Environmental Monitor – Berkshires – 2008

Otis Reservoir Dam Rehabilitation – Otis
EEA #14353

Submitted December 24, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
comments due 1/13/09

Rare species habitat

For copies contact Michelle Manarolla (413) 525-3822
MEPA Analyst: William Gage (617) 626-1025

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Dalton Fire District Water Quality Certification -Dalton

Submitted December 24, 2008
Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf)

Application for improvements along Wahconah Falls Road (Back Dalton Road) at May Brook by the Dalton Fire District, 20 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton, MA 01226. This project will involve the installation of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) along 550′ of the reconstructed road and replacement of the existing culvert to meet existing design standards.

comments due within 21 days

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North Hoosic River Restoration – Clarksburg
EEA #14337

Issued December 17, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted November 10, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)

The proponent is the Riverways Program of the Mass. Dpeartment of Fish and Game.

From the ENF:
Dam removal will improve coldwater habitat for resident and state-listed species. The project involves full dam removal and the restoration of in-stream and riparian habitats. … The restoration will provide species access to more than 30 miles of free-flowing, high-quality headwater streams.

The proponent is asking for a waiver from filing a mandatory Environmental Impact Report.

Notice of Site Visit 11/18/08

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project.   The Massachusetts Riverways Program – Department of Fish and Game is proposing the removal of the Briggsville Dam in Clarksburg to restore approximately 30 miles of headwater habitat on the North Branch of the Hoosic River.  Briggsville Dam is a 15-foot high and 145-foot long broad crest weir dam in poor condition and is rated a significant hazard structure.  The project will result in the alteration of approximately 2.03 acres of land, 26,572 sf of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), and conversion of 8,276 sf of land under water to BVW. The project site contains a state-listed species of special concern and provides important fish habitat. The project will require a Chapter 91 license and Section 401 Water Quality Certificate from MassDEP, MassHistorical Review under Chapter 253 (Dam Safety), a U.S. ACOE Section 404 Permit, and an Order of Conditions from the Clarksburg Conservation Commission.  The project is also receiving state funding from the Mass. Riverways Program.  The proponent has requested a waiver of a mandatory EIR in accordance with 301 CMR 11.11.

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, November 18, 2008
Time:   1:30 PM
Location:  Meet at Cascade School Supplies Building – 191 River Road, Clarksburg.

Project Contact:     Tim Purinton, Mass Riverways Program, 617-626-1542

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 Holly Johnson, MEPA Analyst at (617) 626-1023.

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Proposed Retail Development, Stockbridge Road – Great Barrington
EEA #14331

Submitted October 22, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) –
ENF WITHDRAWN by developer

For copies: Erik Mas (413) 452-0445 x4433
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524

Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

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The Center at Lenox – Lenox
EEA #14332

Issued November 21, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Requires an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted October 22, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due 11/11/08

For copies: Timothy Williams (781) 935-6889 williams@allenmajor.com
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024 aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation 11/5 – 1pm

The project involves construction of 13,225 square foot (sf) retail pharmacy and a 73,700 sf bank and retail building with associated utilities, driveways and parking areas. The project includes demolition of an existing 956-sf structure. The 36-acre project site includes an existing restaurant, bank, and other retail buildings. The proposed project will result in an additional 6.6 acres of land alteration, including 4.4 acres of new impervious area and alteration of 4,500 sf of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). The proposed development will result in 3,602 new vehicle trips per day for a total of 10,656 trips on an average weekday.  Ninety-five new parking spaces are proposed (for a total of 768 spaces).  Additional water use is estimated at 5,069 gallons per day (gpd) (for a total of 13,642 gpd) and wastewater at 4,608 gpd (for a total of 12,402 gpd). The ENF proposes a connection for wastewater disposal to the municipal sewer system and indicates that the proponent is evaluating expansion of the existing fire pond to service the domestic water needs of the proposed retail center development.

Portions of the project site are mapped as priority habitat for two state-listed plant species. The project may require a Conservation and Management Permit from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Lenox Conservation Commission (and, on appeal only, a Superseding Order from MassDEP). The project requires a Highway Access Permit for access to Route 7/20 from the Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway).

