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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplication - 1077 OSGOOD STREET 3/18/1985 m{\\\\����:��/�:��/\?\ > . . . . . . � _ . � .z . _ * :; » � ; l, � : , ; . . ; : � , : � d ! . t� : .� , ! ; . � ! ;, � , r . . : < ; �;© ° . ! � i;=,,, : , >s «� � : , ! : . � 1 ; ; . Q w , .» ; . ! ; EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Natural Resource Consulting Services conducted a brief environmental survey of the proposed Yameen Development in North Andover , MA. The review included a single site visit and document reviews of the scenario for development. A mixed stand of transitional_ hardwoods and old fields dominated the site. About 4.4 acres of the 5.0 acre (approximate) parcel will be cleared. After development about 1.0 acre or 23 percent will be landscaped with grasses , shrubs , trees and nursery stock. Mitigation measures are specified to reduce soil erosion, control. loss of vegetative communities and to prevent damage to Lake Cochichewick. i TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. I. INTRODUCTION— :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 II. VEGETATIVE INVENTORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 1 A. TransitionAl Hardwoods— . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 B. Old Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 C. Developed Areas. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. 3 III. IMPACTS. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 IV. MITIGATION/ENHANCEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 5 A. Reclamation and 'Revegetation Specifications. . . . . . . . 5 B. Other Construction and Maintenance Measures. . . . . . .. 5 C. Construction and Conservation Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 V. LITERATURE CITED. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 APPENDIX 1: SITE PLAN ii LIST OF TABLES Table No. Page No. 1 Probable Effects on Vegetation and Wildlife at the Proposed Yameen Development in North Andover, MA. 4 LIST OF FIGURES Figure No. Page Following 1 Old Fields and Transitional Hardwoods of the North Andover, MA Yameen Property, From the South to the North. 1 2 Present Butcher Boy Market Parking Area Draining Toward Lake Cochichewick. 3 iii I. INTRODUCTION Natural Resource Consulting Services was retained by the Yameen Family to perform a vegetative inventory and impact assessment at their proposed development site in North Andover, Massachusetts (Figure 1). The site lies between MA Route 125 (Osgood Street) and MA Route 133 (Great Pond Road). Mr. Peter Spear, Certified Environmental Planner (.National Association of Environmental Professionals) and Certified Wildlife Biologist (The Wildlife Society) was assigned the task of performing the field review, agency contacts, mitigation/enhancement measures and report preparation for the project. The research for this report consisted of walking throughout the site to observe the dominant vegetation. One field trip was made on I-larch 5, 1985. This report attempts to address the major environmental concerns of the North Andover Planning Board. The report is organized into four subsequent Sections: II. Vegetativ- Inventory; III. Impacts; IV. Mitigation/Enhancement Recommendations acid finally; V. Literature Cited. Vegetative nomenclature follows Gleason and Cronquist (1963). II. VEGETATIVE INVENTORY The following plant communities were identified at the site: Transitional Hardwoods and Old Fields. Ecologically, the natural portion of the site is an ecotone or transitional zone between well defined plant communities. Ecotones may exist as definitive plant associations and exhibit some specific characteristics. Areas such as old fields and transitional hardwoods can display distributional patterns less dependent on soil, topographic or other natural factors than on past land uses. Salient distributions of each of these plant communities often extend into adjacent communities as functions of the • numerous biotic and abiotic factors acting upon individual plant species. The area has been cleared as recently as 10-15 years ago. A. Transitional Hardwoods About half of the site consisted of a mixed stand of transitional hardwoods with occassional white pines interspersed into the stand. The mixed hardwood-pine areas are old pastures or construction clearings which have succeeded beyond the old field stage. No cavity trees were located in the upland area. None of the stands on site are virgin timber. The largest white pines (Pinus strobus) , or hardwoods on-site are 20-25 feet high but are hardly nearing their potential in size or age. An increment borer used to age the largest white ash indicated the tree to be about 10 years old. 1 Dominant species are red maple (Acer rubrum) , white ash (Fraxinus americana) American elm (Ulmus americana) , white pine, and grey birch (Betul.a populifolia) and domestic, escaped Apple (Malus sylvestr•is). The sapling and shrub layer was well developed. Some red-osier dogwood (Corpus stolonifera) and young specimens of most of the adult tree species were observed. Ground cover was difficult to view owing to the lateness in the growing season but weed species such as curly leaved dock (Rumex crispus) , Asters (Aster spp.) , Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) , Golden rod (Solidago spp.) and others were noted. The area under the canopy is, quite open, subsequently much light penetrates the forest floor encouraging understory growth. These upland areas occur in the east and northeastern corner of the site (Figure 1). I I i m ... i Figure 1. Old Fields and Transitional Hardwoods of the North Andover, MA Yameen Property from the South to the North. B. Old Fields In the area of the Yameen