HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - 1160 GREAT POND ROAD 7/30/2009 RECEIVE
JUL 3 o 2000
Wk E m ANDOVER
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
72 Campion Road
North Andover,MA 01845
July 26, 2009
Ms. Judith M. Tymon, AICP
Town Planner
Town of North Andover
1600 Osgood Street
North Andover, MA 01845
RE: Application of Brooks School for Special Permit for Installation of
Sub Base Drainage System for Synthetic Turf Playing Fields
Dear Ms. Tymon:
I am writing to follow up on the status of the above application after the Planning
Board meeting of July 21, 2009. In particular, since a site visit has been scheduled for
August 1,2009 at 9:00 a.m,, I believe that the Conservation Administrator or a
representative of the Conservation Commission should be present. As discussed at the
hearing,Brooks School is seeking to install a drainage system that would empty into the
non discharge zone adjacent to the lake, carrying water into the non disturbance zone.
Before this future work can even be contemplated,I believe that the appropriate officials
must address the existing problem that was created by the school when it installed a
drainage system around the fields last year for which no permit was obtained. A resident
of Campion Road brought the problem to the attention of someone last spring.
Unfortunately, she is out of town, so I'm unable to contact her and see who is presently
investigating the unlawful'drainage into the lake.
The site visit should include a look not only at the location of the proposed
playing fields,but also a walk down toward the lake to see the magnitude of the
destruction that is presently going on. The diversion of the water into the non discharge
zone through a drainage pipe has caused erosion from the fields down to the lake. Along
the path of the water, it is evident that numerous large trees have fallen recently. The
felled trees are in the area where water has been channeled. The trees have come down by
the base,and evidence shallow root systems. At the bottom of the hill by the lake, a large
tree dam has been erected in an apparent attempt to stop the erosion at that point.
Although Brooks' Director of Facilities Management,Mr. Trovage testified that trees are
routinely cleared to allow access on the path for cross country runners,this statement is
not true as it relates to the area in question. I brought pictures of the dam to the meeting
that were shared with the board,and I am hopeful that they can see for themselves that
the downed trees were stacked directly where the water reaches the Campion Road
abutter's property. He also testified that the water runs along a natural drainage Swale. In
truth, a course was dug,and crush stone added, in order to channel the water in its present
location.
Regardless of how the present issue is resolved with the Conservation
Commission, a consultant or perhaps even the Department of Environmental Protection
should determine whether a special permit for turf fields within the watershed is
appropriate regardless of how they are drained. There is a wealth of information available
regarding the toxins that are leached from the rubber tires that are used to construct these
fields. In addition,they are disinfected regularly and may contain lead, carcinogenic
hydrocarbons, toluene and heavy metals that could find there way into the water supply. I
believe that the town should insist upon leachate tests of the water runoff from this type
of field. Artificial fields placed above an irreplaceable sole source aquifer may have
unpredictable consequences given the proximity to the lake.
I am hopeful that given the twelve grass fields presently available at.Brooks
School,they will be able to find a way to accommodate both their desire to install turf
surfaces,while still providing the town and its residents the assurances necessary that the
watershed will not be adversely impacted. I appreciate your time and attention regarding
this matter.
Very y urs,
arlotte S. M
Cc: Jennifer Hughes
John Simons
Timothy Seibert
Richard Rowen
Michael Walsh
Courtney LaVolpicelo
Jennifer Borax-Kusek
l
RECEIVED
AUG 3 2009
NOR i h hivUUVER
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
72 Campion Road
North Andover,MA 01845
August 3, 2009
Ms. Judith M. Tymon,AICP
Town Planner
Town of North Andover
1600 Osgood Street
North Andover,MA 01845
RE: Application of Brooks School for Special Permit for Installation of
Sub Base Drainage System for Synthetic Turf Playing Fields
Dear Ms. Tymon:
I am writing to follow up on the status of the above application after the Planning
Board meeting of July 21, 2009 and the site visit on August 1st. I was hopeful that the
Conservation Administrator or a representative of the Conservation Commission would
have been present for the site visit as I requested, because I believe that someone who is
responsible for the school's compliance with existing drainage and discharge regulations
should advise the Planning Board as to the present status of the school's drainage
activities. Since my request was not honored, I have reviewed the applicable regulations
myself and offer the following.
