Environmental Monitor – Berkshires – 2009

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Minuteman Savoy Wind Project – Savoy
EEA# 14513

Submitted November 23, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due December 29, 2009

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) Clearinghouse Review Committee draft comments (pdf)
Mass Audubon comments (pdf)

For copies: Don McCauley (508) 665-5801
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Zavolas (617) 626-1030

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Hoosac Wind Project – Florida and Monroe
EEA# 13143

Submitted November 23, 2009
Notice of Project Change (pdf)
Comments due December 29, 2009

BEAT’s comments (pdf)
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) Clearinghouse Review Committee comments (pdf)
Mass Audubon comments (pdf)

In BEAT’s opinion, this is a major change! 24 more acres of altered land and adding 4000 sf more building.

For copies: Nicole Sanford (413) 584-4776
MEPA Analyst:
Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

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Interstate Biodiesel Lenox Dale – Lenox
EEA# 14501

Submitted November 9, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments now due December 29, 2009

Public meetings: Interstate Biofuels held an open house at the Niagara Mill at 2 Mill St., Lenoxdale Monday, Nov. 30th from Noon-4 PM, and an informational session at 6 PM at Lenox Town Hall.

Site visit: An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. The proposed project involves the production of 15 million gallons/year of biodiesel via esterificaton by the Proponent, Interstate Biofuels, on the sites of the former Niagara and Centennial paper mills. The 6.3-acre site consists of two parcels of industrially-zoned land in the Towns of Lenox and Lee. The majority of deliveries of feedstock to the site and biodiesel outbound from the site will be via rail (the site has access to active rail service). The current structure on-site is proposed to be adapted to contain the requisite biodiesel production processes. The site is located within the boundaries of the Upper Housatonic River Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC). A portion of the site is within the 100-year flood plain and within the Riverfront Area. The project will require Orders of Conditions from the Towns of Lenox and Lee.

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:    Friday, December 4th, 2009
Time:   12:00 PM
Location: Project Site – meet at the Niagara Mill, located at 2 Mill Street, Lenox, MA 01238

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to December 14, 2009. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on December 23, 2009.

The BRPC Clearinghouse Review Committee will meet on Mon, Dec. 7th at 4:00 pm at the BRPC office at 1 Fenn Street, Pittsfield. They will be reviewing this project, among others. These meetings are open to the public, but they may or may not accept public comment.

Project Contacts: Michelle L. Henderson, Interstate Biofuels, 917.653.9290
Robert G. Fournier, SK Design Group, Inc., 413.443.3537

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.

BEAT Notes: Engineer is SK Design. At the public meeting on November 30th, BEAT requested a plan showing the topography of the site at 1 foot contours stamped by a licensed surveyor. James Scalise said they already had this – but when questioned further – had not submitted it with the ENF. BEAT also requested an accident report for Housatonic Railroad for the last 20 years. We know of at least 3 train derailments by this railroad next to or into the river. BEAT believes there are much, much better locations for a biodiesel plant. They should not be permitted to have this facility right on the river. The entire site is within 200 feet of the river, and they are proposing to have 1000 foot long pipes running along the river carrying oil from the plant to the huge tanks at the north end of the property.

For copies: Michelle Henderson (917) 653-9290
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

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Pittsfield Airport Improvement Project – Pittsfield
EEA# 12480

Issued October 23, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Project change is insignificant; does not require an Environmental Impact Report

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Upper Hathaway Dam Removal Project – Dalton
EEA# 14493

Submitted October 7, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (first page pdf), Full ENF (pdf 16.6 Mb)
Comments now due December 4, 2009
– BEAT Note: The proponent will be submitting additional information and will be changing the proposed access road to the site.

BEAT’s comments (pdf)

For copies: Aaron Weieneth (781) 224-6222
MEPA Analyst:
Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation
EEA# 14493  Upper Hathaway Dam Removal, Dalton

The City of Pittsfield has submitted an Expanded Environmental Notification Form (ENF), with a request for a full waiver of the requirement to prepare a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). As described in the Expanded ENF, the City proposes to remove the Upper Hathaway Dam as part of stream restoration efforts to restore connectivity between the Housatonic River and the upper reaches of Hathaway Brook. The dam currently impounds Hathaway reservoir. Both structures were historically used for water supply but have been abandoned since the 1950’s. The dam removal project is intended to allow migration of brook trout and provide other ecological benefits including  restoration of natural flow patterns and enhanced habitat value.

The proposed project involves filling portions of Hathaway reservoir to restore the former stream channel and upland topography, which will result in a net loss of 19,300 square feet of Land Under Water and 400 linear feet of Inland Bank. The project will impact 22,870 square feet of Riverfront Area.

