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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-10-COMCOM-min 1 TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2018 6:30pm Parker Room Town Office Building, 1625 Mass. Ave, Lexington, MA Commissioners Present: Phil Hamilton, Alex Dohan, Ruth Ladd, David Langseth, Duke Bitsko and Kevin Beuttell Commissioners Absent: Dick Wolk Others present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Katie Luczai, Conservation Department Assistant 6:30pm Request for Partial Certificate of Compliance: 430 Concord Ave DEP4201-938 BL 897 Mr. Rich Kirby and Mr. Mike Capachietti presented before the Commission. Mr. Kirby explained that the vegetation is continuing to germinate in the area. Mr. Kirby stated that he will produce more detailed erosion control reports during the following monitoring period. Mr. Capachietti explained that there have been two changes made during the construction of the project that did not go before the Commission. One of these changes was to the proposed catch basin. Instead of installing two catch basins the system was re-designed to install one larger catch basin. This caused the driveway to be elevated in order to accommodate that change. The second change, Mr. Capachietti explained, was the movement of the catch basin due to the location of utilities. Additionally, Mr. Capachietti stated that temporary propane tanks were installed because of the gas company strike. Mr. Kevin Beuttell asked if updated engineering calculations could be submitted to the Commission. On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission issued a partial certificate of compliance pending submittal of engineering calculations and final review by the Conservation Administrator. Vote: 6-0. Request for Certificate of Compliance: 39 Sherburne Road DEP4201-920, BL 880 Applicant has not submitted all material. Request has been postponed. Request for Partial Certificate of Compliance: 98 East Street DEP 4201-1043, BL 1000 2 Ms. Jennifer Kennedy, the applicant, stated that in following with their compliance they have removed the invasive species and have planted over 100 native species. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission issued the certificate of compliance. Vote: 6-0. Request for Certificate of Compliance: 5 Winding Road DEP4201-1070, BL 1027 (a.k.a. Lot 10 of 167, 173, 177 Cedar St) Mr. Mike Capachietti presented before the Commission. Mr. Capachietti stated that in contrast to the approved plan, a retaining wall was not constructed and the proposed patio was constructed at a smaller size than proposed. Mr. Beuttell raised his concern about the low elevation of the drain. Mr. Capachietti stated that the drainage elevation was raised. On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission issued the certificate of compliance pending a final site visit by the Conservation Administrator. Vote: 6-0. Issue Order of Resource Area Delineation, 91 Hartwell Ave, DEP No. 201-1112, BL 1070 On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 6-0 to approve the Order of Resource Area Delineation. Vote to Accept Land Donation from David Burns, 40 and 42 Ridge Road (M. 61 P. 57G and 57F), totaling approximately 4.63 acres, and as shown as Lots Bl and Cl on recorded Plan 522 of 2015 On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth, the Commission voted 6-0 to accept the land donation from Mr. David Burns. Approve Meeting Minutes: November 26, 2018 On a motion made and seconded, the Commission voted 6-0 to accept the meeting minutes. Schedule Site Visits for January 71h, 2019 Meeting It was decided that the site visits will begin at 9am going into the New Year. C. 130 Regulations, Section 5(5) Buffer Zone Update Mr. Bitsko and Mr. Hamilton attended the MACC workshop on buffer zones. Mr. Bitsko reported that it was very helpful. It was led by two BSC consultants, Gillian Davies and 3 Ingeborg Hegemann, who provided a slide presentation and written materials (including a draft model buffer zone regulation) and led an exercise on how to review a project in the buffer zone. Regarding the Commission's draft of a new buffer-zone regulation, Ms. Mullins stated that she heard back from one consultant and they recommended that there be more specific language. 7:OOpm New Public Meetings/Hearings DEP4201-1117, BL 1075 Arlington Reservoir, NOI Applicant: Town of Arlington Recreation Department Project: Bathing beach improvements and walking path improvement pilot test Mr. John Marshall of the Arlington Recreation Department presented before the Commission. Mr. Marshall gave an overview of the project, which will include the installation of a filtration system and creating a pilot section of reconstruction on an existing pathway. Mr. Mark Mariano of Weston and Sampson stated that the current building housing the filtration system was built in the 1980's and is in need of renovation. There are currently "dead spots" of water because the water is being constricted. They plan to create a loop system in the filtration piping, which will help to skim the water. Everything in the surrounding area will be restored back to its original condition. Mr. Langseth asked if everything was going to be done in the dry. Mr. Mariano confirmed. Mr. Langseth asked if any outside pumping will be done. Mr. Mariano stated that no outside pumping will be done during the project. Mr. Beuttell asked if the work will involve any trees during the beach portion of the