land Old Fields, include: cleared land abandoned agricultural land, utility. corridors , and highway rights of way. The classification "old field" has little biological permanence since old fields naturally advance through the process of plant succession to different vegetative communities. Most of these subclimax plant communities discussed in this report (including transitional Hardwoods) eventually will succeed to a climax plant community if left undisturbed. Old fields merely succeed, to the next higher sere much quicker than, for instance, a white pine/eastern hemlock-northern hardwoods ecotone succeeds to its next higher sere, a pure northern hardwood stand. However, -it is 2 possible to artificially maintain the vegetative composition of an old field, as is the case with utility corridors in the area. Mechanical cutting can prevent this type of old field from "growing up" or succeeding to a tree-dominated community. IF species encountered in the site's old fields were white pine (Pines strobus) , staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) , steeplebush (S area s pP• ), rose Rosa s pp.) , blackberry a nd raspberry (Rubus spp.) , pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) , quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) , grasses, asters Aster spp.) , milkweed (Asclepias spp-T several weeds already mentioned. C. Developed Areas Developed areas , or those drastically modified for their use by man, are abundant immediately adjacent the site. Osgood Street and Great Pond Road bound the site to the south and north, respectively. In fact , their construction altered the original natural drainage pattern at the site. To the north of Osgood Street is a small stagnant wetland which does not drain into Lake Cochichewick (Cyr, Personal Communication). Commercial- and residential buildings surround much of the site. A new pressurized sewer pipeline abuts the property along Osgood Street. Much of the area was a working farm for an unknown period prior to more recent developments. The Butcher Boy Market which stands on the parcel in question was constructed about 1945. There is an existing septic tank and leach field on-site. The capacity and efficiency of these facilities are unknown. The surface water drainage of a portion of the site, including about 50 percent of the 0.8 acre parking lot (ca. 0.4 acres) , moves toward Lake Cochichewick. This area variously receives vehicular fluids, petroleum distilates and other materials from individuals using the parking lot. Huch of the area has obviously been significantly altered trom its original or natural state . Developed areas are not as productive or diverse in their naturally produced flora and fauna as adjacent or displaced habitat but these developed areas are not deserts either. .III. IMPACTS About 4.4 of the 5.0 acre site will be cleared. A border area to the north and east will be landscaped with evergreen trees for screening. The slope area below the retaining wall , shown in the Proposed Site Plan (Appendix 1) will not be cleared. Dead trees will be removed and some additional shrubs and trees will be planted for aesthetics but no major clearing or earth work will occur. Direct vegetative - effects are summarized in Table 1. The total amount of vegetative communities removed would be about 4.4 acres. About 23 percent of this total or about 1.0 acre would be reclaimed and landscaped. The project layout plan absolutely minimizes the effect on Lake Cochichewick. This design reflects input from environmental interests. Given square footage requirements for floorspace required, parking spaces needed and slope/depth to bedrock considerations the Applicant has genuinely Cried to locate the project layout so as to reduce the visual effect on abuttors and to eliminate run-off or seepage to the Lake. No 3 unique habitats are known to be displaced from the uplands of the site. The habitat loss would be permanent. Table 1. Probable Effects on Vegetation at the Proposed Yameen Development in North Andover, MA. Construction Related Effect Near-Term Long-Term Transitional Hardwoods Acres Lost ca. -1.5 Old Field Acres Lost ca. -1.0 Sedimentation Slight - Removal of Septic and Leachfield System Moderate + Parking Lot. Drainage Acres Removed from Water Supply Lake 0.4+ The approximate 0.6 acre part of the land between the retaining wall and Great Pond Road would not appreciably change. All parking lot and roof drainage from the site will be routed into catch basins, then under ,Osgood Street. None will flow directly, as currently occurs, into Lake Cochichewick. Figure 2 shows the present drainage condition from the parking lot into Lake Cochichewick. i ?'1 Fa i I I 1 ✓;r�� 8 Figure 2. Present Butcher Boy Market Parking Area Draining Toward Lake Cochichewick. 4 Sedimentation problems can result from any construction where devegetation occurs. Since the area gently drains toward Lake Cochichewick sediment transport due to water movement should be easily controlled. State law prohibits excessive turbidity levels in Class A waters like those just off-site. The developers will comply with this regulation by the judicious application of numerous site-specific techniques (listed in the mitigation section). An erosion control plan has been developed. The Applicant understands the importance of clean potable water from public health and a quality environment viewpoint. At the same time, the Applicant desires to realize a financial gain by responsibly developing their property. IV. MITIGATION/ENHANCEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS The following measures are planned by the Applicant to reduce negative effects of the proposed development and to enhance positive effects thereof. The measures detailed