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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Approved 0812712025 Albert P.Manzi Jr., Chair Bradley S. Mustain John T. Mabon Vice Chair ,/,, Marissa Valentino Sean F. McDonough Matthew Bohenek David F. White i �i I i�iSlily qi+i{a. Town of North Andover North Andover Conservation Commission July 09,2025 Members Present: Matthew Bohenek, David F. White, John T. Mabon,Vice Chairman,Bradley S. Mustain and Marissa Valentino Members Absent: Albert P. Manzi Jr., Chairman and Sean F. McDonough Staff Members Present: Amy Maxner, Conservation Administrator and Alexyss Langevin, Conservation Field Inspector and Planner Meeting came to Order at: 7:01 p.m. Quorum Present. Pledge of Allegiance Vice Chair John T. Mabon, serving as Acting Chair, will vote only in the event of a tie, in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order,Newly Revised, 12th ed.,§4:56. Acceptance of Minutes • A motion to accept the minutes of June 25,2025,as drafted was made by Mr.White,seconded by Mr.Bohenek. • Vote 4-0-1, (In Favor: Bohenek,White,Mabon, Valentino Abstained: Mustain). Certificate of Compliance 242-1045, Partial COC Request,430 Osgood Street-NAHS (North Andover Public Schools) • The Administrator explained that the Order of Conditions originally covered the full campus redesign at North Andover High School, later amended to include turf fields at Walsh Stadium,the track, and natural grass baseball field with related drainage infrastructure. The current PCOC request is for an area where the DPW needs to repair drainage pipes beneath the southwest corner of Walsh Stadium. • Jamie Veillette of Apex Companies, LLC stated that the request is being submitted in tandem with a new Notice of Intent(NOI) due to needed drainage repairs. The PCOC area is approximately 2,500 square feet within the 200-foot Riverfront Area,between the athletic fields and Cochichewick Brook. A CCTV inspection in October 2024 helped identify the damaged area,roughly 6.5 feet downstream from a drainage access manhole in the southwest corner of the field. • Mr. Mabon questioned the need for a PCOC,noting this area was not included in the prior certificate. Since this portion was not previously certified,the Applicant is addressing it now to ensure compliance. • Ms. Valentino confirmed the manhole invert out is elevation 90.6. • Ms. Veillette clarified that three pipes converge at this manhole: a 15-inch pipe, a 30-inch corrugated metal pipe, and a 12-inch PVC pipe, as seen during CCTV inspection. All drain to Cochichewick Brook about 60 feet downstream. • Mr. Mabon and Mr. Mustain confirmed that all inverts have been identified,but the 30-inch and 15-inch pipes were not shown in the original design plans submitted two weeks ago. • Ms. Veillette stated these existing pipes likely serve the adjacent parking area and date back to the former high school. They appear to have been left in place during redevelopment,with the newer athletic field drainage installed over them. • Mr. Mustain raised concerns about certifying compliance given the presence of undocumented infrastructure, which he called a significant deviation from the approved design. • Ms. Veillette explained that while the current drainage system reflects post-demolition construction plans, some original drainage features remain in use, especially around the parking area. Everything converges at the access manhole before discharging via the 30-inch pipe. • Discussion followed regarding the history of the parking layout and changes during campus redesign. The Administrator indicated the area was always planned for parking,but building and field placements shifted during development. • Mr. Mustain emphasized that the Commission must only certify work that conforms to approved plans, and that unknown or undocumented pipes pose a challenge. • Ms. Veillette noted the 30-inch pipe appears on the 2018 site survey. She stated the athletic field's infiltration system ties into this pipe, and the PCOC request only covers two drainage structures upstream of the outfall. • Mr. Mustain confirmed with the Administrator that the full stormwater system will eventually need a Certificate of Compliance. He reiterated concerns about certifying work when current conditions don't fully match design records. • Mr. Mabon agreed,pointing out discrepancies between design sets some showing a 24-inch pipe, others a 30-inch. • Ms. Veillette added that there is another structure (not shown on the current plan)with a 24-inch pipe coming from the parking area into the 3 0-inch pipe. • The Administrator stated the Commission must clearly define the scope of what is being certified in this PCOC. • Ms. Valentino recommended limiting the PCOC to the area downstream of the catch basin manhole, since that section was fully inspected by CCTV. • Mr. Mabon agreed,noting this targeted approach provides compliance for the known drainage infrastructure and avoids keeping two Orders open. He recommended the PCOC be limited from the new manhole through the repaired section down to the 30-inch pipe's discharge point at Cochichewick Brook. • A motion to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance for access drain manhole and 30-inch pipe downstream to limit of work as shown on sheet C-1 was made by Ms. Valentino, seconded by Mr. White. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 242-1045, 430 Osgood Street-NAHS PCOC,Amended Plan Excerpt SW Corner Walsh, Approved Plan Excerpt-SW Corner of Walsh, Dec. 2024 Existing Conditions Plan, Eng. Req. Letter, NAHS Partial COC App Compiled 20250701, Rev. C-1 Sheet Excerpt, Sheet C-1 Rev. 07-09-25 (1)NAHS Drainage Outfall Repairs, Walsh Stadium Proposed Plan Drainage Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1911, Osgood Street& Great Pond Road-Intersection Improvement(North Andover DPW) • The Administrator explained that the project involves geometric changes to the Route 125/Great Pond Road intersection, including new sidewalks and crosswalks, granite and Cape Cod curbing,pavement milling and overlay, drainage and utility adjustments,updated signage, and stormwater improvements. Some work falls within the 25-foot NDZ and 50-foot NBZ,though these areas are already disturbed. The project underwent peer review for stormwater; all responses and the final letter have been submitted. The Planning Board issued a Watershed Special Permit on July 1, and its recommended conditions are included in the draft Order. • Greg Hochmuth of Epsilon,Maggie Laracy of Langan, and Drew Talcoff of Vanasse appeared on behalf of the Applicant. • Mr. Hochmuth stated the project aims to improve pedestrian safety and access to the new boat ramp. It adds sidewalks and signalized crosswalks,removes approximately 3,900 sf of drivable pavement, and eliminates the existing slip lane by the ice cream shop,which will be loamed and seeded. A new driveway entrance and modified slip lane are proposed near Butcher Boy. A waiver is requested for limited work in the 25-foot NDZ and 50-foot NBZ,primarily involving sidewalk and pavement replacement. Guardrails will be replaced in generally the same location, though slightly closer to wetlands in a few spots due to roadway realignment. A sidewalk will run along the lake side of Great Pond Road.Near the car wash, the roadway shifts closer to wetland resources,but the limit of work does not extend beyond current disturbed areas. A new sidewalk is 2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 7 proposed between Commerce Way and the Mexican restaurant. A bioretention area is proposed in front of the bank within MassDOT ROW,using the available space to reduce peak flow and provide recharge. Catch basins will be upgraded with deep sumps and hoods.No pipes will be replaced,but minor adjustments will be made to tie new catch basins into the existing system.No new outfalls are proposed. • Mr. Mabon noted the area includes both old and new infrastructure and requested that staff be kept informed if any significant changes (e.g., discovery of rotted pipe) arise during construction. • Ms. Valentino asked who will maintain the bioretention area. • Ms. Laracy stated MassDOT will maintain it. • The Administrator added that a seed mix was chosen for easier maintenance. • Mr. Hochmuth agreed that irrigation is unlikely, so seed is more practical. • Mr. White asked whether more than seeding could be done where the slip lane is proposed to be removed. • Mr. Talcoff said it will match the adjacent grassed areas. • The Administrator noted that built-up sediment along the lakeside of Great Pond Road will need to be removed and disposed of off-site, as a condition in the draft Order. • Mr. Hochmuth agreed the material is unsuitable for reuse and noted that the sediment extends from the end of the slip lane to the boat ramp. • Mr. Mabon supported including this as a pre-construction condition. • No abutters were present. A motion to grant the waiver as requested was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Ms. Valentino. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. • A motion to close and issue in 21 days was made by Ms. Valentino, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 04-23-2025 Meeting Materials, 2025_0625 NOI Permit Plans-All Design Sheets, 2025_0625 NOI Permit Plans, 2025-06-20- Osgood Street Intersection Stormwater Management Report, HW 250626 2nd Final SWPeerReview_OsgoodSt Imp, Lake C Outfalls Mannings_calculation, Osgood Comment Response Letter-20250624, PB Time Stamped Decision 7-1-25 Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1912,430 Osgood Street-NAHS(Town of North Andover/DPW) • The Administrator explained the proposed work involves replacing 8 feet of damaged 30" corrugated metal pipe(CMP) and lining the remaining 62 feet with a fiberglass-reinforced