A00832-608634.pdf

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 608634-134590

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DOCUMENT A00832

RESPONSE TO COMMENTS (RTC) &

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SECTION 404 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

(ACOE) MA GENERAL PERMIT

PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION (PCN)

APPLICATION

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division

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*** THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ***

Regulatory Division Transportation & Utility Section

Courtney Walker MassDOT – Highway Division 10 Park Plaza Boston, Massachusetts 02116 Via Email: erica.n.larner@dot.ma.us

Dear Ms. Walker:

This letter is in response to the application you submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District Regulatory Division on December 26, 2024 for a Department of the Army permit verification. This project has been assigned the file number NAE-2016-02681. This file number should be referenced in all correspondence with this office.

The proposed work includes the replacement of Bridge D-06-001 (Stillwater Bridge), which carries Upper Road over the Deerfield River in Deerfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts.

We have completed our initial review of the application and determined that it is incomplete. The following information listed in the enclosed checklist is necessary to have a complete application. Please provide this information in one consolidated response within 30 days (February 1, 2025) of the date of this correspondence. We will administratively withdraw your application if you do not respond within the 30-day timeframe. However, we will reopen your file upon our receipt of the requested information.

1. Please provide documentation (delivery receipts) that you provided the required notification to the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) of the Narragansett Tribe.

2. The IPaC species list provided in the submittal includes the tricolored bat (proposed endangered) as potentially present at the site. Please state the lead federal agency’s (FHWA or MassDOT on behalf of FHWA) effect determination for this species and provide documentation of any coordination with USFWS.

3. Please provide proof of coordination for Section 7 Endangered Species Act with the National Marine Fisheries Services.

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4. The materials submitted include a statement that the project will not result in any impacts the base flood elevation or alter the existing regulatory floodway. I was unable to locate a copy of the hydraulic report in the materials. Please provide a copy of the report or direct me to its location in the materials, if I missed it.

5. Please provide clarification on the sequencing of the demolition of pier 3 and construction of pier 2. Why is the footing of pier 3 being retained and covered with riprap? Is it possible to remove the footing, reduce the riprap footprint and still achieve the necessary scour protection?

Please note, we cannot process your application further until the additional information requested is received. You are cautioned that commencement of the proposed work in waters of the United States subject to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction prior to DA authorization would constitute a violation of federal laws and subject you to possible enforcement action.

Please contact Kevin Newton at (978)-318-8044, or by email at kevin.m.newton@usace.army.mil if you have any questions concerning this correspondence.

Sincerely, Kevin Newton Project Manager / Biologist

Enclosures cc:

Oxana Fartushnaya, Green International Affiliates (via ofartushnaya@greenintl.com) Michael Joa, MassDOT – Highway Division (via michael.a.joa@dot.state.ma.us) Heidi Davis, MassDEP (via heidi.davis@mass.gov) Tyler Lewis, MassDEP (via tyler.lewis@mass.gov) Ryan Hale, MassDEP (via ryan.hale@mass.gov)

A00832 - 4 mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov

February 20, 2025

This memorandum provides the responses to ACOE Additional Info Review letter for 404 PCN Application No. NAE-2016-02681.

Responses to each technical review comment are noted below in Bold.

1. Please provide documentation (delivery receipts) that you provided the required notification to the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) of the Narragansett Tribe.

The proof of notification for coordinated with the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) of the Narragansett Tribe is included as an attachment to this memorandum.

2. The IPaC species list provided in the submittal included the tricolored bat (proposed endangered) as potentially present at the site. Please state the lead federal agency’s (FHWA or MassDOT on behalf of FHWA) effect determination for this species and provide documentation of any coordination with USFWS.

This species is only proposed to be endangered, as the USFWS has not made a determination on the uplisting and is currently under review. MassDOT has determined the project action will not jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species. DOTs have been advised by the USFWS to continue using the FHWA PBO for projects that have potential effects on listed bats.

3. Please provide proof of coordination for Section 7 Endangered Species Act with the National Marine Fisheries Services.

Proof of coordination for Section 7 Endangered Species Act with the National Marine Fisheries Services is included as an attachment to this memorandum.

To: Kevin M Newton, USACE (via kevin.m.newton@usace.army.mil) Dan Vasconcelos, USACE (via daniel.b.vasconcelos@usace.army.mil)

Cc: Heidi Davis, MassDEP (via heidi.davis@mass.gov) Tyler Lewis, MassDEP (via tyler.lewis@mass.gov) Ryan Hale, MassDEP (via ryan.hale@mass.gov) Michael Joa (via Michael.a.joa@dot.state.ma.us) Courtney Walker (via Courtney.L.Walker@dot.state.ma.us)

From: Oxana Fartushnaya, Green International Affiliates, Inc. (via ofartushnaya@greenintl.com)

Date: February 20, 2025

Project Name: Bridge Replacement of Bridge No. D-06-001 (0PP), Upper Road over Deerfield River Deerfield, MA

Project Number: Green No. 21058.07XX

Subject: Response to ACOE Review letter for 404 PCN Application No. NAE-2016-02681

