20161017_TreeMitigation_NorthParcel.pdf

AECOM

30Knightsbridge Road Suite 520 Piscataway, New Jersey www.aecom.com

732 564 3600 tel 732 369 0120 fax

October 17, 2016 via email

Mr. David Maski Deputy Planning Director/Zoning Official Hillsborough Township Planning & Zoning Department 379 South Branch Road Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844

Re: Tree Preservation/Mitigation for Remediation of North Parcel Former Belle Mead Army Depot

Dear Mr. Maski:

AECOM has prepared and submitted a Remedial Action Work Plan for the North Parcel of the former Belle Mead Army Depot. In order to complete the proposed remediation on the property, the site vegetation will be removed. AECOM has estimated the amount of trees to be removed along with types and sizes. We are proposing to discount the presence of invasive red cedar from consideration in tree mitigation and propose to restore the site with nearly 11,000 trees and 3,000 shrubs to be placed in various areas of the site. We also propose that the former railyard be revegetated with grass and wildflower meadows in effort to provide the greatest flexibility for use of this area, which is currently scrub/shrub and dense primary succession cedar stands among relic rail beds and degrading asphalt roadways. Additionally, we propose the payment of $250,000 into the Township’s Tree Mitigation fund.

The following sections of this letter provide some additional background on the site, describes our methodology for estimating the trees present on site, and offers our plan to restore the site. We believe our plan will significantly improve the condition of the site and will provide the greatest flexibility for future use.

1.0 Background

The North Parcel Belle Mead Army Depot (BMAD) formerly contained a salvage yard, burn pit, flammable material storage sheds, a pistol range, jerry can storage area, cosmoline coating areas, a water tower, and several structures associated with these areas. Remedial Investigations (RI) were performed by AECOM in order to assess the environmental impacts of these former operations within and around BMAD. In 2015, the Remedial Investigation Report (RIR) for the North Parcel BMAD reported soil samples containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and a variety of metals present in surface soils site wide at concentrations above the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards (RDCSRS).

The PAH and metal affected soils are not localized, occurring across the areas of the site previously traversed by roads or rails.

The goal of the remediation is to remove affected surface soils across the North Parcel BMAD where constituent concentrations are in excess of the NJDEP RDCSRS and consolidate the affected soil in the northeast portion of the site and place a soil cap above the affected soil to prevent direct contact or migration of contaminants. Areas outside of the consolidation area shall be remediated to residential standards for unrestricted use.

The proposed remediation areas of the North Parcel BMAD include the Northwest Rail Corridor, Western Area, Railyard Area, and Eastern Boundary. These areas are depicted on Figure 1. The designated remedial action is excavation, which involves removing the top one foot of soil in selected areas across the North Parcel BMAD. The soil removed during excavation will be replenished by backfilling the areas with clean fill and topsoil. Excavation of deeper affected soils may be conducted from select areas as necessary. The materials removed will be consolidated and covered with a soil cover cap. This remediation approach meets NJDEP Soil Remediation Standard (SRS) regulatory requirements, while limiting GSA’s long-term monitoring and maintenance obligations. Additionally, it leaves a significant portion of the North Parcel BMAD available for unrestricted use.

The Consolidation Area and Construction Support Zone will be located within the North Parcel BMAD, overlapping the Eastern boundary area and bordering the Railyard Area. This choice of location will minimize the carbon footprint of the remediation by eliminating the fuel that would have been used to transport the excavated material to off-site disposal facilities, and reduce the volume of trucks navigating local roadways. Although this approach was determined the most feasible and provides several benefits, it will require some additional clearing.

With the exception of former foundations, rail beds, and roadways that remain partially clear, the North Parcel BMAD is covered by trees and vegetation consistent with primary and early secondary forest regrowth. The bulk of the facility had been kept clear until its sale in the mid-1980s resulting in successionary growth of large tracts of cedars typical of primary and early secondary succession.

