The BEAT News
August 14, 2006

Berkshire School Master Plan calls for building and paving in the ACEC and endangered species habitat - site visit 8/22 11am - MEPA comment period until 8/28

BEAT has not had a chance to review this project yet, but Berkshire School has filed an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for major development at the school in Sheffield. (Copy of the first pages of the ENF (pdf))

From what we understand Berkshire School is proposing 298 new parking spaces - just two more and they would be mandated to file an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The proposed new impervious area is just 0.6 acres below the threshold mandating filing of an EIR. They are proposing to build in the Schenob Brook Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The site is also in endangered species habitat. Apparently the proponent erroneously checked off that they have not previously filed an ENF for work at this site. If the work described in the previous ENF took place, combined they projects may exceed mandatory thresholds.

There is a site visit on Tuesday, August 22 at 11 am. Meet at the school. The more people showing concern the better! Come learn all about the project. Even if you cannot attend, you can comment on the project.

You can get copies of the ENF by calling Evelyn Friedrich (617) 951-1123. Comments can be emailed to Briony Angus briony.angus@state.ma.us Comments are due by August 28, 2006. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will be writing a "Clearinghouse Review" (comments). They will hold a Clearinghouse Review committee meeting which is open to the public. Their comments, as are all comments are public record.

EOEA No. 13852, Berkshire School Master Plan, Sheffield
Site visit Tuesday, August 22, 11 am at Berkshire School
Comments due by 08-28-06
For copies call Evelyn Friedrich (617) 951-1123
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029 briony.angus@state.ma.us

Briony Angus
Environmental Analyst, MEPA Office
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1029

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Waterkeeper Alliance Wins On Stormwater Pollution:
Federal Court Says EPA Must Set Standards Controlling Strip Mall and Subdivision Stormwater Pollution

WASHINGTON - Agreeing with conservation groups, a federal court today ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must set standards to control stormwater pollution from strip malls, subdivisions and other new development. ( pdf of the decision)

The ruling resulted from a September 2004 lawsuit filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Waterkeeper Alliance charging that the EPA's unwillingness to control construction site pollution would lead to more beach closings, waterborne disease, flooding, fish kills and contaminated drinking water supplies. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California today ruled that the agency's inaction violated the Clean Water Act. The states of New York and Connecticut joined the conservation groups in the case.

"The EPA isn't protecting our water, it's protecting asphalt," said Nancy Stoner, director of the Clean Water Project at NRDC. "The parking lot lobby may be happy about that, but Americans who like to swim, fish, and drink clean water are out of luck. Now the EPA has to do its job to safeguard public health."

Polluted runoff from paved surfaces, such as parking lots, highways and rooftops, is the fastest growing source of water pollution across the country, according to a 2002 report by the Pew Oceans Commission. EPA's failure to control urban stormwater pollution, NRDC and the Waterkeeper Alliance said, is despoiling the environment and threatening public health, particularly in coastal areas, where stormwater already is the largest source of water pollution and population is growing rapidly.

"Today's decision is a tremendous victory for the American public," said Waterkeeper Alliance Staff Attorney Jeffrey Odefey. "The court recognized that the EPA has shirked its responsibility to control stormwater. Solutions to prevent polluted runoff are available, affordable, and necessary to keep our nation's waters clean."

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Proposed Churchill Estates on aquifer on Pittsfield

Next meeting - Pittsfield Conservation Commission hearing continued to 8/24 6pm
Pittsfield Community Development continued to 10/3

At the site visit July 26, BEAT became convinced that there are additional jurisdictional wetlands on the site that need to be delineated by an independent consultant. There are numerous other problems that came to light as well. The proponent expects the city to take over the roads, not use salt on them, and the storm drains must be cleaned out four times per year. BEAT believes that city storm drains are clean out once a year at best. The development will have a deed restriction to prohibit the use of pesticides and fertilizers. BEAT sees that as unenforceable. The stormwater management system has no design specifications that BEAT could find. This leaves many questions as to whether or not it would work. Part of the Operation and Maintenance Plan includes checking after every two-years storm - unlikely in BEAT's opinion.

BEAT has some serious worries about the proposed Churchill Estates in Pittsfield at the town line with Lanesborough. This project is located on Pittsfield's only medium yield aquifer that is not polluted with PCBs. BEAT believes the city should keep this land as open space to protect the aquifer. It is an irreplaceable asset.

This Project has two city reviews and a state review coming up.

