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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-05 Stormwater Review 6/21/2016 Town of North Andover Mail-Osgood Solar b No " ,N'0OV Rebecca Oldham <roldham@northandoverma.gov> Mass Chu Osgood Solar 1 message Lisa Eggleston <lisa@egglestonenvironmental.com> Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 5:56 PM To: Jean Enright <jenright cr northandoverma.gov>, Rebecca Oldham <roldham�7a northandoverma.gov> Cc: Dan Leary <dleary@powerowners.com>, Richard Waitt <rwaitt@meridianassoc.com>, Ann Marton <amarton@lecenvironmental.com> Jean and Rebecca, Just letting you know that i have reviewed the response memo included with Dan Leary's June 16th email on the Osgood Solar project, as well as the June 16th revised site plans. As you are aware, I also met with the project proponents last week to discuss my June 6th comments on the project. My comments are provided beneath Dan's bolded responses below: 1. The project as currently proposed does not include any modifications to the drainage systems within the proposed array areas or in the area of the relocated NETTS operation. The plan does call for existing drainage structures to be jetted clean and pavement to be swept within the limit of work, but does not include any other stormwater management improvements or ongoing OEM of the drainage system. There are no modifications proposed to the existing stormwater drainage system because there are no practical system improvements than could be made, as discussed in detail with Ms. Eggleston during a meeting on June 15, 2016. The existing stormwater system is in excellent condition as verified by inspection of nearly all the catch basins in the north parking lot. However, there are two catch basins in the northern parking lot that require extensive cleaning, inspection, and, if necessary, repair. The Applicant agrees to clean and repair these two catch basins, as necessary, In addition to cleaning within the array area, the Applicant agrees to implementing an OEW plan which includes annually sweeping the uphill portions of the northern parking lot which may drain into the catch basins within the solar site. As was discussed at our meeting, the existing catchbasins on the project site are in an in-line configuration and do not have sediment sumps, and the rate of flow through most of the drainage system within the proposed northern array area is sufficiently high that sediment accumulation within the closed drainage system in that area is minimal. This means that all of the sediment loading in the runoff is conveyed downstream to the Merrimack River. The drains within the project area are also relatively large and deep however, making it both difficult and costly to retrofit the system with any sort of sediment trapping devices. There are two catchbasins on the 10-inch drain closest to the building on the north side, as well as an upgradient trench drain, that were identified as being filled with debris during Meridian Engineerings` site inspections, most likely due to some sort of blockage in the downgradient drain. All three of those structures, as well as the 10-inch drain line should be cleaned and repaired as necessary. If no blockage is found, provision will also need to be made for ongoing maintenance (periodic cleaning) of the catchbasins. Due to the lack of sediment trapping in the existing system, the control of sediment sources is the most effective means of reducing pollutant loading from the property on an ongoing basis. The proposed array areas themselves are not expected to be a source of sediments, therefore the focus of any source https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i k=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1556fd1306edd0a1&si rn 1=1556fd 1306edd0a1 1/4 6/21/2016 Town of North Andover Mail-Osgood Solar controls should be on those areas of the site where there is vehicular traffic, including the parking area upgradient of the proposed northern array. If sweeping is to be limited to once a year it should be done in the early spring when the sediment loading is the highest. It should also be conducted with a high efficiency vacuum or regenerative air sweeper rather than a mechanical broom sweeper. 2. We discussed the fact that the Town recently revised its Zoning Bylaw Site Plan Review requirements (Section 8.3) to require all projects applying for Site Plan Review to demonstrate full compliance with the requirements of the MA Stormwater Standards and North Andover's Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw(Ch. 160). Assuming that the proposed project is subject to the revised Bylaw, I believe that it would constitute a "redevelopment"under the MA Stormwater Standards but that it would require documentation of compliance with Standards 1, 8, 9 and 10, and compliance to the "maximum extent practicable"with Standards 2, 3 and 4. A net improvement in stormwater management would also need to be demonstrated; I do not believe that the currently proposed plan provides this. Chapter 160 Stormwater Management Et Erosion Control Bylaw adopted by the bythe Town of North Andover, Annual Town Meeting May 13,2009 Article 44 Approved by Attorney General September 2,2009 states that the following as the Purpose of the Bylaw: A. Increased volumes of stormwater, contaminated stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, and soil erosion and sedimentation are major causes of: 1. impairment of water quality in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater. 2. decreased flow in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater; 3, contamination of