Areas along the eastern boundary had begun succession in the 1970s or earlier and have been transitioning to more mature deciduous forest.

Clearing of the trees in the ‘remediation area’ of the site is necessary in order to complete the planned remediation as documented in AECOM’s August 2016 Remedial Action Work Plan. Figure 1 shows the extent of the planned remediation.

A precise inventory of the North Parcel BMAD trees to be removed is not currently planned. In lieu of a precise inventory, Section 2 provides an estimate of the number, types, and diameters of the trees within the remediation area.

2.0 Tree Count

In order to establish an estimated quantity of trees present within the remediation area, a total of eighteen study grids were selected within the six zones of the North Parcel BMAD. These zones are referred to as:

A. Northwest Corridor, B. Western Area, C. Railyard Area, D. Consolidation Area, E. Construction Support Zone, and F. Eastern Boundary

Figure 2 shows the zones and locations of each of the18 grids surveyed.

The study grids were designed to represent the varying vegetation displayed across the site and in each zone. Each study grid was surveyed taking inventory of type and size of the trees within each grid.

In several instances, transects were established across dense cedar stands to facilitate more accurate counts. The tree count was conducted to count deciduous trees greater than 6-inches in diameter and/or coniferous trees greater than 8 feet in height as per the definition of “tree” in the Township Ordinance. Table 1 summarizes tree counts per grid and estimated tree densities per acre. These counts specifically exclude the cedars as we are considering them an invasive species and potential fire hazard. Attachment 1 presents the raw data and information regarding tree types and diameters observed in each study grid.

Table 1: Estimated Tree Density Across Zones

Grid ID Dimensions Area (ft2) Zone Total Tree

Count Density (/ft2) Density (/acre)

1 60' x 60' 3,600

A

13 0.004 157.3 2 60' x 60' 3,600 14 0.004 169.4 3 60' x 60' 3,600 12 0.003 145.2 4 60' x 60' 3,600 0 0.000 0.0 5 100' x 100' 10,000

B

5 0.001 21.8 6 2 - 10' x 100' 2,000 0 0.000 0.0 7 100' x 100' 10,000 7 0.001 30.5 8 100' x 100' 10,000 10 0.001 43.6 9 2 - 10' x 100' 2,000

C

1 0.001 21.8 10 100' x 100' 10,000 0 0.000 0.0 11 100' x 100' 10,000 0 0.000 0.0 12 10' X 100' 1,000 0 0.000 0.0 13 50' x 50' 2,500 E 5 0.002 87.1 14 50' x 50' 2,500 D 0 0.000 0.0 15 100' x 100' 10,000

F

1 0.000 4.4 16 100' x 100' 10,000 4 0.000 17.4 17 100' x 100' 10,000 24 0.002 104.5 18 100' x 100' 10,000 8 0.001 34.8

Totals - 114,400 - 104 0.001 46.5

3.0 Tree Replacement and Mitigation

The estimated trees to be removed and their calculated replacement based on the Hillsborough Township Ordinance are presented in Table 2. Revegetation focuses on the use of native species consistent with more mature forests. Other portions of the site would be revegetated with grasses and wildflower meadows to allow greater options for re-use.

Planned restoration includes:

· Northwestern Corridor – this area would lend itself to future use as a connector and would be vegetated with 1,000 trees and 1,000 shrubs on either side of the former rail bed.

· Western Area – this area would be partially revegetated with 1,500 trees and 300 shrubs to create a transition from the Northwestern Corridor to the forested area that is not being remediated.

· Railyard Area – this area would largely be revegetated with grasses and wildflowers meadows and would receive up to 1,000 trees and 700 shrubs. We will coordinate with the township regarding placement options for these plantings.

· Consolidation Area - this area will be revegetated with grasses and wildflowers. The proposed tree and shrub replacement values in Table 2 are proposed to be used in the Railyard.

· Construction Support Zone – will be revegetated to a similar tree and shrub density that currently exists in this area. 1,500 trees and 300 shrubs are proposed.

