A00860-613642.pdf

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 613642-136413

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DOCUMENT A00860

MASSACHUSETTS

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

NOTICE OF INTENT

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 613642-136413

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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

BETA GROUP, INC.

89 Shrewsbury Street, Suite 300, Worcester, MA 01604 P: 508.756.1600 | W: www.BETA-Inc.com

February 9, 2026

David McRae, Chair Raynham Conservation Commission 558 South Main Street Raynham, MA 02767

Re: Notice of Intent – Old Colony Avenue Bridge Replacement Old Colony Avenue, Taunton, MA

Dear Mr. Turner and Commissioners:

On behalf of the City of Taunton, BETA Group, Inc. (BETA) is submitting this Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed Bridge Reconstruction of bridge R-02-003=T-01-004 (the Project) at Old Colony Avenue over the Taunton River in Taunton and Raynham, Massachusetts (the Site). The Project is being filed under the MassDOT bridge exemption as specified in the 2014 Transportation Bond Bill. The bridge replacement design is substantially the functional equivalent of and in similar alignment to, the existing bridge.

Therefore, the Project is not subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. ch.131, s.40 – the Act) and this NOI is being filed under the Raynham Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 336 – the Bylaw).

The Project is necessary to improve safety and transportation infrastructure in Taunton and Raynham along the Taunton River. The existing bridge was constructed in 1945, and following a recent rating it was recommended the bridge be closed to vehicular traffic due to poor conditions along the bridge abutments.

The Project will require demolition of the existing bridge superstructure, construction of the new bridge deck and associated structural appurtenances; installation of scour protection within the Taunton River;

full depth pavement reconstruction; and grading. The Project proposes to retain the existing bridge substructure while replacing the superstructure with a deck that is one foot wider to allow for the addition of a bicycle lane. Ancillary Project facets including guardrails and a relocated sidewalk have also been incorporated into the design, and the Project will also address the addition of scour protection within the river during construction.

The Project is considered a limited project because it involves the maintenance and improvement of an existing public roadway limited to widening less than a single lane, adding shoulders, and improving the drainage system per 310 CMR 10.53(3)(f), and it involves the repair and improvement of a bridge and culvert per 310 CMR 10.53(3)(i).

The Project will consist of the following:

• Bridge deck replacement;

• Installation of scour protection within the Taunton River;

• Full depth pavement construction in the vicinity of the bridge;

• Pavement milling and overlay to the north and south of the bridge;

• Modifications to roadway geometry;

• Construction of a new sidewalk;

• Installation of new granite curbing;

• Striping of two travel lanes and a bike lane;

Proposal No. 613642 - 136413

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David McRae, Chair February 9, 2026

• Installation of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-Compliant Ramps;

• Replacement of guardrails;

• Modifications to water, sewer, gas, electric and drainage utilities;

• Installation of a perforated High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) infiltration trench; and

• Tree clearing and trimming.

The Project only proposes the replacement of the superstructure and will maintain the existing substructure (i.e., piers and abutments). Accordingly, the Project will meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards to the maximum extent practicable because the existing conditions do not meet the Standards, and compliance of the existing bridge with the Standards will not change given the nature of work. Work associated with the Project will result in temporary and permanent impacts to Areas Subject to Protection under the Bylaw including Bank, Land Under Water (LUW), Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF), Riverfront Area (RA) associated with the Taunton River, 100’ Buffer Zone to BLSF, and 25’ No-Activity Buffer Zone. The Project will result in a total of 15,128 square feet (sf) and 117 linear feet (lf) of impacts to Resource Areas with the Town of Raynham, further broken down as follows:

• 66 linear feet (lf) of temporary and 51 lf of permanent impact to Bank;

• 2,304 square feet (sf) of temporary and 4,399 sf of permanent impact to LUW associated with a dredge volume of 1,052 cubic yards (cy);

• 1,121 sf of permanent impact to BLSF;

• 1,867 sf of temporary impact and 4,477 sf permanent impact to Riverfront Area; and

• 315 sf of temporary impact and 645 sf of permanent impact to the Bylaw 25’ No-Activity Buffer Zone.