Proposal No. 608634-134590

A00832 - 5 mailto:kevin.m.newton@usace.army.mil mailto:kevin.m.newton@usace.army.mil mailto:kevin.m.newton@usace.army.mil mailto:kevin.m.newton@usace.army.mil mailto:daniel.b.vasconcelos@usace.army.mil mailto:daniel.b.vasconcelos@usace.army.mil mailto:daniel.b.vasconcelos@usace.army.mil mailto:daniel.b.vasconcelos@usace.army.mil mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:heidi.davis@mass.gov mailto:tyler.lewis@mass.gov mailto:tyler.lewis@mass.gov mailto:tyler.lewis@mass.gov mailto:tyler.lewis@mass.gov mailto:ryan.hale@mass.gov mailto:ryan.hale@mass.gov mailto:ryan.hale@mass.gov mailto:ryan.hale@mass.gov mailto:Michael.a.joa@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Michael.a.joa@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Michael.a.joa@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Michael.a.joa@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Courtney.L.Walker@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Courtney.L.Walker@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Courtney.L.Walker@dot.state.ma.us mailto:Courtney.L.Walker@dot.state.ma.us mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com mailto:ofartushnaya@greenintl.com

4. The materials submitted include a statement that the project will not result in any impacts the base flood elevation or alter the existing regulatory floodway. I was unable to locate a copy of the hydraulic report in the materials. Please provide a copy of the report or direct me to its location in the materials, if I missed it.

A copy of the Hydraulic Report as well as an additional supplemental memo Cofferdam Hydraulic and Scour Analysis Memorandum are included as attachments to this memorandum.

5. Please provide clarification on the sequencing of the demolition of pier 3 and construction of pier 2.

Why is the footing of pier 3 being retained and covered with riprap? Is it possible to remove the footing, reduce the riprap footprint and still achieve the necessary scour protection?

The limits of new Pier No. 2 up to the pier cap will be constructed while the majority of existing Pier No.

3 remains in place. A portion of existing Pier No. 3 will be removed above the flood elevations so the new superstructure can be installed. After Pier No. 2 is constructed, the remaining portion of existing Pier No.

3 will be removed down to the bottom of footing elevation of the new Pier No. 2. The reason for this approach is that part of the existing sheeting that surrounds existing Pier No. 3 will function as formwork for the mass concrete pour for the new Pier No. 2 footing support. It would be near impossible to remove the remaining portion of existing Pier No. 3 footing below that elevation without damaging the sheeting and mass concrete pour material being used to support the new Pier No. 2 footing. The river bottom material east of existing Pier No. 3 is exposed ledge, so the riprap shown is the best means of scour protection for the new pier footing given the site.

Enclosed with this letter response are the following documents:

• Cultural Resources Project Record including NTHPO

• Section 7 NOAA Coordination Documents

• Cofferdam Hydraulic and Scour Analysis Memo, dated August 2023

• Hydraulic Report, dated November 2020

\\Egnytedrive\Greenintl\Shared\Engineering\Projects\2013\13033\13033.21X - Deerfield Upper Road\608634\DOCS\PERMITS\ENV\ACOE\ACOE Request For ADDINFO\Responses To NAE-2016-02681_010225_ADDINFO - 608634 Deerfield.Docx

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ATTACHMENTS

• Cultural Resources Project Record including NTHPO

• Section 7 NOAA Coordination Documents

• Hydraulic Report, dated November 2020 (bound separately)

• Cofferdam Hydraulic and Scour Analysis Memo, dated August 2023 (bound separately)

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MassDOT - Cultural Resources Unit (Project #608634)

Section 106 Notification Checklist for USACOE Section 404 Permit - Project Notification Forms (PNF)

☐ PNF submitted by certified mail (receipt attached)

☐ SHPO stamped PNF received (attached)

☐ No comments received within 30-day review period

☐ No PNF submitted in accordance with 2013 letter from USACOE, MassDOT in-house Section 106 clearance attached

☐ Section 106 No Adverse Effect or Adverse Effect documentation attached

☐ PNF submitted by e-mail with delivery receipt (attached)

☐ Comments received within 30-day review period (attached)

☐ No comments received within 30-day review period

☐ PNF submitted by e-mail with delivery receipt (attached)

☐ Comments received within 30-day review period (attached)

☐ No comments received within 30-day review period

☐ PNF submitted by e-mail with delivery receipt (attached)

☐ Comments received within 30-day review period (attached)

☐ No comments received within 30-day review period

☐ PNF submitted by e-mail with delivery receipt (attached)

☐ Comments received within 30-day review period (attached)

☐ No comments received within 30-day review period

☐ N/A (Project not within tribe’s area of interest)

☐ PNF submitted by e-mail with delivery receipt (attached)

☐ Comments received within 30-day review period (attached)

☐ No comments received within 30-day review period

1. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

2. Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR)

3. Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (MTHPO)

4. Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah (ATHPO)

5. Stockbridge-Munsee Community (SMTHPO)

6. Narragansett Indian Tribe (NTHPO)

Sent 1/6/2025

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CULTURAL RESOURCES PROJECT RECORD

Project # 608634 Date Filed

Date Cleared 10/27/2023

Comments LHC letter sent by Green International Affiliates, Inc. on 7/23/2021. PNF sent to BUAR, ATHPO, MTHPO, and SMTHPO on 10/27/2023. No PNF sent to SHPO per 2013 bridge exemption letter.