· Eastern Boundary Area – a buffer zone of approximately 50-feet wide will be revegetated with a dense population of trees and shrubs (including 634 trees and 413 shrubs) as documented in AECOM’s design. More than, 3,000 trees and shrubs (2,366 trees and 700 shrubs) will also be added to the west of the landscape buffer zone.

Note that the wetland and riparian zone restoration documented in AECOM’s design and its land use permit application is in addition to the proposed mitigation described herein. The wetland and riparian mitigation (permit pending) will add approximately 2,800 additional trees and 1,250 shrubs and other plantings in wetlands and riparian corridors across the site.

Since this study was did not account for the trees already removed during the residential remediation – i.e., this estimated tree count double counts the trees that have already been address in the residential tree mitigation plan dated April 7, 2016. Therefore, the 275 trees previously deferred from the residential tree mitigation plan along with the $35,000 mitigation payment should be considered part of this mitigation plan.

Table 2: Proposed Tree and Shrub Replacement for North Parcel BMAD

Zone Zone Name Area (ft2) Acres Estimate # of trees Calculated

Replacement Proposed Tree Replacement

Proposed additional shrubs A Northwest Corridor 552,761 12.7 1497 3281 1000 1000 B Western Area 1,505,964 34.6 1035 2269 1500 300 C Railyard 5,314,278 122 231 506 800 100 D Consolidation Area 777,701 17.9 0 0 200(1) 600(1)

E Construction Support Zone 278,830 6.4 558 1223 1500 300 F Eastern Boundary 1,457,953 33.5 1349 2957 3000 700

Wetland and Riparian Restoration (2) 2,800 1,250 Totals 227.0 4,670 10,236 10,800 3,000

NOTES:

1. Trees and shrubs to be allocated to the Railyard.

2. Wetland and riparian restoration is being conducted pursuant to the wetlands and riparian restoration plan contained in

GSA’s Permit application for a Freshwater Wetlands General Permit #4/10A and Flood Hazard Area Individual Permit.

4.0 Restoration/Mitigation Plan

In summary, a total of 10,800 trees and 3,000 shrubs are proposed to be replanted in the North Parcel with $250,000 to be paid into the tree mitigation fund, inclusive of the $35,000 already paid.

We look forward to further discussing the plan at your convenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Steve McCombs at GSA (215) 446-4738 or myself at (732) 564-3638.

Sincerely, Cc: Steven McCombs – US General Services Administration Anthony Ferrera – Hillsborough Township Administrator

Dr. Glen Belnay – Hillsborough Township Health Officer

X Gregg R. Micalizio, PMP, LSRP Program Manager Signed by: Micalizio, Gregg

AOC 15 Incinerator Area (Burn Pit & Salvage Yard)

AOC

10-2 Pistol

Range

AOC 17

Jerrycan

Area

AOC 9

Geophysical

Area 1

Legend Parcel Boundary Project Boundary AOC Boundary

Proposed Haul Road Consolidation Area and Construction Support Proposed Excavation Extent

Tree zone Eastern Boundary Northwest Corridor Railyard Western Area

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Former Belle Mead Army Depot Belle Mead, New Jersey

Date August 2016

Project No.

60436364

Scale:

ENVIRONMENT

30 Knightsbridge Road Suite 520 Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: 732.564.3600

1:12,000

Summary of Site Proposed Remediation

Figure 1

Notes:

1. New Jersey State Plane Coordinate System NAD83, U.S. Survey Feet.

2. Canvas/World Light Gray Base, ESRI map Service at http://services.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/services.