Site visit date/time:    Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 1pm
Location:                   Land Use Meeting Room, Town Hall, 6 Walker Street, Lenox MA 01240
(a site visit will be held after the initial meeting at Town Hall)
Comments due:        November 11, 2008

Submitted October 22, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due 11/11/08

For copies: Timothy Williams (781) 935-6889 williams@allenmajor.com
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024 aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524

Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

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Nomination of the Upper Housatonic River as Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) – Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield and Washington – 1/29/09

Notice of Public Hearing (pdf) Thursday, January 29, 7:00 – 9:00 PM,Lenox High School Theater, 197 East Street, Lenox
(* Snow date is Thursday, February 5, 2009 at the same time and location.)

Notice of Nomination of the Upper Housatonic River as Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

Public meeting schedule (doc)

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Windsor Reservoir Dam Reconstruction Project – Windsor, Hinsdale and Dalton
EEA #14316

Issued October 31, 2008
Record of Decision (pdf)- Secretary Proposes to Grant a Full EIR Waiver
Comments due 11/24/08

Issued October 31, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)- Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted September 24, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 4 pages)

For copies: David Lenart (413) 572-3235
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Zavolas
(617) 626-1030

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North Adams Plaza Redevelopment – North Adams
EEA# 14180

Issued October 31, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Submitted September 24, 2008
Supplemental EIR (not on-line as far as we can tell)

For copies: Lauren DeVoe (617) 924-1770
MEPA Analyst: Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-1044

Issued August 15, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA – The Secretary is requiring the preparation of a limited-scope Supplemental EIR, which will provide an
opportunity to resolve outstanding details regarding GHG analysis and data prior to allowing the
project to proceed to the state permitting process.

Submitted July 9, 2008
Single Environmental Impact Report (no pdf available on line at the moment)

New project contact: Lauren DeVoe (617) 924-1770
MEPA analyst is still: Briony Angus (617) 626-1029.

Issued March 14, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) Requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) – but allowed to file a Single EIR, rather than both a Draft and Final EIR. The Scope in the Certificate points to the need to comply with the new Stormwater Management Policy, the wetland replication area will need more detailed plan and a long-term monitoring plan, and there needs to be more information on traffic and GreenHouse Gas impacts.

Submitted February 6, 2008
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (pdf)

An Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF)[pdf] has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the EENF, the project involves the redevelopment of an approximately 13.4-acre parcel located on the west side of Route 8 across from the Robert Hardman Industrial Park in North Adams, MA. The project will include the construction of an approximately 126,500 square foot Lowe’s Home Improvement Store with an associated 28,630 sf garden center. A 3,600 sf drive-through bank/retail facility will be constructed on an outparcel in the southeasterly corner of the site. The first four pages of the EENF and a more detailed project description are on line. A full copy of the EENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.

The project requires the preparation of a Mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR) because it will result in the generation of more than 3,000 new daily vehicle trips on roadways providing access to a single location. In accordance with Section 11.05(7) of the MEPA regulations, the Proponent has submitted an EENF with a request for a Single EIR.

A site visit and consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. Opinions as to the merits of the Proponent’s request for a Single EIR will be welcome.

The meeting was scheduled as follows:

Date:               Friday, February 29th, 2008
Time:              11:00 am
Location:         City Council Chambers, Noth Adams City Hall, 10 Main Street, North Adams

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to March 7th, 2008. A Certificate on the EENF will be issued on March 14th, 2008. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or fax to (617) 626-1181. Please reference EEA #14180 in your comments.

Project Contact:           Lauren Gallagher, VHB, (617) 924-1770 ext. 1643, lgallagher@vhb.com

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 Briony Angus, MEPA Analyst at (617) 626-1029.

