Environmental Monitor – Berkshires – 2010

return to list of projects or return to top

Proposed Retail Store – North Adams
EEA# 13578

Submitted December 8, 2010
Final Environmental Impact Report (BEAT has a copy if you would like to look at it – team@thebeatnews.org)
Comments due January 7, 2011

Issued October 1, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA – next step if for the proponent to file an Final EIR

Submitted August 24, 2010
Notice of Project Change(pdf)/Draft Environmetnal Impact Statement
Comments due September 24, 2010

For copies: Kathlee Drea (781) 535-6954
MEPA Analyst: Deidre Buckley (617) 626-1044

BEAT Note: We have copies of the NPC/ENF and EIR at the BEAT office. Please give us a call if you would like to view them. (413-230-7321)–

return to list of projects or return to top

Thunder Brook Dam Removal – Cheshire
EEA# 14599

Issued June 30, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted May 24, 2010
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due June 23, 2010

For copies: Nick Wildman (617) 626-1527
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Zavolas (617) 626-1030

return to list of projects or return to top

Big Y Supermarket – Lee
EEA# 14577

Issued August 27, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Submitted July 21, 2010
Single Environmental Impact Report
Comments due August 20, 2010

Issued May 28, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
REQUIRES an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted April 21, 2010
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due May 21, 2010

For copies: Robert Fournier (413) 443-3537
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

return to list of projects or return to top

Greylock Glen Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education Center – Adams
EEA # 14566

Issued May 7, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted April 7, 2010
Environmental Notification Form
Site visit April 20, 2010

Comments due April 27, 2010

For copies: Corinne Snowdon (978) 897-7100
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

Notice of MEPA Consultation Session/Site Visit

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. The proposed project consists of a recreational and environmental educational facility. Greylock Glen is a 1,063-acre site located on Mount Greylock’s eastern slope. In 1989, the property was purchased by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in accordance with Chapter 676 of the Acts of 1985, a legislative action calling for development and lease of the parcel to support recreational use and stimulate economic development. The project includes a 100,000-square foot (sf) 170-room lodge and conference center, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, an 11,000-sf environmental education center, a 6,000-sf maintenance building, a 140-site campground, and supporting infrastructure and amenities. The project also includes improvements to the onsite trail network. Approximately 1,000 acres will be permanently protected as conservation lands. Environmental impacts include the alteration of 48 acres of land, the creation of 8 acres of impervious area, the alteration of 1,028 sf of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), the alteration of 8 acres of Riverfront Area, the generation of 2,410 new average vehicle trips, the creation of 913 new parking spaces, the use of 55,400 gallons per day (GPD) of water, and the generation of 50,363 GPD of wastewater. The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Adams Conservation Commission (and on appeal only, a Superseding Order of Conditions from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)), a Sewer Permit from MassDEP, and review by the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program. Because the project involves financial assistance from the Commonwealth and is being undertaken, in part, by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), a State Agency, MEPA jurisdiction is broad.

A consultation session will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:

Date:   Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Time:   2:00 PM
Location: Adams Town Hall, 8 Park Street, Adams, MA. Followed by site visit.

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to April 27, 2010. A Certificate on the ENF, will be issued on May 7, 2010.

Project Contacts: Corinne Snowdon, Epsilon Associates, Inc., 978.897.7100, csnowdon@epsilonassociates.com

Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting Purvi Patel, MEPA Analyst at 617.626.1029.
_______________________________________
Purvi P. Patel, EIT
Environmental Analyst,  MEPA Office
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
617.626.1029
purvi.patel@state.ma.us

For copies: Corinne Snowdon (978) 897-7100
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

return to list of projects or return to top

Green River Bank Stabilization – Great Barrington
EEA# 14569

Issued May 7, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted April 7, 2010
Environmental Notification Form
Site visit April 20, 2010
Comments due April 27, 2010

For copies:James Toth (978) 544-5620
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. The proposed project consists of the installation of 671 cubic yards of 1.5-2-inch diameter blocky rock in a 5,400 square foot (sf) area along 600 linear feet (lf) of the left bank of the Green River, as well as the excavation of 15,042 cubic feet of compensatory storage in an adjacent unused former corn field. Environmental impacts include the alteration of 0.48 acres of land, 600 lf of Bank, 5,400 sf of Land Under Water, 20,743 sf of Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, and 26,143 sf of Riverfront Area. The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Great Barrington Conservation Commission (and on appeal only, a Superseding Order of Conditions from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)), a Chapter 91 Permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certificate from MassDEP, and review by the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program. Because the project does not involve financial assistance or a land transfer from the Commonwealth, MEPA jurisdiction is limited to the subject matter of rare species and wetlands.

A consultation session will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:

Date:   Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Time:   11:00 AM
Location: Great Barrington Town Hall, 334 Main Street, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, GREAT BARRINGTON. Followed by site visit.

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to April 27, 2010. A Certificate on the ENF, will be issued on May 7, 2010.

Project Contacts:  Jim Toth, 978.544.5620, jtoth@crocker.com

Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting Purvi Patel, MEPA Analyst at 617.626.1029.