The project requires a 401 Water Quality Certificate and Beneficial Use of Solid Waste Permit from MassDEP, an Order of Conditions from the Dalton Conservation Commission, and a Section 404 Permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.  The project may also require a permit from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Office of Dam Safety.

Site Visit date/time:    Monday October 26th  at 2pm
Location: Pittsfield Wastewater Treatment Plant  (WWTP)- Utility Drive, Pittsfield (off Holmes Road). The initial meeting at WWTP conference room will be followed by a site visit to the Upper Hathaway Dam.

As discussed at the site visit yesterday, the comment period is being extended to allow time for the Proponent to circulate supplemental information including revised plans for the access road, additional detail on dewatering and contingency plans, and pre-and post construction monitoring.

Comments on the Expanded ENF and Waiver request are now due by Friday December 4th.  The City’s consultants, AECOM, expect to distribute the additional information by November 23rd to allow time for review prior to the comment deadline.  The Secretary will issue a decision/Certificate on the project on December 16, 2009.

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Energy and 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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Berkshire Wind Power Project – Hancock and Lanesborough
EEA# 12532

Issued August 28, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate
Does Not Require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted July 22, 2009
Notice of Project Change (pdf)
Comments due August 11, 2009

BEAT’s comments (pdf)

For copies: Daniel Nitzsche (413) 525-3822
MEPA Analyst:
Holly Johnson (617) 626-1023

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Route 8 over Kitchen Brook – Cheshire

submitted July 8, 2009
Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification

Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1341 M.G.L. c. 21 S 43, notice is given of a 401 Water Quality
Certification application for the repair of Bridge C-10-009, which carries Route 8 over Kitchen Brook in the town of Cheshire by the MassHighway Department, Ten Park Plaza, Room 4260, Boston, MA 02116. This project will involve repairs to the abutments, wingwalls, and breastwalls. Additional
information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Highway Department at the above address,
Attention Alex Murray (617) 973-8284. Written comments should be sent to DEP, Division of
Wetlands and Waterways, Attention Derek Standish, Boston Region, One Winter Street, 3rd
Floor, Boston, MA 02108 within 21 days of this notice. Any group of ten persons, any aggrieved
person, or any governmental body or private organization with a mandate to protect the
environment who submits written comments may appeal the Department’s Certification. Failure
to submit written comments before the end of the public comment period may result in the waiver
of any right to an adjudicatory hearing.

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Marchesio Park Channel Improvements – Pittsfield
EEA# 14434

Issued July 24, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted June 24, 2009
Environmental Notification Form
Comments due July 14, 2009

For copies: Neil Kulikauskas (860) 563-7775
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

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Reconstruction of Tyringham Road – Lee
EEA #14426

Issued July 17, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted June 10, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due July 10, 2009

For copies: Michael Gagnon (413) 452-0445 x4432
MEPA Analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

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Northeast Utilities/Western Massachusetts Electric Company – Lee, Becket, Otis and Blandford

Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification

Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1341 and M.G.L. c. 21 $$26 – 53, notice is given of a 401 Water
Quality Certification application for OPGW Installation by Northeast Utilities/Western
Massachusetts Electric Company, 107 Seldon Street, Berlin, CT 06037 on Line Number
1421 in Lee, Becket, Otis and Blandford to improve transmission communications between
electrical substations. Additional information may be obtained from Mr. John Morissette,
107 Seldon Street, Berlin, CT 06037, (860) 665-2036. Written comments should be sent to
MassDEP Western Regional Office, Division of Wetlands and Waterways, 436 Dwight
Street, Springfield, MA 01103 within twenty-one days of this notice.

Any group of ten persons, any aggrieved person, or any governmental body or private
organization with a mandate to protect the environment who submits written comments
may appeal the Department’s Certification. Fdure to submit written comments before the
end of the public comment period may result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory
hearing.

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Old Pleasant Street Bridge – Lee

submitted May 6, 2009
Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification

Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1341 M.G.L. c. 21 S 43, notice is given of a 401 Water Quality
Certification application for the replacement of Bridge L-05-023 , Old Pleasant Street over the
Housatonic River in the town of Lee, Massachusetts by the MassHighway Department, Ten Park
Plaza, Room 4260, Boston, MA 021 16. This project will involve the replacement of the existing
bridge superstructure on the same horizontal alignment as the existing structure. Additional
information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Highway Department at the above address,
Attention Robert Bennett (617) 973-7886. Written comments should be sent to DEP, Division of
Wetlands and Waterways, Attention Derek Standish, Boston Region, One Winter Street, 3rd
Floor, Boston, MA 02108 within 21 days of this notice. Any group of ten persons, any aggrieved
person, or any governmental body or private organization with a mandate to protect the
environment who submits written comments may appeal the Department’s Certification. Failure
to submit written comments before the end of the public comment period may result in the waiver
of any right to an adjudicatory hearing.

