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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-12 Conservation Commission Minutes Approved 0312612025 Albert P.Manzi Jr., Chair .• Bradley S. Mustain John T. Mabon, Vice Chair j /j'' ;,-. Marissa Valentino Sean F. McDonough !'' Matthew Bohenek David F. White Town of North Andover North Andover Conservation Commission North Andover Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes March 12, 2025 Members Present: David F. White, Sean F. McDonough,Albert P. Manzi Jr., Chairman, John T. Mabon, Vice Chairman and Bradley S. Mustain Members Absent: Matthew Bohenek and Marissa Valentino Staff Members Present: Amy Maxner, Conservation Administrator and Alexyss Langevin, Conservation Field Inspector and Planner Meeting carve to Order at. 7:00 p.m. Quorum Present. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Albert Manzi Jr. will only cast a vote in the event of a tie, in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised I2th ed.,§4:56 Acceptance of Minutes • A motion to accept the minutes of February 12, 2025, as drafted was made by Mr. Mahon, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 3-1, (In Favor: McDonough,Mabon,Mustain,Abstained: White). General/New/Old Business 660 Great Pond Road(Rolling Ridge)—Eagle Scout Giving Garden Trellis Project(P.Minchala) • The Administrator stated the Applicant has requested a continuance. • A motion to continue to March 26,2025,was made by Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Mabon. • Vote 4-0,Unanimous. Documents Email from h2sr cx) mail.com requesting a continuance until 03126125 Certificate of Compliance 242-1045,Partial COC Request, 430 Osgood Street-NAHS (North Andover Public Schools) • The Administrator presented her review memo comparing the 2024 existing conditions plan to the 2004 approved plan within the footprint of the new Notice of Intent(NOI). She noted survey limitations and a 0.84- foot discrepancy in elevation data over 25 years. The Department of Public Works(DPW) assisted in reconciling survey data through historical plan imports,fieldwork, and CAD software analysis. Tennis Courts: minimal elevation changes since 2003,no stormwater controls, and no significant modifications. Fully compliant. Shotput Area: proposed upgrades and reorientation remain outside the 50-foot No Build Zone (NBZ)and align with existing conditions. Compliant. Walsh Stadium: minor work includes new light poles and drainage adjustments. Elevations appear consistent with 2003 data. Compliance will be verified in the final survey. Baseball Field Redevelopment: the existing field will be replaced with a reconfigured synthetic turf field, including drainage, dugouts,batting cages,bullpens,bleachers,lighting,pedestrian pathways, and vehicle access driveways.Non-compliant features identified included the storage shed,which is to be relocated outside of jurisdiction. A gravel parking area that was not shown in the 2003 plans;removal and restoration will be included in the new NOI. Stormwater O&M reporting: an inspection was recently completed; BMPs were cleaned and documentation provided. Snow stockpiling: there are three areas near wetlands that require better management; a plan will be incorporated into the new NOI. Integrated Pest Management Plan: follow-up information pending; to be included in the new Order. Drainage plans confirm alignment of connections with prior approvals. The wetland edge has shifted over 25 years, and the field will be repositioned further from wetlands for improved compliance. The Administrator recommended issuing a Partial Certificate of Compliance for the very specific footprints that have been reviewed and making note of the non-compliant features that will be rectified under the new NOI. • The Commission thanked the Administrator and the DPW for their thorough review. • Kyle Rowan and Ryan Thackeray, Gale Associates are present on behalf of the Applicant. • A motion to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance as recommended was made by Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 02-12-2025 Meeting Materials, NAHS PCOC Compliance Plans 03-12-25, Staff Memo- #242-1045 PCofC, with attachments Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1909, 94 Morningside Lane (Staropoli) • The Administrator stated the Applicant has requested a continuance. • A motion to continue to March 26,2025, was made by Mr. Mabon, seconded by Mr. McDonough. • Vote 4-0,Unanimous. Documents Email from pfidaisdell awsengineers.cam requesting a continuance until 03126125 Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1907,Route 114 ROW from Waverly Road to Willow Street/Mill Road(MassDOT) • The Administrator stated the Applicant has requested a continuance. • A motion to continue to March 26, 2025,was made by Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Mabon. • Vote 4-0,Unanimous. Documents Email from seam ibell inet.cam requesting a continuance until 03126125 Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1908,46 Foster Street(Margolycz) • Mr. Manzi recused himself due to a conflict of interest, and Mr. Mabon assumed the role of Chair. • The Administrator explained that the project involves replacing a failed septic system with a 1,500-gallon tank, a distribution box, and a 30' x 20' leaching field. Due to restricted access to abutting property that contains the wetland, GIS wetland data was used to map adjacent wetlands,with staff verifying measurements on-site. Per the design engineer, the well-draining Hinckley soil is not expected to require dewatering, and the leaching field sits 3.5-ft above seasonal groundwater. Construction access is from Foster Street,with stockpiling outside the Buffer Zone. Excavated soil will be removed and replaced with Title 5 materials. While the Board of Health's peer review comments have been addressed, final approval is pending. The abutter to the north and east,who owns both properties,has no objections. • The Commission considered making approval contingent on no further changes to the plan. However, they noted that it is standard practice to wait for BOH approval before issuing an Order of Conditions (OOC), as they typically defer final decisions until other regulatory approvals are in place. • Jacque Margolycz,the Applicant is present. • No abutters are present. • A motion to continue to March 26,2025,was made by Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-1, (In Favor: White,McDonough, Mabon,Mustain,Abstained: Manzi). Documents 2025-03-12 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 6 46 FOSTER ST ST—NOR THAND0VER3A, 46 FOSTER ST ST—NORTHANDOVER3B, 46 Foster Street, Town of 3rd Party Septic Review EMail-Fwd_46 Foster Street onsite wastewater system design plan, W. Dufresene Entail- 46 Foster Street Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1906,430 Osgood Street-NAHS (North Andover Public Schools) • Mr. Manzi resumed his role as Chair. • The Administrator outlined the extensive documentation submitted, including: revised plans incorporating Conservation Commission and Planning Board feedback. Boring results and third-party technical reviews (EPA and other sources)on artificial turf fields. Stormwater peer review responses. Responses to questions from the Conservation Staff, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board.Fire Department comments regarding the gravel driveway. Construction specifications. • Kyle Rowan and Ryan Thackeray presented on behalf of the Applicant. Mr. Rowan reviewed the revised plans, focusing on updates since the February 26, 2025, hearing. The gravel emergency access drive curb cut has been shifted 50-ft up the access drive to move it entirely outside the 50-foot No Build Zone (NBZ). A vehicle gate with timber guardrails is proposed to limit access. "No mow"signs and a wetland seed mix will be installed along the southwest side of the gravel drive, creating a natural Buffer Zone. In response to NAFD comments on January 28th and March 7th,the gravel drive near Walsh Stadium was expanded to provide an ambulance turnaround area. While ambulances can enter the field in emergencies,the expansion allows them to park and turn without driving on the turf. Minor plan updates between March 3rd and March 10th including crosswalk signage requested by the Planning Board. Installation of 350-ft of chain-link fencing with a windscreen for privacy, addressing concerns from abutters and the Planning Board. • Mr. Mustain supports the overall plan but remains concerned about crumb rubber's proximity to wetlands. He questioned what measures would prevent tracking of rubber particles off the field. • Mr. Rowan referenced an EPA study(April 2024)concluding no significant chemical exposure risks from synthetic turf fields compared to natural soil. He acknowledged some level of tracking but emphasized mitigation measures, including: a 15-inch concrete curb around the field perimeter. Turf fibers (2.5 inches tall) containing the infill. Student athletes primarily accessing the field from upper gates,limiting traffic near wetlands. • Mr. Mabon emphasized that migration of crumb rubber—especially near the baseball diamond backstop—is a primary concern. He requested more details on the exact placement and function of the 15-inch curb. • Mr. Rowan clarified that while the field has a curb foundation around its entire perimeter,the curb will be flush with the turf to avoid safety hazards. The infill is slightly recessed below the curb to minimize migration. • Mr. Mabon questioned the effectiveness of the curb in preventing migration. He cited guidance from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners,which recommends applying Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent environmental contamination. He also inquired about alternative infill materials and their costs. • Mr. Rowan explained that alternative infill options—such as engineered wood fiber(e.g., BrockFILL) or mineral-based infill—would