I've reviewed the North Andover Zoning ByLaws,the NACC Wetland Protection
Regulations, and the Department of Environmental Protection regulations regarding
drainage and discharge in a watershed district. I disagree with your conclusion that
Brooks School did not act improperly when they installed the drainage system for the
soccer fields last year. Under the Zoning ByLaws, any surface discharge, including
"outlets of all drainage swales"in a non-discharge zone is only allowed by special permit
of the Planning Board in the Watershed District. The application for such a permit must
be accompanied by a written certification by a registered professional engineer, or other
scientist educated in and possessing extensive experience in the science of hydrology and
hydrogeology, stating that there will not be any significant degradation of the quality or
quantity of the water entering Lake Cochichewick. I believe when questioned,you
insinuated that a hydrologist would be too expensive for the town to bear,but under the
ByLaws, this expense seems to fall on Brooks School.
Similarly,the Conservation Commission regulations affirm that no stormwater
conveyances may discharge to cause erosion in wetland resource areas of the town. The
Department of Environmental Protection regulations make clear that any activity
V
discharging runoff directly into a watercourse enlarging the volume, rate, or further
degrading the quality of existing discharge/runoff is prohibited. Given the clear dictates
of these regulations, I do not believe it is prudent for the Planning Board to consider the
present application without a resolution of the existing issues. In particular,because the
drainage system has created a swale that drains to the lake,I am concerned that the outlet
from the proposed system will continue to drain in the damaged area. The proposed
drainage channels the water in the path that has been created by the illegal drainage. It is
alarming how many trees are falling in the area that the drainage has been discharged.
The wildlife is affected as well as the wetlands vegetation, and I believe that someone
should sign off on this in their official capacity on behalf of the town.
I am hopeful that given the twelve grass fields presently available at Brooks
School,they will be able to find a way to accommodate both their desire to install turf
surfaces,while still providing the town and its residents the assurances necessary that the
watershed will not be adversely impacted. I appreciate your time and attention regarding
this matter.
Ve I ours
r o S. y
Cc: Jennifer Hughes
John Simons
Timothy Seibert
Richard Rowen
Michael Walsh
Courtney LaVolpicelo
Jennifer Borax-Kuser
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North Andov(-'r Planning JBoard
Meeting Date:
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
{U00UDUv Development Division
Agenda Item#6 �
TO: Planning Board
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FROM: Judy �
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RE: Brooks School,John Trovage, 1160 Great Pond Road—Map 90C,Lot 25 Watershed
Special Permit to renovate existing natural grass soccer fields with synthetic turf,
including the installation of a sub-base drainage system,walkways,200 bleacher seats
and sports lighting ou both fields,within the General Zone o[the Watershed Protection
[)iulziot,within the 8,| 8b 8L-2 zoning district.
DATE; 8m Review—June 22`2O09
X,rmpwmaX:
John Trovage of the Brooks School has applied for a Watershed Protection District Special Permit under
Section 4.136(3)(b)of the Zoning Bylaw to renovate existing natural grass soccer fields with synthetic
turf, including the installation of a sub-base drainage system,walkways,200 bleacher seats and spoils
lighting on both fields,within the General Zone of the Watershed Protection District. The purpose ofthis
memo is to summarize the project to date and to discuss the outstanding items/concerns of the Planning
Staff.
0muksnwmmW:
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This iuthe lm public hearing for the project.
