HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-07 Engineer Review Massachusetts Electric
A National Grid Company ,
October 15,2002 Daniel McIntyre,P.E.
Principal Engineer
John Chessia
Coler& Colantonio
101 Accord Park
Norwell, MA 02061
Dear Mr. Chessia:
Based on our discussion last week we have reviewed the drainage for the proposed Woodchuck Hill
Substation in North Andover.
User Defined Curve Number
The substation yard is graded essentially flat with processed gravel and surfaced with a 6 inch layer of
crushed stone. Our experience at other electric substations is that rainfall is stored in the stone and
infiltrates into the ground. However in order to prepare the drainage analysis we needed to assign the
substation yard area a runoff curve number. A curve number of 40 was selected. Review of the drainage
calculations indicates that a soil classification of"B"was used to match the native soils of the site,
Travel Time
Our initial assumption was that travel time of watershed no. 1 would increase from 9 minutes under
existing conditions to 18 minutes under proposed conditions. The watershed worksheets are attached
showing potential travel times routes. This is primarily due to the assumed sheet flow through the
substation yard crushed stone.
As a sanity check we revised the proposed drainage to Mosquito Brook using the same time of
concentration as existing conditions. The runoff from watershed no. 1 does increase but the combined
flows to Mosquito Brook(watershed no. 1 plus watershed no. 2)remains essentially the same. This is
because runoff from watershed no. 1 hits Mosquito brook quicker and does not combine with the peak of
watershed no, 2.
Recharge Trench
We agree with your recommendation to construct a stone recharge trench along the driveway to minimize
runoff from the pavement to the side-slope along wetland series no. 1. Also the grading in the area
between the substation yard and driveway has been revised to create a slight depression to further increase
recharge and decrease runoff. Attached is a marked up drawing showing the recharge trench and revised
grading. If these changes arc acceptable we will revise the drawing formally for construction,
Thanks for all your help in expediting this review. Please call if you have any questions or require
additional information.
Sincerely,
Daniel McIntyre, P.E.
Massachusetts Electric
6 Bearfoot Road
10/21/2002 15:00 FAX 781 982 5490 COLLtt & COLAMON10 [a002
L-oLJLANTON1 Z
ENGINEERS ANo SUE--NTISTS
October 21,2002
Kathy McKenna
Town Planner
Planning Board
Town Hall Annex
27 Charles Street
North Andover,MA. 01845
RE: Engineering Review
Foster Street Electric Substation
New England Power Company
Site Plan
Dear Ms. McKenna:
In response to your request,Coler& Colantonio,Inc. has reviewed the submittal package
for the above referenced site, Our efforts included a comparison of information submitted
with respect to the requirements of the North Andover Zoning Bylaws. The submittal
package included the following information:
Plans Entitled
a "Woodchuck Hill Substation No. 56, North Andover, Mass." consisting of 11
sheets dated March 21, 2002, prepared by National Grid USA Service
Company,Inc. Received October 4, 2002,
"Stormwater Design Report Woodchuck Hill Substation", prepared by
National Grid USA Service Company. Received October 4,2002.
"Sound Study — Proposed Woodchuck Hill Sub. North Andover, MA" dated
August 16, 2002, and prepared by National Grid USA Service Company.
Received October 4, 2002.
During our review of the project, further information and plan revisions were requested
of the engineer. The information requested was provided on October 16, 2002. Our
comments are as follows:
101 Accord Park Drive 781 992-5400
Norwell,MA 02061•1685 Fax:781 982-5490
10/21/2002 15:00 FAX 781 882 5490 COLOR & COLANTONIO Ia003
,Site Plan Review
1. Section 8,3)5,)c.) The submitted site plaits do not have a certified engineering stamp
as rewired. The landscape plan has no documentation stating that a certified
landscape architect registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts performed the
designed.
2. Section 8.3)5.)vii.) The curve number and time of concentration figures used in the
submitted calculation package for the electric substation stone yard area does not
appear to accurately reflect the proposed conditions. We note that this will be offset
by the inclusion of the recharge trench along the driveway and the depression
designed between the substation yard and driveway. Both these measures were added
following our conversation with the engineer. No credit has been taken for these
measures in the drainage calculations submitted. We do not anticipate a measurable
impact on Mosquito Brook from this project.
3. Section 8.3)5.)vi.) The submitted plans do not have a table of zoning information. It
is unclear that the Zoning Board needs this information for this type of project,
4. Section 8.3)5.)x,) The submitted plan does not demonstrate any parking locations. It
is understood that the proposed use of the site will not require frequent visit or high
occupancy visits. As a result the vehicles that are at the site should,be able to utilize
the driveway and turnaround areas for sufficient parking.
5. Section 8,3)5)xi.) The Notice of Intent was not submitted for our review. The
locations of vernal pools were not shown on site plans but are referenced within the
drainage calculations submitted. Reportedly the Conservation Commission has
approved the plans, therefore this issue has been addressed by others.
6. Section 8,3)5.)xii.) The location of any signs associated with the project were not
indicated on the plans. The size, location and type of sign for the substation should
include safety warnings, ownership and contact details incase of emergency etc,
7. Section 8.3)5.)xvi.)The location of refuse storage, if any, was not indicated. This has
been addressed in the narrative associated with the submittal. We do not recommend
a durnpster at this location due to the potential for vandalism.
8. Section 8.3)5.)xv.)Trees with a diameter over 12" were not indicated. It is unclear if
the Board waived this requirement.
9. Section 8.3)5.)xvii.) The location and direction of lighting was not indicated. The
detail provided indicates that the lights are for emergency use only.
10. Section 8.3)5.)xxii.)Typically reviewed by Town Staff.
11. Section 8.3)5.)xxiii,)Typically reviewed by Town Staff.
10/21/2002 15:01 FAX 781 982 5490 COLER & CCLANTONIO €91004
12. Section 8.3)5.)ii.)d.) Although it is unclear that the proposed drainage system meets
TSS zvmoval standards based on the data provided. It is understood that the
Conservation Commission approved it therefore it should be satisfactory. For this
site we do not anticipate significant sediment generation given its limited use.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist the Planning Board on this project and hope that
this information is sufficient for your needs. if you have any questions please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours,
COLER &COLANTONIO,INC.
ohn C. Chessia,P.E.
Associate
XC: National Grid USA Service Company,Inc.