A00860-613163.pdf
PDF 23 MB Posted
- Attached to
- 613163 LYNNFIELD FAP No. STP-0034(033)X Rail Trail Construction, from Ford Avenue to the Peabody
- Solicitation number
- BD-27-1030-0H100-0H002-131771
- Issued by
- Essex County, Massachusetts
About this file
This is a Notice of Intent (NOI) application filed with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Lynnfield Conservation Commission by the Town of Lynnfield for the construction of Phase 1 of the Lynnfield Rail Trail, a 1.84-mile multi-use paved trail extending from Ford Avenue in Lynnfield to Nichols Lane in Peabody. The project involves constructing a 10-to-12-foot-wide shared-use trail for bicyclists and pedestrians within an existing abandoned railroad corridor designed according to Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) specifications. The proposed work will affect Previously Developed Riverfront Area associated with Bates Brook, non-jurisdictional Isolated Vegetated Wetlands (IVW), and the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW) and Bank. The project qualifies as a limited project under Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations for bike path construction within Riverfront Area. A public hearing was scheduled for March 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Center in Lynnfield, with abutter notifications provided on March 3, 2025. The Town of Lynnfield is exempt from state filing fees under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act.
The proposed alteration includes 14,982 square feet (8,800 permanent and 6,182 temporary) within Riverfront Area, with 10,103 square feet altered within the 0-to-100-foot Riverfront zone and 4,879 square feet in the 100-to-200-foot zone. An additional 116,147 square feet of Buffer Zone will be altered (63,845 permanent and 52,302 temporary). The applicant will voluntarily replicate 3,079 square feet of permanent non-jurisdictional IVW impacts through a 3,092 square-foot Wetland Replication Area utilizing native plants and wetland topsoil. Mitigation measures include sedimentation and erosion controls via compost filter tubes along the work limits and a comprehensive stormwater management plan complying with DEP standards. The project includes trail cross-sections, trailhead facilities, wood rail fencing, and connections to Lynnfield Middle School, with construction details and stormwater compliance documentation provided in the associated Stantec-prepared plans and reports dated February 11, 2025.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| LYNNFIELD-613163-135786-A-1.pdf | ||
| A00802-613163.pdf | ||
| BIDS OPENED - Tuesday - August 25-2026~4.pdf | ||
| A00855-613163.pdf | ||
| LYNNFIELD-613163-135786-A-2.pdf | ||
| A00875-613163.pdf | ||
| 613163 - Bid Tabulations.pdf | ||
| A00856-613163.pdf | ||
| A00830-613163.pdf | ||
| 613163 - Notice to Contractors.pdf | ||
| Link to Bid Opening 8-25-2026~5.pdf | ||
| 613163 - Plan Holders List 8-24-2026.pdf | ||
| A00805-613163.pdf | ||
| A00820-613163.pdf | ||
| A00813-613163.pdf | ||
| A00812-613163.pdf | ||
| A00806-613163.pdf | ||
| 613163 - Plan Holders List 8-11-2026.pdf | ||
| A00870-613163.pdf | ||
| 613163 Bid Items List.txt | TXT text file | |
| A00801-613163.pdf | ||
| A00831-613163.pdf | ||
| A00807-613163.pdf | ||
| A00861-613163.pdf |
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Text version
Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 613163-135786
A00860 - 1
DOCUMENT A00860
MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
NOTICE OF INTENT
Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division
A00860 - 2
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Notice of Intent Application Lynnfield Rail Trail – Phase 1
Lynnfield, Massachusetts
MassDOT Project #: 613163
February 28, 2025
Applicant:
John V. Scenna
Director, Lynnfield Department of Public Works
Lynnfield Center Water District
83 Phillips Road
Lynnfield, MA 01940
Prepared by:
LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
380 Lowell Street, Suite 101
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-2500 www.lecenvironmental.com
A00860 - 3
February 28, 2025
Email (ecademartori@town.lynnfield.ma.us)
Lynnfield Conservation Commission
55 Summer Street
Lynnfield, MA 01940
RE: Notice of Intent Application [LEC File #: SI\12-046.02]
Lynnfield Rail Trail – Phase 1
Lynnfield, Massachusetts
MassDOT Project #: 613163
Dear Members of the Commission:
On behalf of the Applicant, the Town of Lynnfield (John V. Scenna, Director, Lynnfield Department of
Public Works, Contact), LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc., (LEC), in conjunction with Stantec, is submitting this Notice of Intent (NOI) Application to construct the 1.84-mile “Phase 1” of the “Lynnfield
Rail Trail” between Ford Avenue in Lynnfield and Nichols Lane in Peabody. Portions of the proposed work activities are located within Previously Developed Riverfront Area to Bates Brook and the 100-foot
Buffer Zone to BVW and Bank as jurisdictional under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
(M.G.L. c. 131 § 40, the Act) and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00, the Act Regulations).
Additional work is proposed within non-jurisdictional Isolated Vegetated Wetlands.
Portions of the project within Riverfront Area qualify as a limited project under 310 CMR 10.53(6) for the construction of a bike path “within Riverfront Area but outside other resource areas.” The project is not subject to the Lynnfield Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 240, the Bylaw) and its Conservation
Commission Regulations (Chapter 320, the Bylaw Regulations) pursuant to Section 240-2, which states:
“This bylaw shall apply only to projects for commercial or industrial use; for residential projects including two or more dwelling units; and for construction of single-family homes on newly created lots.”
Project details are depicted on the attached Notice of Intent Plans Plan Set, dated February 11, 2025 (Plan
Set) prepared by Stantec, and a Stormwater Checklist and Summary Report, prepared by Stantec, documents the projects compliance with 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k) and the DEP Stormwater Management
Policy.
A00860 - 4
Abutter lists and notification to abutters have been provided. The Town is exempt from State filing fees in accordance with “BRP WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Instructions and Supporting Materials.” Thank you for your consideration of this Application. We look forward to discussing this project with the
Commission at the March 19, 2025 Public Hearing. If there are any questions or if additional information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact me in our Wakefield office at 781-245-2500 or dwells@lecenvironmental.com.
