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HomeMy WebLinkAbout- Correspondence - 1470 FOREST STREET EXT 3/4/2020 CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT Corrununity & Economic Development Division March 4, 2020 By Certified Mail & 15t Class Mail Mary &Philip Picariello 1470 Forest Street Ext. North Andover, MA 01845 RE: ENFORCEMENT ORDER - 1470 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act ('WPA) (M.G.L. C.1,31 40 and North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw (North Andover General Bylaw Chapter 190) at 1470 Forest Street Extension Dear M1:. &Mrs. Picariello, Decently, it has come to the Conservation Department's attention that your property located at 1470 Forest Street Extension may contain wetland violations. The North Andover Conservation Commission ("NACC") is responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act MCL Chapter 181 Section 40 and Regulations (State Act) and the North Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw Chapter 190 and Regulations (Bylaw), which regulate activities within and/or alterations to wetland resources and their associated buffer .zones. Under the Bylaw,wetlands and their associated buffer zones receive greater protection than that afforded under the State Act. These protections include a 25-Foot No Disturb Zone and a 50�-Foot No Build Zone. Based on the Department's files, no previous wetland permits have been issued for this property. 1 have reviewed the property records, which establish that the lot located at 1470 Forest Street Extension is an 8.6 acre parcel of land abutting Boxford State Forest in the southeastern corner of North Andover. The North Andover Assessor's records show that the Picariello fancily has held title to the property since at least 1976 (last sale/property transfer on file with the Assessors' Office is from Mary Picariello to Philip & Mary Picariello on January 1, 1.976). Review and research of GIS and other mapping materials, reveal that, at a minimum, Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) are present on the property. Based on historic aerial photos dating from 1971 through 2017 (see attached), it is evident that work and alterations of the 100-Foot Buffer Zone and BVW have occurred on the property. The property,which is located in a residential R1 zoning district contains a single-family house, out buildings, and large storage containers. It appears that the property is utilized as a contractor's yard for storage of various construction vehicles, equipment, materials, and other discarded debris. It also appears that a pond/open-water feature was created in or adjacent to BVW sometime between 1978 and 1995 (historical aerial photographs are not available between those years to accurately date this water feature), On February 11, 2020, staff from the Conservation Department and the Building Department conducted a site inspection at the subject property. No one answered the door when staff knocked on the door (at least a couple of times). Staff then performed a limited reconnaissance of the area north of the house and took photographs (see attached). Based on the information gathered from on-site observations, it is clear that direct wetland and buffer zone impacts and alterations have occurred on site without prior approval by the NACC. These impacts/alterations constitute violations of the State Act and the Bylaw. You are hereby directed to take the following actions to begin to address these violations and achieve compliance with the State Act and Bylaw: 1. Cease and desist from further activity within the wetland resource areas and the associated 100-f oot buffer zone resource areas; 2. A qualified wetland scientist, on you behalf, must: a. Perform a comprehensive evaluation/delineation of the entire site to determine the extent and nature of wetland resources (wetlands and buffer zones) that exist on site; b. Perform a comprehensive evaluation that characterizes and quantifies direct impacts/alterations resulting from site activities that have occurred within the wetland resources and buffer zone, including those related to the creation of the pond feature; c. Prepare a written report that catalogues the wetland consultant's findings per 2.a. and 2.b. above; Ma?y&Philip Picariello RE:ENFORC13MENTORDER—7470 FOREST STREET EXT, CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act(WPA)(M.G.L.C.131§40)and North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw(North Andover General Bylaw Chapter 190)at 1470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 2 of 10 d. Prepare a site plan that depicts the wetland resources and buffer zones, and the areas of impacts to these resource areas; e. Prepare a wetland and buffer zone restoration plan that outlines steps to return the wetland resources, and 25" No Disturb Zone to their original naturalized condition, and addresses structures within the 50' No Build Zone and any impaired/degraded conditions within the 100-1~oot Buffer Zone. On March 25,2020 the NACC will hold a regular meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m., at