Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Dave Katsuki, Ben Horne & Ari Kurtz
STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart
WETLANDS FILINGS
Public Hearing: Notice of Intent: Daniel Boynton. 34 Cambridge Turnpike (14-8-0). For a septic system replacement in the Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Bill Murphy of PureGround, Inc. represented Daniel Boynton with a Notice of Intent to replace a failed septic system. The system is sized for 4 bedrooms, the same number as the existing house. A tank and pump chamber will be located approximately 50 feet from the wetland, under existing lawn, and will replace a cesspool that is approximately 40 feet from the wetland. The leachfield will be located approximately 51 feet from the wetland and will be built into the slope in order to minimize tree clearing and fill. Haybales and silt fencing will be placed between the working area and the wetlands. The Commission agreed that this plan was the most feasible and best option for the site as there are no options for locating the system outside the 100-foot Buffer Zone due to steep slopes and exposed ledge. The plan will be presented at the Board of
Health meeting on Wednesday March 12, 2008.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions at its March 19, 2008 meeting.
Public Hearing: Notice of Intent: Geraldine Robbins. 18 Old Cambridge Turnpike (24-9-0). For a septic system replacement in the Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Bill Murphy of PureGround, Inc. represented the Estate of Geraldine Robbins with a Notice of Intent to replace a failed septic system. The system is sized for 3 bedrooms, the same number as the existing house. A tank and pump chamber will be located approximately 75 feet from the wetland, under existing lawn, and will replace a cesspool that is approximately 75 feet from the wetland. A 2" pipe will connect to the leach field located outside the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area, in the back of the property. Haybales and silt fencing will be placed between the working area and the wetlands. The Commission requested that a 4" schedule 40 pvc be wrapped around the 2" forced main extending approximately 25 feet on either side of the intermittent stream with sealed couplings so that leaks can be detected and future disturbance
minimized.
A neighbor was at the hearing and requested that the Commission require the leach field to be located closer to the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area in order to preserve three large trees that would otherwise need to be removed. The Commission explained that they do not have jurisdiction beyond the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area, but explained that they would be in favor of a plan that locates the system where there is an existing barn outside the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area. Whether or not the applicant wants to remove the barn and relocate the system to save the trees is up to the applicant. The Commission agreed that there were no suitable locations in the front of the property due to unsuitable fill and ledge and wants to ensure that the contractors restore the crossing to the existing condition. The Commission will
review a deed restriction that was placed on the property to see if it applies to the septic system work. The Board of Health will review the plan at its March 12th meeting.
The Commission voted 5-0 to continue the hearing to March 19, 2008 at 8:15pm.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Flint’s Pond Dam
The State notified the Town that the dam at the south end of Flint’s Pond is not compliance and needs repair. Chris Bibbo has reviewed the dam with an engineer and is coordinating with the State. The dam is less than 6 feet high and thus should not be regulated by the State.
Booth Conservation Restriction
Tom Gumbart gave a brief overview of each of three conservation restrictions associated with the Booth Property. All three conservation restrictions will go to the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. One parcel of land totaling approximately 11 acres (including pleasant meadow) will be deeded to the Town of Lincoln Conservation Department. This property will include a trail easement and will restrict all building and/or infrastructure development. The second conservation restriction will be placed on the Duck Pond lot which is approximately 2.1 acres. The third conservation restriction will be placed on the house lot (approximately 7 acres) and will include building envelope, size and style restrictions. Jim Meadors and Tom Gumbart will review the changes with the Rural Land Foundation.
Harrington Conservation Land – ADA Trail
Tom Gumbart, Angela Seaborg and Anita Scheipers are working with the City of Cambridge and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust to explore options for creating a universally accessible trail into the Harrington Conservation Land. Lincoln Town Staff will work in-house to come up with a few potential schemes, before convening as a larger group to discuss cost and feasibility.
Sunnyside Stream Restoration
CEI prepared a preliminary drainage plan to tie the stormwater runoff down Sunnyside Lane into the newly daylighted Sunnyside Stream. Representatives from MA Riverways and the Minute Man National Historical Park were not satisfied with the plan because it did not take into account the extra storage capacity needed to pre-treat the stormwater before entering the stream. Tom Gumbart and Chris Bibbo will continue to work with CEI to create a drainage plan that properly handles stormwater and will meet the requirements of the Park.
Agricultural Licensing Program
The deadline has passed for farmers to submit applications for use of Lincoln’s agricultural lands. All of the existing farmers submitted their materials or have been in communication with Tom Gumbart. Several farmers expressed interest in using the Ricci Field located just south of Route 2A.
Community Preservation Committee – Invasive Management Proposal
The Committee was in favor of the revised proposal for invasive plant and insect management on conservation land. The proposal was reviewed by the Finance Committee and Town Council and will hopefully receive final approval at the March Town Meeting.
Enforcement Letters
Tom Gumbart is sending out letters to homeowners who are encroaching on town conservation land. These letters are a result of the monitoring efforts of the conservation and land trust staff in 2007. In the coming year, Staff will review the incidents with the Commission as they arise.
Mt. Misery
Ari Kurtz reported that people are not following the rules at Mt. Misery. Dog feces are prevalent throughout the farm fields which are more noticable due to the end-of-season thaws. Conservation staff will continue to post signs and monitor the area to seek compliance with dog regulations.
ACTION ITEMS
Order of Conditions Issued to Suh Lawon. 31 Mill Street (20-3-0)
Minutes Approved 2/20/08
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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