3. Property Boundary is based on Somerset County Parcel Boundary Data.

4. Project Boundary corresponds to the location of the perimeter fence around the Hillsborough Properties.

5. AOC = Area of Concern

AOC 1-1: Former Railroads and Railyards

0 1,000 2,000500 Feet

Construction Access

Construction Access Consolidation Area and Construction Support Zone

Northwest Corridor

Eastern Boundary

Railyard

Western Area

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Notes:

1. New Jersey State Plane Coordinate System NAD83, U.S. Survey Feet.

2. NJ 2013 Natural Color imagery via the New Jersey office of GIS WMS service (http://geodata.state.nj.us/imagerywms/Natural2013?).

3. Property boundary and land features based on surveys conducted by KMA Consulting Engineers in February, 2015.

La st sa ve d b y:

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1 inch = 1,000 feet Hillsborough Properties, LLC

Former Belle Mead Army Depot Belle Mead, New Jersey

Project No.

60436364

Scale:

30 Knightsbridge Road Suite 520 Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: 732.564.3600

1:12,000

Tree Survey Grids

Date:

8/2/2016 Figure

North Parcel BMAD

Tree zone Eastern boundary Outlying parcel Railyard area Western area

Wetland Wetland buffer (50 ft) 50-foot riparian zone 150-foot riparian zone

Legend mn Tree survey grid center location

Parcel Boundary Consolidation area/construction zone

AECOM Environment

August 2016

Attachment 1

Tree Surveys by Study Grid

Counts Per Grid

Row Labels Sum of <6", > 8' (1) Sum of 6" - 12" Sum of 12" - 24" Sum of > 24"

1 17 32 3

2 8 13 2

3 15 14 1 1

4 5 1

5 238 60

6 350 3

7 213 38 2 1

8 28 38 2

9 49 5

10 131 18

11 252 9

12 34 2

13 3 16 1

14 31 7

15 170 5 1

16 157 5 1

17 18 15 6 3

18 35 7 1

Grand Total 1754 288 20 5

Total Trees Counted

Row Labels Sum of <6", > 8' (1) Sum of 6" - 12" Sum of 12" - 24" Sum of > 24"

Apple 2

Ash 2

Birch 1 1

Black Haw 6

Cedar 1754 205 3

Cherry 17

Diospyros 1

Dogwood 12

Elm 1

Hickory 10 2 1

Maple 9 1 1

Oak 16 12 3

Pear 1

Sassafras 4

vi. Prun. 1

Walnut 1

Grand Total 1754 288 20 5

Species Grid ID <6", > 8' (1)

6" - 12" 12" - 24" > 24"