Scope of Work InventoryPlanDetermination based on:

No effect on National Register listed or -eligible properties

-OR-

No NR listed or -eligible properties within Area of Potential Effect

1) Interstate bridge or roadway projects

2) Resurfacing, repair existing roadways

3) Reconstruction on existing roadway

4) Roadway geometrics, intersections

5) Curbs and sidewalks

6) Pavement markings, rumble strips, etc

7) Curbs, sidewalks (MAAB, ADA)

8) Removal of trees

9) Landscaping

10) Utilities

11) Railroad crossing

12) Stream stabilization and restoration

16) Bridge (less than 20' span)

17) Highway safety improvement

18) Drainage system element

19) Traffic signal, safety improvement

20) Intelligent Transportation System project

21) Rest area, maintenance facility

22) Bicycle, pedestrian lane, path or facility

23) Lighting system

24) Sign

25) Hazardous waste

26) Highway fencing

27) Emergency repair

28) Erosion control

29) Noise barrier

13) Wetland mitigation area

14) Bridge (NR "Not Eligible" or "Conditionally Not Eligible")

15) Bridge (concrete slab post 1900, steel stringer)

* National Register eligibility evaluation required

Archaeological SurveySite Visit

Finding: Stip VB - No historic properties affected

Project Type: Bridge Replacement Reviewer: MPReview Section 106 (PA)

Project Name Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

City/Town: Deerfield

Finding Under Review

Attach appropriate documentation for checked items

FHWA to MHC

Projects Requiring No Massachusetts SHPO Review

Programmatic Agreement, Appendix 1 (check all that apply) :

No Historic Properties Affected Programmatic Agreement Stipulation V.B. (check one):

MHC LHC

Comment Received:

Early Coord. Letter Sent:

Consultant

Reviewer's Initials: ___________

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Summary of MassDOT Highway Division Finding

(Appendix 1 and Section V.B. Projects only) The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is proposing to expend federal funds to replace Bridge D-06-001 (Stillwater Bridge), which carries Upper Road over the Deerfield River in the Town of Deerfield.

The bridge is located approximately 50 feet northeast of the Upper Road/Stillwater Road intersection, and 180 feet southwest of the Upper Road/Lower Load intersection. The project area includes the northern and southern approaches to the bridge on Upper Road. Overhead and buried utilities extend along the west side of the project corridor on Upper Road and across the bridge. A gravel parking area is currently located at the southeast corner of the bridge at the intersection of Upper Road/Stillwater Road. A utility access driveway is located on the northwest quadrant. A residential property is located on the northeast quadrant.

Bridge D-06-001, constructed in 1949, consists of four spans each of five girders/beams with a 7.5-inch-thick reinforced concrete deck structure and pavement overlay. The superstructure is supported by stone masonry abutments with concrete caps, three solid wall concrete piers supported on spread footings, and four concrete gravity u-wingwalls. The structure has an overall length of approximately 371 feet and an overall width of approximately 27.5 feet. The bridge carries two 11-foot-wide travel lanes, one in each direction, with 1-foot shoulders on each side of the road. The curb-to-curb width is 24 feet.

The superstructure of Bridge D-06-001 will be replaced in two stages to always maintain a single 15-foot lane on the bridge for use. The replacement bridge will consist of three simple span superstructures constructed with five 42-inch plate girders with an 8-inch-thick cast-in-place deck and a 3-inch-thick pavement overlay. The proposed substructure will include cantilever abutments in the existing location and piers in new locations in the river. The horizontal alignment will be similar, offset just 8.5 feet from the existing roadway centerline in the bridge area, and follow the same bearing. The proposed superstructure has an overall length of 367 feet and an overall width of 35 feet. The bridge will remain a two-lane structure that will carry two 11-foot-wide lanes, one in each direction, but with 5-foot shoulders on both sides to accommodate occasional pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The curb-to-curb width will be 32 feet.

The existing Upper Road carries two 12-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, with a typical total width of 24 feet. As part of the current project, Upper Road will be widened to 32 feet to accommodate the bridge and carry two 11-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, with 5-foot shoulders. The roadway centerline will also be shifted

8.5 feet to the west to align with the bridge. Full-depth reconstruction, micro-milling, and pavement resurfacing is planned for approximately 50 feet of the south approach, 300 feet of the north approach, and 200 feet along Stillwater Road.

Other project work includes removing and replacing existing guardrails and granite curbing, installing new roadway drainage structures and pipes, installing a stormwater basin northwest of the intersection of Upper Road/Stillwater Road near Station 102+00 Right, installing erosion control devices, pavement markings, and signs, clearing and grubbing, and spreading loam and seed. Utilities, including electric and telecommunication lines carried on the bridge, will also be relocated. Utility poles and overhead wires will be shifted approximately

6.5 feet to the west. All proposed project work will occur within or immediately adjacent to disturbed areas within the existing county layout. Several temporary and permanent easements are required.

A review of the National Register of Historic Places and the Inventory of Historical Assets of the Commonwealth in MACRIS revealed no listed or eligible properties or districts and no inventoried buildings, structures, or areas in the vicinity of the project area.

Bridge D-06-001 is a four-span continuous steel stringer bridge supported by reinforced concrete piers and abutments, constructed in 1949. The bridge was reviewed by Kurt Jergensen, Historic Bridge Specialist, and determined to be ineligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. It is an example of the most common type in MassDOT’s Bridge Database, with a standard MDPW design that lacks significant engineering or architectural details.

A review of the MHC’s archaeological base maps in MACRIS revealed several pre-Contact archaeological sites in the vicinity of the project area: 19-FR-48, 19-FR-49, 19-FR-195, and 19-FR-196, which are located on the south side of the Deerfield River, and 19-FR-172, 19-FR-173, and 19-FR-437, which are located on the north side of the Deerfield River.

Reviewer's Initials: ___________

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All four sites located south of Deerfield River in the vicinity of the project area are recorded as disturbed.

Identified in 1941, information about sites 19-FR-48 and 19-FR-49 is limited beyond the MHC site forms, which document soil disturbance. While 19-FR-48 is located in the southwest quadrant of the bridge area, 19-FR-49 is located 0.1 miles southeast of the direct area of potential effect (APE).