add$250,000—$500,000 to the project cost. Alternative infills require an additional shock pad layer(I-inchthick,made of recycled foam)beneath the turf to meet impact attenuation standards for player safety. He confirmed that automobile tire crumb rubber,not truck tire rubber,would be used in this project. Additional material specifications and documentation will be provided for review. • The Administrator confirmed that, despite the public bidding process,the project will proceed with automobile tire crumb rubber. She inquired whether there would be variations in the chemical composition among different suppliers. • Mr. Rowan stated that the material must meet project specifications regardless of the supplier. He could not confirm differences in chemical composition, only that compliance with requirements is mandatory. • Mr. Manzi suggested requesting a certificate of origin to verify compliance,which would likely be a condition in the Order. 2025-03-12 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 3 of 6 • Mr. Mabon shared firsthand experience with similar fields in North Andover,noting their overall success. He emphasized the importance of BMPs for materials, installation, and maintenance. He referenced a study conducted by the Town of Arlington on field turf applications (2023-2024), with an initial report expected in Spring 2024,which he intends to review. He recommended a joint review of the study to inform the Commission's decision-making. • Mr. Rowan stated that conditions may include recommendations, such as installing a windscreen mesh netting along the base of the fencing on one side of the field. His team is prepared to provide recommendations or await formal conditions. • The Administrator confirmed they will consider recommendations. • Mr. McDonough questioned if fence was considered as discussed at the last meeting • Mr. Rowan stated that as an alternative they are proposing signage and a no mow area making everything southwest of the drive not something people would be walking in, in lieu of a fence. This option doesn't require that much fencing material, foundations and the extra earth work that goes along with it. • Mr. McDonough expressed his preference for installing a fence,noting that it would serve multiple purposes. hi addition to providing a barrier, he emphasized its role in preventing debris and trash from entering the wetland,which was his primary concern in raising the issue at the previous meeting. He acknowledged that while the fence would not mitigate rubber displacement, it would help contain other materials,particularly given the presence of bleachers and wind-driven debris in the area. • Mr. White sought confirmation that the system directs stormwater away from wetlands and noted that foot traffic toward the wetland should be reduced due to the removal of the gravel parking lot and the addition of a no mow vegetative buffer. • Mr. Rowan explained that the system is designed primarily for infiltration,with layers of turf backing,base stone, and subgrade. A third-party stormwater review is underway, with responses submitted to the Planning Board and NACC. • Mr. Mabon inquired about the status of the stormwater review. • The Administrator confirmed that the first round of comments and responses has been completed and is awaiting a peer review. She suggested revising signage placement and considering a fence along the wetland boundary to mitigate foot traffic and trash migration. • Mr. Mustain emphasized the need to monitor crumb rubber migration and proposed biannual monitoring in alignment with hydrodynamic separator maintenance. • Mr. Manzi questioned how much crumb rubber might be tracked off the field and whether a designated area for players to clean their cleats could help. • Mr. Rowan stated that most crumb rubber should remain within the field, with only minor tracking outside. • Mr. Mustain noted that keeping cars off the gravel drive would help prevent migration, and the Commission is considering enforcement measures. • Mr. McDonough supported installing a fence to prevent litter accumulation from the bleachers and dugouts, as well as adding more trash receptacles. • Mr. White was satisfied with the proposed layout,recognizing that complete prevention of human impact is unrealistic. • Mr. Manzi raised concerns about the long-term growth of the no mow area,which could develop into a shrub forest unless periodically maintained. • The Administrator was not concerned, stating that naturalization aligns with conservation goals. • Mr. Rowan confirmed that while netting for the tennis courts was considered,it was ultimately not included in the plan. • The Administrator noted that the removal of tennis balls from the wetland will be conditioned in the Order of Conditions (OOC). • Melinda Perone, 65 Meadowood Road expressed concerns about environmental impacts,particularly the proximity of the artificial turf fields to Cochichewick Brook. She questioned how stormwater runoff, containing