Briony Angus
Environmental Analyst,  MEPA Office
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1029

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Berkshire Medical Center Parking Garage and Medical Office Building – Pittsfield
EEA #14313

Issued October 10, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted September 10, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 5 pages)

For copies: Robert Hoogs (413) 499-1560 x105
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524

Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

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MW Custom Papers LLC, Willow Mill – Lee

Issued August 27, 2008
Notice of Draft Operating Permit (pdf)

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Ashley Lake Dam Repair Project – Washington
EEA# 14295

Submitted November 10, 2008
Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf) – comments due within 21 days

Issued September 5, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
(BEAT did comment on this project, but somehow our comments appear not to have reached by MEPA)

Submitted August 6, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 7 pages)

MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation – Project Summary

The proposed project consists of repair of the dam wall, which will include addition of a one-foot thick face of concrete to the dam wall and a two-foot thick face of concrete to the spillway, as well as repair of the gatehouse structure and overflow channel wall. The dam has been classified as a “high hazard” and the City of Pittsfield has received a Dam Safety Order from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which requires that the dam be repaired by December 2009.

A temporary drawdown of Ashley Lake is required to facilitate repair activities, which will result in separation of the lake into two portions; a smaller portion near the area dam wall and a larger portion south of the proposed work area. The smaller portion will be completely dewatered to facilitate repair activities. The lake elevation will be lowered from 1920 feet to elevation 1914 feet during the April-November 2009 project period. The project will impact approximately 3.33 acres of upland and 15,180 square feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. Other wetlands impacts include riverfront area (124,700 sf) and land under water (788,400 sf due to lake drawdown) and land under water/bank (500 sf relating to new dam wall). According to the Environmental Notification Form (ENF), most of the wetlands impacts will be temporary in nature.

The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Washington Conservation Commission, a 401 Water Quality Certificate from MassDEP, and a Dam Repair Permit from DCR. The project is also subject to review by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). A portion of the project site is located in Estimated and Priority Habitat for the Tule Bluet Damselfly (Species of Special Concern).

Site Visit date/time:   Wednesday, August 20th at 1:30 PM
Location:   Pittsfield Wastewater Facility, off Utility Road, Pittsfield – a site visit will follow the initial meeting)
Comments Due:        August 26, 2008
Decision Due:           September 5, 2008
Project Contact:        Tom Touchet, Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (781) 224-6090  
MEPA Analyst:           Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

MEPA web site
Link to ENF (pdf first few pages)

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524

Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

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Reconstruction of River Road – Florida
EEA#14103R

Certificate (pdf) issued August 22, 2008
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted July 23, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 6 pages)

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Clearinghouse Review Comments will be posted here.
BEAT’s comments (pdf).

For copies: Benjamin Nichols (617) 973-8245
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

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Digital Trunked Radio System – Peru
EEA# 14289

Certificate (pdf) issued August 22, 2008
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted July 23, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 3 pages)
Comments due August 12, 2008

For copies: Robert MacMurray (216) 619-5449

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Notice of Water Management Act 20-Year Permit Renewal – Hudson River Watershed

Submitted July 23, 2008
Public Notice

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Commercial Remediation for East Street and Commercial Street – Pittsfield
EEA# 14259

Issued July 11, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) Does not Require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted June 11, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) first four pages

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the ENF, the project involves remediation at 11 separate contiguous parcels off East Street and Commercial Street in Pittsfield, MA. The project site is located within Estimated Habitat for state-listed rare species. The first four pages of the ENF can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/061108em/14259.pdf. A full copy of the ENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.

A site visit and consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. The meeting is scheduled as follows:

Date:               Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Time:               9:00 am
Location:         Meet in the EJ Prescott parking lot, 40 Commercial Street, Pittsfield

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to July 1st, 2008. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on July 11th, 2008. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or fax to (617) 626-1181. Please reference EEA #14259 in your comments.

Project Contact:           Jeff Randall, Hill Engineers, Architects and Planners, Inc.
(413) 684-0925 jrandall@hillengineers.com

Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions regarding the meeting may be answered by contacting Briony Angus at (617) 626-1029.

For copies Jeff Randall (413) 684-0925

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Reservoir Road Improvements and Scenic Overlook – North Adams
EEA# 14211

Issued April 25, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted March 26, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the ENF,

MassHighway and the City of North Adams propose the reconstruction and widening of a 0.63 mile segment of Reservoir Road from its northerly terminus at the intersection of Furnace Street southerly to 220 feet north of the intersection with Richview Avenue Extension. The project also involves construction of a new scenic overlook and parking area on the easterly side of Reservoir Road approximately 1,600 feet south of Furnace Street and approximately 500 feet east of #251 Reservoir Road.