A 1982 survey in advance of a hydroelectric project documented 19-FR-195, which is located 425 feet south of the APE. The survey consisted of field reconnaissance and excavation of five shovel test pits, which revealed 20th-century material and eight circular depressions. A trench dug into one of these depressions revealed disturbed soils and no artifacts.

The 1982 survey also encompassed 19-FR-196, which is located 0.1 miles west of the APE. Excavation of 10 shovel test pits revealed disturbed soils and only one test pit contained artifacts: one quartz flake, one fire-cracked rock, and two other possible artifacts.

North of the Deerfield River, the 1982 survey demonstrated that sites 19-FR-172 and 19-FR-437 are disturbed.

Of the six shovel test pits excavated at 19-FR-172, four yielded artifacts including two quartzite flakes, three quartz cores, and 19 possible flakes. The single test pit excavated at 19-FR-437 contained 12 quartzite flakes intermingled with historic artifacts including clear bottle glass fragments and late 18th-century ceramic sherds.

Both sites are outside the current project’s direct APE.

The only site north of the river in the vicinity of the project area that was surveyed in 1982 and determined to be undisturbed is 19-FR-173. This site is located approximately 0.15 miles northwest, outside the direct APE.

Although undisturbed areas along the Deerfield River may be sensitive for archaeological resources, it is the opinion of the MassDOT archaeologist, Megan Postemski, that the project’s direct APE has low sensitivity based on the results of previous surveys and the review of MHC archaeological site forms (which document extensive disturbance within and immediately adjacent to the project area), unfavorable environmental conditions (steep riverbank slopes), and the impacts of previous roadway, bridge, parking area, and utility construction. Overhead and underground utilities such as electric and telecommunication lines and drainage intersect the project’s direct APE. A review of boring logs conducted by Lamson Engineering Corporation in 2018 indicates that soils in the southern portion of the project area generally consist of loose to dense sand and gravel fill/soil with some inorganic silt overlying very dense glacial till. North of the river, soil borings contained as much as 20 feet of loose to dense fill overlying gray schist bedrock. The roadway widening on Upper Road will occur within the existing overhead and buried utility corridor. The stormwater basin will be located within a documented disturbed area with buried utility lines.

Reviewer's Initials: ___________

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5/31/96 (Effective 7/1/93) - corrected 950 CMR - 275

950 CMR: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

APPENDIX A

MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD

BOSTON, MASS. 02125

617-727-8470, FAX: 617-727-5128

PROJECT NOTIFICATION FORM

Project Description (narrative):

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is proposing to expend federal funds to replace

Bridge D-06-001 (Stillwater Bridge), which carries Upper Road over the Deerfield River in the Town of Deerfield. The bridge is located approximately 50 feet northeast of the Upper Road/Stillwater Road intersection, and 180 feet southwest of the Upper Road/Lower Load intersection. The project area includes the northern and southern approaches to the bridge on Upper Road. Overhead and buried utilities extend along the west side of the project corridor on Upper Road and across the bridge. A gravel parking area is currently located at the southeast corner of the bridge at the intersection of Upper Road/Stillwater Road. A utility access driveway is located on the northwest quadrant. A residential property is located on the northeast quadrant.

Bridge D-06-001, constructed in 1949, consists of four spans each of five girders/beams with a 7.5-inch-thick reinforced concrete deck structure and pavement overlay. The superstructure is supported by stone masonry abutments with concrete caps, three solid wall concrete piers supported on spread footings, and four concrete gravity u-wingwalls. The structure has an overall length of approximately 371 feet and an overall width of approximately 27.5 feet. The bridge carries two 11-foot-wide travel lanes, one in each direction, with 1-foot shoulders on each side of the road. The curb-to-curb width is 24 feet.

The superstructure of Bridge D-06-001 will be replaced in two stages to always maintain a single 15-foot lane on the bridge for use. The replacement bridge will consist of three simple span superstructures constructed with five 42-inch plate girders with an 8-inch-thick cast-in-place deck and a 3-inch-thick pavement overlay.

The proposed substructure will include cantilever abutments in the existing location and piers in new

Project Name: Bridge D-06-001 Replacement (MassDOT Project #608634)

Location /Address: Upper Road over Deerfield River

City/Town: Deerfield

Project Proponent

Name: Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Address: 10 Park Plaza

City/Town/Zip/Telephone: Boston, MA 02116

Agency license or funding for the project (list all licenses, permits, approvals, grants or other entitlements being sought from state and federal agencies).

Agency Name Type of License or funding (specify)

FHWA

USACOE

Federal Funding (lead federal agency)

Section 404 permit

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APPENDIX A (continued) locations in the river. The horizontal alignment will be similar, offset just 8.5 feet from the existing roadway centerline in the bridge area, and follow the same bearing. The proposed superstructure has an overall length of 367 feet and an overall width of 35 feet. The bridge will remain a two-lane structure that will carry two 11-foot-wide lanes, one in each direction, but with 5-foot shoulders on both sides to accommodate occasional pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The curb-to-curb width will be 32 feet.

The existing Upper Road carries two 12-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, with a typical total width of

24 feet. As part of the current project, Upper Road will be widened to 32 feet to accommodate the bridge and carry two 11-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, with 5-foot shoulders. The roadway centerline will also be shifted 8.5 feet to the west to align with the bridge. Full-depth reconstruction, micro-milling, and pavement resurfacing is planned for approximately 50 feet of the south approach, 300 feet of the north approach, and 200 feet along Stillwater Road.