Sincerely, LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Dan Wells
Senior Wildlife/Wetland Scientist cc: Heidi Davis, MassDEP Melissa Lenker, MassDOT Erica Larner, MassDOT Lily Collins, MassDOT Stantec
A00860 - 5
Table of Contents
i. WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
ii. Affidavit of Service
iii. Abutter Letter
iv. Notification to Abutters
v. Certified Abutters Lists
Notice of Intent Report
1. Introduction 1
2. General Site Description 2
2.1 Floodplain Designation 3
2.2 Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Designation 4
2.3 Additional Regulatory Designations 4
3. Wetland Boundary Determination Methodology 5
4. Wetland Resource Area Descriptions 7
4.1 Bordering Vegetated Wetland 7
4.2 Bank 8
4.3 Bank/Mean Annual High Water Line 8
4.4 Riverfront Area 9
5. Proposed Project 9
5.1 Non-Jurisdictional Isolated Vegetated Wetland Alteration 10
5.2 Riverfront Area Alteration 11
5.3 Buffer Zone Alteration 12
6. Mitigation Measures 12
6.1 Sedimentation and Erosion Control 12
6.2 Stormwater Management 13
6.3 Wetland Replication Plan 13
7. Regulatory Compliance 14
7.1 Riverfront Area 14
8. Summary 15
A00860 - 6
Table of Contents
Literature Referenced
Appendices
Appendix A
Locus Maps
Figure 1-A: USGS Topographic Map with USGS Reading, MA Quad (2024)
Figure 1-B: USGS Topographic Map with USGS Reading, MA Quad (2021)
Figure 2: Orthophoto Map
Figure 3: FEMA FIRMettes
Appendix B
Stormwater Checklist and Summary Report, prepared by Stantec
Appendix C
Site Photographs
Appendix D
DEP Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW) Field Delineation Forms
Attachments
Notice of Intent Plans Plan Set, dated February 11, 2025, prepared by Stantec
A00860 - 7 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 1 of 9
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Provided by MassDEP:
MassDEP File Number
Document Transaction Number
Lynnfield City/Town
Important:
When filling out forms on the computer, use only the tab key to move your cursor - do not use the return key.
Note:
Before completing this form consult your local Conservation Commission regarding any municipal bylaw or ordinance.
A. General Information
1. Project Location (Note: electronic filers will click on button to locate project site):
Ford Ave., Lynnfield to Nichols Ln., Peabody
a. Street Address
Lynnfield
b. City/Town
01940
c. Zip Code
Latitude and Longitude:
From:42.53375 / -71.05129
To:42.53554 / -71.01659
N/A
f. Assessors Map/Plat Number
g. Parcel /Lot Number
2. Applicant:
John
a. First Name
Scenna
b. Last Name
Director, Lynnfield Department of Public Works
c. Organization
83 Phillips Road
d. Street Address
Lynnfield
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01940
g. Zip Code
781.334.4374
h. Phone Number
i. Fax Number scennaj@lcwd.us
j. Email Address
3. Property owner (required if different from applicant): Check if more than one owner
a. First Name
b. Last Name
c. Organization
d. Street Address
e. City/Town
f. State
g. Zip Code
j. Email address
4. Representative (if any):
Dan
a. First Name
Wells
b. Last Name
LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
c. Company
380 Lowell Street, Suite 101
d. Street Address
Wakefield
e. City/Town
MA
f. State
01880
g. Zip Code
781.245.2500 dwells@lecenvironmental.com
j. Email address
5. Total WPA Fee Paid (from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form):
Exempt
a. Total Fee Paid
b. State Fee Paid
c. City/Town Fee Paid
A00860 - 8 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 2 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
City/Town
A. General Information (continued)
6. General Project Description:
Construction of a multi-use rail trail within or along an existing abandoned railroad bed, a portion of which occurs within Riverfront Area and the 100-foot Buffer Zone.
7a. Project Type Checklist: (Limited Project Types see Section A. 7b.)
1. Single Family Home 2. Residential Subdivision
3. Commercial/Industrial 4. Dock/Pier
5. Utilities 6. Coastal engineering Structure
7. Agriculture (e.g., cranberries, forestry) 8. Transportation
9. Other
7b. Is any portion of the proposed activity eligible to be treated as a limited project (including Ecological
Restoration Limited Project) subject to 310 CMR 10.24 (coastal) or 310 CMR 10.53 (inland)?
1. Yes No If yes, describe which limited project applies to this project. (See 310 CMR
10.24 and 10.53 for a complete list and description of limited project types)
310 CMR 10.53(6): bike paths in Riverfront Area
2. Limited Project Type
If the proposed activity is eligible to be treated as an Ecological Restoration Limited Project (310 CMR10.24(8), 310 CMR 10.53(4)), complete and attach Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklist and Signed Certification.
8. Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for:
a. County
b. Certificate # (if registered land)
c. Book
d. Page Number
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent)
1. Buffer Zone Only – Check if the project is located only in the Buffer Zone of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Inland Bank, or Coastal Resource Area.
2. Inland Resource Areas (see 310 CMR 10.54-10.58; if not applicable, go to Section B.3, Coastal Resource Areas).
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and any supporting documentation describing how the project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
A00860 - 9 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 3 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
For all projects affecting other Resource Areas, please attach a narrative explaining how the resource area was delineated.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Bank
1. linear feet
2. linear feet
b. Bordering Vegetated Wetland
1. square feet
2. square feet
c. Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways
3. cubic yards dredged
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
d. Bordering Land Subject to Flooding
3. cubic feet of flood storage lost
4. cubic feet replaced
e. Isolated Land Subject to Flooding
2. cubic feet of flood storage lost
3. cubic feet replaced
f. Riverfront Area Bates Brook - inland
1. Name of Waterway (if available) - specify coastal or inland
2. Width of Riverfront Area (check one):
25 ft. - Designated Densely Developed Areas only
100 ft. - New agricultural projects only
200 ft. - All other projects
3. Total area of Riverfront Area on the site of the proposed project:
42,315 (within project limits)
4. Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area:
14,982 (8,800 p; 6,182 temp)
10,103 (5,952 p; 4,151 temp)
b. square feet within 100 ft.
