One of the biggest concerns of the area will be the impact on wetlands by proposed future 'developments'. For example, one of the streams which flows into a waterfall is faced by the threat of a Lowe's building. The impact to this stream alone is highly likely to exceed the 5,000 sf max. allowance in Massachusetts for impact on wetlands.
According to documents, the Lowe's impact on wetlands is said to be "4,585 sf".
Refer to ENF report for numbers: www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2010/010610em/nps/enf/14532.pdf
Refer Salem Citizens website for drawings and numbers: salemcitizens.org/issues/Lowes/Front%20End%20Charts.pdf
The summary of BVW "A", "B" and "C" in the image below equals 4,585 sf.
However...
However...
...as one studies the amount of wetland vegetation within these given boundaries and measures the drawings, the amount of wetland affected exceeds 5,000 sf by a great number. In my own personal investigation of the drawings, I've taken a conservative measurement to find the bvw wetland alteration is minimally 7,170± sf (excluding 'bank' area, and expanded work in buffer areas). Others have found these numbers to be higher.
A big question (for me at least) remains. Are the flags in the field correctly drawn in plan? It is discovered that some of the flags have duplicate numbers, and some of the measurements between the flags were shorter in distance than shown on the plan. Theoretically, if this is true, this could possibly mean that the stream in plan is extended at the thinner portion, causing the top thicker end of the stream on paper to be excluded from the calculations of the affected area? This is only a question. The only way for me to understand the conditions in the field is to have someone verify the locations of the flags with a handheld gps locator that has an inch or less tolerance, or other method of survey. But this investigation for me is not extremely important as we already discovered, that by measuring the drawings, the wetland alterations exceed the allowable limit by a great amount.
To measure the drawings:
Print the drawing below to scale (using the scale bar as a reference) and measure by using a series of triangles to calculate the affected wetland flagged area. Or import the drawing into a drawing program, using the scale bar as reference, and then trace over the affected area using a polygon tool, resulting in a calculation of the area. Use the drawing below found on Salem Citizens website (click here).
They look scandalous.
ReplyDeleteSo does this mean the state will be more responsible and not allow them to tear up more than 5,000 of wetland?
ReplyDeleteWhere's the environmental protection to wetlands when you are allowed to disturb/alter nearly 5,000 square feet. That is bogus!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm disgusted the Lions would allow this. The organization has done so much to see that children receive an education in nature throughout the years. Something is really wrong with the newer members. Money greed!
ReplyDeleteWhat about the run off water? will it go down and over flow the wetlands in the Fay Estate abuttin Frogs Pond that has been undergoing for succession since my family moved here over forty years...what about the populations of spring peepers, new family of woodpeckers in my back yard thrive on that pond along with wild rabbits, red foxes and a lot more wildlife that exist peacefully in that pond. what about my foundation when the footing loosens because of soft soil because an indrease of water from the run off will Salem Ma. replace my house???? Will the Engineers that wrote this report guarantee that Frogs Pond will not be involved with runoff..??? What is the EPA doing about the wetlands????
ReplyDeleteThese are all good questions. I hope the DEP uses the laws to help protect these wetlands at least. For the project to exceed the allowable limit, its proposal should hopefully be rejected.
ReplyDeleteThe speed of Run-off will increase. From lows/ camp basins, a discharge will let go storm water into a stream, which then flows west toward Spring Pond. There is a small ridge between this valley and Fays Ave, that contains the stream...however underground water levels may rise, possibly affecting the area of Frog Pond? Not sure but underground water far surpasses all the above ground water (streams, ponds, etc), and could possibly connect?
That's a reasonable concern, that the water table below ground may increase or cause 'expansive' soils to occur, causing the ground to heave and uplift, possibly damaging foundation walls.... silty soils are found surrounding wetlands. This is something to investigate.
Thanks for sharing all the thoughts!
To Anon 7:33 PM,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your caring attitude. Sometimes I wonder if I am all alone out there feeling the same things. It's good to know I'm not.
And, thank you Katerina for bringing together the voices of reason and opposition. We can't let this happen. People have a voice!