drinking water supplies; 4. erosion of stream channels; 5. alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat,* 6. flooding; and, 7. overloading or clogging of municipal and private catch basins and storm drainage systems; and 8. flooding and erosion on abutting properties This project does not impact, trigger, alter, or affect the above items covered under the Purpose of the Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw. Further, the project will not result in the alteration of the ground surface or change vegetative cover or permeability, increase or change peak flows, increase Total Suspended Solids, or cause erosion. Further, under Section 160-2, Definitions, Redevelopment is defined to be "Development, rehabilitation, expansion, demolition or phased projects that disturb the ground surface or increase the impervious area on previously developed sites." Based on the above Purposes and Definitions, the project does not constitute a "redevelopment" under the Massachusetts Stormwater Standards. https://mail.google.comlmail/?ui=2&ik=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1 556fd1306edd0a1&siml=1556fd1306edd0a1 2/4 6/21/2616 Town of North Andover Mail-Osgood Solar This topic generated a Lengthy discussion at our meeting last week and there does appear to be some ambiguity regarding the applicability of the MA Stormwater Standards to this project. However, it may not be worth debating if the Applicant is willing to commit to the measures discussed herein to provide a net improvement in the stormwater management on the site. 3. 1 pointed out that the relocated NETTS operation would be in an area of the parking lot that I recall (based on discussions regarding the lost plan) drains to wetland resource areas to the southwest, versus to the onsite "stormwater ponds" that the pavement in the existing NETTS operation area drains to. The operation of trucks in this area would have the potential to increase pollutant loadings of petroleum products and heavy metals, hence mitigation should be provided. This component has been removed from the proposed project. No further comment. 4. It is my understanding that the proposed solar arrays would rest on rubber feet approximately 2" wide by 4"long, and that the flow of water to the existing catchbasins within the array areas would not be impeded. This should be more clearly shown on the plan and discussed in the project narrative. Details of the mounting system are provided on Sheet 19 of 19 in the plan set and a physical sample was provided for inspection by Ms. Eggleston. This mounted system will not impede flows to the existing catch basins. No further comment. 5. We also discussed the transformers in the proposed array areas, and I believe that a specification and/or design detail was going to be added to the plan to address the containment of potential pollutants. The exact specifications for the transformers are not yet finalized. To the extent secondary containment is required by the type of transformer selected by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction and by EPA guidelines, the Applicant will provide cut sheets and specifications for approval by the Town. We request that this requirement be incorporated as a condition of approval. The final design of the transformers should be reviewed to confirm that they provide a suitable means of preventing stormwater contamination in the event of a spill or leak. https://inall.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1556fd13O6eddOa1&sirnl=1556fd1306edd0a1 3/4 6/21/2016 Town of North Andover Mail-Osgood Solar 6. 1 would expect minimal pollutant loading from the solar arrays themselves, however I do note that several of the catchbasins in the proposed array area to the north of the building also receive runoff from paved parking areas outside of the limit of work and therefore would be subject to ongoing sediment loading. It is unclear how those catchbasins would be accessed for cleaning. The solar array layout has been updated to allow for access to catch basins as shown on the drawings. No further comment. Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to assist the North Andover Planning Board with the review of this project. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Lisa D. Eggleston, P.E. Eggleston Environmental 32 Old Framingham Rd, Unit#29 Sudbury, MA 01776 Tel 508.259.1137 https://t,nail.google.com/mail/?*ui=2&ik=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1556fdl3O6eddOal&siml=1556fdl3O6edd0aI 4/4 i 6/8/2016 Town of North Andover Mail-Fwd:Osgood Solar No VER Maaaashu Rebecca Oldham <roldham@northandoverma.gov> Fwd: Osgood Solar 1 message Jean Enright <jenright@northandoverma.gov> Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 8:00 AM To: Rebecca Oldham <roldham@northandoverma.gov> FYI ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Lisa Eggleston <Visa@ea, glestonenvu�,onmental,cr)rn> Date: Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 5:30 PM Subject: Re: Osgood Solar To: Richard Waitt <iwaitt@rnieriidianassococoii-n>, Dan Leary <dieau r@powerowners.corn> Cc: Michael Novak <mi-uovak@mei,idianassoc,corrt>, Jean Enright <jei�irigCit@northandovertiia.gov> Jean, In anticipation of your meeting tomorrow night, the following is a summary of my discussion of this project with the project team today, and my initial thoughts as far as stormwater management, 1. The project as currently proposed does not include any modifications to the drainage systems within the proposed array areas or in the area of the relocated NETTS operation. The plan does call for existing drainage structures to be jetted clean and pavement to be swept within the limit of work, but does not include any other stormwater management improvements or ongoing O&M of the drainage system. 