4,879 (2,848 p; 2,031 temp)
c. square feet between 100 ft. and 200 ft.
5. Has an alternatives analysis been done and is it attached to this NOI? Yes No
6. Was the lot where the activity is proposed created prior to August 1, 1996? Yes No
3. Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25-10.35)
Note: for coastal riverfront areas, please complete Section B.2.f. above.
A00860 - 10 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 4 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and supporting documentation describing how the project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
Online Users:
Include your document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) with all supplementary information you submit to the Department.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Designated Port Areas Indicate size under Land Under the Ocean, below
b. Land Under the Ocean
2. cubic yards dredged
c. Barrier Beach Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coastal Dunes below
d. Coastal Beaches
2. cubic yards beach nourishment
e. Coastal Dunes
2. cubic yards dune nourishment
Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
f. Coastal Banks
1. linear feet
g. Rocky Intertidal Shores
h. Salt Marshes
2. sq ft restoration, rehab., creation
i. Land Under Salt Ponds
2. cubic yards dredged
j. Land Containing Shellfish
k. Fish Runs Indicate size under Coastal Banks, inland Bank, Land Under the Ocean, and/or inland Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways, above
1. cubic yards dredged
l. Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
4. Restoration/Enhancement
If the project is for the purpose of restoring or enhancing a wetland resource area in addition to the square footage that has been entered in Section B.2.b or B.3.h above, please enter the additional amount here.
a. square feet of BVW
b. square feet of Salt Marsh
5. Project Involves Stream Crossings
a. number of new stream crossings
b. number of replacement stream crossings
A00860 - 11 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 5 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section C and complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklists – Required Actions
(310 CMR 10.11).
Streamlined Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/Wetlands Protection Act Review
1. Is any portion of the proposed project located in Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife as indicated on the most recent Estimated Habitat Map of State-Listed Rare Wetland Wildlife published by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)? To view habitat maps, see the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas or go to http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/PRI_EST_HAB/viewer.htm.
a. Yes No
If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery of NOI to:
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (508) 389-6360
8/1/2021
b. Date of map
If yes, the project is also subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review (321 CMR 10.18). To qualify for a streamlined, 30-day, MESA/Wetlands Protection Act review, please complete Section C.1.c, and include requested materials with this Notice of Intent (NOI); OR complete Section C.2.f, if applicable. If MESA supplemental information is not included with the NOI, by completing Section 1 of this form, the NHESP will require a separate MESA filing which may take up to 90 days to review (unless noted exceptions in Section 2 apply, see below).
c. Submit Supplemental Information for Endangered Species Review
1. Percentage/acreage of property to be altered:
(a) within wetland Resource Area percentage/acreage
(b) outside Resource Area percentage/acreage
2. Assessor’s Map or right-of-way plan of site
2. Project plans for entire project site, including wetland resource areas and areas outside of wetlands jurisdiction, showing existing and proposed conditions, existing and proposed tree/vegetation clearing line, and clearly demarcated limits of work
(a) Project description (including description of impacts outside of wetland resource area & buffer zone)
(b) Photographs representative of the site
Some projects not in Estimated Habitat may be located in Priority Habitat, and require NHESP review (see https://www.mass.gov/ma-endangered-species-act-mesa-regulatory-review).
Priority Habitat includes habitat for state-listed plants and strictly upland species not protected by the Wetlands Protection Act.
MESA projects may not be segmented (321 CMR 10.16). The applicant must disclose full development plans even if such plans are not required as part of the Notice of Intent process.
A00860 - 12 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 6 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
(c) MESA filing fee (fee information available at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-file-for-a-mesa-project-review).
Make check payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts - NHESP” and mail to NHESP at above address
Projects altering 10 or more acres of land, also submit:
(d) Vegetation cover type map of site
(e) Project plans showing Priority & Estimated Habitat boundaries
(f) OR Check One of the Following
1. Project is exempt from MESA review.
Attach applicant letter indicating which MESA exemption applies. (See 321 CMR 10.14, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/exemptions-from-review-for-projectsactivities-in-priority-habitat; the NOI must still be sent to NHESP if the project is within estimated habitat pursuant to 310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59.)
2. Separate MESA review ongoing.
a. NHESP Tracking #
b. Date submitted to NHESP
3. Separate MESA review completed.
Include copy of NHESP “no Take” determination or valid Conservation & Management Permit with approved plan.
3. For coastal projects only, is any portion of the proposed project located below the mean high water line or in a fish run?
a. Not applicable – project is in inland resource area only b. Yes No
If yes, include proof of mailing, hand delivery, or electronic delivery of NOI to either:
South Shore - Bourne to Rhode Island border, and the Cape & Islands:
Division of Marine Fisheries - Southeast Marine Fisheries Station Attn: Environmental Reviewer 836 South Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744 Email: dmf.envreview-south@mass.gov
North Shore - Plymouth to New Hampshire border:
Division of Marine Fisheries - North Shore Office Attn: Environmental Reviewer 30 Emerson Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930 Email: dmf.envreview-north@mass.gov
Also if yes, the project may require a Chapter 91 license. For coastal towns in the Northeast Region, please contact MassDEP’s Boston Office. For coastal towns in the Southeast Region, please contact MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office.
c. Is this an aquaculture project? d. Yes No
If yes, include a copy of the Division of Marine Fisheries Certification Letter (M.G.L. c. 130, § 57).
A00860 - 13 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 7 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
Online Users:
Include your document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) with all supplementary information you submit to the Department.