below, in conjunction with good construction practices ,. should provide adequate protection for the local environment. The design. is such that the existing drainage pattern is shifted away from the Lake and abuttors are protected from additional runoff. Construction controls have been proposed to mitigate any effects caused by disruption of existing vegetation and there should be no significant effect on Lake Cochichewick. A. Reclamation and Revegetation Specifications Topsoil and humus will be removed and stored in erosion controlled areas for subsequent reapplication to disturbed areas. • Saplings and ground cover species may be salvaged from the clearing operation for later revegetation on disturbed areas. Other sources of propagative materials may be sought if they are more efficiently obtained. Resident species are preferred because they represent gene pools specifically adapted to the locality. In all cases including landscaping and replanting fill embankments , indigenous species will be used. Plantings should be done in a fashion that appears random to approximate the natural situation. B. Other Construction and Maintenance Measures Given the conscientious administration and monitoring of the additional measures the negative biological impacts of this proposed development should be significantly reduced. Leave selected individual large trees in the existing upland portion of the site near the north and east boundaries. Work closely with members of the North Andover Planning Board in all phases of the on-ground work. 5 Demolition and removal of the existing building will be done in either wet weather or will be sprayed with water to avoid fugitive dust. Material will be placed in an approved off-site land fill. Haul roads into the construction site will be sprayed with water to hold dust down during warm weather construction periods. Chemicals will not be employed as dust inhibitors. Septic and leach fields will be removed and the development 's new sewage system will connect with the privately developed system having an interconnect with the municipal system. Rubbish removal and temporary sanitary facilities will be provided for the crew during construction. Sediment control measures will be employed, as appropriate, on all disturbed areas, including but not limited to: sediment traps, haybale check dams, plastic sheeting, diversion channels, dikes, mulching and matting. All parking area drainage will be routed under two Osgood Street culverts into the small existing wetland area. Massachusetts state law which indicates that turbidity ratings in Class A waters , all affected waters of Lake Cochichewick shall not be exceeded, will be complied with. Fine material placed or exposed during the work would be so handled and treated as to minimize the possibility of its reaching any wetland. Before water would be diverted into any ditch or channel, the waterway would be prepared with erosion control measures so that it would be protected against erosion. Clearing and grubbing operations would be scheduled and performed so that grading operations and erosion control features could -follow immediately thereafter. A silt curtain or hay bales, at the discretion of the North Andover Planning Board will surround the fill area preventing outmigration of fines. Earth slopes would be seeded and mulched immediately after work ceases on such areas. As , the work progresses, patch seeding and mulching would be done on areas previously treated , to maintain or establish protective cover. Wet-weather construction especially during the spring would be held to a minimum, reducing the drainage of sediment directly into the lake. 6 Reslope disturbed areas to their approximate original contour and revegetate all such areas. The upper end of culverts would be protected to prevent fill erosion into them. Uncompleted cleared areas which may be subject to considerable washing before final grading would be out-sloped or cross-drained. Once construction is underway, the project will be closely monitored for signs of erosion and sedimentation. Any problem areas will be immediately dealt with. Maintenance of plant materials used for landscaping will be effected without aerial spraying of herbicides , fungicides , pesticides or other chemical agents. Fertilizers will not be %used beyond the initial planting period. Gasoline, hydraulic fluid or other similar materials will not, be stored on or drained onto the bare ground at the construction site. C. Construction and Conservation Schedule* Job No. Job Description 1 Placement of siltation control fencing and/or staked hay bales where required. 2 Clearing of topsoil and unsuitable materials on site. All materials to be used on site. 3 Removal of existing structure. 4 Sub-base grading and compaction, suitable fill will be brought in from nearby sources. 5 Construction of building and parking areas. 6 Rough grading of sideslopes. 7 Landscaping. 8 Placement of loam and seed and bark mulch where required. 9 Removal of temporary siltation controls once a healthy grass cover (where required) has. been obtained. * Starting date of the project is tentatively scheduled for early Spring 1985. While the construction is expected to take approximately nine months , exact dates for each job listed above can not be accurately 7 estimated due to uncertainties in obtaining the required approvals, weather, availability of materials , etc. V. LITERATURE CITED Gleason, Henry A. and Arthur Cronquist. 1963. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. Van Norstrand Co. New York, NY. li + 810 p. Cyr, Buddy. (Personal Communication). Telephone call between Mr. Peter Spear of NRCS and Mr. Cyr, Director of the North Andover Highway Department on March 12, 1935 8 APPENDIX l: SITE PLAN