The first four pages of the ENF can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/032608em/14211.pdf A full copy of the ENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.

A site visit and consultation meeting was held April 9th, 2008 to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project.

Project Contact: Michael Furlong, Massachusetts Highway Department,
(617)973- 8067;michael.furlong@mhd.state.ma.us

For copies Michael Furlong (617) 973-8067
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029

See Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Clearinghouse Review Committee comments (pdf).

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Housatonic Railroad Company

Submitted April 9, 2008
Notice of Receipt of a Yearly Operational Plan – to the Department of Agriculture

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Camp Eisner Pond Dredging Project – Great Barrington
EEA# 14257

Issued July 11, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) Does not Require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted June 11, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) first four pages

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the ENF, the project involves the dredging of a 3.3 acre man-made impoundment known as Camp Eisner Pond in Great Barrington, MA. The first four pages of the ENF can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/061108em/14257.pdf. A full copy of the ENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.

A site visit and consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. The meeting is scheduled as follows:

Date:               Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Time:               12:00 pm
Location:         Meet at Camp Eisner gatehouse. 53 Brookside Road, Great Barrington. (Detailed directions below)

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to July 1st, 2008. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on July 11th, 2008. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or fax to (617) 626-1181. Please reference EEA #14257 in your comments.

Project Contact:           Michael Kulig, Berkshire Engineering, Inc.
(413) 243-3780 mkulig@berkshireengineering.com

More directions:

Massachusetts Turnpike West to Exit 2 – Lee/Stockbridge/Great Barrington. Tum LEFT off exit ramp following signs to Route 102 to Stockbridge. Follow 102 into the center of Stockbridge where it will meet Route 7. Follow Route 7 South (make a hard left at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge) to Great Barrington. Continue for about 12 miles, pass through the town of Great Barrington.  As you pass the turn off for Route 23 (and Dunkin’ Donuts on your right) continue 1 mile to Eisner Camp Sign on your left, just past Big Y Supermarket on your right. Turn left at the camp sign onto Brookside Road – go 1/10 mile, over bridge and the camp entrance is on the left.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions regarding the meeting may be answered by contacting Briony Angus at (617) 626-1029.

For copies Mike Kulig (413) 243-3780

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Ashmere Lake Dam Remedial Repairs – Hinsdale
EEA# 14198

Issued October 17, 2008
Secretarty’s Certificate (pdf) – Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Submitted September 10, 2008
Environmental Impact Report – no pdf yet
Comments due October 10, 2008

Issued April 18, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Requires an Environmental Impact Report

BEAT is very concerned by what we have heard regarding this dam project. First, that most years the water appears to be drawn down by mistake to a level far below what is permitted. Second, that this dam does not appear to be in nearly as bad shape as many others around the state. Why should this dam receive priority? Perhaps there are legitimate reasons, but it is not clear to us

Submitted March 12, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) first four pages
comments due April 11, 2008

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New Marlborough Hill Subdivision – New Marlborough
EEA# 13679

Issued March 28, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted February 20, 2008

Notice of Project Change (pdf)

BEAT Note: See BEAT’s comments (pdf) sent to MEPA on March 18, 2008.

When BEAT first heard about this Notice of Project Change (NPC), we contacted the engineer on the project, SK Design Group, to ask for a copy of the NPC. In their response, SK Design stated that we had not been on their distribution list, but they immediately sent us a copy of the NPC. BEAT should have been on their list because we commented on the original project. We were notified by an abutter that they did not receive the NPC in a timely fashion either. BEAT notified the MEPA reviewer, asking that the NPC be resubmitted and sent to all required recipients. MEPA responded that the NPC had been sent to all required recipients – the day AFTER it was mailed to BEAT at our request. MEPA extended the comment period to accomodate the late mailing.

BEAT has an web page about this project.

