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Conservation Meeting Minutes 05/20/2010

Conservation Commission
Meeting   
May 20, 2010

Hank Langstroth Acting Chairman, Meredith deCarbonnel, and Stephen Cremer were the members present. Elizabeth McGrath arrived at 8:35 p.m.

Hank Langstroth, Acting Chairman, opened the meeting without a quorum
7:45 p.m., N. O. I. Public Hearing filed by A Beverly Kinraide for the proposed construction of a single family residence at 30 Highland Avenue, of which a portion of the site work lies within the
100’ Buffer Zone, DEP FILE # SE-280-0514:
Applicant, Beverly Kinraide, and Bill Peterson, from HRT Architects, appeared before the Commission and submitted the green abutter cards and a proposed plan entitled, “Proposed House and Subsurface Disposal System at 30 Highland Avenue, Sharon, MA.” May 3, 2010, last date revised. Bill Peterson explained to the Commission that the scope of the proposed project is for the construction of a three bedroom, single-family home, with a concrete foundation. The 6’ over dig around the perimeter of the foundation will be back filled following construction of the proposed project.  The proposed dwelling would occupy a significant portion of the lot. The proposed limit of work is outlined in green on the proposed submitted plan. The Applicant received permitting from the Board of Health last year for the proposed project.
Stephen Cremer inquired if there is a drainage system being proposed for the roof area to mitigate the impacts from any potential stormwater runoff.
Bill Peterson said that a Water Hog System is proposed to be installed to collect the stormwater runoff from the main roof area. He explained that the Water Hog System consists of rectangular storage units that can be stored beneath a deck and maintained approximately every two years. Downspouts, splash blocks, and/or roof leaders are proposed to be installed along the remainder of the roof areas.
Stephen Cremer inquired as to the type of material being proposed for the driveway.
Bill Peterson explained that a porous concrete material is the primary choice for the proposed driveway installation as opposed to bituminous material.
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Commission that he recently performed a site inspection and established that the scope of the proposed project did not intrude on the  
100’ Buffer Line. There is no clearing being proposed beyond the limit of work area. Botanist, Walter Hewitson, delineated the wetlands on the site in 2007.
Hank Langstroth inquired as to the elevation of the first floor of the proposed dwelling.
Bill Peterson replied that the elevation is approximately 281.’
The Applicant explained to the Commission that she has a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Science and intends to construct the proposed project with the most up to date environmental materials. She discussed the possibility of installing geothermal systems, solar panels, and wind turbines as part of her proposed project to lesson the impact on the environment.
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Applicant that it would be necessary for her to meet again with the Commission if she intends to install geothermal systems within the 100’ Buffer Zone.
The Applicant discussed the possibility of placing a Conservation Restriction with the Commission to permanently protect the wetlands on the site.   

8:00 p.m., RDA Hearing continuance filed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division, District 5, for the proposed work on Routes 1, I-95 and South Main Street in Sharon, relating to the trimming or removal of all dead, dying, or unsafe trees within the State Highway Layout that presents a hazard to the roadways, pedestrians, and/or residences in the vicinity:

Michael Clements from Mass DOT Highway appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant, and submitted U.S.G.S. Locus Maps dated 4/22/10.  He reviewed the proposed tree trimming and guidelines with the Commission. The proposed work within the buffer zones and wetland areas involves the flush cutting of trees at ground level with no grubbing or stumping. Minimal brush cutting is being proposed. All debris would be removed from the proposed project site.


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Meredith deCarbonnel inquired if the proposed project involves equipment access within the wetland areas of the site.
Michael Clements explained that most of the proposed work would be accomplished by using hand held chain saws and other Mass Highway Department equipment. The worst case scenario would be an excavator with a boom attachment that would extend into the wetland areas for tree cutting.
Stephen Cremer inquired as to the time schedule for the proposed project.
Michael Clements explained that the proposed work would start by mid to late summer.
The proposed work along the main line of Route I-95 includes the trimming and clearing of trees
25’ from the edge of pavement in areas without guardrails, and 15’ from the face of guardrails. The limits of tree clearing and trimming along the ramps extend 15’ from the edge of the pavement areas, and 10’ beyond the edge of signs.