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This review is based oo the following submitted bnD`unutk`o:
Plan titled: Design Development Documents for Soccer Field Renovations
Brooks School
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Soccer Field Improvement Plan
North Andover,Mass. �
Prepared for: Brooks School
\|6O Great Pond Road �
North Andover, MA 0 184
Map 98C,Lot 25 �
' �
RI 8tR2�mugDistrido
l60U Osgood Street,North Andover,Massachusetts 01845 �
Phone 978.688.9535 Fox 970.688.9542 Web wwwjunnof north un clover.mm �
Prepared by: Huntress Associates,Inc.
17 Tewksbury St
Andover,MA 01810
Scale: 1"=20' & 1"=40'
Date: June 5,2009
Sheets: 5
Boundaries and Zones
The parcel of land is partially located within the General Zone of the Watershed Protection District of
Lake Cochichewick and is located in the Residential 1 &2 Zoning District,Assessor's Map 90C,Parcel
25. The portion of the parcel in question consists of two existing soccer fields, each approximately 75 X
120 yards in area. The existing fields are to be replaced with synthetic turf. The plan also contains
bleacher seating as well as lighting.Addressed
Section 3—Uses and Building Requirements:
The renovation of existing natural grass soccer fields with synthetic turf, including the installation of a
sub-base drainage system,walkways, 200 bleacher seats and sports lighting on both fields,within the
General Zone of the Watershed Protection District would be allowed by the issuance of a Special Permit
from the Planning Board. Addressed.
Section 4:—Special Permit Requirements:
➢ 4.136 (4)(c)(ii).Map on a scale of one(1) inch equals forty(40)feet prepared by Registered
Professional Engineer or Surveyor showing:
(2)The edge of all wetland resource areas,as confirmed by the Conservation Commission (if edge of
wetland resource area is within four hundred(400)feet of any proposed activity),
(6) The edge of vegetation clearing(edge of work).
Addressed
➢ 4.136 (4)(c)(iii). Written certification by a Registered Professional Engineer, or other scientist
educated in and possessing extensive experience in the science of hydrology and hydrogeology,
stating that there will not be any significant degradation of the quality or quantity of water in or
entering Lake Cochichewick.
Not Addressed
➢ 4.136 (4)(c)(iv).Proof that there is no reasonable alternative location outside the Non-Disturbance
and/or Non-Discharge Buffer Zones, whichever is applicable,for any discharge, structure, or activity,
associated with the proposed use to occur.
The artificial fields will be installed in the safne location as the existing fields.Addresser)
➢ 4.136 (4)(c)(v).Evidence of approval by the Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection(DEP) of any
industrial wastewater treatment or disposal system or any wastewater treatment of system fifteen
thousand(15,000)gallons per day capacity.
The project will not result in any industrial waste water treatment or disposal system or any
wastewater treatment system of fifteen thousand gallons per day capacity.Addressed.
➢ 4.136 (4)(c)(vi).Evidence that all on-site operations including,but not limited to,construction,waste
water disposal, fertilizer applications and septic systems will not create concentrations of Nitrogen in
groundwater, greater than the Federal limit at the down gradient property boundary.
1600 Osgood Street,North Andover,Massachusetts 01845
Phone 978.688.9535 Fax 978.688.9542 Web www.townofnorthandover.com
The applicant not provided written documentation stating the proposed activities will not create
concentrations of nitrogen,phosphorous and other relevant chemicals on and off-site the property.
Not Addressed.
➢ 4.136 (4)(c)(vii).Projections of down gradient concentrations of nitrogen,phosphorus and other
relevant chemicals at property boundaries and other locations deemed pertinent by the SPGA.
The applicant has not provided written documentation stating proposed activities will not create
concentrations of nitrogen,phosphorous and other relevant chemicals on and off-site the property.
Not Addressed.
➢ 4.136 (4)(g).The Bylaw requires that any runoff from impervious areas within the Non-Disturbance
and Non-Discharge Zones to the extent possible shall be recharged on site and diverted toward areas
covered with vegetation for surface infiltration.
The proposed renovation will result in an increase in runoff as a result of an increase in impervious
surface. The applicant has provided details regarding the underlying drainage system, which will
consists of a layer of crushed stone, as well as a system of perforated pipes that will direct the runoff
into an outlet before discharge. The town has hired an outside engineer, Lisa Eggleston, to review
and comment on the drainage report.Addressed
Recommendations:
The Planning Staff recommends that the applicant provide documentation for the issues outlined above.