Town Hall 120 Main Street, in the Board of Selectmen Meeting Room. Please attend the meeting accompanied by your wetland consultant, to provide a report on your progress on addressing the above listed directives and discuss this matter further with the NACC. You can anticipate receiving additional direction from the NACC at the meeting, including deadlines for restoration plan delivery and execution of same. Please be advised that the NACC has the authority and reserves the discretion to undertake additional enforcement action including the levying of fines per the Town of North Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw Chapter 190.10. You or your wetland consultant should contact me in the Conservation Department at #978-688-9530 or by email at amaxner@o nrthander ovni, � .........------------------------------------------------........... prior to the meeting. Your immediate time and attention to this enforcement order is expected. Sincerely, NOR ANDOV CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT Amy R. Ma ner on C I servati n Administrator Enclosures cc: Paul Hutchins, Building Inspector Andrew Shapiro, Community & Economic Development Director Suzanne Egan, Town Counsel Mass. DEP, NERD Wetlands Division File Mai-y&Philip Picaplello RE.ENFORCEMENT ORDER-1470 FOREST STREETEXT CEASE AND DESIST VIOLA71ON of the Massachusetts Weiland P),ofection Act(MIA)(M.GL C.737§40)and North Andouet-Wetland Protection Bylaw(North Andover Geneml Bylaw Chapter-190)at 1470 Forest Street E.Wension Mai-ch 4,2020 Page 3 of 10 February 11,2020 Site Inspection Photos (As labeled below) w w www rraw w rw ww r w w w Mary&Philip Picariella RE:ENFORCEMENT ORDER--1470 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLA77ON of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act(WPA)(M.G.L.C.131§40)and North Andover Welland Protection Bylaw(Norlii Andover General Bylaw Chapter 190)at 1470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 4 of 10 f, m'I rrrny�r. fi ar �l �✓�"��Rta r �r�il� .. ' r ,.. ji�%�%��%/�//%�i r/�������/�' ; ,' �� � �����lf���r% - �";N, ,���iQ '<<l'1 oar i Mary&Philip Picarielto RE:ENFORCEMENT ORDER—1470 FOREST STREET EX'T'. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of[lie Massaclaaasells Kletlaaad Protection Act(WPA)(M.G.L,C.131§40)ariel Nortla Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw(North Andaroer-General Bylaw Chapter 190)at 1470 Forest Street Extension Marcia 4,2020 Page 5 of T 0 yoi r �rr'r y „ �r omi 11 /ir Mary&Philip Picariello RE:ENFORCEMENT ORDER-14.70 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of the Massaclrrrselts Wetland Protection.Act(WPA)(M.G,L.C.131§40)and North AndoverWetland Protection Bylaw(Norill Andover General Bylaw Chapter 190)at 1470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 6 of 10 1470 Forest Ext, Historic Aerials WIN IM r - _ _ v _ 2017 202 Mary&Philip Picaariello RE:ENFORCEMENT ORDER—1470 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act(WPA)(M.G.L.C.131§40)and North Andover Weiland Protection Bylaw(North Andover General Bylaw Chapter 190)of 1470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 7 of 10 zz F 2008 2004 Mary&Philip Picariello RE.:ENFORCEMENT ORDER—1470 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of tlw Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act(GVPA)(M.G.L.C.131§40)and North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw(North Andover General Bylaw Chapter 2S0)at T470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 3 of 10 b o ♦ s y w e e V AW am n 2001 1995 Many&Philip Ficariello RE:ENFORCEMENT ORDER—1470 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act(Vv?A)(M.G.L.C.131 5 40)and North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw(North Andover General Bylaw Chapter 790)at 1470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 9 of 10 W it � 11l f � pit 1 r� � � �v✓ nib. � r � <vr � 1 i 4 1978 1971 Mary&Philip Picarielto RE.,ENFORCEMENT ORDER—1470 FOREST STREET EXT. CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATION of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act(VVPA)(M.G.T.C.131§40)and North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw(North Andover General Bylaw Chapter 790)at 7470 Forest Street Extension March 4,2020 Page 10 of 10 L11Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection DEP File Number: Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 9 — Enforcement Oirder n/a Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.Gi.L. c. 131, §40 .................. .......................... A. Violation Information Important: When filling out This Enforcement Order is issued by: forms on the North Andover March 4, 2020 computer, use Conservation Commission(lssumng Authority) Date only the tab key to move To: your cursor- do not use the Mary & Philip Picariello return key. Name of ViOator 1470 Forest Street Extension, North Andover, MA 01845 — --.............----........ .................... Address I Location of Violation: Property Owner(if different) 1470 Forest Street Extension Street Address North Andover 01845 City/Town Zip Code Npk�05.B Lot 3 ....... Assessors MaplPlat Number Parcel/Lot Number 2. Extent and' Type of Activity (if more space is required, please attach, a separate sheet): Alteration of bordering vegetated wetland and associated 1 00-foot buffer zone through the operation of a contractor's yard and associated activities involving storage of construction vehicles, equipment, large storage containers, stockpiling of construction materials, and various discarded debris. B. Findings The Issuing Authority has determined that the activity described above is in a resource area and/or buffer zone and is in violation of the Wetlands Protection Act(M.G.L. c. 131, § 40) and its Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), because: the activity has been/is being conducted in an area subject to protection under c. 131, §40 or the buffer zone without approval from the issuing authority (i.e., a valid Order of Conditions or Negative Determination). vipaform9a.doc-rev.7114104 Page 1 of 4 LllMassachusetts Department of Environmental Protection DEP File Number: Bureau of Resource Protection - "Wetlands WPA Form; 9 — Enforcement Order n/a � Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act MI.G.L. c. 131, §40 ........... .................. B. Findings (cont.) El the activity has been/is being conducted in an area subject to protection under c. 131, §40 or the buffer zone in violation of an issuing authority approval (il.e., valid Order of Conditions or Negative Determination of Applicability) issued to: Name Dated .Fife Number Condition number(s) F] The Order of Conditions expired on (date): Date n The activity violates provisions of the Certificate of Compliance. F] The activity is outside the areas subject to protection under MGL c.131 s.40 and the buffer zone, but has altered an area subject to MGL c.131 s.40. El Other(specify): ................ .......... ............... C. Order The issuing authority hereby orders the following (check all that apply): The property owner, his agents, permilttees, and all others shall immediately cease and desist from any activity affecting the Buffer Zone and/or resource areas. F] Resource area alterations resulting from said activity shall be corrected and the resource areas returned to their original condition. A restoration plan shall be filed with the issuing authority on or before Date for the following: **See attached cover letter dated March 4, 2020 detailing required corrective actions, The restoration shall be completed in accordance with the conditions and timetable established by the issuing authority. mipaform9a,doc-rev.7/14/04 Page 2 of 4 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection DEP File Number: Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 9 — Enforcement Order n/a Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 ............... C. Order (cont.) Complete the attached Notice of Intent (NOI), The NOI shall be filed with the Issuing Authority on or before: ............ Date for the following: No further work shall be performed until a public hearing has been held and an Order of Conditions has been issued to regulate said work. Z The property owner shall take the following action (e.g., erosion/sedimentation controls) to prevent further violations of the Act: **See attached cover letter dated March 4, 2,020 detailing required corrective actions. .................. ............. Failure to comply with this Order may constitute grounds for additional legal action, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, Section 40 provides: "Whoever violates any provision of this section (a) shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, such fine and imprisonment; or(b) shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars for each violation"'. Each day or portion thereof of continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense., D. Appeals/Signatures An Enforcement Order issued by a Conservation Commission cannot be appealed to the Department of Environmental Protection, but may be filed in Superior Court. Questions regarding this Enforcement Order should be directed to: Amy R. Maxner Name 978-688-9530 Phone Number M, W, Th &00 am -4:30 pm; T 8:00 am -6:00 pm; F 800 am - 12:00 prn Hours/Days Available Issued by: North Andover -—_--—---------- Conservation Commission Conservation Commission signatures required on following page. wpaform9a.doc-rev.7/14104 Page 3 of 4 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection DEP File Number: ILIBureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands WPA Form 9 — Enforcement Order n/a Massachusetts Wetlands Protection, Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 D. Appeals/Signatures (cont.) In a situation regarding immediate action, an Enforcement Order may be signed by a single member or agent of the Commission and ratified by majority of the members at the next scheduled meeting of the Comimission. Signature ........... .......... Signature of delivery person or oerk6fied mail number wpaform9a.doc W rev.7114104 Page 4 of 4