For copies:James Toth (978) 544-5620
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

return to list of projects or return to top

Housatonic Street Shared Use Pathway Project – Lenox
EEA# 14561

Issued April 23, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted March 24, 2010
Environmental Notification Form
Comments due April 13, 2010

For copies: Steven Mack (413) 499-1560
MEPA Analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

return to list of projects or return to top

The Center at Lenox – Lenox
EEA #14332

Issued June 11, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Submitted May 5, 2010
Final Environmental Impact Report (rollover of the DEIR) – again not online
Comments due on June 4, 2010

Issued April 24, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA: DEIR to be reviewed as FEIR

Submitted March 24, 2010
Draft Environmental Impact Report (first pages not online, but BEAT has a copy if you are interested in taking a look – the project has changed since the description below)
Comments due April 23, 2010

Issued November 21, 2008
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf) – Requires an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted October 22, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due 11/11/08

For copies: Timothy Williams (781) 935-6889 williams@allenmajor.com
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024 aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation 11/5 – 1pm

The project involves construction of 13,225 square foot (sf) retail pharmacy and a 73,700 sf bank and retail building with associated utilities, driveways and parking areas. The project includes demolition of an existing 956-sf structure. The 36-acre project site includes an existing restaurant, bank, and other retail buildings. The proposed project will result in an additional 6.6 acres of land alteration, including 4.4 acres of new impervious area and alteration of 4,500 sf of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). The proposed development will result in 3,602 new vehicle trips per day for a total of 10,656 trips on an average weekday.  Ninety-five new parking spaces are proposed (for a total of 768 spaces).  Additional water use is estimated at 5,069 gallons per day (gpd) (for a total of 13,642 gpd) and wastewater at 4,608 gpd (for a total of 12,402 gpd). The ENF proposes a connection for wastewater disposal to the municipal sewer system and indicates that the proponent is evaluating expansion of the existing fire pond to service the domestic water needs of the proposed retail center development.

Portions of the project site are mapped as priority habitat for two state-listed plant species. The project may require a Conservation and Management Permit from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Lenox Conservation Commission (and, on appeal only, a Superseding Order from MassDEP). The project requires a Highway Access Permit for access to Route 7/20 from the Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway).

Site visit date/time:    Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 1pm
Location:                   Land Use Meeting Room, Town Hall, 6 Walker Street, Lenox MA 01240
(a site visit will be held after the initial meeting at Town Hall)
Comments due:        November 11, 2008

Submitted October 22, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due 11/11/08

For copies: Timothy Williams (781) 935-6889 williams@allenmajor.com
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024 aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524

Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

return to list of projects or return to top

Minuteman Savoy Wind Project – Savoy
EEA# 14513

Issued April 16, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted November 23, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due now due April 9, 2010 (BEAT Note: in our opinion the initial submission was so lacking the proponent has had to supply much more information – thus the much extended [three times] comment deadline.)

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) Clearinghouse Review Committee draft comments (pdf)
Mass Audubon comments (pdf)

For copies: Don McCauley (508) 665-5801
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Zavolas (617) 626-1030

return to list of projects or return to top

Hoosac Wind Project – Florida and Monroe
EEA# 13143

Issued February 5, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted November 23, 2009
Notice of Project Change (pdf)
Comments due MAJOR CHANGE – February 5, 2010 (rather than December 29, 2009)
see letter from proponent (pdf)

BEAT’s comments (pdf)
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) Clearinghouse Review Committee comments (pdf)
Mass Audubon comments (pdf)

In BEAT’s opinion, this is a major change! 24 more acres of altered land and adding 4000 sf more building.

For copies: Nicole Sanford (413) 584-4776
MEPA Analyst:
Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

return to list of projects or return to top

Interstate Biodiesel Lenox Dale – Lenox
EEA# 14501

Issued January 8, 2010
Secretary’s Certificate
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
BEAT Note: We were pleased that the Secretary included a specific statement that if the water consumption or waste water generation plans change for this facility, the proponent must submit a Notice of Project Change
to the MEPA office. This project still needs many permits. For a list please refer to the Secretary’s Certificate.

Submitted November 9, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments now due December 29, 2009

Public meetings: Interstate Biofuels held an open house at the Niagara Mill at 2 Mill St., Lenoxdale Monday, Nov. 30th from Noon-4 PM, and an informational session at 6 PM at Lenox Town Hall.

Site visit: An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. The proposed project involves the production of 15 million gallons/year of biodiesel via esterificaton by the Proponent, Interstate Biofuels, on the sites of the former Niagara and Centennial paper mills. The 6.3-acre site consists of two parcels of industrially-zoned land in the Towns of Lenox and Lee. The majority of deliveries of feedstock to the site and biodiesel outbound from the site will be via rail (the site has access to active rail service). The current structure on-site is proposed to be adapted to contain the requisite biodiesel production processes. The site is located within the boundaries of the Upper Housatonic River Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC). A portion of the site is within the 100-year flood plain and within the Riverfront Area. The project will require Orders of Conditions from the Towns of Lenox and Lee.