Apple 1

Ash 1

Birch 1

Black Haw 1 1

Cedar 1 17 20 2

Cherry 1

Diospyros 1

Dogwood 1 5

Elm 1

Hickory 1 5 1

Maple 1 1

Oak 1

Pear 1

Sassafras 1

vi. Prun. 1

Walnut 1

Apple 2

Ash 2

Birch 2 1

Black Haw 2

Cedar 2 8 1

Cherry 2 2

Diospyros 2

Dogwood 2 2

Elm 2

Hickory 2 1

Maple 2 1

Oak 2 2 2

Pear 2

Sassafras 2 3

vi. Prun. 2

Walnut 2

Apple 3

Ash 3

Birch 3

Black Haw 3

Cedar 3 15 4

Cherry 3

Diospyros 3

Dogwood 3 1

Elm 3 1

Hickory 3

Maple 3 5 1

Oak 3 1 1

Pear 3

Sassafras 3 1

vi. Prun. 3

Walnut 3 1

Apple 4

Ash 4

Birch 4

Black Haw 4

Cedar 4 5 1

Cherry 4

Diospyros 4

Dogwood 4

Elm 4

Hickory 4

Maple 4

Oak 4

Pear 4

Sassafras 4

vi. Prun. 4

Walnut 4

Apple 5

Ash 5

Birch 5

Black Haw 5 1

Cedar 5 238 54

Cherry 5 2

Diospyros 5

Dogwood 5 1

Elm 5

Hickory 5

Maple 5

Oak 5 1

Pear 5

Sassafras 5

vi. Prun. 5

Walnut 5

Apple 6

Ash 6

Birch 6

Black Haw 6

Cedar 6 350 3

Cherry 6

Diospyros 6

Dogwood 6

Elm 6

Hickory 6

Maple 6

Oak 6

Pear 6

Sassafras 6

vi. Prun. 6

Walnut 6

Apple 7

Ash 7

Birch 7 1

Black Haw 7

Cedar 7 213 34

Cherry 7

Diospyros 7

Dogwood 7

Elm 7

Hickory 7 4 1 1

Maple 7

Oak 7

Pear 7

Sassafras 7

vi. Prun. 7

Walnut 7

Apple 8

Ash 8 1

Birch 8

Black Haw 8

Cedar 8 28 30

Cherry 8 3

Diospyros 8

Dogwood 8 2

Elm 8

Hickory 8

Maple 8 2 1

Oak 8 1

Pear 8

Sassafras 8

vi. Prun. 8

Walnut 8

Apple 9

Ash 9

Birch 9

Black Haw 9

Cedar 9 49 4

Cherry 9

Diospyros 9

Dogwood 9

Elm 9

Hickory 9

Maple 9

Oak 9 1

Pear 9

Sassafras 9

vi. Prun. 9

Walnut 9

Apple 10

Ash 10

Birch 10

Black Haw 10

Cedar 10 131 18

Cherry 10

Diospyros 10

Dogwood 10

Elm 10

Hickory 10

Maple 10

Oak 10

Pear 10

Sassafras 10

vi. Prun. 10

Walnut 10

Apple 11

Ash 11

Birch 11

Black Haw 11

Cedar 11 252 9

Cherry 11

Diospyros 11

Dogwood 11

Elm 11

Hickory 11

Maple 11

Oak 11

Pear 11

Sassafras 11

vi. Prun. 11

Walnut 11

Apple 12

Ash 12

Birch 12

Black Haw 12

Cedar 12 34 2

Cherry 12

Diospyros 12

Dogwood 12

Elm 12

Hickory 12

Maple 12

Oak 12

Pear 12

Sassafras 12

vi. Prun. 12

Walnut 12

Apple 13 2

Ash 13 1

Birch 13

Black Haw 13

Cedar 13 3 12

Cherry 13 1

Diospyros 13

Dogwood 13

Elm 13

Hickory 13

Maple 13

Oak 13

Pear 13 1

Sassafras 13

vi. Prun. 13

Walnut 13

Apple 14

Ash 14

Birch 14

Black Haw 14

Cedar 14 31 7

Cherry 14

Diospyros 14

Dogwood 14

Elm 14

Hickory 14

Maple 14

Oak 14

Pear 14

Sassafras 14

vi. Prun. 14

Walnut 14

Apple 15

Ash 15

Birch 15

Black Haw 15

Cedar 15 170 4 1

Cherry 15

Diospyros 15

Dogwood 15

Elm 15

Hickory 15

Maple 15

Oak 15 1

Pear 15

Sassafras 15

vi. Prun. 15

Walnut 15

Apple 16

Ash 16

Birch 16

Black Haw 16 2

Cedar 16 157 2

Cherry 16

Diospyros 16 1

Dogwood 16

Elm 16

Hickory 16

Maple 16

Oak 16 1

Pear 16

Sassafras 16

vi. Prun. 16

Walnut 16

Apple 17

Ash 17

Birch 17

Black Haw 17 2

Cedar 17 18

Cherry 17 3

Diospyros 17

Dogwood 17

Elm 17

Hickory 17

Maple 17

Oak 17 10 6 3

Pear 17

Sassafras 17

vi. Prun. 17

Walnut 17

Apple 18

Ash 18

Birch 18

Black Haw 18

Cedar 18 35

Cherry 18 6

Diospyros 18

Dogwood 18

Elm 18

Hickory 18

Maple 18

Oak 18 1

Pear 18

Sassafras 18

vi. Prun. 18 1

Walnut 18