2. We discussed the fact that the Town recently revised its Zoning Bylaw Site Plan Review requirements (Section 8.3) to require all projects applying for Site Plan Review to demonstrate full compliance with the requirements of the MA Stormwater Standards and Forth Andover's Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw (Ch. 160), Assuming that the proposed project is subject to the revised Bylaw, i believe that it would constitute a "redevelopment" under the MA Stormwater Standards but that it would require documentation of compliance with Standards 1, 8, 9 and 10, and compliance to the "maximum extent practicable" with Standards 2, 3 and 4. A net improvement in stormwater management would also need to be demonstrated; I do not believe that the currently proposed plan provides this. 3. 1 pointed out that the relocated NETTS operation would be in an area of the parking lot that I recall (based on discussions regarding the last plan) drains to wetland resource areas to the southwest, versus to the onsite "stormwater ponds" that the pavement in the existing NETTS operation area drains to. The operation of trucks in this area would have the potential to increase pollutant loadings of petroleum products and heavy metals, hence mitigation should be provided. 4. it is my understanding that the proposed solar arrays would rest on rubber feet approximately 2" wide by 4" long, and that the flow of water to the existing catchbasins within the array areas would not be impeded. This should be more clearly shown on the plan and discussed in the project narrative. 5. We also discussed the transformers in the proposed array areas, and I believe that a specification and/or design detail was going to be added to the plan to address the containment of potential pollutants, 6. 1 would expect minimal pollutant loading from the solar arrays themselves, however I do note that several of the catchbasins in the proposed array area to the north of the building also receive runoff from paved parking areas outside of the limit of work and therefore would be subject to ongoing sediment loading. It is unclear how those catchbasins would be accessed for cleaning. Please let me know if you or the applicants have any questions or want to discuss further. https:Hmail.google.com/mai I/?ui=2&ik=ab4f3eb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1552abcfl96l8l4f&sirn l=1552abcfl961814f 1/4 6/812016 Town of North Andover Mail-Fwd:Osgood Solar Lisa D. Eggleston, P.E. Eggleston Environmental 32 Old Framingham Rd, Unit#29 Sudbury, MA 01776 Tel 508.259.1,137 From: Richard Waitt <rwaftt@meridianassoc.com> Date: Monday, June 6, 2016 at 10:37 AM To: Lisa Eggleston <iisa@egglestoiienvgronryientai.(aot,n>, Dan Leary<dieary@powerowners.corn> Cc: Michael Novak<mnovak@meddlainassoc.con1>,Jean Enright <jenri1ght@northandoverma.gov> Subject: RE: Osgood Solar 2;30 is the only time that will work for Mike and I today Richard E. Waitt, Jr., P.E. Principal Meridian Associates, Inc. 500 Cummings Center,Suite 5950, Beverly, MA 01915 Phone (978),299-0447 J Fax(978)299-0567 hftp://www.meridianassoc.co�-n/maiito:rwaitt@meridianassoc.corii Responsible Leadership for a Sustainable Future Please consider the environs-rent before printing this e-mail. 1 You �13 im I= N 0 From: Lisa Eggleston [niaiito:l'tlsa@egglestonenvlr,oinryiental.com] Sent: Monday, June 06, 2016 10:26 AM To: Dan Leary <dleary@powerowners,com> Cc: Michael Novak <r-rinovak@irrierldianassoc.coryi>; Richard Waitt <r-,waltt@mei:°i(iianassoc.con-i>; Jean Enright <jen rig ht@noltha ind over ma,gov> Subject: Re: Osgood Solar Hi Dan, hftps:Ht,nail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&Ui=1552abcf1961814f&sin)l=1552abcf1961814f 2/4 6/8/2016 Town of North Andover Mail-Fwd:Osgood Solar A conference call would work for me - anytime after about 1:30 today. If you prefer an in-person meeting I can probably make that work sometime tomorrow. Lisa D. Eggleston, P.E. Eggleston Environmental 32 Old Framingham Rd, Unit #29 Sudbury, MA 01776 Tel 508,259.1137 From: Dan Leary <dieairy@powerowners.com> Date: Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 1:01 PM To: Lisa Eggleston <nisa@eggllestorienviro�irrierital,coil,n> Cc: Michael Novak <m nova k@nie dd la nassoc.corn>, Richard Waitt <rwaRt@n1er6anassoC,coim> Subject: Osgood Solar Hello Lisa, I trust you are well. Might you have any availability Monday afternoon for a conference call or in-person meeting with Mike Novak and Rick Waitt from Meridian Associates and I to discuss stormwater for the Osgood Solar project? Thank you, Dan Dan Leary Denowatts Solar Performance Benchmarking and Analytics PowerOwners, LLC 857 Turnpike Street, Suite 233 North Andover, MA 01845 97'8.309.6688 main 978.496.3460 direct dUeary@powerownersxom littps:Hmail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1552abcf1961814f&sirn 1=1552abcfl961814f 3/4 618/2016 Town of North Andover Mail-Fwd:Osgood Solar Sincerely, Jean Enright Assistant Director Community and Economic Development Town of North Andover 1600 Osgood Street,Suite 2035 North Andover,MA 01845 Phone 978,688,9533 Fax 978.688.9542 Email: jenriglht@towiiofnortl-iandover.co�n Web: wwwTownofNortiiArido,verco¢°ii cid:irnageWljpg(�� https://mail.goc>gle.