A consultation session will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:

Date:    Friday, December 4th, 2009
Time:   12:00 PM
Location: Project Site – meet at the Niagara Mill, located at 2 Mill Street, Lenox, MA 01238

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to December 14, 2009. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on December 23, 2009.

The BRPC Clearinghouse Review Committee will meet on Mon, Dec. 7th at 4:00 pm at the BRPC office at 1 Fenn Street, Pittsfield. They will be reviewing this project, among others. These meetings are open to the public, but they may or may not accept public comment.

Project Contacts: Michelle L. Henderson, Interstate Biofuels, 917.653.9290
Robert G. Fournier, SK Design Group, Inc., 413.443.3537

Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting Purvi Patel, MEPA Analyst at 617.626.1029.

BEAT Notes: Engineer is SK Design. At the public meeting on November 30th, BEAT requested a plan showing the topography of the site at 1 foot contours stamped by a licensed surveyor. James Scalise said they already had this – but when questioned further – had not submitted it with the ENF. BEAT also requested an accident report for Housatonic Railroad for the last 20 years. We know of at least 3 train derailments by this railroad next to or into the river. BEAT believes there are much, much better locations for a biodiesel plant. They should not be permitted to have this facility right on the river. The entire site is within 200 feet of the river, and they are proposing to have 1000 foot long pipes running along the river carrying oil from the plant to the huge tanks at the north end of the property.

For copies: Michelle Henderson (917) 653-9290
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel (617) 626-1029

return to list of projects or return to top

Upper Hathaway Dam Removal Project – Dalton
EEA# 14493

Issued January 22, 2010
Secretary’s Final Record of Decision (pdf)
Secretary granted a Full EIR Waiver

Issued December 16, 2006
Secretary’s Record of Decision (pdf)
Secretary proposes to grant a Full EIR Waiver

Issued December 16, 2006
Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
does not require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted October 7, 2009
Environmental Notification Form (first page pdf), Full ENF (pdf 16.6 Mb)
Comments now due December 4, 2009
– BEAT Note: The proponent will be submitting additional information and will be changing the proposed access road to the site.

BEAT’s comments (pdf)

For copies: Aaron Weieneth (781) 224-6222
MEPA Analyst:
Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024

MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation
EEA# 14493  Upper Hathaway Dam Removal, Dalton

The City of Pittsfield has submitted an Expanded Environmental Notification Form (ENF), with a request for a full waiver of the requirement to prepare a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). As described in the Expanded ENF, the City proposes to remove the Upper Hathaway Dam as part of stream restoration efforts to restore connectivity between the Housatonic River and the upper reaches of Hathaway Brook. The dam currently impounds Hathaway reservoir. Both structures were historically used for water supply but have been abandoned since the 1950’s. The dam removal project is intended to allow migration of brook trout and provide other ecological benefits including  restoration of natural flow patterns and enhanced habitat value.

The proposed project involves filling portions of Hathaway reservoir to restore the former stream channel and upland topography, which will result in a net loss of 19,300 square feet of Land Under Water and 400 linear feet of Inland Bank. The project will impact 22,870 square feet of Riverfront Area.

The project requires a 401 Water Quality Certificate and Beneficial Use of Solid Waste Permit from MassDEP, an Order of Conditions from the Dalton Conservation Commission, and a Section 404 Permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.  The project may also require a permit from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Office of Dam Safety.

Site Visit date/time:    Monday October 26th  at 2pm
Location: Pittsfield Wastewater Treatment Plant  (WWTP)- Utility Drive, Pittsfield (off Holmes Road). The initial meeting at WWTP conference room will be followed by a site visit to the Upper Hathaway Dam.

As discussed at the site visit yesterday, the comment period is being extended to allow time for the Proponent to circulate supplemental information including revised plans for the access road, additional detail on dewatering and contingency plans, and pre-and post construction monitoring.

Comments on the Expanded ENF and Waiver request are now due by Friday December 4th.  The City’s consultants, AECOM, expect to distribute the additional information by November 23rd to allow time for review prior to the comment deadline.  The Secretary will issue a decision/Certificate on the project on December 16, 2009.

Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524

Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

return to list of projects or return to top

Berkshire Wind Power Project – Hancock and Lanesborough
EEA# 12532

Issued August 28, 2009
Secretary’s Certificate
Does Not Require an Environmental Impact Report

Submitted July 22, 2009
Notice of Project Change (pdf)
Comments due August 11, 2009

BEAT’s comments (pdf)

For copies: Daniel Nitzsche (413) 525-3822
MEPA Analyst:
Holly Johnson (617) 626-1023

return to list of projects or return to top

How to Submit Comments to MEPA:

The Secretary of Environmental Affairs accepts written comments on projects currently under MEPA review. Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, via FAX, or by hand delivery. Please note that comments submitted on MEPA documents are public records.

Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!

The mailing address for comments is:
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of Environment and Energy
Attn: MEPA Office
[Analyst Name], EOEA No. ____
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!

state email addresses are usually: first name.last name @state.ma.us
for example: Aisling.Eglington@state.ma.us

How to Submit Comments to MEPA (this link takes you to the MEPA Site)

return to list of projects or return to top
Back To Top