UV-cured liner. The damaged section, located at the southwest corner of the athletic fields, caused a sinkhole. An 8" sewer pipe above the drainage line will be removed or supported, depending on whether it's active. Restoration includes replacing turf and fencing,with possible minor impacts to the Mill to Hills Trail due to access. Dewatering may be required using a dewatering bag surrounded by a filter sock. The site is within the 100-foot Buffer Zone, 200- foot Riverfront Area to Cochichewick Brook, and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding(BLSF). A waiver request and alternatives analysis have been submitted. • Jamie Veillette of Apex Companies said a CCTV inspection confirmed the pipe damage and corrosion. The entire 30"pipe segment will be lined from manhole to outfall. Open cut excavation is needed to replace the damaged 8-foot section,with the work zone covering about 200 square feet. The pipe is approximately 15 feet deep. If the sewer pipe is abandoned, it will be cut and capped to access the drainage pipe below. The waiver request covers temporary access impacts within the 25-foot No Disturb Zone. Erosion controls are proposed. • Ms. Valentino asked when the pipe was installed and raised concern about the potential for undersized infrastructure if multiple lines are discharging into the 30"pipe. • Ms. Veillette said the pipe dates to the original 1970s high school construction. The current work is limited to addressing immediate damage;the full drainage system was not assessed. She added the UV liner is the most durable of the alternatives considered. • Ms. Valentino supported the repair but noted concerns about long-term adequacy if the pipe is undersized. • Ms. Veillette responded that if undersizing is an issue,backflow or surcharging would likely be the result,not structural failure. 2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 3 of 7 • The Administrator asked whether undersizing would already have caused upstream issues. • Mr. Mustain said surcharging would likely appear during major storm events but might go unnoticed. He preferred full pipe replacement but acknowledged this method reduces impact. • Mr. Mabon asked about excavated soil containment. • Ms. Veillette said access via the Chickering Road emergency gate could allow for off-site or out-of-buffer storage. If on-site storage is used, it will be located outside regulated areas. The contractor will finalize a soil management plan. • The Administrator noted soil storage on the turf field is unlikely to be allowed and that a ramp may be needed for access. • Ms. Veillette said access from the Wayne Street driveway could be used if a protective cover is placed on the turf. The Mill to Hills Trail is not suitable due to its narrow width and proximity to Resource Areas. Access options are shown on Sheet G-1. The open cut excavation is expected to take 1-2 days. The contractor will be required to submit a soil management plan before work begins. • Mr. Mabon stressed the importance of a clear plan for soil handling, either showing a defined stockpile location or confirming off-site disposal. • No abutters were present. • A motion to continue to July 23, 2025,was made by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents NAHS Drainage Outfall Repairs NOI Application June2025, NAHS Drainage Outfall Repairs Permit Drawings_STAMPED June2025, Photos, Project Description, Waiver, Alt. Analysis, Recommendations_ Notice of Intent(NOI) 242-1913, 74 Sherwood Drive(Davis-Duprey Nominee Trust) • Maureen Herald of Norse Environmental presented a proposal to install an inground pool,paver patio, shed, fencing,utilities, grading, and restoration plantings within the 100-foot Buffer Zone. An existing shed and fencing will be removed. This project also addresses an earlier Enforcement Order for unauthorized tree cutting. Fifteen shrubs will be planted in the impacted area,which will also be loamed and seeded. A stockpile area is shown on the plan and is located outside the 100-foot Buffer Zone. The plan complies with the 25-foot NDZ and 50-foot NBZ. • The Administrator confirmed the pool patio will be constructed with pavers, allowing for some infiltration. • Mr. Mabon confirmed the new plantings will be near the existing stumps and asked about the pool filtration system,noting the Commission typically requires cartridge filters. He also confirmed the pool equipment is located outside the Buffer Zone. • The Administrator clarified that stumps must remain and advised the applicant to direct any pool drawdown over the lawn,not into the wetland,to minimize impact. • Ms. Herald stated a cartridge filter will be used and confirmed the patio will be constructed of pavers,with most of it located outside the Buffer Zone. The site is mostly flat and requires minimal grading. • No abutters were present. • A motion to close and issue in 21 days was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Mr. White. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents Maps, Narrative, NOI 74 Sherwood Drive, Site Plan—Sherwood rev 2025-06-26, Site Plan—Sherwood Notice of Intent(NOI) NACC #347,Dale Street,Winter Street(Trinity Home Builders,LLC) • The Administrator explained the project involves combining three lots totaling 3.5 acres, consisting of wooded areas,meadow, lawn, and wetlands. The site includes a concrete block garage and gravel driveway. Wetlands include 1,600 sq. ft. Isolated Vegetated Wetland(IVW)at the front and a pond with Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) at the rear,which is mapped as potential vernal pool habitat by NHESP. Over half the site lies within NHESP Estimated Habitat, and the Commission is awaiting comments. The proposal 2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 4 of 7 includes abandoning and restoring the existing gravel driveway(within the 25-foot No Disturb Zone), and constructing a new driveway outside the 50-foot No Build Zone leading to and then past the existing garage to a new single-family home. The house and septic system will be located outside all Buffer Zones,though the house is partially within NHESP jurisdiction. A site visit was conducted with Commission staff, three Commission members, the project engineer, and wetland consultant. • Jack Sullivan of Sullivan Engineering stated the project is filed under the local bylaw only, as no work is proposed within 100 feet of the BVW. The existing gravel driveway will be removed and replanted with native species. A temporary crushed stone construction entrance will be used during construction to control erosion and silt. The house is sited at the high point on the lot with a garage underneath to minimize grading. They retained the existing garage due to its good condition and to preserve existing trees. Two soil stockpile areas are shown on the plan. Water service will come from Winter Street, entirely outside the Buffer Zone. Underground electric, cable, and telephone lines will connect from an existing pole within the 100-foot Buffer Zone but outside the 50-foot NBZ.No work is proposed within 100 feet of the rear pond. The proposed driveway has a 1% slope. Soil testing witnessed by the Board of Health(BOH) showed good percolation with no high groundwater within 10 feet. Septic plans are under BOH review. An ANR plan will be submitted to the Planning Board to combine the three lots. • Ms. Valentino expressed concern over the amount of impervious surface and recommended adding infiltration to maintain the IVW and pond's hydrology. She also requested the plan reflect the site's existing drainage patterns. • Mr. Sullivan suggested a crushed stone drip trench and agreed to provide details. • Mr. Mustain asked for the total impervious surface area and raised concerns about runoff impacting Winter Street. He recommended preventing water from draining onto the road. • Mr. Sullivan agreed to provide a comparison of existing vs. proposed surfaces and clarified that runoff will be directed into the lot,not onto Winter Street. • Mr. Mabon asked if erosion control is proposed for the leaching field and noted the project can't be closed until BOH review is complete. • Mr. Sullivan agreed to add erosion controls near the leaching field and will delineate the limit of the work line. He noted that BOH review is in progress and typically does not require erosion controls. • The Administrator requested erosion controls be tightened near the proposed grading to clearly mark the work limit. • Sarah Tanaki of 427 Winter Street supported the reduced scope (one house instead of three)but voiced concerns about flooding, stormwater, and downstream impacts. She stated the gravel driveway floods during storms, and submitted photos to the ZBA last year. She noted two catch basins across the street drain into a wetland not shown on the plan, and requested clarification on drainage,utility trenching, and snow storage, especially near the rocky slope. She stressed that water issues might not be immediately obvious but can worsen over time, citing local flooding history. • Mr. Mabon summarized the abutter's concerns: Winter Street stormwater, site flooding, snow storage,utility installation, and the wetland across the street which may influence Buffer Zones on site. • Mr. Sullivan said all utilities will be underground, and test pits revealed no ledge at 10 feet. Tree removal may be needed,but no rock excavation is anticipated. Snow will be stored on pervious areas, away from wetlands. The prior gravel drive,which flooded,will be restored, and the new driveway is designed to prevent runoff onto Winter Street. • Ms. Tanaki stated that there is a wetland across the street and its buffer zone may impact the project site which is not shown on the plan, and she reiterated that storm drains across the street likely connect to the wetland. • Mr. Mabon recommended showing snow storage areas outside the 25-foot NDZ, ideally beyond the 50-foot NBZ, in pervious locations. Mr. Sullivan agreed to add these to the plan. • A motion to grant the waiver as requested was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Mr. White. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. • A motion to continue to July 23, 2025,was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Ms. Valentino. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. 2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 5 of 7 Documents 0 Winter Street NA_06082025 FINAL, Maps, Narrative, NOI under North Andover's Bylaw and Regulations ONLY, Photos, Town of North Andover Mail- Online Form Submittal_Contact the Conservation Department, Waiver request Enforcement Order/Violation 20 Nutmeg Lane(Robbins/Antonelli) • Mr. White recused himself from the discussion. • The Administrator stated the 25-foot NDZ restoration is mostly complete. The only issue is the seed mix, which is not fully native but stable. She requested native seed be added using a strip seeding method. The subsurface dry well for driveway drainage was installed by hand, approved, and is functioning well. • No action is required at this time. Documents 03-26-2025 Meeting Materials, 20 Nutmeg Restore Pics, Amended Enforcement Order-20 Nutmeg Lane 03 2625 Enforcement Order/Violation 80 Chestnut Street(Rivas/Ariza) • The Administrator said cleanup of debris, fencing, and woodchips in the wetland and 25-foot NDZ is complete. Planting was delayed due to nursery shortages and hot weather. The wetland scientist requested an extension to avoid planting in poor conditions. She recommends a new deadline of September 15,2025. • A motion to amend the Enforcement Order to extend the planting deadline to September 15, 2025,was made by Mr. White, seconded by Ms. Valentino. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 01-22-2025 Meeting Materials, 03-26-2025 Meeting Materials, 03-26-2025 Meeting Materials, Amended Enforcement Order- 80 Chestnut Street 03 26 25 Enforcement Order/Violation I-495 Southbound On-Ramp - Tractor Trailer Oil Release • The Administrator said the EO was issued after a September 2023 tractor trailer crash near the I-495 southbound on-ramp by the Shawsheen River. It required protective measures during cleanup. Monthly updates and stabilization monitoring were provided, and a permanent solution statement has been filed, indicating cleanup is complete. Erosion controls using bark mulch and biodegradable netting were installed and are functioning well; she recommends leaving them in place to decompose. With MassDEP closure, she recommends lifting the EO. • Mr. Mabon noted that photos look good and asked if soil sample data showing low carbon levels was shared with NACC. • The Administrator said the data was likely in the full report,which she has. • A motion to lift the Enforcement Order was made by Ms. Valentino, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Documents 10-11-2023 Meeting Materials, 11-15-2023 Meeting Materials, 2024 0109 120-Day IRA Status, 2024 0910 Combined IRA PSS with Stamped 104, August 2024 Entail-Route 495 South On-Ramp ay Massachusetts Avenue, Entail Status report-Site Visit January 6, 2024, EO-Regency Transportation, Rt. I-495 TT Spill, IMG 5090, IMG 5092 General/New/Old Business Election of Conservation Commission Officers • A motion to nominate Albert Manzi, Jr. as Chairman is made by Mr. Mabon, seconded by Ms. Valentino. • Vote 5-0, Unanimous. 2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 6 of 7 • A motion to nominate John Mabon as Vice Chairman is made by Ms. Valentino, seconded by Mr. Mustain. • Vote 4-0-1, (In Favor: Bohenek,White,Valentino and Mustain,Abstained: Mabon). General/New/Old Business MACC Annual Dues • The Administrator breaks down the costs for memberships and four on-line e-handbook subscriptions. • A motion to approve the MACC annual dues in the amount of$1060.00 is made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Ms. Valentino. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Decision 242-1911, Osgood Street& Great Pond Road-Intersection Improvement(North Andover DPW) • The Administrator reviewed the draft Order of Conditions. • Condition#48 will require the cleanup of the area between the intersection and the boat ramp during construction, material will be required to be removed from the site and disposed of in accordance with local and state laws. A$50,000 performance bond will be required. • A motion to adopt the Order of Conditions as drafted and amended was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Ms. Valentino. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. Adjournment • A motion to adjourn at 8:57 p.m. was made by Ms. Valentino, seconded by Mr. White. • Vote 4-0, Unanimous. 2025-07-09 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 7 of 7