The Project is located entirely within the Bylaw 100’ Buffer Zone to BLSF and therefore will result in 5,518 sf of temporary impact and 5,616 sf of permanent impact to the Bylaw 100’ Buffer Zone to BLSF. The Project will also result in 1,309 sf of temporary impact and 3,253 sf of permanent impact to 100’ Buffer Zone to Bank and 3,479 sf of temporary impact and 3,895 sf of permanent impact to 100’ Buffer Zone to

BVW.

An NOI with the Taunton Conservation Commission has been prepared and submitted concurrently with this Application. The NOI for work in Taunton is being filed under the MassDOT bridge exemption as specified in the 2014 Transportation Bond Bill and is therefore only subject to review under the Taunton Wetlands Protection Ordinance. As a municipal project, this filing is not subject to the fee requirements of the Bylaw. Abutters to the Project have been notified in accordance with Local requirements.

We trust that the following application provides adequate information to facilitate the issuance of an Order of Conditions approving the Project as presented. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Very truly yours, BETA Group, Inc.

Hannah Davis Jonathan Niro, PWS Staff Scientist Project Manager

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David McRae, Chair February 9, 2026 cc:

Christopher Jones, PE (BETA) Laura Krause (BETA) Courtney Walker (MassDOT) Lily Collins (MassDOT)

Job No: 23.10887.00

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Raynham, Massachusetts

Old Colony Avenue Bridge Reconstruction R-02-003=T-01-004

MassDOT Project Number 613642 February 2026

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Old Colony Avenue Bridge Reconstruction R-02-003=T-01-004

MassDOT Project Number 613642

Prepared by: BETA GROUP, INC.

Prepared for: City of Taunton

February 2026

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Old Colony Avenue Bridge Reconstruction R-02-003=T-01-004 Notice of Intent

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WPA FORM 3

ABUTTERS INFORMATION

PROJECT NARRATIVE

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Site Description

2.1 Project Locus & Existing Conditions

2.2 Wetland Resource Areas

2.2.1 Bank

2.2.2 Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW)

2.2.3 Land Under Water (LUW)

2.2.4 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF)

2.2.5 Riverfront Area (RA)

2.2.6 25’ No-Activity Zone (The Bylaw)

2.3 Buffer Zones

2.4 NHESP-Mapped Habitat and Other Sensitive Areas

3.0 Work Description

3.1 Work in Buffer Zones

3.2 Work within Jurisdictional Resource Areas

3.2.1 Bank (to Perennial Stream, 310 CMR 10.54)

3.2.2 Land Under Water (310 CMR 10.56)

3.2.3 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (310 CMR 10.57)

3.2.4 Riverfront Area (310 CMR 10.58)

3.2.5 100’ Buffer Zone

3.2.6 25’ No-Activity Buffer Zone (The Bylaw)

4.0 Mitigation Measures

4.1 Erosion and Sedimentation Controls

4.2 Water Controls and Dewatering

4.3 Invasive Species Control

4.4 Stormwater Management

4.4.1 Existing Stormwater Management

4.5 Compliance with Stormwater Standards

4.5.2 Regulatory Compliance

4.6 Resource Area Restoration and Replication

4.6.2 Bank Restoration

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5.0 Alternatives Analysis

5.1 Project Construction Alternatives

5.1.1 No-Build Alternative

5.1.2 Alternative #1: 10’ Travel Lanes and 4’ Shoulder on Safety Curb Side (Preferred)

5.1.3 Alternative #2: 12’ Travel Lanes and 2’ Shoulders on Either Side

5.1.4 Alternative #3: No Scour Protection

5.1.5 Alternative #4: Embedment Below Scour Depths

6.0 Regulatory Compliance

6.1 Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards

6.2 Town of Raynham Wetlands Protection Bylaw (The Bylaw)

6.2.1 Inland Bank – General Performance Standards – 310 CMR 10.54(4)

6.2.2 LUW – General Performance Standards – 310 CMR 10.56(4)

6.2.3 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding – 310 CMR 10.57(4)