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Green River Resource Improvement & Bank Stabilization – Great Barrington
EEA# 14399

Issued May 8, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted April 8, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due April 28, 2009

MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation

The proposed project involves stabilization of the river bank, which has been subject to erosion, on the 1.7-acre project site located along the Green River. The stabilization plan includes use of blocky rock, root wads a tree revetement and live stakes.

The project requires a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and is subject to review by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Great Barrington Conservation Commission (and, on appeal only, a Superseding Order from MassDEP).

The proposed project will impact 600 linear feet of Bank, 974 square feet (sf) of Land Under Water, 9,900 sf of Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, and 12,000 sf of Riverfront Area. The project will alter 0.28 acres of land.

Site visit date/time:  Thursday April 23, 2009 at 12 noon
Location:                Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Second Floor  at Town Hall, 334 Main Street Great Barrington, MA 01230 (a site visit will take place after the initial meeting at Town Hall)

Comments Due:         April 28, 2009
Decision Due:             May 8, 2009
Project Contact:        Jim Toth,  James Toth Engineering, (978) 544-5620  jtoth@crocker.com
MEPA Analyst:           Aisling Eglington, (617) 626-1024  aisling.eglington@state.ma.us
MEPA Web site:         http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/index.htm

 

For copies: James Toth (978) 544-5620
MEPA Analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

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Ashley Lake Dam Repair Project – Washington
EEA# 14295

Issued April 10, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted March 11, 2009
Notice of Project Change (pdf)
Comments due March 31, 2009

See last year’s information.

For copies: Jennifer Doyle-Breen (781) 224-6474
MEPA Analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

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Ashmere Lake Dam Remedial Repairs – Hinsdale
EEA# 14198

Issued February 27, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Submitted January 21, 2009
Final Environmental Impact Report – no pdf available
Comments due February 20, 2009

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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Pittsfield Generating Company, L.P. – Notice of Public Comment Period for Draft Carbon Dioxide Trading Program Emission Control Plan – 1/21/09

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP or the Department), acting in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. chapter 11 1, Section 142A through 142E, offers for public comment the following draft CO2 Budget Trading Program Emission Control Plan approval issued pursuant to regulation 3 10 CMR 7.70, the Massachusetts CO2 Budget Trading Program.

The draft Emission Control Plan approval for Pittsfield Generating Company, L.P. is being issued in accordance with 310 CMR 7.70. MassDEP has determined that Units 1, 2, and 3 at this facility are subject to the CO2 Budget Trading Progranl. As such, the draft Emission Control Plan approval sets forth the methodologies for monitoring the COz mass emissions and the net electric generation from the applicable units. The purpose of the Emission Coiltrol Plan approval is to codify these monitoring methodologies under the state CO2 Budget Trading Program regulation.

The draft CO2 Budget Trading Program Emission Control Plan approval is for:
FACILITY NAME: Pittsfield Generating Company, L.P.
APPLICANT: Maxim Power Corp.
FACILITY ADDRESS: 235 Memll Road, Pittsfield, MA
TRANSMITTAL NO.: X007 169

The public comment period will extend until February 13, 2009. Comments may be presented in writing until 5.00 PM on February 13,2009. MassDEP requests that written testimony be submitted electronically via e-mail to: stacy.h.degabriele@state.ma.us.

Written testimony may also be submitted to:
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, 6thFloor, Boston, MA 02 108
ATTENTION: Stacy DeGabriele

A copy of the draft COz Budget Trading Program Emission Control Plan approval and the CO2 Budget Trading Program Emission Control Plan approval application are available for inspection at the Western Regional Office and also on the MassDEP website (but you have to search for them – or you can follow the links below).

Pittsfield Generating/Maxim Power’s application (pdf)

Mass DEP’s Draft Approval (pdf)

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Otis Reservoir Dam Rehabilitation – Otis
EEA #14353

As far as we can tell no decision was ever issued

Submitted December 24, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
comments due 1/27/09

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.

BEAT note:
BEAT met with the Dalton Fire District to review the plans for this culvert. The plans looked good and appeared to comply with the Massachusetts River and Stream Crossing Standards.

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North Hoosic River Restoration – Clarksburg
EEA #14337

January 9, 2009
Secretary has granted a Full EIR Waiver (pdf)

December 17, 2008
Secretary proposes to grant a Full EIR Waiver (pdf)
Comments due January 7, 2009

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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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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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:
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of Environment and Energy
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 usually: first name.last name @state.ma.us
for example: Aisling.Eglington@state.ma.us

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