PITTSFIELD Conservation Commission Public Hearing was continued to Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 6pm on a Notice of Intent (NOI = application for a wetland permit) for Churchill Road (Map D17, Block 2, Lot 1) for installation of water main for subdivision road. Applicant is Central Berkshire Land Development, LLC

Pittsfield's Community Development Board continued the public hearing on Churchill Estates until Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 7pm due to the lack of detailed information submitted thus far by the proponents. The Definitive Subdivision Plan entitled "Definitive Plan of Churchill Estates" submitted by Central Berkshire Land Development, LLC was for a 39 lot subdivision. This subdivision is located on the eastern side of Churchill Street, just below the Lanesborough town line. The site can be further identified as being composed of the following Assessor's lots: E16-1-301 & D17-2-302. A copy of the plan and application is on file in the Department of Community Development Office, Room 205, City Hall and may be viewed during regular business hours.

Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review
EOEA No. 13834, Churchill Estates Residential Subdivision, Pittsfield
Copy of the first pages of the ENF (pdf)
Comments due by 7-31-06
For copies call Teresa Perry (413) 443-8011
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029 briony.angus@state.ma.us

An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project.

The project proposes the development of 39 residential housing units on a 54-acre site. The project site is located in the northwest corner of the City of Pittsfield; the Town line of Lanesborough is the northern boundary of the parcel. Approximately 16 acres of the site has been mined for gravel. Daniels Brook, a perennial stream, flows north to south along the eastern boundary of the property. The project will result in the creation of 7.3 acres of new impervious surface; the generation of 390 new daily vehicle trips; require 15,840 gallons per day (gpd) of drinking water; and generate 15,840 gpd of wastewater.

The project requires a NPDES Stormwater Permit; Site Plan Review from the Pittsfield Planning Board; and an Order of Conditions from the Pittsfield Conservation Commission, and therefore a Superceding Order of Conditions from the Department of Environmental Protection if the local Order is appealed. On the ENF, the proponent incorrectly stated that the project exceeds a Mandatory EIR threshold. The project's impacts to jurisdictional wetlands were not documented in the ENF. The project consultant has agreed to send out a supplemental information packet to the ENF distribution list regarding wetland impacts before the site visit.

BEAT attended the site visit and consultation meeting which was held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome.

Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to July 31st, 2006. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on August 9th, 2006.

Project Contact: Bob Tynan, White Engineering, Inc. (413) 443-8011 btynan@whiteeng.com.
__________________________________________________________________________
Briony Angus
Environmental Analyst, MEPA Office
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1029

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NEGEF Small Grants Program Upcoming Grant Deadline 9/15

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF) is a small grants program designed to foster local grassroots environmental initiatives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, in the places where we live, work and play. NEGEF provides small grants of up to $2,500 to fuel local activism that results in broader community involvement in projects that address a wide range of environmental issues and opportunities. The mission of NEGEF is to energize and nurture ling-term civic engagement in local initiatives that create and maintain healthy, just, safe and environmentally sustainable communities. Applications are accepted anytime, with the following deadlines for each grant round: January 15, May 1 and September 15.

Local groups may be tackling an environmental health problem related to poor air quality or water pollution, or advocates may be urging citizen participation in wildlife habitat protection. For more information and copies of our brochure contact NEGEF at P. O. Box 1057, Montpelier, VT 05601, email or visit the website.

BEAT has received these grants in the past. All the staff at NEGEF are wonderful and receiving one of their grants is like joining a family. They are tremendously supportive. Thank you NEGEF!

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Get involved in planning process in Pittsfield 7/25
from a letter to the editor by ALBERT INGEGNI, III -who chairs the city of Pittsfield Master Plan Advisory Committee

It is an exciting time to be living and working in Pittsfield. New families are moving into our neighborhoods. New businesses are opening up in our downtown and across the community.

The city has appointed a master plan advisory committee to oversee the 16-month process; and hired a consultant, Saratoga Associates, to help craft the plan. Pittsfield's last master plan was written in 1993 - and a lot has changed since then.

The most important part of the plan is creating a vision for Pittsfield's future. What do we want the city to be in five, 10 or 15 years? What do we want our neighborhoods to be like? What kinds of job opportunities do we want to encourage? What face do we want to present to visitors? What kind of open spaces and recreational places do we want to create or preserve?

The answers to these questions must come from the people who live and/or work in Pittsfield. That means you have to get involved.

You can also reach us via mail or e-mail. Send letters to the Master Plan Advisory Committee, Pittsfield Community Development Department, 70 Allen St. Our e-mail address is masterplan@pittsfieldch.com.

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Save energy and money - computer tips

--A single computer with monitor running 8 hours a day, 5 days a week consumes approximate 850 KWH per year at a local cost of about $60. Activation of the power management features built into your computer can save up to 80% of that energy and cost.
http://pmdb.cadmusdev.com/powermanagement/quickCalc.html
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=power_mgt.pr_power_management

--Limit screen-saver use. A screen saver does not save energy. In fact, more often than not, a screen saver not only will draw power for the monitor, but also will keep the CPU from shutting down. You can set your computer to go from screen-saver to sleep mode.
http://www.nrel.gov/sustainable_nrel/energy_saving.html

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