For copies call Sarah Schultz (413) 443-3537
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029

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Draft Operating Permit Renewal for Schweitzer-Mauduit International – Lee

Submitted January 23, 2008
Notice of Draft Operating Permit Renewal (pdf) for Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
Greylock Street (Columbia, Eagle, Greylock Mills)
Lee, MA 01238-1002
(Application # 1-0-04-026) requirements under the state and federal Clean Air Act, including
monitoring, record keeping requirements and emission limitations.

The public comment period will extend until February 25, 2008. Under the
provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 30A and 310 CMR 7.00: Appendix C(6) (f), a public
hearing may be requested by any person by submitting a written request to the
Regional Office, stating the nature of the issues to be raised at a public
hearing. Based on the written request, the Department will determine if a public
hearing will be held and a 30 day written notice will be given. The duration of
the public comment period shall automatically extend to the close of the public
hearing as provided for at 310 CMR 7.00: Appendix C(6) (g).

Comments may be presented in writing until 5:00 PM on February 25, 2008. Please
submit three copies of any written testimony. Written testimony shall be
submitted to:

Department of Environmental Protection,
Western Regional Office
436 Dwight Street-5th floor
Springfield, Massachusetts 01103
Attention: Marc Simpson, Acting Permit Chief

A copy of the draft Operating Permit and the background information will be
available for inspection at the Western Regional Office. Please call John Kirzec
at (413) 755-2225 for further information.

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Hall Brook Dam Removal and Proactive Environmental Restoration – Adams
EEA# 14152

Issued February 27, 2008
Record of Decision (pdf)
Secretary proposes to grant a Full EIR Waiver

Issued January 30, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report; Secretary proposes to grant a Full EIR Waiver

Submitted December 24, 2007
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)

The Proponent distributed some additional information about the project in response to questions posed at the site visit. Comments were due on the Expanded ENF (EENF) by the close of business Wednesday,  January 23rd, 2008.

MEPA will issue a Decision on January 30th, 2008. If the Secretary proposes to grant the waiver from the requirement to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), MEPA will issue two documents: 1) a Certificate on the EENF that will outline issues to be addressed during permitting, and 2) a Draft Record of Decision (DROD) proposing to grant the EIR waiver with conditions. If the Secretary denies the Proponent’s waiver request, MEPA will issue a Certificate on the EENF that will outline a Scope for an EIR.

If the Secretary proposes to grant the waiver, the following dates apply:

  • DROD issued January 30th, 2008.
  • DROD published in next edition of Environmental Monitor, February 6th, 2008. Publication in Environmental Monitor begins 14-day comment period on the DROD.
  • Close of comments on the DROD: February 20th, 2008.
  • MEPA has 7 business days to issue a Decision on the DROD. By February 27th, 2008 MEPA will either issue a Final Record of Decision (FROD) granting the waiver or will deny the waiver request and amend the January 30th Certificate on the EENF to include a Scope for the EIR.

If you do not receive the supplemental information and would like a copy, please contact David Leone at GZA at 781-278-3700. Please feel free to call/email MEPA Analyst Briony Angus with any questions about the review process.

Previous information – An Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the EENF, the project involves the removal of the Hall Brook Dam in Adams, MA. The first three pages of the EENF and a brief project description can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/122407em/14152.pdf. A full copy of the EENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.

The project requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) because it involves a structural alteration of a dam that will cause a decrease in impoundment capacity. The Proponent has submitted an Expanded ENF with a request for a waiver of the mandatory EIR. The project requires a Dam Safety Permit from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Office of Dam Safety; a 401 Water Quality Certificate from the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP); a Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; review from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC); and an Order of Conditions from the Adams Conservation Commission.

For copies call David Leone, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.,(781) 278-3700 dmleone@gza.com
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029

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Remediation for West Branch of the Housatonic River – Pittsfield
EEA# 14162

Issued February 8, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted January 9, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)

BEAT’s comments will include another request (already agreed to by GE in a public Citizens Coordinating Council meeting) to remove trash from under the West Street bridge – including shopping carts that we were unable to pull out during the last river cleanup there. BEAT would also like to know what time of year GE proposes to do this work in that Dorothy Amos Park will have to be closed for 3 months.

