February 26, 2018 Mr. Mark Allen Allen Engineering, LLC 2 Willowbrook Lane Mendon MA, 01756 Sent Via Email: allenengineering@comcast.net RE: Wetland Review Macy Estates Off of Monique Drive Plat 29 Lot 108 Bellingham, MA SAGE Project No. W084 Dear Mr. Allen: As requested, SAGE Environmental, Inc. (SAGE) investigated for the presence of wetlands in relation to the limits of disturbance (LOD) proposed in redevelopment plans referenced as Definitive Subdivision Plan for Macy Estates off Monique Drive in Bellingham, MA 02019. The closest component of the project to any identified or mapped wetland feature, is the stormwater system on the northeast of the property. Prior to visiting the property, SAGE investigated all available research methods to establish a preliminary understanding of the area. The intent of this investigation was a Site reconnaissance for potential wetland resources that may fall within jurisdictional proximity of the project LOD. This report is not intended to deem the property free of wetlands or serve as a complete resource delineation. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and MassDEP online wetlands database (Oliver) depicted two mapped wetland systems on the western portion of the parcel where the proposed development is planned (Attachment 1). These wetlands are classified as PFO1E, and PUBHh (Cowardin et al. 1979). A breakdown of these classifications is provided in the following table. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALT H & SAFETY SERVICES 1 7 2 A RMISTICE BLVD., P A W T U C K E T, R I 0 2 8 6 0 3 0 0 M Y L E S S T A N D I S H B L V D., T A U N T O N, M A 0 2 7 80 1 0 P OST OFFICE SQUAR E, BOSTON, MA 02109 8 8 8. 7 2 3. 9 9 2 0 S A G E - E N V I R O. C O M
National Wetland Inventory Wetland Classifications Claasification System Class Sub-Class WaterRegime Special Modifiers Approximate Distance from LOD PFO1E Palustrine 1 PUBHh (P) Palustrine (P) Forested (FO) 2 Unconsolidated Bottom (UB) 5 Broad- Leaved Deciduous 3 (1) N/A Seasonally Flooded (E) 4 Permanenetly Flooded (H) 6 N/A Diked/Impounded (h) 7 Field reconnaissance, measurements and discussions with the project engineer identified that the two above mapped wetlands and their associated jurisdictional boundaries are located well outside the proposed project LOD. One unmapped isolated wetland was identified nearest to the proposed development(s) LOD. This wetland was flagged during this investigation as wetland series WF-1 through WF-8 and is located approximately 110 feet southwest of the project(s) LOD. The wetland appears to have a shallow bottom with heavy leaf litter deposits, approximately 12-18 inches of standing water, partially defined banks, and evidence of hydrophytic vegetation (Carex spp.) growth within the basin. It appears that this feature has the characteristics of a potential vernal pool. This wetland is depicted on the attached drawing (Attachment 2). Review of the current United States Geological Survey (USGS) maps identified a small stream to the east of the Site. This stream feature is located just off the property and its Riverfront Jurisdictional boundary (200 feet) is well outside the project LOD. Soil Maps and reports provided by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) were also reviewed. Upland soils at the site are identified as Merrimac-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, and Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes. One hydric soil, Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, was identified to be present on the eastern side of the Site and associated with wetland PFO1E. Review of the development plans show that proposed development and LOD boundaries are located within the areas identified as upland soils. Based on SAGE s assessment, it appears that all proposed project components are outside jurisdictional boundaries, including Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) and River Front Areas. It is of SAGE s opinion that filing of a Notice of Intent is not warranted for 343 Feet 247 Feet 2 S:\ J O B S \ W \ W 0 0 5 1 - W 0 1 0 0 \ W 0 8 4 - O F F M O N I Q U E D R., B E L L I N G H A M, M A \ C O R R E S P O N D E N C E \ 2018-02- 2 6 W 0 8 5 _ W E T L A N D L E T T E R O F F I N D I N G S _ F I N A L. D O C
this project as it is current configured. SAGE does recommend that proper soil erosion, sediment controls and best management practices are established throughout all phases of construction. Straw wattles and/or hay bale and silt fence barriers should be appropriately sited at the project LOD, to mitigate potential stormwater and/or sediment transport to downgradient resource areas during construction and earth disturbance. Should you have any questions pertaining to this information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. We appreciate the opportunity to have provided our services. Sincerely, SAGE Environmental, Inc. Jeffrey D Arrigo Jeffrey D Arrigo Project Manager Wetland Scientist JD:alm Attachments 1 Palustrine: The Palustrine System includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean-derived salts is below 0.5 ppt. It also includes wetlands lacking such vegetation, but with all of the following four characteristics: (1) area less than 8 ha (20 acres); (2) active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline features lacking; (3) water depth in the deepest part of basin less than 2.5 m (8.2 ft) at low water; and (4) salinity due to ocean-derived salts less than 0.5 ppt. 2 Forested: Characterized by woody vegetation that is 6 m tall or taller. 3 Broad-Leaved Deciduous: Woody angiosperms (trees or shrubs) with relatively wide, flat leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season; e.g., black ash (Fraxinus nigra). 4 Seasonally Flooded/Saturated: Surface water is present for extended periods (generally for more than a month) during the growing season, but is absent by the end of the season in most years. When surface water is absent, the substrate typically remains saturated at or near the surface. 5 Unconsolidated Bottom: Includes all wetlands and deepwater habitats with at least 25% cover of particles smaller than stones (less than 6-7 cm), and a vegetative cover less than 30%. 6 Permanently Flooded: Water covers the substrate throughout the year in all years. 7 Diked/Impounded: These wetlands have been created or modified by a man-made barrier or dam that obstructs the inflow or outflow of water. 3 S:\ J O B S \ W \ W 0 0 5 1 - W 0 1 0 0 \ W 0 8 4 - O F F M O N I Q U E D R., B E L L I N G H A M, M A \ C O R R E S P O N D E N C E \ 2018-02- 2 6 W 0 8 5 _ W E T L A N D L E T T E R O F F I N D I N G S _ F I N A L. D O C
ATTACHMENT 1
78 _ ^ ^ Site Location _ Legend 343 FT. Elevation Contour (Feet) Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes MassDEP Wetland Inventory Soil Classification Swansea Muck, 0 to 1% slopes Hinckley sandy loam 3 to 8% slopes 81 Hinckley sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 247 FT. 78. 75 0 50 100 Feet Data Provided by MassGIS March 30, 2017 Orthoimagery provided by Site Plan 75 Off Monique Drive Bellingham, Massachusetts Date: 02/23/2018 Job #: W084 Created By: ALM 78 Figure
ATTACHMENT 2