Other project work includes removing and replacing existing guardrails and granite curbing, installing new roadway drainage structures and pipes, installing a stormwater basin northwest of the intersection of Upper

Road/Stillwater Road near Station 102+00 Right, installing erosion control devices, pavement markings, and signs, clearing and grubbing, and spreading loam and seed. Utilities, including electric and telecommunication lines carried on the bridge, will also be relocated. Utility poles and overhead wires will be shifted approximately 6.5 feet to the west. All proposed project work will occur within or immediately adjacent to disturbed areas within the existing county layout. Several temporary and permanent easements are required.

Does the project include demolition? If so, specify nature of demolition and describe the building(s) which are proposed for demolition.

Bridge D-06-001

Does the project include rehabilitation of any existing buildings? If so, specify nature of rehabilitation and describe the building(s) which are proposed for rehabilitation.

N/A

Does the project include new construction? If so, describe (attach plans and elevations if necessary).

To the best of your knowledge, are any historic or archaeological properties known to exist within the project’s area of potential impact? If so, specify.

A review of the National Register of Historic Places and the Inventory of Historical Assets of the Commonwealth in MACRIS revealed no listed or eligible properties or districts and no inventoried buildings, structures, or areas in the vicinity of the project area. Bridge D-06-001 is a common structural type and not

NR-eligible.

A review of the MHC’s archaeological base maps in MACRIS revealed several pre-Contact archaeological sites in the vicinity of the project area: 19-FR-48, 19-FR-49, 19-FR-195, and 19-FR-196, which are located on the south side of the Deerfield River, and 19-FR-172, 19-FR-173, and 19-FR-437, which are located on the north side of the Deerfield River.

All four sites located south of Deerfield River in the vicinity of the project area are recorded as disturbed.

See plans

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Identified in 1941, information about sites 19-FR-48 and 19-FR-49 is limited beyond the MHC site forms, which document soil disturbance. While 19-FR-48 is located in the southwest quadrant of the bridge area, 19-

FR-49 is located 0.1 miles southeast of the direct area of potential effect (APE).

A 1982 survey in advance of a hydroelectric project documented 19-FR-195, which is located 425 feet south of the APE. The survey consisted of field reconnaissance and excavation of five shovel test pits, which revealed 20th-century material and eight circular depressions. A trench dug into one of these depressions revealed disturbed soils and no artifacts.

The 1982 survey also encompassed 19-FR-196, which is located 0.1 miles west of the APE. Excavation of 10 shovel test pits revealed disturbed soils and only one test pit contained artifacts: one quartz flake, one fire-cracked rock, and two other possible artifacts.

North of the Deerfield River, the 1982 survey demonstrated that sites 19-FR-172 and 19-FR-437 are disturbed. Of the six shovel test pits excavated at 19-FR-172, four yielded artifacts including two quartzite flakes, three quartz cores, and 19 possible flakes. The single test pit excavated at 19-FR-437 contained 12 quartzite flakes intermingled with historic artifacts including clear bottle glass fragments and late 18th-century ceramic sherds. Both sites are outside the current project’s direct APE.

The only site north of the river in the vicinity of the project area that was surveyed in 1982 and determined to be undisturbed is 19-FR-173. This site is located approximately 0.15 miles northwest, outside the direct APE.

Although undisturbed areas along the Deerfield River may be sensitive for archaeological resources, it is the opinion of the MassDOT archaeologist, Megan Postemski, that the project’s direct APE has low sensitivity based on the results of previous surveys and the review of MHC archaeological site forms (which document extensive disturbance within and immediately adjacent to the project area), unfavorable environmental conditions (steep riverbank slopes), and the impacts of previous roadway, bridge, parking area, and utility construction. Overhead and underground utilities such as electric and telecommunication lines and drainage intersect the project’s direct APE. A review of boring logs conducted by Lamson Engineering Corporation in

2018 indicates that soils in the southern portion of the project area generally consist of loose to dense sand and gravel fill/soil with some inorganic silt overlying very dense glacial till. North of the river, soil borings contained as much as 20 feet of loose to dense fill overlying gray schist bedrock. The roadway widening on

Upper Road will occur within the existing overhead and buried utility corridor. The stormwater basin will be located within a documented disturbed area with buried utility lines.

What is the total acreage of the project area?

Woodland acres

Productive

Resources:

Wetland acres Agriculture acres

Floodplain acres Forestry acres

Open Space acres Mining/Extraction acres

Developed acres Total Project Acreage acres

What is the acreage of the proposed new construction? acres

What is the present land use of the project area?

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The project area consists of Bridge D-06-001, which crosses the Deerfield River in a rural area.

Please attach a copy of the section of the USGS quadrangle map which clearly marks the project location.

This Project Notification Form has been submitted to the MHC in compliance with 950 CMR 71.00.

