Windsor, silty substratum, and similar soils:25 percent
Urban land:25 percent
Minor components:15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Amostown
Setting
Landform:Terraces, outwash plains, deltas
Landform position (two-dimensional):Summit, footslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Friable sandy glaciofluvial deposits over silty glaciolacustrine
deposits
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 7 inches: fine sandy loam
H2 - 7 to 32 inches: fine sandy loam
Custom Soil Resource Report
15
H3 - 32 to 60 inches: stratified very fine sand to silt loam
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 3 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Moderately well drained
Runoff class: Low
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.60 in/hr)
Depth to water table:About 18 to 36 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: High (about 9.3 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 2w
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Ecological site: F145XY005MA - Moist Lake Plain
Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Windsor, Silty Substratum
Setting
Landform:Outwash plains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Footslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Loose sandy glaciofluvial deposits over silty glaciolacustrine
deposits
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 8 inches: loamy sand
H2 - 8 to 21 inches: loamy sand
H3 - 21 to 45 inches: sand
H4 - 45 to 60 inches: silt loam
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 3 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Somewhat excessively drained
Runoff class: Very low
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high (0.20
to 0.60 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Low (about 5.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3s
Hydrologic Soil Group: A
Ecological site: F144AY022MA - Dry Outwash
Hydric soil rating: No
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Minor Components
Enosburg
Percent of map unit:10 percent
Landform:Terraces
Hydric soil rating: Yes
Maybid
Percent of map unit:5 percent
Landform:Depressions
Hydric soil rating: Yes
Custom Soil Resource Report
17
References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling
and testing. 24th edition.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of
soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric
soils in the United States.
National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for
making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577
Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th edition. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580
Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands
Section.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of
Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical
Report Y-87-1.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/
home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/
detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084
18
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States,
the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook
296.http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053624
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land
capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf
Custom Soil Resource Report
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February 28, 2024
David Nader
282 Merrimack
Lawrence, MA 01843
Northampton Conservation Commission
City Hall
210 Main Street Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Applicant: David Nader
Project Location: Easthampton Road at Earle Street Intersection
Project Description: Easthampton Road/South Street (Route10)
DEP Wetlands File No.: 246-0782
NHESP File No.: 24-17167
Heritage Hub Form ID: RC-84136
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 (dated 11/30/23) in compliance with the rare wildlife species
section of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.59). The Division also received
the MESA Review Checklist and supporting documentation for review pursuant to the MA Endangered Species Act
Regulations (321 CMR 10.18).
WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT (WPA)
Based on a review of the information that was provided and the information that is currently contained in our
database, the Division has determined that this project, as currently proposed, will not adversely affect the actual
Resource Area Habitat of state-protected rare wildlife species. Therefore, it is our opinion that this project meets
the state-listed species performance standard for the issuance of an Order of Conditions.
Please note that this determination addresses only the matter of rare wildlife habitat and does not pertain to
other wildlife habitat issues that may be pertinent to the proposed project.
MASSACHUSETTS ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (MESA)
Based on a review of the information that was provided and the information that is currently contained in our
database, the Division has determined that this project, as currently proposed, will not result in a prohibited Take
of state-listed rare species (consistent with determination issued 2/26/24) 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
NHESP No.Page 2 of 224-17167 February 28, 2024 Issued
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 Melany Cheeseman, Endangered Species Review Assistant, at
Melany.Cheeseman@mass.gov, (508) 389-6357.
Sincerely,
Jesse Leddick
Assistant Director
cc:Northampton Conservation Commission
DEP Western Region