8:10 p.m., RDA Hearing continuance filed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division, District 5, for the proposed work on Route I-95 in Sharon concerning the application of herbicides at spot locations under an approved Vegetation Management Plan:

Michael Clements from Mass DOT Highway appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant and submitted Route I-95 U.S.G.S. Locus Maps dated 3/22/10, and Spray/No Spray sketches. Mass DOT Highway has an approved 5- year regulated vegetation program that expires in 2014. The program is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources and DEP. He explained to the Commission that the majority of the proposed work includes mowing, hand cutting, and selective trimming. Some of the proposed locations involving 1% herbicide application for controlling vegetation along the sensitive areas within the State Highway Rights of Way are as follows:  beneath concrete median strips, along the roadside, ramps, guardrails, within crevices between pavement and curbing, edging, beneath jersey barriers, and any poison ivy along the roadside.
The Mass DOT Highway setback area requirements for their vegetative management program (V.M.P.) has been improved along some sensitive areas such as major tributaries, which now has a
100’ setback requirement as opposed to 10’. Mass DOT Highway is maintaining the required
10’ setback requirement for the wetland areas. Mass DOT Highway will continue herbicide treatment every other year along the Zone II District areas.
Hank Langstroth inquired as to the brand of herbicides proposed to be used for the proposed project.
Michael Clements presented the Commission with a list of brands approved by DEP and DAR that included RoundUp, Oust Extra, and Accord Concentrate.
Michael Clements explained to the Commission that no wetland areas would be adversely impacted by the proposed project. He will contact the Commission ten days prior to starting the proposed work upon approval of the proposed project.

8:20 p.m., RDA Hearing continuance filed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division, District 5, for the proposed work on Route 1 in Sharon, concerning the application of herbicides at spot locations under an approved Vegetation Management Plan:

Michael Clements from Mass DOT Highway appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant and submitted Route 1 - U.S.G.S. Locus Map dated 3/18/10 and Spray/No Spray Sketches.  He explained to the Commission that the V.M.P. program proposed for Route 1 in Sharon is identical in scope to the program proposed for Route I-95.

8:35 p.m., Elizabeth McGrath arrived - Quorum
Since the Commission has reached a quorum, Hank Langstroth called for a motion to open and close the N.O.I. hearing for Beverly Kinraide, DEP File # SE-280-0514, and to issue an Order of Conditions to the Applicant per submitted plan.
Stephen Cremer moved. Meredith deCarbonnel seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.



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Hank Langstroth called for a motion to open and close the RDA Hearing filed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division, District 5, for the proposed work on Routes 1, I-95 and South Main Street in Sharon, relating to the trimming or removal of all dead, dying, or unsafe trees within the State Highway Layout that presents a hazard to the roadways, pedestrians, and/or residences in the vicinity, and to issue a Negative Determination to the Applicant per submitted plan.
Stephen Cremer moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.

Hank Langstroth called for a motion to open and close the RDA Hearing filed by the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation, Highway Division, District 5, for the proposed work on Route I-95 in Sharon concerning the application of herbicides at spot locations under an approved Vegetation Management Plan, and to issue a Negative Determination to the Applicant per submitted plan.
Stephen Cremer moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.

Hank Langstroth called for a motion to open and close the RDA Hearing filed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division, District 5, for the proposed work on Route 1 in Sharon, concerning the application of herbicides at spot locations under an approved Vegetation Management Plan, and to issue a Negative Determination to the Applicant per submitted plan.
Stephen Cremer moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.