4. Is any portion of the proposed project within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)?
a. Yes No If yes, provide name of ACEC (see instructions to WPA Form 3 or MassDEP Website for ACEC locations). Note: electronic filers click on Website.
b. ACEC
5. Is any portion of the proposed project within an area designated as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) as designated in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00?
a. Yes No
6. Is any portion of the site subject to a Wetlands Restriction Order under the Inland Wetlands Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40A) or the Coastal Wetlands Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 130, § 105)?
a. Yes No
7. Is this project subject to provisions of the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards?
a. Yes. Attach a copy of the Stormwater Report as required by the Stormwater Management Standards per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)-(q) and check if:
1. Applying for Low Impact Development (LID) site design credits (as described in Stormwater Management Handbook Vol. 2, Chapter 3)
2. A portion of the site constitutes redevelopment
3. Proprietary BMPs are included in the Stormwater Management System.
b. No. Check why the project is exempt:
1. Single-family house
2. Emergency road repair
3. Small Residential Subdivision (less than or equal to 4 single-family houses or less than or equal to 4 units in multi-family housing project) with no discharge to Critical Areas.
D. Additional Information
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section D and complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent – Minimum Required Documents (310 CMR 10.12).
Applicants must include the following with this Notice of Intent (NOI). See instructions for details.
Online Users: Attach the document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) for any of the following information you submit to the Department.
1. USGS or other map of the area (along with a narrative description, if necessary) containing sufficient information for the Conservation Commission and the Department to locate the site.
(Electronic filers may omit this item.)
2. Plans identifying the location of proposed activities (including activities proposed to serve as a Bordering Vegetated Wetland [BVW] replication area or other mitigating measure) relative to the boundaries of each affected resource area.
A00860 - 14 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 8 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
City/Town
D. Additional Information (cont’d)
3. Identify the method for BVW and other resource area boundary delineations (MassDEP BVW Field Data Form(s), Determination of Applicability, Order of Resource Area Delineation, etc.), and attach documentation of the methodology.
4. List the titles and dates for all plans and other materials submitted with this NOI.
Notice of Intent Plans
a. Plan Title
Stantec
b. Prepared By
Aleece D'Onofrio, P.E.
c. Signed and Stamped by
February 11, 2025
d. Final Revision Date
1" = 20'
e. Scale
Stormwater Summary Report
f. Additional Plan or Document Title
2/10/2025
g. Date
5. If there is more than one property owner, please attach a list of these property owners not listed on this form.
6. Attach proof of mailing for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, if needed.
7. Attach proof of mailing for Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, if needed.
8. Attach NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
9. Attach Stormwater Report, if needed.
E. Fees
1. Fee Exempt: No filing fee shall be assessed for projects of any city, town, county, or district of the Commonwealth, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authority, municipal housing authority, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Applicants must submit the following information (in addition to pages 1 and 2 of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form) to confirm fee payment:
2. Municipal Check Number
3. Check date
4. State Check Number
5. Check date
6. Payor name on check: First Name
7. Payor name on check: Last Name
A00860 - 15 wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 9 of 9
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
City/Town
F. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Notice of Intent and accompanying plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the Conservation Commission will place notification of this Notice in a local newspaper at the expense of the applicant in accordance with the wetlands regulations, 310 CMR 10.05(5)(a).
I further certify under penalties of perjury that all abutters were notified of this application, pursuant to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 131, § 40. Notice must be made by Certificate of Mailing or in writing by hand delivery or certified mail (return receipt requested) to all abutters within 100 feet of the property line of the project location.
1. Signature of Applicant
2. Date
3. Signature of Property Owner (if different)
4. Date
5. Signature of Representative (if any)
6. Date
For Conservation Commission:
Two copies of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents, two copies of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and the city/town fee payment, to the Conservation Commission by certified mail or hand delivery.
For MassDEP:
One copy of the completed Notice of Intent (Form 3), including supporting plans and documents, one copy of the NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form, and a copy of the state fee payment to the MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions) by certified mail or hand delivery.
Other:
If the applicant has checked the “yes” box in any part of Section C, Item 3, above, refer to that section and the Instructions for additional submittal requirements.
The original and copies must be sent simultaneously. Failure by the applicant to send copies in a timely manner may result in dismissal of the Notice of Intent.
John Scenna, Director of Public Works 2-12-25
2-16-25
Proposal No. 613163-135786
A00860 - 16 sharon Typewritten Text Refer to Page 2 of 15 in the NOI Narrative for a Statement Regarding Property Ownership.
noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 1 of 2
NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
Important: When filling out forms on the computer, use only the tab key to move your cursor - do not use the return key.
A. Applicant Information
1. Location of Project:
Lynnfield Rail Trail - Phase 1
a. Street Address
b. City/Town
c. Check number
Exempt
d. Fee amount
2. Applicant Mailing Address:
d. Mailing Address
3. Property Owner (if different):
d. Mailing Address
To calculate filing fees, refer to the category fee list and examples in the instructions for filling out WPA Form 3 (Notice of Intent).
B. Fees
Fee should be calculated using the following process & worksheet. Please see Instructions before filling out worksheet.
Step 1/Type of Activity: Describe each type of activity that will occur in wetland resource area and buffer zone.
Step 2/Number of Activities: Identify the number of each type of activity.
Step 3/Individual Activity Fee: Identify each activity fee from the six project categories listed in the instructions.
Step 4/Subtotal Activity Fee: Multiply the number of activities (identified in Step 2) times the fee per category (identified in Step 3) to reach a subtotal fee amount. Note: If any of these activities are in a Riverfront Area in addition to another Resource Area or the Buffer Zone, the fee per activity should be multiplied by 1.5 and then added to the subtotal amount.
Step 5/Total Project Fee: Determine the total project fee by adding the subtotal amounts from Step 4.
Step 6/Fee Payments: To calculate the state share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and subtract $12.50. To calculate the city/town share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and add $12.50.
A00860 - 17 noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 2 of 2
NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
B. Fees (continued)
Step 1/Type of Activity Step 2/Number of Activities
Step 3/Individual Activity Fee
Step 4/Subtotal Activity Fee
Step 5/Total Project Fee: Exempt
Step 6/Fee Payments:
Total Project Fee:
a. Total Fee from Step 5
State share of filing Fee:
b. 1/2 Total Fee less $12.50
City/Town share of filling Fee:
c. 1/2 Total Fee plus $12.50
C. Submittal Requirements a.) Complete pages 1 and 2 and send with a check or money order for the state share of the fee, payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Department of Environmental Protection
Box 4062 Boston, MA 02211 b.) To the Conservation Commission: Send the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent; a copy of this form; and the city/town fee payment.
To MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions): Send a copy of the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent; a copy of this form; and a copy of the state fee payment. (E-filers of Notices of Intent may submit these electronically.)
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AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
Under the
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, s. 40) and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00)
I, Sharon A. Sullivan, on behalf of the Town of Lynnfield, hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that on March 3, 2025, I gave notification to abutters in compliance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, s. 40) and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) in connection with the following matter:
A Notice of Intent filed under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act by LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc., on behalf of the Applicant, the Town of Lynnfield, with the Town of Lynnfield Conservation Commission on February 28, 2025 for Phase 1 of the Lynnfield Rail Trail between Ford Avenue in Lynnfield, Massachusetts and Nichols Lane in Peabody, Massachusetts.
The form of notification, and a list of the abutters to whom it was given and their addresses, are attached to this Affidavit of Service.
__________________________________________ March 3, 2025 Sharon A. Sullivan Date Permitting Technician
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March 3, 2025
Certificate of Mailing
«Name» «Name2» «Address» «City», «State» «Zip»
Re: Notice of Intent Application [LEC File #: SI\12-046.02]
Lynnfield Rail Trail – Phase 1 Lynnfield, Massachusetts
Dear Abutter:
On behalf of the Applicant, the Town of Lynnfield, LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc., (LEC), in conjunction with Stantec, has filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) Application with the Lynnfield Conservation Commission Application to construct the 1.84-mile “Phase 1” of the “Lynnfield Rail Trail” between Ford Avenue in Lynnfield and Nichols Lane in Peabody. Portions of the proposed work activities are located within Previously Developed Riverfront Area to Bates Brook and the 100-foot Buffer Zone to BVW and Bank as jurisdictional under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131 § 40, the Act) and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00, the Act Regulations). Additional work is proposed within non-jurisdictional Isolated Vegetated Wetlands.
The NOI Application and accompanying site plans are available for review by the public at the Temporary Town Hall Offices at 590 Main Street, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or by contacting the Lynnfield Conservation Commission. Further information regarding this application will be published at least five (5) days in advance in The Lynnfield Villager. Notice of the Public Hearing also will be posted at the Temporary Town Hall Office at least 48 hours in advance.
A Conservation Commission Public Hearing will be held on March 19, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Center, 600 Market Street, in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaw and the Bylaw Regulations.
Please check the Town’s website for any updated information on the meeting.
Please do not hesitate to review the materials and/or attend the public hearing should you have questions or concerns about the proposed project.
Sincerely, LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Daniel L. Wells Senior Wildlife/Wetland Scientist
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Notification to Abutters
By Hand Delivery, Certified Mail (return receipt requested), or Certificates of Mailing
This is a notification required by law. You are receiving this notification because you have been identified as the owner of land abutting another parcel of land for which certain activities are proposed. Those activities require a permit under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40).
In accordance with the second paragraph of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and 310 CMR 10.05(4)(a) of the Wetlands Regulations, you are hereby notified that:
A. A Notice of Intent was filed with the Lynnfield Conservation Commission on February 28, 2025 seeking permission to remove, fill, dredge, or alter an area subject to protection under M.G.L. c. 131 §40. The following is a description of the proposed activity/activities:
B. The name of the applicant is: the Town of Lynnfield.
C. The address of the land where the activity is proposed is: between Ford Avenue in Lynnfield and Nichols Lane in Peabody.
D. Copies of the Notice of Intent may be examined or obtained at the office of the Lynnfield Conservation Commission, located at Temporary Town Hall, 590 Main Street. The regular business hours of the Commission are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and the Commission may be reached at (781) 334-9495.
E. Copies of the Notice of Intent may be obtained from the applicant’s representative, LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc. by calling (781) 245-2500 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. An administrative fee may be applied for providing copies of the NOI and plans.
F. Information regarding the date, time, and location of the public hearing regarding the Notice of Intent may be obtained from the Lynnfield Conservation Commission. Notice of the public hearing will be published at least five business days in advance, in The Lynnfield Villager.
Notification provided pursuant to the above requirement does not automatically confer standing to the recipient to request Departmental Action for the underlying matter. See 310 CMR
10.05(7)(a)4.
Construction of the 1.84-mile “Phase 1” of the Lynnfield Rail Trail between Ford Avenue in Lynnfield and Nichols Lane in Peabody.
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0029-0000-2414 165 Summer Street Town of Lynnfield Town Hall 55 Summer Street Lynnfield, MA 01940
0028-0000-2888 3 Ford Avenue Daniel M. Card, T/E Teri L. BoƟcelli, T/E 3 Ford Avenue
0028-0000-2891 1 Ford Avenue Philip J. McQueen, T/E Deanne M. McQueen, T/E 1 Ford Avenue
0028-0000-2857 85 Perry Avenue James C. Davie, T/E Marcia O. Davie, T/E 85 Perry Avenue
0028-0000-2861 86 Perry Avenue Debra LaConte 86 Perry Avenue
0028-0000-1455 505 Main Street
Middle School Town Hall
0029-0000-1758 59 Parsons Avenue Nassrin Tavakola J/T/R/S Kathleen Harris, J/T/R/S 59 Parsons Avenue
0029-0000-1858 62 Parsons Avenue Adam V. Piantedosi, T/E Sarah J. Piantedosi, T/E 62 Parsons Avenue
0029-0000-1958 60 Parsons Avenue Chad Muller, T/E Rebecca Muller, T/E 60 Parsons Avenue
0029-0000-2058 58 Parsons Avenue 58 Parson Avenue Realty Trust Casey Paton TR 58 Parsons Avenue
0029-0000-0998 56 Parsons Avenue Deborah A. Breslow Rober J. Breslow 56 Parsons Avenue
0029-0000-1073 Summer Street Sanni Family Trust 15 Center Village
0029-0000-1059 127 Summer Street St. Paul's Episcopal Church 127 Summer Street
0029-0000-1183 2 Westover Drive Leslie A. McKeough 2 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1245 4 Westover Drive Charles P. Ragusa DeclaraƟon of Trust Charles P. Ragusa, TR 4 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1256 6 Westover Drive Nicholas L. Connors, T/E Keri S. Connors, T/E 6 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1344 8 Westover Drive Margin V. Vora, T/E Dhara Buch, T/D 8 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1357 10 Westover Drive Booras Realty Trust William P. Booras, TR 10 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1383 12 Westover Drive Sharon A. Marrama Louis J. Marrama, Jr.
