Natural Resources, including habitat and vernal pools

Overview of Habitat (Wildlife & Vegetation)

  • Species including deer, turkey, hawks, coyote scat, as well as “interesting vegetation” have reportedly been spotted on the site.
  • The Landlocked Parcel property is not mapped as a site of Priority Habitat of Rare Species by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).
  • Appropriate and well-designed development of the site will not adversely impact wildlife populations or available habitat.

Overview of Wetlands & Existing Environmental Conditions

  • Total on-site wetlands cover approximately 8% of the property.
  • There are four certified vernal pools on the property:
    • However, there is no Estimated Habitat of Rare Wetlands Wildlife mapped on the site, based upon the most current Natural Heritage Atlas (2006).
    • The southernmost vernal pool is located within a highly disturbed utility easement and will be evaluated.
    • The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and DEP Stormwater Management Standards do not prohibit development in the vicinity of Certified Vernal Pools, subject to compliance with strict development standards.
  • The Landlocked Parcel itself is saddle shaped, with high spots on the northern and southern ends, and a low in the middle.

Watershed Protection

Zone II (Aquifer District)

  • The Landlocked Parcel is not located within the Aquifer District.
  • The Aquifer investigations by the Town of Burlington in the 1990s were conducted in a manner consistent with both industry practice and regulatory guidelines. This report was completed after the 1986 taking of the landlocked parcel, and the Town Meeting body, which approved the land taking did not have the benefit of this report during its deliberation.
  • As a result of the significant bedrock on the Landlocked Parcel there is minor direct infiltration to the Vine Brook Aquifer under existing conditions.

Zone III (Water Resource District)

  • As a result of the topographic makeup of the Landlocked Parcel, most of the contribution to the Aquifer would be by overland flow through the wetlands bisecting the site and then from culverts to Vine Brook Aquifer. This directional flow would remain unchanged.
  • Since storm water management will be designed to mimic existing overland flow, the net effect of the project to the Parcel’s role as a Water Resource (Zone III) area is expected to be negligible.

Hazardous Waste Sites

  • There will be a negligible impact to management of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) sites in the vicinity of the landlocked parcel.
  • Management and attenuation of these sites is expected to continue unaffected by any proposed changes in conditions on the Landlocked Parcel.
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