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ab4f3cb798&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1552abcfl961814f&siml=1552abcfl961814f 4/4 1. The project as currently proposed does not include any modifications to the drainage systems within the proposed array areas or in the area of the relocated NETTS operation. The plan does call for existing drainage structures to be jetted clean and pavement to be swept within the limit of work, but does not include any other stormwater management improvements or ongoing O&M of the drainage system. There are no modifications proposed to the existing stormwater drainage system because there are no practical system improvements than could be made,as discussed in detail with Ms. Eggleston during a meeting on June 15,2016. The existing stormwater system is in excellent condition as verified by inspection of nearly all the catch basins in the north parking lot. However,there are two catch basins in the northern parking lot that require extensive cleaning, inspection,and,if necessary, repair. The Applicant agrees to clean and repair these two catch basins, as necessary, In addition to cleaning within the array area,the Applicant agrees to implementing an O&M plan which includes annually sweeping the uphill portions of the northern parking lot which may drain into the catch basins within the solar site. 2. We discussed the fact that the Town recently revised its zoning Bylaw Site Plan Review requirements(Section 8.3)to require all projects applying far Site Plan Review to demonstrate full compliance with the requirements of the MA Stormwater Standards and North Andover's Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw(Ch. 160).Assuming that the proposed project is subject to the revised Bylaw, I believe that it would constitute a "redevelopment"under the MA Stormwater Standards but that it would require documentation of compliance with Standards 1, 8, 9 and 10, and compliance to the "maximum extent practicable"with Standards 2, 3 and 4. A net improvement in stormwater management would also need to be demonstrated;I do not believe that the currently proposed plan provides this. Chapter 160 Stormwater Management&Erosion Control Bylaw adopted by the_by the Town of North Andover,Annual Town Meeting May 13,2009 Article 44 Approved by Attorney General September 2,2009 states that the following as the Purpose of the Bylaw: A. increased volumes of stormwater,contaminated stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces,and soil erosion and sedimentation are major causes of: 1. impairment of water quality in lakes,ponds,streams,rivers,wetlands and groundwater. 2. decreased flow in lakes, ponds,streams,rivers,wetlands and groundwater; 3. contamination of drinking water supplies; 4. erosion of stream channels; 5. alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat; 6. flooding;and, 7. overloading or clogging of municipal and private catch basins and storm drainage systems;and 8. flooding and erosion on abutting properties This project does not impact,trigger,alter,or affect the above items covered under the Purpose of the Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw. Further,the project will not result in the alteration of the ground surface or change vegetative cover or permeability, t I i increase or change peak flows, increase Total Suspended Solids,or cause erosion. Further, under Section 160-2,Definitions, Redevelopment is defined to be"Development, rehabilitation,expansion,demolition or phased projects that disturb the ground surface or increase the impervious area on previously developed sites." Based on the above Purposes and Definitions,the project does not constitute a "redevelopment" under the Massachusetts Stormwater Standards. 1 1 pointed out that the relocated NETTS operation would be in an area of the parking lot that 1 recall(based on discussions regarding the last plan)drains to wetland resource areas to the southwest, versus to the onsite "stormwater ponds"that the pavement in the existing NETTS operation area drains to. The operation of trucks in this area would have the potential to increase pollutant loadings of petroleum products and heavy metals, hence mitigation should be provided. This component has been removed from the proposed project. 4. It is my understanding that the proposed solar arrays would rest on rubber feet approximately 2" wide by 4"long, and that the flow of water to the existing catchbasins within the array areas would not be impeded. This should be more clearly shown on the plan and discussed in the project narrative. Details of the mounting system are provided on Sheet 19 of 19 in the plan set and a physical sample was provided for inspection by Ms. Eggleston. This mounted system will not impede flows to the existing catch basins. 5. We also discussed the transformers in the proposed array areas, and l believe that a specification and/or design detail was going to be added to the plan to address the containment of potential pollutants. The exact specifications for the transformers are not yet finalized. To the extent secondary containment is required by the type of transformer selected by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction and by EPA guidelines,the Applicant will provide cut sheets and specifications for approval by the Town. We request that this requirement be incorporated as a condition of approval. 6. 1 would expect minimal pollutant loading from the solar arrays themselves, however I do note that several of the catchbasins in the proposed array area to the north of the building also receive runoff from paved parking areas outside of the limit of work and therefore would be subject to ongoing sediment loading. It is unclear how those catchbasins would be accessed for cleaning. The solar array layout has been updated to allow for access to catch basins as shown on the drawings.