P. O. Box 2844 Woburn, MA 01888
0029-0000-1469 14 Westover Drive Helen H. Loughlin Steven F. Loughlin 14 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1472 16 Westover Drive John P. Swiatkowski, T/E Lindsay K. Swiatkowski, T/E 16 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1484 18 Westover Drive Nina M. Grava Trust Nina M. Grave, TR 18 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1494 20 Westover Drive James A. Gerace, T/E Maureen A. Burke, T/E 20 Westover Drive
0029-0000-1493 22 Westover Drive 22 Westover Drive Revocable Trust Christopher S. Lambe, TR 22 Westover Drive
0030-0000-0872 24 Westover Drive Mark J. & Deborah J. Troisi, Trustees Troisi Family Trust 24 Westover Drive
0030-0000-0897 Westover Drive Jean E. Serio Frank E. Serio 25 Westover Drive
0030-0000-0975 28 Rear Westover Drive Children's Bourque Road Trust Elizabeth N. DiCesare, TR 125 Bourque Road
0030-0000-1075 125 Bourque Road Children's Bourque Road Trust Elizabeth N. DiCesare, TR 125 Bourque Road
0029-0000-1125 130 Summer Street L. Peter Campbell 130 Summer Street
0029-0000-0597 71 Forest Hill Avenue ScoƩ E. Carpenter T/E ChrisƟne M. Carpenter T/E 71 Forest Hill Avenue
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0029-0000-0672 10 Underhill Road Nancy S. Frederick 2016 Revocable Trust Nancy S. Frederick, TR 10 Underhill Road
0029-0000-0619 30 Underhill Road Christopher and Linda Mellen 30 Underhill Road
0031-0000-1865 537 Off Essex Street Jane V. Bandini 2019 Trust Jane V. Bandini, TR P. O. Box 31
0030-0000-1361 2 Meservey Lane Gregory Chang J/T/R/S Leslie J. Friedrich J/T/R/S 2 Meservey Lane
0030-0000-1458 4 Meservey Lane Rosberg Family Irrevocable Trust Joseph B. Rosberg, Jr., TR 4 Meservey Lane
0031-0000-0992 Rear Essex-Jordan
ConservaƟon Commission Town Hall
0031-0000-1836 Off Essex Street Paul Trudeau 9 Nichols Lane Peabody, MA 01960
0030-0000-0812 10 Lovell Road Cynthia D. Tanner, T/E Elaine K. Tanner, T/E 10 Lovell Road
0030-0000-0825 14 Lovell Road Paul A. Scire, T/E Shannon M. Scire, T/E 14 Lovell Road
0030-0000-0837 16 Lovell Road 16 Lovell Road Lynnfield Mass Nominee Trust Alexander Brezzani, TR 16 Lovell Road
0030-0000-0839 18 Lovell Road Peter Murphy Bruton, TE Emily Rose Ziady 18 Lovell Road
0030-0000-0918 20 Lovell Road Jennifer L. Silva 20 Lovell Road
0030-0000-0929 22 Lovell Road Raymond and Rose Marie Dorman Family Trust Raymond J. Dorman, TR 22 Lovell Road
0030-0000-0333 235 Essex Street
Lynnfield High School Town Hall
0030-0000-1145 Pillings Pond Road
Town Hall
0030-0000-1165 66 Rear Bourque Road
Town Hall
0030-0000-1257 Rear Bourque Road
ConservaƟon Commission Town Hall
0030-0000-1293 25 Pillings Pond Road Stanley K. Yan T/E Seolki Yan T/E 25 Pillings Pond Road
0030-0000-1095 Rear Bourque Road
ConservaƟon Commission Town Hall
0030-0000-1811 62 Bourque Road Drake Realty Trust Alan K. Dresior, Trustee P. O. Box 298
0030-0000-1824 64 Bourque Road Bourque Road 64 Lynnfield Alan K. Dresior, Trustee P. O. Box 298
0030-0000-1829 66 Bourque Road Ian James Gemmell, T/E Melissa Anne Gemmell, T/E 66 Bourque Road
0030-0000-1862 68 Bourque Road Melanie Rose Lovell Revoc TR ScoƩ Lovell Revocable Trust ScoƩ/Melanie, TR 68 Bourque Road
0030-0000-1944 70 Bourque Road Paul A. & Sharon Marchionda Trustees Marchionda Family Trust 75 Annie's Moonlight Drive Franconia, NH 03580
0030-0000-1951 72 Bourque Road Brian J. Moreira, T/E Karen L. Moreira, T/E 72 Bourque Road
0030-0000-1935 27 Pillings Pond Road John M. Shea 27 Pillings Pond Road
0030-0000-2026 28 Pillings Pond Road Daniel B. Davis, III J/T/R/S Nancy Kim J/T/R/S 28 Pillings Pond Road
0030-0000-2118 2 Wildewood Drive Stephen MacNichol 2 Wildewood Drive
0030-0000-2152 4 Wildewood Drive Antonio & Maria Rosatone Rosatone Family Irrevocable 4 Wildewood Drive
0030-0000-2168 6 Wildewood Drive Lisa M. Vaccaro, T/E Steven C. Vaccaro, T/E 6 Wildewood Drive
A00860 - 23
0031-0000-1555 1 Giugliano Terrace Giugliano Children Realty TR S. G. Giugliano Successors 1 Giugliano Terrace
0031-0000-1685 4 Northway The 4 Northway Realty Trust Ilkyo Han, TR 4 Northway
0031-0000-1665 5 Northway Elizabeth A. DeLeo, etal, Trustees Pasquale A. DeLeo Irrev. Trust c/o Marie E. Lockhart 15 James Millen Road North Reading, MA 01864
0031-0000-1771 3 Northway Maria R. Leach Revocable Trust Maria R. Leach, TR 3 Northway
0031-0000-1779 6 Lantern Lane Robert H. Gard Revocable Trust/Robert Gard, TR Sharon L. Gard Revocable Trust/Sharon Gard, TR 6 Lantern Lane
0031-0000-1783 10 Lantern Lane Claflin Family Trust Mark C. Claflin 10 Lantern Lane
0031-0000-1759 Rear Lantern Lane
ConservaƟon Commission Town Hall
0031-0000-2571 Rear Magnolia Drive
ConservaƟon Commission Town Hall
0031-0000-1885 Rear Broadway New England Power Company Shannon Larson 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA 02451
0030-0000-1381 1 Meservey Lane Margaret Lynch Living Trust John J. Lynch Living Trust 1 Meservey Lane
0030-0000-1339 3 Meservey Lane J-S Realty Trust Jill T. Jorgenson TR 3 Meservey Lane
0031-0000-0891 483 Rear Essex Street
ConservaƟon Commission Town Hall
0031-0000-1832 Off Essex Street Ralph Weissleder Anna Petropoulos 11 Nichols Lane West Peabody, MA 01960
A00860 - 24
PARCEL ID OWNERS NAME MAILING ADDRESS CITY, STATE ZIP PROPERTY LOCATION
055-027 RUSSO JOHN L TRUSTEE 6 NICHOLS LN PEABODY, MA 01960 6 NICHOLS LN