Signature of person submitting this form: Date: 10/27/2023

Name: Megan Postemski

Address: 10 Park Plaza

City/Town/Zip: Boston, MA 02717

Telephone: Email: megan.d.postemski@dot.state.ma.us

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

950 CMR 71.00: M.G.L. c. 9, §§ 26-27C as amended by St. 1988, c. 254.

7/1/93 950 CMR - 276

CC:

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SCALE IN FEET

1000 1000 20000

ELEVATIONS IN METERS

PROJECT LOCATION

42°31'36"N 72°37'56"W

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SCALE IN FEET

100 100 2000

APPROXIMATE

LIMIT OF WORK

1"=200 NOTE: DATA TAKEN FROM MASSGIS

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M A

C R

IS

M

A P

P ro je ct

A re a

U p p er

R o ad

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U p p er

R o ad

O ve rh ea d a n d b u ri ed

U ti lit y co rr id o r

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St ill w at er R o ad

U p p er

R o ad P ro p o se d S to rm w at er

B as in L o ca ti o n

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U p p er

R o ad

Pa rk in g lo t

P ro p o se d

S to rm w at er

B as in

L o ca ti o n

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Pa rk in g lo t

St ill w at er R o ad

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Postemski, Megan D. (DOT)

From: Postemski, Megan D. (DOT) Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:16 AM To: Robinson, David S (EEA) Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement Attachments: 20231027 Deerfield D-06-001 PNF & Maps (608634).pdf; 608634 Plans - 75%.pdf

David, MassDOT is submiƫng informaƟon for the above‐referenced project to the BUAR to meet the SecƟon 106 consultaƟon requirements of FHWA (lead federal agency) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Please submit any wriƩen comments or concerns regarding historic or archaeological properƟes that may be affected by this project to Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassachuseƩs Department of TransportaƟon, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116‐3973, AƩn: Jameson Harwood.

You also may send comments, quesƟons, or requests for more informaƟon by email to Jameson.Harwood@state.ma.us.

Thank you, Megan

Megan Postemski, Archaeologist Environmental Services SecƟon MassDOT – Highway Division 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116

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From: Microsoft Outlook To: Robinson, David S (EEA) Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:16 AM Subject: Delivered: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

Your message has been delivered to the following recipients:

Robinson, David S (EEA) (David.S.Robinson@mass.gov)

Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

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From: Postemski, Megan D. (DOT) Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:18 AM To: thpo@wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement Attachments: 20231027 Deerfield D-06-001 PNF & Maps (608634).pdf; 608634 Plans - 75%.pdf

Dear Ms. Washington, MassDOT is submiƫng informaƟon for the above‐referenced project to the Tribal Historic PreservaƟon Officer to meet the SecƟon 106 consultaƟon requirements of FHWA (lead federal agency) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Please submit any wriƩen comments or concerns regarding historic or archaeological properƟes that may be affected by this project to Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassachuseƩs Department of TransportaƟon, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116‐3973, AƩn: Jameson Harwood.

You also may send comments, quesƟons, or requests for more informaƟon by email to Jameson.Harwood@state.ma.us.

Thank you, Megan

Megan Postemski, Archaeologist Environmental Services SecƟon MassDOT – Highway Division 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116

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From: Microsoft Outlook To: thpo@wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:18 AM Subject: Relayed: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

Delivery to these recipients or groups is complete, but no delivery notification was sent by the destination server:

thpo@wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov (thpo@wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov)

Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

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From: Postemski, Megan D. (DOT) Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:15 AM To: David.weeden@mwtribe-nsn.gov Cc: 106review@mwtribe-nsn.gov Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement Attachments: 20231027 Deerfield D-06-001 PNF & Maps (608634).pdf; 608634 Plans - 75%.pdf

Dear Mr. Weeden, MassDOT is submiƫng informaƟon for the above‐referenced project to the Tribal Historic PreservaƟon Officer to meet the SecƟon 106 consultaƟon requirements of FHWA (lead federal agency) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Please submit any wriƩen comments or concerns regarding historic or archaeological properƟes that may be affected by this project to Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassachuseƩs Department of TransportaƟon, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116‐3973, AƩn: Jameson Harwood.

You also may send comments, quesƟons, or requests for more informaƟon by email to Jameson.Harwood@state.ma.us.

Thank you, Megan

Megan Postemski, Archaeologist Environmental Services SecƟon MassDOT – Highway Division 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116

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From: Microsoft Outlook To: David.weeden@mwtribe-nsn.gov; 106review@mwtribe-nsn.gov Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:16 AM Subject: Relayed: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

Delivery to these recipients or groups is complete, but no delivery notification was sent by the destination server:

David.weeden@mwtribe-nsn.gov (David.weeden@mwtribe-nsn.gov)

106review@mwtribe-nsn.gov (106review@mwtribe-nsn.gov)

Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

A00832 - 28

From: Postemski, Megan D. (DOT) Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:17 AM To: thpo@mohican-nsn.gov Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement Attachments: 20231027 Deerfield D-06-001 PNF & Maps (608634).pdf; 608634 Plans - 75%.pdf

Dear Dr. Bendremer, MassDOT is submiƫng informaƟon for the above‐referenced project to the Tribal Historic PreservaƟon Officer to meet the SecƟon 106 consultaƟon requirements of FHWA (lead federal agency) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Please submit any wriƩen comments or concerns regarding historic or archaeological properƟes that may be affected by this project to Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassachuseƩs Department of TransportaƟon, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116‐3973, AƩn: Jameson Harwood.

You also may send comments, quesƟons, or requests for more informaƟon by email to Jameson.Harwood@state.ma.us.

Thank you, Megan

Megan Postemski, Archaeologist Environmental Services SecƟon MassDOT – Highway Division 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116

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From: Microsoft Outlook To: thpo@mohican-nsn.gov Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:17 AM Subject: Relayed: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

Delivery to these recipients or groups is complete, but no delivery notification was sent by the destination server:

thpo@mohican-nsn.gov (thpo@mohican-nsn.gov)

Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

A00832 - 30

From: Postemski, Megan D. (DOT) Sent: Monday, January 6, 2025 9:28 AM To: tashtesook@aol.com Cc: markandrews0563@outlook.com Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement Attachments: 20231027 Deerfield D-06-001 PNF & Maps (608634).pdf; 608634 Plans - 75%.pdf

Dear Mr. Brown, MassDOT is submitting information for the above-referenced project to the Tribal Historic Preservation OƯicer to meet the Section 106 consultation requirements of FHWA (lead federal agency) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Please submit any written comments or concerns regarding historic or archaeological properties that may be aƯected by this project to Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973, Attn: Jameson Harwood.

