Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Mary Lincoln, Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Peter VonMertens, David Katsuki, and Toby Feibelman. STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent, Continued From January 5, 2005: Peter and Alexandra Guldberg, 263 Old Concord Road in Lincoln. (Map 59-Block 5-Lot 1&0). For vegetation management in the 100-foot buffer zone.
Neither Peter Guldberg nor Scott Smyers of Oxbow Associates were present for the continued hearing. Likewise, no abutters were present. The January 5th hearing was continued so Commissioners that had not seen the site could do so. Peter Von Mertens opened the hearing by sharing his thoughts from a site visit and discussion with Mr. Guldberg. While it appeared that historic clearing on the slope did take place to maintain views of Fairhaven Bay, the latest clearing extended to the wetlands edge, providing views directly down from the top of the slope. To maintain the long-term health of the wetland bank, vegetation directly bordering the edge would need to re-establish naturally with the only maintenance being manual removal of non-native, invasive plants. The Guldbergs may lose the view of the
wetland edge directly down, but would preserve some views out toward the bay. The Commission agreed that no work should take place at or below the 120' contour (conservation restriction area) with the exception of non-native invasive plant removal.
The Commission agreed that restoration planting on the slope is not necessary, but felt strongly that vegetation in both zones should be higher with areas of full-size naturalized shrubs left to reestablish the wildlife corridor along Fairhaven Bay. They decided that no pruning of any native or non-invasive shrubs shall be done within the 50-foot buffer zone. Ten saplings or stump sprouts such as red oak, gray birch, hemlock, or white pine, distributed throughout the 50-foot buffer zone, shall be selected to grow to full size canopy trees. Trees other than those selected may, with Commission permission, be cut at ground level.
Trees and shrubs shall be cut no shorter than 3 feet in height in the 50 to 100-foot buffer zone with the exception that the mowed lawn can remain where it is but it cannot be expanded within the buffer zone. At least 5 saplings or stump sprouts shall be selected to grow to full size canopy trees and these shall be distributed throughout the 50 to 100-foot buffer zone. Trees other than those selected may, with Commission permission, be cut at ground level.
Both the LLCT and Conservation Commission would like the applicant to monitor and control non-native invasive plants on the slope, including the conservation restriction area. The Commission and LLCT request that the applicant provide permanent markers along the 120' contour line for future reference of the conservation restriction area and along the 50' buffer zone line. All proposed future work within the buffer zone or conservation restricted area, other than what is permitted under the Order of Conditions, must be reviewed by the Commission and LLCT.
The Commission voted 6-0 to close the public hearing.
Public Meeting – Request for Determination of Applicability: Sally Bobbitt, 26 Morningside Lane. (Map 22-Block 37-Lot 0). For proposed replacement of an existing septic system within the 100- and 50-foot buffer zone.
A replacement sewer, septic tank, pump chamber, forced main, and a small portion of the leach field will be located within the 50 and 100-foot buffer zone. The proposed 1,500 gallon 2-compartment septic tank and 1,000 gallon pump chamber are to be located 44.7 feet from BVW. The southwest corner of the leach field is located 98 feet from the BVW. The Infiltrator chambers allowed the system footprint area to be reduced by over 9 feet, thereby moving the new system further away from the BVW. Due to site constraints, the septic components are the furthest feasible distance from the wetlands. The Commission voted 6-0 to issue a negative Determination of Applicability.
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent: Jerodel Realty Trust, 63 Winter Street in Lincoln. (Map 91-Block 7-Lot 0). For a replacement sewage disposal system within the 100- and 50-foot buffer zone.
A replacement sewer, septic tank, pump chamber, force main, and leach field will be located within the 50 and 100-foot buffer zone. The proposed 1,500 gallon 2-compartment septic tank and 1,000 gallon pump chamber are to be located 49.8 feet 48.4 feet respectively from BVW. The 680 square-foot leach field is located behind the existing house, 66.4 feet from the BVW. The proposed system does not include capacity for a garbage grinder. Due to site constraints, the septic components are the furthest feasible distance from the wetlands. Locating the leach field and septic components in the east yard would require several feet of fill and would demolish an historic stone wall. The Commission voted 6-0 to close the public hearing.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Sunnyside Lane
Plans are moving forward for the affordable housing units at Sunnyside Lane. The plan will come before the Commission for permitting. There is a small, isolated wet area in the northeast corner of the property. Because of site constraints, work at this lot will be proposed within the buffer zone to this wetland.
New DEP Wetlands Enforcement Manual – Available in the Conservation Department.
Mass Bay Commuter Rail
Mass Bay sent an RDA for right-of-way herbicide spraying along all the railroad tracks in Town. The filing is currently not complete. The Commission would like a current assessment of the accuracy of their wetland delineation. In addition, a representative needs to attend the ConCom meeting (once scheduled) to discuss the techniques and details anticipated for the work. Tom Gumbart will communicate with TEC Associates, the consulting firm doing the permitting, to arrange for the needed work.
ACTION ITEMS
Order of Conditions Issued to Deborah Hawkins – 69 Page Road 50-4-0
Determination of Applicability Issued to Sally Bobbitt – 26 Morningside Lane 22-37-0
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully submitted,
Angela Kearney
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