9:00 p.m., N.O.I. Hearing continuance filed by the Town of Sharon School Department for the proposed additions and renovations to the existing Sharon Middle School, DEP File # SE-280-0512:

Present: Consultants, Tom Houston and David Sanderson from PSC.
              David McKinley, Landscape Architect, Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.
             Christopher Garcia, P.E., Garcia, Galuska & DeSousa, Inc.
David McKinley stated that the Peer Review Report requested by the Commission has been completed by PSC.
Hank Langstroth inquired if any changes were made to the previous proposed plan.
David McKinley replied that a few underground detention basins have been added to the previous proposed plan along with a few adjustments for the proposed force main.
Christopher Garcia explained that an infiltration basin is being proposed on the southwest side of the existing building to mitigate the roof runoff from the proposed gymnasium addition. The previous proposed work at the existing headwall has been omitted from the new plan. The siltfence barrier has been pulled backed to keep the proposed work away from the ball field area.
Tom Houston explained the limited review performed by PSC that focused on drainage and stormwater management as well as the proposed off-site force main and the associated sewer pumping station that will convey sanitary flows from the Middle School to the existing treatment facilities at the High School. He explained to the Commission that PSC met with representatives of Kaestle Boos, and Garcia, Galuska, DeSousa, to discuss the issues raised in the PSC Memo dated May 4, 2010. The Conservation Administrator and Town Engineer were also present at the meeting. The Applicant has made significant revisions to the drawings and stormwater calculations as a result of that meeting.
Tom Houston reviewed the May 20, 2010 Engineering Report from PSC. He explained to the Commission that Item Number 23 of report relates to the ZBA requirement that a project being constructed within the Rural 2 Zoning District and within the Surface Water Protection Overlay District shall result in no increase in the total volume of stormwater runoff for the 1- year storm event. Item Number 24 explains that except by a special permit from the ZBA, impervious materials shall not cover more that 15% of the lot area. These are two related provisions of the Town’s Zoning Bylaw, which require a zero increase in volume for a 1-year storm event. At the present time, there is an element of non-compliance. The 1-year runoff volume from the proposed project to Design Point 1 increases by 13% with the existing volume of 0.608 acre-feet increasing to 0.690 acre-feet.




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Christopher Garcia explained to the Commission that effort has been made to provide infiltration systems for the new additions as well as a portion of the existing building. The roof of the existing building consists of a flat roof and has interior roof drains. The piping network within the existing building is below the groundwater in some locations.
Item Number 29 is currently an element of non-compliance. The one-year runoff volume from the proposed project to Design Point 1 increases by 13% with the existing volume of 0.608 acre-feet increasing to 0.690 acre feet.
Item Number 59 is currently being addressed by the design team to provide a more cost effective coating material for sewer manhole #5A.
Item Number 60 is currently being addressed by revising the drawings for the force main profile.
Item Number 63 involves a safety issue. Consideration should be given to replacing bituminous berm with vertical granite curb along the force main route on Mountain Street. However, the school department is unable to absorb the costs. The existing bituminous curb will be replaced with the same material.
Item Number 93 is currently being addressed by submitting a copy of the lift station mechanical equipment specifications.
Item Number 100 is currently being addressed to provide an alternative to the epoxy coating for the interior wet well.
The Applicant requested the Commission to continue the hearing pending submittal of the SWPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) in accordance with the Town’s Bylaw/Article 38.
Hank Langstroth called for a motion to continue the hearing until June 3, 2010 at 7:45 p.m.
Stephen Cremer moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.

9:30 p.m., Signatures:
The Commission signed bills. Order of Conditions for 30 Highland Ave., DEP File # SE-280-0514.
Certificate of Compliance for 9 Baldwin Drive, DEP File # SE-280-141. Certificate of Compliance
for 10 Victoria Circle, DEP File # SE-280-34. Negative Determination for Mass Highway for the proposed work on Routes 1, I-95 and South Main Street in Sharon, relating to the trimming or removal of all dead, dying, or unsafe trees within the State Highway Layout.  Negative Determination for Mass Highway for the proposed work on Route I-95 in Sharon concerning the application of herbicides at spot locations under an approved Vegetation Management Plan. Negative Determination for Mass Highway for the proposed work on Route 1 in Sharon, concerning the application of herbicides at spot locations under an approved Vegetation Management Plan.

9:40 p.m., Adjournment:

Hank Langstroth called for a motion to adjourn.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.