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Current Environmental Monitor on MEPA website
- nothing new
Previous 2011 listings:
- Becket, Blandford, Lee, Otis, Russell, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge – Notice of Public Hearings, re: Vegetation Management Plan (pdf), Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 11:00am to 12:30pm at: District One Office, MassDOT, Highway Division, 270 Main Street, Lenox, MA.
- Pittsfield – Covanta Notice of Issuance of a Draft Operating Permit Renewal (pdf) – comments due 10/21/11
- Lee – Daley Development – ENF – Secretary’s Certificate 9/16/11- Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
- Adams – Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Extension – Certificate ENF – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report – 6/22/11
- Pittsfield – South Street Corridor Improvements Project – Certificate ENF – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report – 6/22/11
- Becket & Chester – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf)– replacing 5 Bridges on Route 20
- Becket – Center Pond Dam Rehabilitation – Certificate ENF – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report – 6/8/11
- Hancock & Lanesborough – Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan (pdf) – posted 6/22/11
- Sandisfield – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf) – Bridge on Rts 57 & 8 over the West Branch Farmington River – posted 5/23/11
- Pittsfield State Forest Planning Unit – Notice of Public Forum, re: Resource Management Plan (pdf) – 4/20/2011
- Lanesborough – Tennessee Gas Pipeline – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan (pdf) – posted 5/9/11
- Lanesborough – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf) – bridge replacement Miner Road over Town Brook – posted 5/9/2011
- Becket – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf)– Bridge B-003-032 Route 20 over Walker Brook (this one is just work on the abutment, 5 other bridges on Route 20 will be replaced.)
- Hancock & Lanesborough – Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company – Notice of Public Hearings, re: Vegetation Management Plan (pdf) – 2/23/11
- Stockbridge – Glendale Hydroelectric Project – Certificate issued 2/11/11 – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
- Egremont – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf) – filed 1/5/10
- North Adams – Proposed Retail Store – FEIR Certificate – Adequately and properly complies with MEPA – 1/14/11
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Daley Development – Lee
EEA #14764
Issued September 16, 2011
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Site Visit – July 20 – 10:30 am – Berkshire Engineering – 157 Columbia Street, Lee
Submitted July 6, 2011
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments now due September 9, 2011- additional information was submitted. This project is in state-listed species habitat.
For copies: Roger Scheurer (413) 243-4122
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Zavolas (617) 626-1030
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Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Extension – Adams
EEA #14748
Issued June 22, 2011
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Site visit June 7, 2011, 2:30 pm, meet at Berkshire Visitors Bureau, 3 Hoosac St., Adams
An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) proposes to extend the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail through the Town of Adam. The project will begin at Hoosac Street and continue northerly, terminating at Lime Street (1.2 miles in length). The purpose of the project is to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity and to improve connections to public open space. Environmental impacts include the creation of 1.65 acres of new impervious area, and the alteration of 71,785 square feet of Riverfront Area. The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Adams Conservation Commission (and on appeal only, a Superseding Order of Conditions from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), a Construction Access Permit from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, review by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion Determination from the Federal Highway Administration, and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Because the project is being undertaken by a State Agency, MEPA jurisdiction is broad in scope and extends to all aspects of the project that may cause Damage to the Environment, as defined in the MEPA regulations.
A consultation session will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome.
The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Berkshires Visitor Center/Berkshire Visitors Bureau – Conference Room, 3 Hoosic Street, Adams 01220. Followed by site visit.
Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to June 13, 2011. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on June 22, 2011.
Project Contact: Beth Suedmeyer, MassDOT – Highway Division, 617.973.8245, beth.suedmeyer@state.ma.us
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting Purvi Patel, MEPA Analyst at 617.626.1029.