6.2.4 Riverfront Area – 310 CMR 10.58(4)

6.2.5 25’ No-Activity Buffer Zone

7.0 Summary

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 a USGS Site Locus Map

Figure 1b Aerial Site Locus Map

Figure 2 Environmental Resources Map

Figure 3 FEMA Flood Map

Figure 4 Historic Resources Map

Figure 5 Open Space Resources Map

Figure 6 Soil Survey Map

PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Resource Area Boundary Delineation Report

Appendix B Stormwater Management Report

Appendix C Project Plans

Appendix D Hydraulic and Scour Analysis Report (Available Upon Request)

Appendix E Emergency Certification Request

Appendix F Alternatives Analysis

Appendix G EFH & USFWS Section 7 Documentation

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WPA FORM 3 – NOTICE OF INTENT

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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

Raynham 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):

Old Colony Avenue Bridge over Taunton River

a. Street Address

Taunton and Raynham

b. City/Town

02718 and 02767

c. Zip Code

Latitude and Longitude:

41°53'09.9"N

d. Latitude

71°01'48.1"W

e. Longitude

N/A Roadway ROW

f. Assessors Map/Plat Number

N/A

g. Parcel /Lot Number

2. Applicant:

Katherine

a. First Name

Nunes

b. Last Name

City of Taunton

c. Organization

90 Ingell Street

d. Street Address

Taunton

e. City/Town

MA

f. State

02780

g. Zip Code

508-821-1431

h. Phone Number

508-821-1059

i. Fax Number knunes@taunton-ma.gov

j. Email Address

3. Property owner (required if different from applicant): Check if more than one owner

a. First Name

b. Last Name

Town of Raynham

c. Organization

558 South Main Street

d. Street Address

Raynham

e. City/Town

02780

(508) 824-2700

h. Phone Number

i. Fax Number

j. Email address

4. Representative (if any):

Jonathan

a. First Name

Niro

b. Last Name

BETA Group Inc

c. Company

89 Shrewsbury Street

d. Street Address

Worcester

e. City/Town

01604

g. Zip Code

844.800.2382 x7141 jniro@beta-inc.com

j. Email address

5. Total WPA Fee Paid (from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form):

Fee Exempt

a. Total Fee Paid

Fee Exempt

b. State Fee Paid

Fee Exempt

c. City/Town Fee Paid

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent

City/Town

A. General Information (continued)

6. General Project Description:

The purpose of the Project is to replace the existing superstructure that makes up bridge No. R-02- 003=T-01-004 over the Taunton River to address deteriorating conditions, install scour protection and to improve pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.

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)

Inland limited project per 310 CMR 10.53(3)(f) and (i)

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:

N/A - Roadway ROW

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.

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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

51 PERM, 66 TEMP

1. linear feet

66 REST

2. linear feet

b. Bordering Vegetated Wetland

1. square feet

2. square feet

c. Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways

4,399 PERM, 2,304 TEMP

1. square feet

6,703 REST

2. square feet

1,052

3. cubic yards dredged

Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)

d. Bordering Land Subject to Flooding

1,121 PERM, 0 SF TEMP

2. square feet

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 Taunton River

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:

43,100 square feet

4. Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area:

6,344

a. total square feet

6,344

b. square feet within 100 ft.

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.

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent

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

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.

Proposal No. 613642 - 136413

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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 - 16 https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-file-for-a-mesa-project-review https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-file-for-a-mesa-project-review https://www.mass.gov/service-details/exemptions-from-review-for-projectsactivities-in-priority-habitat https://www.mass.gov/service-details/exemptions-from-review-for-projectsactivities-in-priority-habitat mailto:dmf.envreview-south@mass.gov mailto:dmf.envreview-north@mass.gov wpaform3.doc • rev. 12/4/2023 Page 7 of 9

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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.

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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.

Superstructure Repacement Plans

a. Plan Title

BETA Group, Inc.

b. Prepared By

Unsigned and unstamped

c. Signed and Stamped by

October 22, 2025

d. Final Revision Date

1" = 20'

e. Scale

Environmental Impacts Plan

f. Additional Plan or Document Title

October 22, 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:

N/A

2. Municipal Check Number

N/A

3. Check date

N/A

4. State Check Number

N/A

5. Check date

N/A

6. Payor name on check: First Name

N/A

7. Payor name on check: Last Name

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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:

FEE EXEMPT

a. Street Address

b. City/Town

c. Check number

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.