It is also recommended that the applicant provide sufficient information regarding their plans for night
games as well as any plans for allowing outside entities to use the fields. Because of the proximity to
neighbors(Campion Road), lighting and noise may be an issue.
1600 Osgood Street,North Andover,Massachusetts 01845
Phone 978.688.9535 Fax 978.688.9542 Web www.townofnorthandover.com
W
g
June 24, 2009
North Andover Planning Board
1600 Osgood Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Attn: Judy Tyman, Town Planner
RE: Stormwater Management Review
Brooks School— Soccer Field Renovation
Dear Ms. Tyman and Board Members:
Per your request, I have conducted an initial technical review of the June 5, 2009
Watershed Special Permit Application packet submitted by Huntress Associates for the
above- referenced project. The focus of my review was on stormwater management.
The proposed project includes the replacement of two existing natural grass soccer fields
with new synthetic turf fields, grandstands and viewing areas. The project is located
within the General Zone of the Watershed Protection District.
My comments on the application are outlined below:
1. In accordance with the Special Permit Requirements the plans should be stamped
by a registered Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor, and the application
should include a written certification by a registered Professional Engineer or
other qualified scientist stating that there will not be any degradation of the
quality or quantity of water in or entering Lake Cochichewick.
2. The drainage system for the existing fields, including the outfall, should be shown
on the plans.
3. Site-specific soil testing is needed to determine that there is adequate depth to
groundwater for the proposed underdrain system to function as designed.
4. Based on the inverts shown, the 12-inch PVC drains along either end of the
proposed Boys Field#2 will not meet the minimum 0.5% slope specified.
5. The flared end section should be designed in accordance with the current DEP
Stormwater Handbook, based on the projected maximum discharge velocity.
6. The pipe inverts used in the HydroCAD model are not consistent with the inverts
shown on the plan.
55 Old Coach Road Sudbury MA 01776 te[ 508.259.1137 fax 866.82:0.7840
Brooks School Field Renovation, Technical review >
June 24, 2009
7. It is not clear whether by using a curve number of 62 in the HydroCAD model the
applicant is intending to model surface runoff from the fields, or infiltration
through them. If it is presumed that all of the rainfall that falls on the proposed
artificial turf fields will be infiltrated, a curve number of 98 should be used to
generate the "runoff' flow that is routed through the perimeter drain system.
8. Infiltration through artificial turf fields is generally rapid and, as currently
designed, there is no dead storage provided in the underdrain system to attenuate
flows or enhance infiltration. I would therefore expect that the proposed design
will both shorten the time of concentration and increase the peak rate of discharge
from the system. The fact that this is not reflected in the HydroCAD analysis is a
function of the analysis, not the design.
9. The plan should identify the erosion and sediment control measures that will be
employed during construction to prevent sedimentation into Lake Cochichewick.
10. Finally, the Board should be aware that while artificial turf fields are increasingly
popular and do have the benefit of eliminating the need for irrigation, fertilizer
and herbicides, a number of other environmental concerns have been raised with
respect to their use. The most pertinent of these concerns to this application are
the potential for the leaching of zinc from the crumb rubber infill, the "heat
island" effect that can result in increased temperatures in the discharge, and the
potential need for periodic disinfection of the turf, the runoff from which would
be discharged through the underdrain system. You may want to have some
discussion with the applicant regarding the products proposed for use at this site
and potential mitigation measures.
I appreciate the opportunity to assist the North Andover Planning Board with the review
of this project, and hope that this information is suitable for your needs. Please feel free
to contact me if you or the applicants have any questions regarding the issues addressed
herein.
Sincerely,
EGGLESTON ENVIRONMENTAL
. !1
Lisa D. Eggleston, P.E.
C: Jennifer Hughes, North Andover Conservation Commission