The Good, the Ugly. The EENF

from Feb-

CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ON THE EXPANDED ENVIRONMENTAL NOTIFICATION FORM

for the Proposed Lowe’s, Walmart and Meineke Expansions and Future Camp Lion Improvements Proposed by the Kennedy Development Group

letter by Secretary Ian A. Bowles on February 19, 2010

Read here:  http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepacerts/2010/sc/enf/14532eenf.pdf

some highlights:

(This letter was written in February, before receiving additional commentary.)

A request was denied to the Kennedy Development Group, and the group needs to prepare an Environmental Impact Report.  The request was denied based on the need to evaluate additional alternatives to minimize wetlands impacts. 

quote- "“Big box” stores such as the proposed Lowe’s and Walmart are large energy users and generate considerable traffic, both of which result in significant emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Fortunately, both Walmart and Lowe’s have made public commitments to reduce energy use and minimize the environmental impacts of their stores nationwide."  
(A green building cannot replace the negative impact this development will cause on this rich environment, history and every other problem.)

Permitting Process:

• This project is undergoing MEPA review 
• subject to preparation of a Mandatory Environmental Impact Report
• requires an Access Permit from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
• requires a 410 Water Quality Certificate from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
• may also require a Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) from MassDEP
• an Order of Conditions from the Salem Conservation Commission and a Superseding Order of Conditions from MassDEP if the local order is appealed)
• and subject to EEA/MEPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol
• a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Construction General Permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
• and a Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)

(and jurisdiction under Chapter 91 too?  The drainage will likely affect Spring Pond and its connecting wetlands.  Spring Pond is a Mass Great Pond.  Any project affecting these waterways is subject to this jurisdiction.)

Environmental Impacts

Wetland impacts on intermittent stream  

(... see how the 'intermittent' was decided in a cold month of December.  Maybe we should back up here.)

And the project will generate 5,960 average trips daily with a total of 17,716 trips on an average Saturday!!!  

( Traffic is tight now on Saturdays.  This says Saturday's traffic will add 24.6 cars a minute, but could be more if the real facts from WakeupWalmart are picked up.  And the 5,960 additional cars on an average daily basis does not sound correct for both stores combined.  An average-size Walmart Supercenter generates around 10,000 cars alone per day.  Check the facts on WakeupWalmart.com )

Alternative Analysis
Comments from MassDEP and the MassAudubon request that alternative layouts be explored to avoid and minimize wetland impacts...  The replication of a wetland proposed close to the access road does not have an adequate buffer to protect it.

Stormwater management... (skip, we already know the proposal doesn't work)

Traffic Analysis

As said before it will generate a lot of traffic.  (But the state is following a general rule based on ITE Land Code 820 (Shopping Center)... How about the real facts for a 'Walmart Supercenter'?  Who wants to tell the state?  see above for traffic info. )

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Again a green building cannot replace nature.  The Mass Building Code is for new building or renovations.  Lets not confuse and make it ok to apply to a building replacing nature.  Lets not loop hole around this.)

quote from letter- " In general I support Lowe's request to develop a prototype store for Massachusetts."  

Please lets not make this site the prototype... This would be a shame!  It is saying it is ok to rip up a site with rich history, potential vernal pools, geological features, pristine woods, limited open space, wildlife habitat, etc. etc.  (Again, I understand this letter was written in Feb.) 

This development is not the kind of prototype the Public should want.

Write concerns to MEPA

     For the Proposed Lowe's, Walmart and Meineke Expansions, and Future Camp Lion Improvements, EEA No. 14532 

Contact info:

env.internet@state.ma.us
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Boston MA 02114