Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Mary Lincoln, Jim Henderson, Peter Von Mertens, David Katsuki, Toby Feibelman STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing: Request Notice of Intent: Joan Warren, 138 Lexington Road (Map 34- Block 9-Lot 0). For septic system replacement.
Cynda Joyce of Trowbridge Engineering Company represented Joan Warren with a filing to replace a failed septic system. The system is sized for the same number of bedrooms with the leach field and septic components located completely outside the 100-foot buffer zone. Approximately 3000 square feet of grading will take place within the 100-foot buffer zone with the closest point being 70' from wetlands. USGS maps show a creek near the property, but none was found on-site as it must have been altered with Route 2 construction. Several trees and small shrubs will be removed from the steep slope located inside the 100-foot buffer zone. A stone wall at the foot of the slope will serve as the strict limit of disturbance. The Commission wants to ensure the slope will be planted with native vegetation (low-bush blueberry sod) to
limit erosion and sedimentation and would like to see two large trees near the stone wall preserved with constructed stone wells if necessary. The Commission asked if a second location, completely outside the buffer zone in the eastern corner of the property, was feasible. The applicant did not do perc tests in that area and felt the overall disturbance would be greater with direct views opened to Route 2. Also, the alternative location would incur greater expense with pumps and the current location would prevent future homeowners from adding on or rebuilding the house closer to the wetland buffer zone. The Board of Health has not approved the plan, but the Commission felt comfortable with the current location as long as proper measures are taken to restabilize the slope. All attached conditions shall be clearly spelled out in the Order as the house is being sold with permits and the new homeowners will be responsible for the installation.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
Public Meeting: MBTA Right of Way Spraying:
Sam Bartlett of TEC Associates represented Mass Bay Transportation seeking the Commission's approval for the wetland delineation and herbicide spraying areas along the tracks. Tom Gumbart walked the tracks with Sam prior to the meeting to review and map the wetland and zone 2 well head protection areas. The Commission reviewed the maps, approved the wetlands delineation and asked to learn more information about the spraying. No spraying will take place within 10' of the wetlands. They spray selective chemicals once a year in a 20' swath between 10 and 100 feet of the wetlands. Well head protection areas are sprayed once every other year. Chemicals used include Round-up, Pro&Oust and Escort. Metal plates are placed on the tracks with color coding to tell the operator when to turn the sprayer on and off. There is
relatively little drift and one can clearly see the spray/no-spray zones by the presence of vegetation. Spraying will take place in early July.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue a negative determination.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Beaver Pipe Update
Mike Callahan from Beaver Solutions has installed beaver pipes at two dams along Beaver Brook in Mt. Misery. The water is approximately one foot lower, the height the Commission was looking for to keep the adult beavers alive without startling them. The fields at Lindentree Farm are significantly drier which stimulated the initial pipe installation. The water level and pipes will be monitored and lowered another foot in the fall. Mr. Callahan also looked at a beaver dam along the railroad tracks and felt that could easily be cleared by building a cage around the culvert. Tom Gumbart has called MBTA to alert them of the situation.
Drumlin Farm – Plans for new facility and “low impact development” techniques:
Christy Foote-Smith and Stuart Weinreb came back to present their proposal for a 319 grant application to improve the water quality at Drumlin Farm. Based upon a site visit and the language in the proposal, the Commission was in favor of the application and proposed work. They were particularly excited that Drumlin Farm will use the project to educate homeowners about water quality improvement projects.
CR Review – Harrington Land
The Commission reviewed and approved the Conservation Restriction for the Harrington Land.
Conservation Staffing
Sean Hale, Land Manager has left the department. Jim Henderson will work with the Conservation Staff to complete a conservation needs assessment to direct current and future staffing in the Department. They will then assess the skills and positions most suitable for meeting the greater needs and hire or reconfigure staff as necessary.
ACTION ITEMS
Mt. Misery Dog Regulations Adopted
Wetland Regulation Revisions Approved
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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