project. Mr. Mariano stated that they will not be getting into the root system of the trees. Ms. Cassie Bethoney of Weston and Sampson presented the proposed trail work. Ms. Bethoney stated that there are 61 linear feet of trail that they will be working on. They are proposing to stabilize the trail with flexible porous paving. The trail, Ms. Bethoney explained, will be expanded to 6 feet in width. Ms. Bethoney stated that the bank stabilization of the trail project will include installing coir logs which will stack on top of themselves. This will slow down the water flow and allow for plants to be established in the area. They intend on removing the invasive species and keeping all of the trees. They will replant native species in due time. Ms. Bethoney stated that they currently have a 4 suggested planting plan but are continuing to work with their contractor and will design the plant based on where the existing trees are. Mr. Mel Higgins presented before the Commission with additional overview of the project. Mr. Higgins stated that there are three different protected areas within the project area. The first is the land under water. Mr. Higgins explained that the affected area would consist of sand being disturbed in associated with the removal of existing pipe. New pipes will be installed and covered with sand. No vegetation will be disturbed. The second is the water itself. Mr. Higgins stated that the 100 year flood zone will not be affected. There will be no change in grade or flood storage. The last protected area is the bank. Mr. Higgins stated that there will be 5 linear feet of bank associated with the bathing beach improvements as pipe has to cross the area. There are 60 linear feet associated with pipeline improvements. Mr. Higgins stated that the improvements to the bank will help with the sediment in the water. Mr. Langseth inquired about how the porous paving works. Ms. Bethoney stated that to install the pavement they aerate and fill in the area with crushed stone. They then pour 2 inches of porous pavement on top of the stone. Ms. Bethoney stated that the material is similar to that of the rubberized material found on playgrounds that are made from recycled tires. It will be an ADA compliant surface. Ms. Bethoney explained that in order to install, the area affected will be limited and most of the work will be done by hand. The edges of the path will be tamped. Mr. Langseth asked what would happen if the material were to erode and get into the water. Ms. Bethoney stated that the town of Arlington currently has the material installed in other public places and they have not experienced the material breaking down so far. Ms. Bethoney indicated that if the material were to erode and pollute the water the material and path would be removed immediately. She reminded the Commission that this is why this trail section will be a pilot study in order to see if this material could be installed for the entirety of the path. Mr. Langseth raised his concern regarding stone paths and how they can erode. Ms. Bethoney stated that they will be using 445 stones. The stone will apron around and feather away from the path. Mr. Beuttell raised his concern over the potential severing of tree roots. Ms. Bethoney stated that they will work around the root systems as best as possible. They will not cut anything greater than 2 inches in diameter. She confirmed that they are working with an arborist. Mr. Beuttell asked if erosion control blankets could be installed. 5 Ms. Bethoney explained that they are planning to lay a flexible mat on the area that will disintegrate over time. The mat will be applied like hydro-seed applications which would stabilize the soil. Ms. Bethoney confirmed that she will send details of this product to the Commission. Mr. Beuttell asked what their invasive species removal plan was. Ms. Bethoney stated that they will use the cut and daub method and pull plants where it is necessary. They will be using herbicides at most for maintaining their work. Ms. Dohan inquired what the long term plan was for invasive species maintenance. Mr. Marshall stated that it will depend on how long the phases of the project take. It will ultimately depend on their resources. Ms. Bethoney stated that all plants installed will be native to the area. Mr. Bitsko asked about their timeline for planting. Ms. Bethoney stated that these projects are on two different schedules. They will continue to work with the contractor regarding the plant removal and plantings throughout the project. Mr. Bitsko stated that in terms of erosion control that ice should be taken into consideration as it can be destructive to erosion controls. Mr. Bitsko also asked that trees and plants be flagged and approved by someone from the town. Chairman Hamilton inquired about the maintenance of the trail surface. Ms. Bethoney stated that the surface will need to be vacuumed in order to maintain its porous surface or else the material will harden akin to regular asphalt. Mr. Marshall stated that they do not currently own a vacuum needed for this maintenance but plan on renting one. Ms. Bethoney completed the presentation by stating that the trail project should take about a week and an arborist will be on site during the entire project. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted to close the hearing. Vote: 6-0. 