JLR FAMILY TRUST
055-028 PAUL TRUDEAU 9 NICHOLS LN PEABODY, MA 01960 9 NICHOLS LN
055-043 CITY OF PEABODY 24 LOWELL ST PEABODY, MA 01960 0 WINONA ST-(R)
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
A00860 - 25
Lynnfield, Massachusetts
February 28, 2025
A00860 - 26
1. Introduction
On behalf of the Applicant, the Town of Lynnfield (John V. Scenna, Contact), LEC
Environmental Consultants, Inc., (LEC) is submitting this Notice of Intent (NOI)
Application to construct “Phase 1” of a multi-use trail extending approximately 1.84 miles eastward from Ford Avenue in Lynnfield to Nichols Lane in Peabody. The proposed trail is a 10-to-12-foot-wide paved shared-use trail for bicyclists and pedestrians. While the Town of Lynnfield is the Applicant for this NOI Application, the proposed project has been designed according to Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) specifications.
Portions of the proposed work activities are located within Previously Developed
Riverfront Area associated with Bates Brook, non-jurisdictional Isolated Vegetated
Wetlands (IVW), and the 100-foot Buffer Zone to BVW and Bank. Riverfront Area is a
Wetland Resource Area jurisdictional under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
(M.G.L., c. 131, s. 40, the Act) and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00, the
Act Regulations). Portions of the project qualify as a limited project under 310 CMR
10.53(6) for the construction of a bike path within Riverfront Area but outside other resource areas. Portions of the project are located adjacent to the FEMA mapped 100-year flood plain and associated Bordering Land Subject to Flooding resource area, however all work is located above the associated Base Flood Elevations and out of BLSF.
The project is not subject to the Lynnfield Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 240, the
Bylaw) and its Conservation Commission Regulations (Chapter 320, the Bylaw
Regulations) pursuant to Section 240-2, which states: “This bylaw shall apply only to projects for commercial or industrial use; for residential projects including two or more dwelling units; and for construction of single-family homes on newly created lots.”
The following narrative provides a description of the site, the associated Wetland
Resource Areas, proposed activities, and proposed mitigation measures to prevent and/or minimize potential impacts to Wetland Resource Areas and Buffer Zones, followed by a description of regulatory compliance. Specific project details are depicted on the attached Notice of Intent Plans, dated February 11, 2025, prepared by Stantec (Plan Set).
A Stormwater Checklist and Summary Report, prepared by Stantec, documents the project’s compliance with 310 CMR 10.05 (6)(k) and the DEP Stormwater Management
Policy (Appendix B). A Self Verification Notification (SVN) is being filed with the US
Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
A00860 - 27
Please note the following regarding ownership of the former railroad corridor within which the project will be constructed:
MassDOT does not obtain property owner signatures during the NOI process because the
ROW will be acquired for the proposed project before construction begins. If the ROW is not acquired, the project will not move forward as designed. The ROW process is typically not complete until the final stages of design. Furthermore, MassDOT, through the state Right of Way process, has legal authority to conduct projects on parcels that have been acquired temporarily or permanently by the state.
2. General Site Description
The proposed Phase 1 of the Lynnfield Rail Trail extends easterly from Ford Avenue in
Lynnfield to Nichols Lane in Peabody, within a roughly 60-foot-wide former railroad corridor (Appendix A, Figure 1-A). The former railroad corridor crosses over Summer
Street and Pillings Pond Road before reaching its easterly terminus. The former rail bed is located within an abandoned MBTA-owned railroad corridor, with remnant railroad ties, gravel ballast, and rails throughout most of the project area. The existing former rail bed continues east and west of the project limits.
The railway corridor has not been maintained for at least 20+ years and as a result, dense
(mostly non-native invasive) vegetation, fallen trees, and large woody debris render the corridor inaccessible to pedestrians (see Appendix C for representative site photos).
Typical vegetation within the existing railway and adjacent upland side slopes includes a tree canopy of Norway maple (Acer platanoides), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), white ash (Fraxinus americana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus); a shrub layer including multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), burning bush (Euonymus alatus), Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus); an herbaceous layer consisting of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), enchanter’s nightshade
(Circaea canadensis), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), and white vervain (Verbena urticifolia), and entanglements of Virginia creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). Mature mixed forested upland and forested wetland extends outward from the rail bed to the 60-foot-wide undeveloped limits of the ROW.