For copies of the ENF call Brian Phelps (413) 684-0925
MEPA analyst is Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

This is the project to dredge the river and remove riverbank soil along Dorothy Amos Park on West Street. For more information see our West Branch page.

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Pittsfield Plaza Renovation – Pittsfield
EEA #14131

Issued December 19, 2007
Secretary’s Certificate –
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

A Draft Record of Decision (DROD) (pdf) was issued – see below:
At the request of the Proponent, the public comment period for the Pittsfield Plaza (EEA #14131) Draft Record of Decision (DROD) (pdf) has been extended for two weeks. The DROD proposing to grant a waiver from the requirement to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was issued on December 19th. The public comment period on the DROD began on December 24th. Originally, comments were due on January 7th, 2008.

Project submitted: October 1-15, 2007
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first few pages)

For copies call Phil Doyle (860) 651-4971
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029

A site visit was December 5.

BEAT’s biggest comment is that an Order of Conditions was issued by the Pittsfield Conservation Commission without reviewing the stormwater treatment plan (because the City’s Community Development office would later be doing that). Now all the wetland issues are “off the table” during the MEPA review – a review that is supposed to bring forward all environmentally relevant facts. The Commission was badly served by the Conservation Agent (who is also a voting member of the volunteer commission – a clear conflict of interest in BEAT’s opinion). Allowing an Order of Conditions to be issued before the MEPA process fails to protect the environment in our opinion. This is exactly the problem that happened with Valley Mill that took three years to correct and cost the proponent lots of extra money. Developers are not well served by this premature issuing of a permit.

See Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Clearinghouse Review Committee comments (pdf) on this project.

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Donny Brook Country Club 18-Hole Golf Course – Lanesborough
EOEA No.
13093

Issued March 28, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Submitted February 20, 2008
FEIR (Rollover of Supplemental EIR)

Issued February 15, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
– Adequately and properly complies with MEPA; Supplemental DEIR to be rolled over as FEIR

Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report
submitted January 9, 2008

For copies call Robert Fournier (413) 443-3537
MEPA analyst Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-1044

Issued 01/03/2007:
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) Requires an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted Novmeber 16-30, 2006
Notice of Project Change (pdf)

Issued 01/13/2006:
Secretary’s Certificate [pdf]: Does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA

Issued 12/15/2006
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf):
Requires a full Environmental Impact Report (draft and final)

For copies: Virginia Allan (617) 536-0975
MEPA Analyst: Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-104 deirdre.buckley@state.ma.us

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Snowy Owl Resort (formerly Brodie Mountain Resort) – New Ashford
EEA# 12750

Issued January 23, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted December 24, 2007
Notice of Project Change (pdf)

Originally an EIR was not required. The proponent has already filed one other Notice of Project Change on 08-14-03. They are requesting a finding that this project change is insignificant even though they will be altering (making impervious) an additional 2.4 acres (15% more than originally proposed). Also, they will be altering an additional 62,760 square feet of riverfront. They will also be increasing the square footage of structures by over 100,000 square feet.

In BEAT’s opinion, there are drastic changes from the original plan which had an anticipated completion date of 2002.

For copies call SK Design Group (413) 443-3537
MEPA analyst Holly Johnson (617) 626-1023

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Reconstruction of Benedict Pond Dam – Great Barrington and Monterey
EEA# 12663

Issued January 23, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted December 24, 2007
Notice of Project Change (pdf)

The proponent is requesting a previously issued scope for this project be rescinded because they have change their plans to reduce impacts below EIR thresholds.

BEAT note: in the Notice of Project Change they check off the box on the first page that says an EIR was required, but then check each “no” box for was a draft, final, or single EIR filed. Can this be correct?

For copies call Stephen Lecco (413) 525-3822
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029

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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 Stephen Pritchard
EOEA, Attn: MEPA Office
[Analyst Name], EOEA No. ____
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!

state email addresses are: first name . last name @state.ma.us
for example: Briony.Angus@state.ma.us

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