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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands

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:

Step 6/Fee Payments:

Total Project Fee:

FEE EXEMPT

a. Total Fee from Step 5

State share of filing Fee:

FEE EXEMPT

b. 1/2 Total Fee less $12.50

City/Town share of filling Fee:

FEE EXEMPT

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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ABUTTERS INFORMATION

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Affidavit of Service

Under the Town of Raynham Wetlands Protection Bylaw

(to be submitted to the Conservation Commission when filing a Notice of Intent)

I, Hannah Davis , hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that on or before February 9, 2026 I gave notification to abutters in compliance with the

Bylaw, which is consistent with the second paragraph of Massachusetts General Laws

Chapter 131, Section 40, and the DEP Guide to Abutter Notification dated April 8, 1994, in connection with the following matter:

A Notice of Intent filed under the Bylaw by The City of Taunton in conjunction with

MassDOT – Highway Division with the Town of Raynham Conservation Commission on February 9, 2026 for The Old Colony Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project in

Taunton, Massachusetts and Raynham, 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.

____________________________________ ___2/9/2026_____________

Name Date

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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 Town of Raynham Wetlands Protection

Bylaw.

In accordance with the Bylaw, which is consistent 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 Raynham Conservation Commission on or before

February 9, 2026 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 City of Taunton in conjunction with MassDOT –

Highway Division.

C. The address of the land where the activity is proposed is: Old Colony Avenue (Right-of-

Way) and South Street East

D. Copies of the Notice of Intent may be examined or obtained at the office of the Raynham

Conservation Commission, located at 558 South Main Street, Raynham, MA 02767. The regular business hours of the Commission are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and the Commission may be reached at (508)-824-2706.

E. Copies of the Notice of Intent may be obtained from the applicant or their representative by contacting Hannah Davis, BETA Group, Inc. at (844)-800-2382 ext. 7241 or at hdavis@BETA-Inc.com. 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 Raynham Conservation Commission. Notice of the public hearing will be published at least five business days in advance, in the Taunton Daily

Gazette.

The Project proposes the replacement of the bridge superstructure along Old Colony Avenue and installation of riprap scour protection within the Taunton River. In addition to the repair and improvement of the bridge, the Project will also consist of paving, construction of a new sidewalk, and stormwater improvements including a new infiltration trench along South Street East.

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NARRATIVE

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

On behalf of the City of Taunton, BETA Group, Inc. (BETA) is submitting this Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed Bridge Reconstruction of bridge R-02-003=T-01-004 (the Project) at Old Colony Avenue over the Taunton River in Taunton and Raynham, Massachusetts (the Site). The Project is being filed under the MassDOT bridge exemption as specified in the 2014 Transportation Bond Bill. The bridge replacement design is substantially the functional equivalent of and in similar alignment to, the existing bridge.

Therefore, the Project is not subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. ch.131, s.40 – the Act) and this NOI is being filed under the Raynham Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 336 – the Bylaw).

The Project is necessary to improve safety and transportation infrastructure in Taunton and Raynham along the Taunton River. The existing bridge was constructed in 1945, and following a recent rating it was recommended the bridge be closed to vehicular traffic due to poor conditions along the bridge abutments.

The Project will require demolition of the existing bridge superstructure, construction of the new bridge deck and associated structural appurtenances; installation of scour protection within the Taunton River;

full depth pavement reconstruction; and grading. The Project proposes to retain the existing bridge substructure while replacing the superstructure with a deck that is 1’ wider to allow for the addition of a bicycle lane. Ancillary Project facets including guardrails and a relocated sidewalk have also been incorporated into the design, and the Project will also address the addition of scour protection within the river during construction.

The Project is considered a limited project because it involves the maintenance and improvement of an existing public roadway limited to widening less than a single lane, adding shoulders, and improving the drainage system per 310 CMR 10.53(3)(f), and it involves the repair and improvement of a bridge and culvert per 310 CMR 10.53(3)(i).