You also may send comments, questions, or requests for more information by email to Jameson.Harwood@state.ma.us.

Thank you, Megan

Megan Postemski, Archaeologist Environmental Services Section MassDOT – Highway Division 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116

This document was created by an application that isn’t licensed to use novaPDF.

Purchase a license to generate PDF files without this notice.

Proposal No. 608634-134590

A00832 - 31 http://www.novapdf.com/ http://www.novapdf.com/ http://www.novapdf.com/

From: Microsoft Outlook To: tashtesook@aol.com; markandrews0563@outlook.com Sent: Monday, January 6, 2025 9:29 AM Subject: Relayed: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

Delivery to these recipients or groups is complete, but no delivery notification was sent by the destination server:

tashtesook@aol.com (tashtesook@aol.com) markandrews0563@outlook.com (markandrews0563@outlook.com)

Subject: MassDOT Project 608634 - Deerfield Bridge D-06-001 Replacement

This document was created by an application that isn’t licensed to use novaPDF.

Purchase a license to generate PDF files without this notice.

Proposal No. 608634-134590

A00832 - 32 http://www.novapdf.com/ http://www.novapdf.com/

T R A N S P O R T A T I O N | S T R U C T U R A L | W A T E R R E S O U R C E S | C I V I L / S I T E O f f i c e s i n M a s s a c h u s e t t s a n d R h o d e I s l a n d

July 23, 2021

Mr. John Nove Deerfield Historical Commission Deerfield Municipal Offices 8 Conway Street South Deerfield, MA 01373

Subject: Bridge Preservation, Bridge D-06-001(0PP) Upper Road over Deerfield River Deerfield, MA MassDOT File No. 608634 Section 106 Review

Dear Mr. Nove:

On behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division (MassDOT), Green International Affiliates, Inc. (Green) wishes to notify you that MassDOT is proposing to reconstruct Bridge # D-06-001 (the “Stillwater Bridge”). This bridge carries Upper Road over Deerfield River in the Town of Deerfield. This project will be supported in part with federal funds dispersed through the MassDOT (2023 Transportation Improvement Program for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments). The project, therefore, will require review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended (36 CFR 800). The enclosed project information is provided to you and the Deerfield Historical Commission to initiate consultation with appropriate representatives of local government in compliance with the regulations governing Section 106.

The project will consist of the replacement of the existing 371”-0” four-span Bridge # D-06-001, and reconstruction of an approximately 450-foot section of Upper Road in the Town of Deerfield. The existing structure will be replaced because it is functionally obsolete and structurally deficient.

MassDOT requests that the Deerfield Historical Commission review the enclosed materials at their earliest convenience, and solicits any comments regarding historic properties that may be within or adjacent to the project area. Please submit written comments to: Patricia A. Leavenworth, P.E., Chief Engineer, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attn:

Jeffrey Shrimpton, Room 4260. Comments also may be submitted by e-mail to jeffrey.shrimpton@state.ma.us. Please include the six-digit MassDOT project number on all correspondence.

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Mr. John Nove July 23, 2021

If you have any questions concerning this project or the Section 106 review process, please feel free to contact Jeffrey Shrimpton of MassDOT Highway Division’s Cultural Resources Unit at (857)368-8824. Your attention to this matter is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely, Green International Affiliates, Inc.

Marc Caufield, P.E.

Senior Environmental Engineer cc: James Dalton, P.E., MassDOT, w/att.

Jeffrey Shrimpton, MassDOT, w/att.

Brona Simon, Massachusetts Historical Commission, w/att.

\\Fs1\Engineering\Projects\2013\13033\13033.21X - Deerfield Upper Road\608634\DOCS\PERMITS\Environmental\EECC\EEC Letters\Historic_Deerfield_Letter.Docx

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Appendix A. Verification Form (updated December 10, 2020)

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the applicable state Department of Transportation (DOT) shall submit a signed version of this completed form, together with any project plans, maps, supporting analyses, etc., to NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, Protected Resources Division (GARFO PRD) at nmfs.gar.esa.section7@noaa.gov with “FHWA GARFO NLAA Program: [Project Title or Number]” in the subject line. Note: project design contractors and/or consultants may assist in preparing the form, but only FHWA/DOT staff shall sign off on it on the final page.

Project Activity Type (check all that apply to the entire action):

1. Bridge repair, demolition, or replacement project

2. Culvert repair or replacement project

3. Dock, pier, or waterway access project (includes construction, demolition, and repairs)

4. Slope stabilization project

Transportation Project Information Name of Project:

Reinitiation (Yes/No):

State DOT/Program:

DOT ID Code:

Contact Person:

Phone: Email:

Project Latitude (e.g., 42.625884):

Project Longitude (e.g., -70.646114):

Maximum Water Depth (m) Anticipated Project Start Anticipated Date: Project End Date:

City/Town: Water body:

Project/Action Description and Purpose:

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ESA-listed species and/or critical habitats in the action area (Check all that apply) Atlantic sturgeon (all DPSs) Kemp’s ridley sea turtle

Atlantic sturgeon critical habitat Loggerhead sea turtle Indicate which DPS (Northwest Atlantic DPS)

☐ (GOM, NYB, Chesapeake Bay DPSs): ☐

Shortnose sturgeon Leatherback sea turtle ☐ Atlantic salmon (GOM DPS) ☐ North Atlantic right whale

Atlantic salmon critical habitat North Atlantic right whale ☐ (GOM DPS) ☐ critical habitat

Green sea turtle (North Atlantic DPS) Fin whale

* Please consult GARFO PRD’s ESA Section 7 Mapper for ESA-listed species and critical habitat information for your action area at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/consultations/section-7-species-critical-habitat-information-maps-greater.