potential chemicals from the crumb rubber,would affect the brook. She also raised concerns about heat retention,biodiversity loss, microplastics, and long-term maintenance costs. She referenced state-level discussions on PFAS regulations and artificial turf bans. 2025-03-12 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 4 of 6 • Lee Bluemel, 54 Bradstreet Road supported stronger mitigation efforts against crumb rubber migration and highlighted concerns about teenage foot traffic in restricted areas. She also cited increased rainfall due to climate change,heat islands reducing playing time, and potential endocrine-disrupting effects of microplastics. She urged the Commission to review the Arlington study and consider long-term unknown risks. • Mr. Rowan agreed to revise the plan to include: A fence with additional preventative measures, anti-tracking solutions, additional trash receptacles and monitoring crumb rubber migration in the O&M Plan. • Mr. Manzi emphasized that all imported materials must have a certificate of origin and, if required, a certificate of analysis. • A motion to continue to continue to March 26, 2025,was made by Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 02-12-2025 Meeting Materials, 02-26-2025 Meeting Materials, 03-07-25 NAFD Comment, 03-07-25 NAFD Emergency Access Annotations, 03-10-25 Planning Board Response Complete Submission, Boring, Geotech Test Reports 03-03-25, Const. Control Specifications, EPA Report, Gale Response Letter to NA CC Quests. 03-03-25, Revised Plans 03-03-25, Snow Plan, SW BMP Map, FEMA Map, Various Tech Eval Letters, Arlington Artificial Turf Study Committee Final Report April 12 2024 Enforcement OrderNiolation 80 Chestnut Street-EO Follow up • The Administrator provided an update on the Enforcement Order(EO) issued for the property,which requires a full property survey and a restoration plan. The property owners have engaged a wetland consultant who has delineated the wetland; however, survey work was delayed due to snow. The survey crew is expected to complete their work this week, allowing the wetland scientist to finalize the restoration plan. Additionally,the owners are proposing a pool with a cabana and hardscape. The Administrator requested that all proposed work be included in the plan to determine whether any permitting through the Conservation Commission is required. She anticipates that the owners will attempt to keep all new construction outside the Buffer Zone and asked whether the Commission would be comfortable with her signing off on the building permit if that is the case. • Mr. Manzi asked whether the Administrator was satisfied with the wetland delineation. • The Administrator stated she has not yet reviewed the delineation but would ensure the 100-foot Buffer Zone is properly marked. • Mr. Manzi emphasized that the entire project depends on the accuracy of the delineation. • Mr. Mabon noted that if any part of the project falls within the jurisdictional area, all structures within the 100-foot Buffer Zone must be reviewed by the Commission. • A motion to continue to continue to March 26, 2025,was made by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. McDonough. • Vote 4-0,Unanimous. Documents 01-22-2025 Meeting Materials, 80 Chestnut Street-Enforcement Order 0122 25, Ext. Req. Mail- 80 Chestnut Street North Andover Enforcement Order, N. Ferrara Entail- 80 Chestnut Street North Andover Enforcement Order Enforcement OrderNiolation 242-1878,30 Anne Road(Vidal) • The Administrator explained that the EO was issued due to non-compliance with an Order of Conditions related to connecting the house to the Town sewer. The work was completed without meeting pre- construction requirements. The EO requires the homeowners to fulfill the pre-construction requirements and re-engage their design engineer. They have complied by bringing the design engineer back on board. The design engineer has communicated with the Administrator via phone and email, confirming his commitment 2025-03-12 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 5 of 6 to assisting the homeowners in meeting EO requirements. However, due to scheduling constraints,he was unable to prepare materials for this meeting and has requested a continuance to March 26,2025. The homeowners promptly posted the required performance bond the day after the last meeting, demonstrating their commitment to compliance. • A motion to continue to continue to March 26, 2025,was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Mr. White. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 02-26-2025 Meeting Materials, 242-1787, 30 Anne Road-Enforcement Order 02-26-25 Rev],A. Chongris Entail- 30 Anne Road Update, Entail- Y. Vidal- Update on Project Status and Potential Absence for Upcoming Meeting Adjournment • A motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. was made by Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. 2025-03-12 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 6 of 6