The Project will consist of the following:

• Bridge deck replacement;

• Installation of scour protection within the Taunton River;

• Full depth pavement construction in the vicinity of the bridge;

• Pavement milling and overlay to the north and south of the bridge;

• Modifications to roadway geometry;

• Construction of a new sidewalk;

• Installation of new granite curbing;

• Striping of two travel lanes and a bike lane;

• Installation of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-Compliant curb ramps;

• Replacement of guardrails;

• Modifications to water, sewer, gas, electric and drainage utilities;

• Installation of a perforated High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) infiltration trench; and

• Tree clearing and trimming.

The Project only proposes the replacement of the superstructure and will maintain the existing substructure (i.e., piers and abutments). Accordingly, the Project will not meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards to the maximum extent practicable because the existing conditions do not meet the Standards, and compliance of the existing bridge with the Standards will not change given the nature of work. Work associated with the Project will result in temporary and permanent impacts to Areas Subject to Protection under the Bylaw including Bank, Land Under Water (LUW), Bordering Land Subject to

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Flooding (BLSF), Riverfront Area (RA), Buffer Zone to Land Subject to Flooding, and No-Activity Buffer Zone. The Project will result in a total of 15,128 square feet (sf) and 117 linear feet (lf) of impacts to Resource Areas with the Town of Raynham, further broken down as follows:

• 66 linear feet (lf) of temporary and 51 lf of permanent impact to Bank;

• 2,304 square feet (sf) of temporary and 4,399 sf of permanent impact to LUW associated with a dredge volume of 1,052 cubic yards (cy);

• 1,121 sf of permanent impact to BLSF;

• 1,867 sf of temporary impact and 4,477 sf permanent impact to Riverfront Area; and

• 315 sf of temporary impact and 645 sf of permanent impact to the Bylaw 25’ No-Activity Buffer Zone.

The Project is located entirely within the Bylaw 100’ Buffer Zone to BLSF and therefore will result in 5,518 sf of temporary impact and 5,616 sf of permanent impact to the Bylaw 100’ Buffer Zone to BLSF. The Project will also result in 1,309 sf of temporary impact and 3,253 sf of permanent impact to 100’ Buffer Zone to Bank and 3,479 sf of temporary impact and 3,895 sf of permanent impact to 100’ Buffer Zone to

BVW.

It is anticipated that this Project will address the existing safety concerns while also improving non-vehicular transportation accommodations. These accommodations associated with the Project have been designed to meet standards set forth by the ADA.

Given the nature of the bridge reconstruction work, there are no feasible alternatives that avoid the impacts to Resource Areas described herein. The Project has been designed to minimize impacts and restore altered areas following construction. During construction, erosion and sedimentation controls and in-water controls including compost filter tubes, siltation fencing, and cofferdams will be installed and maintained to prevent migration of sediment into the stream. Post-construction restoration activities include regrading and stabilizing Banks with a native seed mix and placing suitable streambed material over the proposed scour protection measures within the Taunton River.

The environmental permits and reviews required to construct the Project beyond the submission of this NOI include:

• A 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from MassDEP for impacts to Waters of the U.S. that exceed 5,000 sf of loss and 100 cy of dredging;

• Coverage under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 Massachusetts General Permit including General Permits 23: Linear Transportation Projects and Wetland/Stream Crossings and 24: Temporary Construction, Access, and Dewatering;

• Order of Conditions under the Taunton Wetlands Protection Ordinance;

• Coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP);

• Coordination with the National Parks Service due to the status of the Taunton River as a Wild and Scenic River;

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Section 106 review;

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Section 7 review;

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Section 7 review; and

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review through preparation of a programmatic Categorical Exclusion.

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The sediment Sampling and Analysis Plan prepared as part of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification that is being filed in addition to this NOI can be made available upon request.

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

2.1 PROJECT LOCUS & EXISTING CONDITIONS

The Site is located along Old Colony Avenue approximately 250 linear feet north of its intersection with Battle Row (Figure 1 – Site Locus). The Taunton River flows east/northeast through the Site towards its confluence with Mount Hope Bay in Fall River, Massachusetts. The centerline of the Taunton River is the common boundary between Taunton and Raynham; therefore, the Site includes land in both municipalities. This NOI pertains to the work proposed within the Town of Raynham only.