Submitted May 23, 2011Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due June 13, 2011
For copies: Beth Suedmeyer (617) 973-8245
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029
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South Street Corridor Improvements Project – Pittsfield
EEA #14749
Issued June 22, 2011
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Site Visit – June 7, 2011
An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) proposes roadway, sidewalk, and traffic signal improvements along South Street (Route 20 and 7) in Pittsfield. The project will extend from south of the entrance to the Pittsfield Country Club north to just south of the intersection of South Street and West Housatonic Street. The purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow along South Street, improving access to Interstate 90. Environmental impacts include the creation of 0.45 acres of new impervious area, and the alteration of 65,030 square feet (sf) of Riverfront Area and 18,150 sf of Bordering Land Subject to Flooding. The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Pittsfield Conservation Commission (and on appeal only, a Superseding Order of Conditions from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion Determination from the Federal Highway Administration, and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Because the project is being undertaken by a State Agency, MEPA jurisdiction is broad in scope and extends to all aspects of the project that may cause Damage to the Environment, as defined in the MEPA regulations.
A consultation session will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome.
The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Pittsfield City Hall (Room 203) – 70 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to June 13, 2011. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on June 22, 2011.
Project Contact: Michael Trepanier, MassDOT – Highway Division, 617.973.8250, michael.trepanier@state.ma.us
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting Purvi Patel, MEPA Analyst at 617.626.1029.
________________________________________
Purvi P. Patel, EIT
Submitted May 23, 2011Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due June 13, 2011
For copies: Michael Trepanier (617) 973-8250
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029
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Center Pond Dam Rehabilitation – Becket
EEA# 14741
Issued June 8, 2011
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Site visit May 24, 2011 @ 10:00 am
A meeting will be held at Becket Town Hall (557 Main Street) and will be followed by the site visit.
Project Description: The project consists of the reconstruction of the Center Pond Dam in response to a dam safety order issued by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The project will correct structural and hydraulic deficiencies including seepage through the dam embankment, deterioration of the upstream and downstream walls of the dam as well as the spillways, and deterioration of the gatehouse structure. The ENF indicates that potential environmental impacts are associated with alteration of approximately .45 acres of land, including 4,625 square feet of bordering vegetated wetlands (BVW), 5,460 sf of land under water (LUW) and 18,140 sf of riverfront area.
The project is undergoing MEPA review and requires preparation of an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) pursuant to 301 CMR 11.03 (3)(b)(6) because the project requires a state Permit and it consists of the construction, reconstruction or expansion of an existing solid fill structure of 1,000 or more sf base area. The project requires a 401 Water Quality Certification and a Chapter 91 License from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and a Chapter 253 Permit from the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Also, it requires an Order of Conditions from the Becket Conservation Commission (and a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOC) from MassDEP in the event the local Order is appealed).
The first four pages of the ENF are available through this link:
http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2011/050911em/nps/enf/14741.pdf
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request.
Submitted May 9, 2011
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due May 31, 2011
For copies: Allen Orsi, PARE Corp. (508) 543-1775
MEPA Analyst: Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-1044
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EEA # 14689
Issued February 11, 2011
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted January 5, 2011Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due January 25, 2011
For copies: Skip Medford (978) 681-1900
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029
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Proposed Retail Store – North Adams
EEA# 13578
Issued January 14, 2011Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA
– Secretary pushes for Walmart to live up to its hype about being 100% supplied by renewable energy and actually agree to put photovoltaics on its roof. Walmart has said that the 7 year payback would take too long. Also an interesting section on ways to increase employees’ use of mass transit.
Submitted December 8, 2010
Final Environmental Impact Report (BEAT has a copy if you would like to look at it – team@thebeatnews.org)
Comments due January 7, 2011
Issued October 1, 2010Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA – next step if for the proponent to file an Final EIR
Submitted August 24, 2010
Notice of Project Change(pdf)/Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Comments due September 24, 2010
For copies: Kathleen Drea (781) 535-6954
MEPA Analyst: Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-1044
BEAT Note: We have copies of the NPC/ENF and EIR at the BEAT office. Please give us a call if you would like to view them. (413-230-7321)
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How to Submit Comments to MEPA:The Secretary of Environmental Affairs accepts written comments on projects currently under MEPA review. Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, via FAX, or by hand delivery. Please note that comments submitted on MEPA documents are public records.
Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!
The mailing address for comments is:
Secretary Richard K. Sullivan, Jr.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Attn: MEPA Office
[Analyst Name], EEA No. _____100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114
Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!
state email addresses are usually: first name.last name @state.ma.us
for example: Aisling.Eglington@state.ma.us
How to Submit Comments to MEPA (this link takes you to the MEPA Site)