7:46pm DET418-24 57 Solomon Pierce Road, RDA Applicant: Lisa Bloom Project: Removal of trees and invasive species 6 The applicant, Ms. Lisa Bloom presented before the Commission. Ms. Bloom presented her proposed work before the Commission. Their neighbor is very concerned about the potential for falling trees due to snowfall. Mr. Langseth asked if the application included invasive species. Ms. Bloom stated that they intend on managing potential invasive growth where the tree removal will be taking place. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted to close the hearing. Vote: 6-0. 7:50pm DET#18-25 359 Lincoln Street Applicant: John Noonan of Noonan & McDowell, Inc. Project: Soil Test Mr. Richard Domings and Mr. John Noonan presented before the Commission. Mr. Noonan stated that they intend on conducting a soil test. After the test is complete they will patch the surfaces of earth that were exposed. Ms. Dohan asked if they could use biodegradable compost tubes instead of straw wattles. Mr. Noonan stated that they intended cutting open the straw and use the thatch. They would pull the plastic out of the materials. Mr. Langseth noted that compost silt sock are typically a very heavy material and could require machinery to move. Mr. Noonan stated that the test will only last about three hours so straw would make the most sense for their project. Mr. Langseth agreed. Ms. Mullins asked the Commission if they had looked at the points of access on the property during their site visit. Chairman Hamilton stated that they did. He confirmed that there are points of access in the corner of the property. The land is sloped but still accessible. Mr. Langseth asked if any vegetation was going to be removed or impacted during their project. 7 Mr. Noonan stated that there is low vegetation density with various 1 to 2 inch saplings throughout the property but the project should not impact them. An abutter, Mr. George Valada, located at 367 Lincoln Street,presented before the Commission. Mr. Valada raised his concern over the potential development of the property. He stated that the trees in the area are rotting due to the amount of water in the area. Mr. Valada stated that the neighborhood has experienced flooding problems that have become a growing matter. If the land were to be developed Mr. Valada suspects the problem would become worse. Chairman Hamilton reminded the audience that this application solely concerns soil testing on the property. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission closed the hearing and issued a Negative Determination with Conditions. Vote 6-0. 8:O1pm DEP 4201-1118, BL 1074 26 Dane Road, NOI Applicant: James Beasley (ZeroEnergy Design) Project: Raze and rebuild an existing single family dwelling Mr. Mike Capachietti, Mr. Rich Kirby, Mr. James Beasley, Ms. Stephanie Horowitz and Mr. Tim Lee presented before the Commission. Mr. Kirby stated that the new house is as far away from the wetlands as possible. The new structure will be completely outside of the 25 foot no structure zone. They have an extensive restoration plan. Mr. Kirby stated that the new construction will increase the impervious area by 250 square feet. On the rear of the property there will be a crushed stone patio laid with paver stones. Mr. Capachietti stated that the driveway will be a porous pavement. It will need to be swept or vacuumed. Mr. Capachietti added that the patio will drain like a deck. He also added that the roof runoff will be sent to the subsurface infiltration system. Mr. Capachietti continued to explain that they conducted soil tests. They discovered that there is no traditional parent material so they are proposing on excavating 2 feet of earth. They will then add Title 5 sand. Mr. Langseth noted that the property and surrounding areas are flat. Mr. Langseth asked about water flow. Mr. Capachietti affirmed that everything will flow to the drains. Mr. Langseth asked if they had considered future structures on the property such as play sets. 8 Mr. Capachietti stated that as long as structures go no further than 1 foot into the ground then nothing in the area should be impacted. Additionally, Mr. Capachietti explained that the retaining wall on the property will act as a"no use" area. Ms. Ladd asked if they could include FENO markers on everything. Mr. Lee agreed. Mr. Lee added that all plants installed will be native to the area. Ms. Horowitz added that the house will be energy independent and the home will be super insulated. An abutter, Mr. Andrew Harrower stated his concern over the grading of the property. Mr. Rich Kirby confirmed that the single family dwelling will be raised in elevation by 1 foot in the front of the property. Mr. Harrower stated that about a meter of water accumulates on his property in the aftermath of any storm. Mr. Harrower continued to state that there are few storm drains located on the street. He stated that if the new driveway at 26 Dane Road is not cleaned regularly then it is assumed that the runoff will flow onto his property. Mr. Capachietti stated that everything is designed to flow towards the wetlands. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted to continue the hearing until Monday, January 71h 2019. Continued Public Hearings DEP File No. 201-1116, BL 1073 NOI, 4 Lake Street Applicant: Richard Chan Project: Installation of brick patio within the 100ft. Buffer Zone Requested a continuance until January 7, 2019. On a motion by and seconded the Commission voted 6-0 to continue the hearing until January 7, 2019. On a motion by and seconded the Commission voted 6-0 to close the hearing.