South Street East is a two-lane road oriented in a north to south direction adjacent to the Taunton River through undeveloped forest and residential properties (Figure 1 – Site Locus). The roadway is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Raynham and is classified as an Urban Collector. Old Colony Ave is a two-lane road oriented in a north to south direction adjacent to the Taunton River through multi-family and industrial properties (Figure 1 – Site Locus). The roadway is under the jurisdiction of the City of Taunton and is classified as an Urban Collector.

The existing structure is an approximately 90’ two-span bridge with equal spans of approximately 45’ 3.5”, constructed in 1945. The structure consists of eight (8) steel beams supporting a 7″ concrete deck and 2- 1/4″ of bituminous paving. The bridge is supported by unreinforced concrete gravity abutments and wingwalls and a reinforced concrete pier. The south abutment is founded on spread footings and the north abutment and pier are founded on timber piles. The bridge is 35′-0″ wide, which includes a 26′-0″ roadway, a 2′-6” safety walk and 5’-0” sidewalk with metal railing. The bridge has a skew angle of 23.6° and was designed for H20 loading. Stormwater infrastructure in the vicinity of the bridge includes two closed catch basins at the southern end of the bridge that discharge to the Taunton River through a 12-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) within the southeastern wingwall. The remainder of the Site, particularly the portion in Raynham, consists of “country drainage”. A 4” Cast-Iron (CI) and an 8” Asbestos Cement (AC) sewer pipe is located within the bridge superstructure. Additionally, a 6” gas main suspected to be Ductile Iron (DI) is located within the bridge superstructure.

According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Soil Survey and the field delineation performed by BETA Group, Inc (BETA) in March 2023, the soils on the Site and in the vicinity of the Site are classified as Birdsall Silt Loam, Urban Land, and Smoothed Udorthents.

Temporary and permanent easements are required for work within and along the Taunton River on both municipal and private properties. A total of 9 easements are required in Raynham (3 permanent, 6 temporary).

2.2 WETLAND RESOURCE AREAS

A Site inspection was conducted by BETA Wetland Scientists on March 31st 2023, to review the previously delineated boundaries of existing Resource Areas within and in the immediate vicinity of the Site. LUW boundaries were identified and delineated in accordance with the methods developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual; Northeast Region (2009).

According to the July 16, 2015 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 25005C0169G, the Site is within a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Special Flood Hazard) Zone AE. Zone AE areas are considered to be within the 100-year floodplain. The base flood elevation onsite is 14.8’ on the upstream

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The Taunton River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the United States Congress. Within the Site, the Taunton River is classified as a “Scenic River Area.” Under Sec 2. [16 U.S.C 1273].b.(2) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Scenic River Areas is defined as "Those River or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watershed still largely primitive and shorelines undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads”.

Wetland and Resource Areas identified on the Site include Bank, Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVWs), LUW, Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF), and Riverfront Area (RA). Areas Subject to Protection under the Act and Bylaw that are present throughout the Site include:

• Bank – Bank at the Site is associated with one (1) perennial stream (the Taunton River) and one

(1) unnamed intermittent stream.

• Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) – Two (2) areas of BVW are present at the Site. The WF1 Series BVW is a scrub shrub wetland that borders on the B3/B4 Series intermittent stream. The WF2 Series BVW is a scrub shrub wetland located along the northern bank of the perennial stream (the Taunton River).

• Land Under Water (LUW) – LUW exists between the Bank boundaries below the mean annual low water level (MLW) of the streams located at the Site and generally consist of muck and gravel.

The boundary of LUW is the MLW, which was not field delineated by BETA.

• Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF) – BLSF at the Site exists in the Zone AE Flood Hazard associated with the Taunton River.

• Riverfront Area (RA) – RA is present at the Site associated with mean annual high water (MAHW).

• 25’ No-Activity Zone (the Bylaw) – The 25’ No-Activity Zone is present at the western extent of the Site 25’ from BVWs.

The Taunton River at the Site is also mapped as a diadromous fish run.

2.2.1 BANK

Banks were delineated by BETA in the field in March 2023 as described in Table 1: Bank Boundary Description and the Resource Area Boundary Delineation Report included in Appendix A.