The following stressors are applicable to the action:

Underwater Noise Impingement/Entrainment and Entanglement Water Quality/Turbidity Habitat Alteration Vessel Traffic

Impacts Table Habitat Alteration Permanent (acres) Temporary (acres) Sand (saline) Silt/Mud/Clay (saline) Hard bottom (saline) Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) (saline) Sand (freshwater) Silt/Mud/Clay (freshwater) Hard bottom (freshwater) Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) (freshwater)

Total amount of habitat alteration

In-water Construction Impacts Amount in meters Width of water body in action area (m) Stressor category that extends furthest distance into water body (e.g.; underwater noise, turbidity plume) Maximum extent of stressor into the water body (m)

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Project Design Criteria (PDC) Checklist FHWA/DOT shall incorporate all general PDCs and all applicable PDCs in the appropriate stressor categories. For any PDCs that are not incorporated, additional justification is required for a project to be eligible for the NLAA Program. FHWA/DOT shall check the corresponding box for each PDC that is, or will be, incorporated into the project or indicate if not applicable.

GENERAL PDCs

Yes N/A PDC # PDC Description

☐ ☐ 1. Ensure all operators, employees, and contractors are aware of all FHWA environmental commitments, including these PDC, when working in areas where ESA-listed species may be present or in critical habitat.

☐ ☐ 2. No portion of the proposed action will individually or cumulatively have an adverse effect on ESA-listed species or critical habitat.

☐ ☐ 3. No portion of the proposed action that may affect the GOM DPS of Atlantic salmon will occur in the tidally influenced portion of rivers/streams where their presence is possible from April 10 through November 7. The range of the GOM DPS only occurs in Maine.

Note: If the project will occur within the geographic range of the GOM DPS Atlantic salmon but their presence is not expected following the best available commercial scientific data, the work window does not need to be applied. Please attach best available information (i.e. local fisheries biologist correspondence).

☐ ☐ 4. No portion of the proposed action that may affect shortnose or Atlantic sturgeon will occur in areas identified as spawning grounds as follows:

i. Gulf of Maine: Apr 1-Aug 31

ii. Southern New England/New York Bight: Mar 15-Aug 31

iii. Chesapeake Bay: Mar 15-Jul 1 and Sep 15-Nov 1

Note: If river specific information exists that provides better or more refined time of year information, those dates may be substituted with NMFS approval.

☐ ☐ 5. No portion of the proposed action that may affect shortnose or Atlantic sturgeon will occur in areas identified as overwintering grounds where dense aggregations are known to occur as follows:

i. Gulf of Maine: Oct 15-Apr 30

ii. Southern New England/New York Bight: Nov 1-Mar 15

iii. Chesapeake Bay: Nov 1-Mar 15

Note: If river specific information exists that provides better or more refined time of year information, those dates may be substituted with NMFS approval.

☐ ☐ 6. Within designated critical habitat for Atlantic sturgeon, no work will affect hard bottom substrate (e.g., rock, cobble, gravel, limestone, boulder, etc.) in low salinity waters (i.e., 0.0-0.5 parts per thousand)

(PBF 1).

☐ ☐ 7. Work will result in no or only temporary/short-term changes in water temperature, water flow, salinity, or dissolved oxygen levels.

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☐ ☐ 8. If ESA-listed species are (a) likely to pass through the action area at the time of year when project activities occur; and/or (b) the project will create an obstruction to passage when in-water work is completed, then a zone of passage (~50% of water body) with appropriate habitat for ESA-listed species (e.g., depth, water velocity, etc.) must be maintained (i.e., physical or biological stressors such as turbidity and sound pressure must not create barrier to passage).

☐ ☐ 9. The project will not adversely impact any submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) or oyster reefs.

☐ ☐ 10. No blasting or use of explosives will occur.

☐ ☐ 11. No in-water work on large dams or tide gates (small dam and tide gate repairs may be permitted with prior review and approval from NMFS).

Yes N/A PDC # PDC Description

UNDERWATER NOISE PDCs

Yes N/A PDC # PDC Description

☐ ☐ 12. If pile driving is occurring during a time of year when ESA-listed species may be present, and the anticipated noise is above the behavioral noise threshold, a “soft start” is required to allow animals an opportunity to leave the project vicinity before sound pressure levels increase. In addition to using a soft start at the beginning of the work day for pile driving, one must also be used at any time following cessation of pile driving for a period of 30 minutes or longer.

For impact pile driving: pile driving will commence with an initial set of three strikes by the hammer at 40% energy, followed by a one minute wait period, then two subsequent three-strike sets at 40% energy, with one-minute waiting periods, before initiating continuous impact driving.

For vibratory pile installation: pile driving will be initiated for 15 seconds at reduced energy followed by a one-minute waiting period.

This sequence of 15 seconds of reduced energy driving, one-minute waiting period will be repeated two additional times, followed immediately by pile-driving at full rate and energy.

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Yes N/A PDC # PDC…