A00860 - 28
Between Ford Avenue and Summer Street, residential dwellings are located north of the rail bed corridor, while Reedy Meadow Golf Course is located to the south. Between
Summer Street and Nichols Lane, the corridor is bordered by a mixture of residential dwellings and undeveloped forest and wetlands, with exception of Lynnfield High School located immediately west of Pillings Pond Road and north of the rail bed.
The rail bed crosses an intermittent stream west of Summer Street (at approximately STA
149 on the Plan Set), and crosses Bates Brook (a perennial stream) southeast of Lynnfield
High School (at STA 188+70 on the Plan Set). Both streams flow north-to-south through stone culverts that will remain in place. BVW occurs throughout the corridor, generally adjacent to, and at the toe of, steep slopes below the former rail bed where present. The
200-foot Riverfront Area extends laterally from the Bank/Mean Annual High Water
(MAHW) Line of Bates Brook within the central portions of the project. The expansive
Reedy Meadow wetland system and Beaver Dam Brook are located southwest of the project’s western terminus. Pillings Pond is located south of the former rail bed in the area south of Lynnfield High School, and Winona Pond is located in Peabody, southeast of the trail at the eastern project terminus.
LEC inspected soil conditions within the upland areas along the BVW boundary, and generally observed tightly compacted, historic fill material comprised of gravel to fine sandy loam soils, particularly in areas immediately adjacent to the former rail bed, and along slopes descending toward adjacent wetlands. MassDEP BVW Datasheets are provided in Appendix D. The Project is not within an Area of Critical Ecological
Concern (ACEC), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), Mass Coastal Zone or near a
Coldwater Fisheries Resource.
2.1 Floodplain Designation
According to the digital National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMettes representing the July 3, 2012 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Lynnfield and Peabody (Panel #s:
25009C0391F and 25009C0392F, Appendix A, Figure 3), the western portion of the project footprint off Ford Avenue (FIRMette 1) is located near a Zone AE Special Flood
Hazard Area, with a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of 73 feet (NAVD 88). The lowest elevation of the existing railroad corridor within the vicinity of this Zone AE is 77.70 feet
(according to the profile, Sheet 18 of 34 of the Plan Set); therefore, this portion of the project will take place entirely above the BFE elevation, and no Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF) will be altered.
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In the central portion of the project, southeast of Lynnfield High School between STA
186 and 195 on the Plan Set, the project footprint is located near a Regulatory Floodway associated with Bates Brook (FIRMette 4), and Zone AE Special Flood Hazard Areas on either side of the railway, with a BFE of 104.3 feet on the north side, and 101.9 feet on the south side. The lowest elevation of the existing railroad corridor within the vicinity of this portion of the project is 106.16 feet (according to the profile, Sheets 22 and 23 of
34 of the Plan Set); therefore, the project will take place entirely out of the Regulatory
Floodway, above the BFE elevations, and no BLSF will be altered.
To the east of Pillings Pond Road, between STA 207+50 and 211+50 on the Plan Set, the project footprint is located near a Zone AE Special Flood Hazard Area with a BFE of 104.3 feet (FIRMette 5). The lowest elevation of the existing railroad corridor within the vicinity of this portion of the project is 109.0 feet at STA 208+42.71 (according to the profile, Sheets 24 and 25 of 34 of the Plan Set); therefore, the project will take place entirely out of the Regulatory Floodway, above the BFE elevations, and no BLSF will be altered.
Further to the east of Pillings Pond Road, between STA 213+50 and 226, the project footprint is located near a Zone AE Special Flood Hazard Area with a BFE of 104.3 feet (FIRMette 5).
The lowest elevations of the trail within the vicinity of this portion of the project is 108.07 feet at STA 215+74.07 and 105.58 feet at STA 223+54.16 (according to the profile, Sheets 25 and 26 of 34 of the Plan Set); therefore, the project will take place entirely out of the
Regulatory Floodway, above the BFE elevations, and no BLSF will be altered.
No other portions of the project occur within or near designated flood plain areas.
2.2 Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Designation
According to the 15th edition of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas (effective
August 1, 2021) published by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
(NHESP), the project is not located within a Priority Habitat of Rare Species or
Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife (Appendix A, Figure 2). No certified or potential vernal pools are located on the site.
2.3 Additional Regulatory Designations
The project is located within multiple areas mapped as a “Zone A” Surface Water Supply
Protection Area as designated in the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, 310
CMR 22.00 (Attachment A, Figure 2). Portions of the western and central portions of the trail lie within the “Hawkes Pond” and “Saugus River” Zone A areas, owned by the Lynn
Water and Sewer Commission, while the trail’s eastern terminus falls within the “Winona
Pond Reservoir” Zone A, owned by the Peabody Water Department.
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3. Wetland Boundary Determination Methodology
During December 2014 and January 2015, LEC conducted several site evaluations to identify and characterize existing protectable Wetland Resource Areas located on or immediately adjacent to the project footprint. In October and November 2021, and
March 2023, LEC revisited the trail corridor and refreshed the wetland flags as needed, to reflect the current observed conditions.
The BVW boundaries were determined through observations of the existing plant communities, using the "fifty percent criteria" to determine dominance of wetland/upland vegetation, the interpretation of soil characteristics, and other indicators of wetland hydrology in accordance with the Massachusetts Handbook for Delineation of Bordering
Vegetated Wetlands (Second Edition, September 2022), the Field Indicators for
Identifying Hydric Soils in New England (Version 4, June 2020), and the criteria set forth in 310 CMR 10.55.
The BVW boundaries were demarcated in the field with sequentially numbered blaze orange, surveyor’s flagging tape embossed with the words “LEC Resource Area
Boundary” in bold, black print, and are depicted in the Plan Set, including the following sequences:
(Plan Set Sheets 8-9): Wetland Flags #J-34 to J-46; unflagged wetland extends westward…
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