Table 1: Bank Boundary Description

FLAG SERIES LOCATION DESCRIPTION / NOTES

B1 Series Flags

B1-99 to 95 and

B2 Series Flags

B2-91 to 99 and

B2-100 to 105

Taunton River, located east, under and west of the Old Colony

Ave Bridge

The northern (B1 Series) and southern (B2 Series) Banks associated with the Taunton River, a perennial stream, that generally flows west were delineated in two (2) segments along the first observable break in slope consistent with the mean annual flood level.

The Bank north of the Taunton River was delineated west (B1-99 to B1-95) and east (B1-100 to B1-106) of the Old Colony Avenue Bridge in Raynham. Banks west of the bridge were generally well defined and consisted of eroded soils. Banks east of the bridge were observed to be undercut and also consisted of eroded soils. Where vegetated, both Banks consist primarily of woody vegetation including bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides).

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Populations of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) were also observed.

The Bank south of the Taunton River was delineated west (B2-91 to

99) and east (B2-100 to 105) of the Old Colony Avenue Bridge in Taunton. Banks west of the bridge were generally poorly defined and consisted of rocks and stones of various sizes. Banks east of the bridge were generally well defined and generally consisted of eroded soils. Where vegetated, both Banks consist primarily of woody vegetation including slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), Norway maple, and silky dogwood. Populations of poison ivy were also observed.

The channel width downstream of the Old Colony Avenue bridge is between 95 to 110 feet wide with a mucky, gravel substrate. The channel width upstream is 90 to 100 feet wide with a mixed cobble, gravel, and mucky substrate. Water depths within the Taunton River could not be determined in the field.

The Taunton River is mapped as perennial on USGS topographic maps; therefore, it meets the definition of a perennial stream (River) per 310 CMR 10.58(2).

B3/B4 Series Flags

B3-96 to 107 and

B4-96 to 107

Northwest of Old Colony Avenue

Bridge at 0 South East Street

The interior (B4 Series) and exterior (B3 Series) Banks associated with a shallow, braided intermittent stream west of South Street East were delineated along the first observable break in slope (consistent with the mean annual flood level). The B3/B4 Series stream flows west out of a drainage outfall associated with the closed drainage system under South Street East in Raynham, where flow becomes braided prior to reaching a confluence west of the Site. The B3/ B4 Series Banks were primarily vegetated with silky dogwood. The channel is approximately 3 to 5 feet wide and 2 to 6 inches deep with a substrate of sand and muck.

This stream is not depicted on current USGS topographic maps or on the StreamStats program; therefore, it is presumed to be intermittent.

2.2.2 BORDERING VEGETATED WETLAND (BVW)

BVWs1 were delineated by BETA in the field in March 2023 as described in Table 2: BVW Boundary Description and the Resource Area Boundary Delineation Report included in Appendix A.

1 BVWs described herein are located within the Town of Raynham only.

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Table 2: BVW Boundary Description

Flag Series Location Description / Notes

WF1 Series

Flags

WF1-108 to

Northwest of Old Colony Avenue

Bridge at 0 South East Street

The WF1 Series BVW is a scrub shrub wetland bordering on the B3/B4 Series intermittent stream. The attached U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Data Sheets describe evidence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and indicators of hydrology at a specific data plot.

WF2 Series

Flags

WF2-100 to

Along the northern Bank of the Taunton River

The WF2 Series BVW is a scrub shrub wetland located along the northern bank of the Taunton River, west of the B1 Series Bank. Dominant hydrophytic vegetation observed within the area includes silky dogwood.

Evidence of hydrology observed in the field includes sediment deposition and stressed vegetation (buttressed roots), and hydric soils indicators including sandy soils with prominent redox concentrations. A formal data plot was not performed at this location.

The dominant plant species in the WF1 Series BVW include silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).

2.2.3 LAND UNDER WATER (LUW)

LUW exists between the Bank boundaries below the mean annual low water levels of the streams delineated at the Site. The boundary of LUW is the mean annual low water level. This boundary was not field delineated by BETA and is described in the Resource Area Boundary Delineation Report included in Appendix A.

2.2.4 BORDERING LAND SUBJECT TO FLOODING (BLSF)

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FIRM Number 25005C0169G, dated July 16, 2015, a Zone…