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UNITED STATES POSTAL SEMACE
Sender: Please print your name, address, and ZIP+4 in this box
Salem Conservation Commission
120 Washington Street,3rd H
Salem,MA 01970
9bA
F
SENDER: COMPLETE THIS SECTION
• Complete items 1,2,and 3.Also complete A. Signature
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. x 13 Agent
• Print your name and address on the reverse D Addresses
so that we can return the card to you. B. ReceiveVby(Printed Name) C Date of Delivery
• Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, I
or on the front if space permits. twilw— /a-4 Or
D. Is delivery address different from item 1? 13 Yes
1. Article Addressed to: It YES,enter delivery address below: E3 No
.��&\1)k%�
Gs\�
3. Service Type
29�bertifiecl Mail 0 Express Mall
off�b 11 Registered 0 Return Receipt for Merchandise
0 Insured Mail 0 C.O.D.
4. RestActed Delivery?(Extra Fee) 0 Yes
2. Article Number
jilO 0000 7176. 5502
(7ransfer from service label) 7005
PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540
............
UNITED STATES PoWVRRWSz'
nit,,
WRI -1
0 Sender: Please print your name, address, and ZIP+4 in this box
Salem Conservation Commission
120 Washington Street,3rd R
Salem,MA 01970
SENDER: COMPLETE THIS SECTION COMPLETE THIS SECTION ON DELIVERY
E Complete items 1,2,and 3.Also complete
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. 13 Agent
E Print your name and address on the reverse 13 Addressee
so that we can return the card to you. B. Received by(PAted Nantel I C. Date of Delivery
0 Attach this card to the back of the mallplece,
or on the front if space permits.
D. Is delivery address different from item 1? 11 yes
1. Article Addressed to: If YES,enter delivery address below: 0 No
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection
Northeast Regional Office 3. Service Type
205B Lowell Street
Y�Certlflecl Mail 0 Express Mall
Wilmington,MA 01887 0 Registered 0 Return Receipt for Merchandise
0 Insured Mail 0 C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery?(EKtra Fw) 11 yes
2. Article Number
It 7 0 0 5 3 11
(7ransfer firom service label) L -- _ 0�_0000� 7176 5519
PS Form 3811,February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540
CITY OF SALEM
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
October 2, 2006
Mr. Nick Wildman
River Wharf Realty Trust
18 Commercial Street
Salem,Massachusetts 01970
Re: Determination of Applicability-18 Commercial Street, Salem, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wildman,
Enclosed, please find die Determination of Applicability for the above referenced property.
The Corrunission has rendered a Negative 5 Determination,which means that your
approved project is in an area subject to protection but meets the requirements for an
exemption as noted in the Determination of Applicability. To further safeguard the resource
area, the Commission has attached some additional conditions to the Determination.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (978) 745-9595 x 311.
Sincerely,
Carey Du ues
Conservation Agent/Planner
Cc: DEP, Northeast Regional Office
120 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 0 1970 #TEL: 978.745.9595 FAX 978.740.0404 * WWW.SALEM.COM
LlMassachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection -Wetlands
WPA Form 2 — Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
A. General Information
Important
When filling out From:
forms on the Salem
computer,use Conservation Commission
only the tab
key to move To: Applicant Property Owner(if different from applicant):
your cursor-
do not use the River Wharf Reatty Trust
return key. Name Name
18 Commercial Street
VQ Mailing Address Mailing Address
Salem MA 01970
cityfrown Tip Go—do Cityrrown state Zip Code
1. Title and Date(or Revised Date if applicable)of Final Plans and Other Documents:
Proposal to Demonstrate Innovative Stormwater Management Retrofit January 13, 2006
Systems at an Urbanized Site Along the North River in Salem, MA Date
Determination of Appliciability- 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA Photos
rills Date
Title Date
2. Date Request Filed:
September 18, 2006
B. Determination
Pursuant to the authority of M.G.L. c. 131, §40, the Conservation Commission considered your
Request for Determination of Applicability, with its supporting documentation, and made the following
Determtnation.
Project Description (if applicable):
The work involves the removal of 1,575 square feet of pavement in the front of the building along
Commercial Street(1coated within a Riverfront Area). The asphalt and surface fill are removed, disposed
off site and 3"of clean topsoil brought in to establish a fain garden. Granite curbing will be installed along
the edge of the bed to form a wheelstop defining the edge of the parking lot The proposed rain garden is
described in the RDA and will include a wetland seed mix in addition to live plants suitable for the area.
The rain garden will also collect rain from the roof allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. The existing
concrete staircase and the wooden handicapped access ramp will be replaced with a metal"rain-through"
material to allow rainwater to flow into a rain garden below.
Project Locaflon:
18 Commercial Street Salem
S"et Address Cityrrown
Map 26 Lot 0051
Assessors Map/Plat Number Parcei/Lot Number
.peformZdw-w�VIM Page I of 5
40 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
-Iqvp�
Bureau of Resource Protection -Wetlands
WPA Form 2 — Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
B. Determination (cont.)
The following Determination(s) !stare applicable to the proposed site and/or project relative to the Wetlands
Protection Act and regulations:
Positive Determination
Note: No work within the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act may proceed unfit a final Order of
Conditions(issued following submittal of a Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of IntenQ or Order of
Resource Area Delineation(issued following submittal of Simplified Review ANRAD)has been received
from the issuing authority(i.e., Conservation Commission or the Department of Environmental Protection).
[1 1. The area described on the referenced plan(s)is an area subject to protection under the Act.
Removing,filling,dredging,or aftering of the area requires the filing of a Notice of Intent.
[I 2a.The boundary delineations of the following resource areas described on the referenced plan(s)are
confirmed as accurate.Therefore,the resource area boundaries confirmed in this Determination are
binding as to all decisions rendered pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations regarding
such boundaries for as long as this Determination is valid.
El 2b. The boundaries of resource areas listed below are not confirmed by this Determination,
regardless of whether such boundaries are contained on the plans attached to this Determination or
to the Request for Determination.
El 3. The work described on referenced plan(s)and document(s) is within an area subject to
protection under the Act and will remove, fill, dredge, or alter that area. Therefore, said work
requires the filing of a Notice of Intent.
El 4. The work described on referenced plan(s)and document(s) is within the Buffer Zone and will
alter an Area subject to protection under the Act. Therefore, said work requires the filing of a
Notice of Intent or ANRAD Simplified Review(if work is limited to the Buffer Zone).
El 5. The area and/or work described on referenced plan(s)and document(s) is subject to review
and approval by:
Name of Municipality,
Pursuant to the following municipal wetland ordinance or bylaw:
Name Ordinance or Bylaw Citation
wpaftnr.2.d=-w.301/W Page 2 of 6
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection -Wetlands
WPA Form 2 — Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
B. Determination (cont.)
El 6. The following area and/or work, it any, is subject to a municipal ordinance or bylaw but nPA
subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act:
n 7. If a Notice of Intent is filed for the work in the Riverfront Area described on referenced plan(s)
and documengs), which includes all or part of the work described in the Request, the applicant
must consider the following alternatives. (Refer to the wetland regulations at 10.58(4)c. for more
infornriation about the scope of alternatives requirements):
[] Alternatives limited to the lot on which the project is located.
0 Alternatives limited to the lot on which the project is located, the subdivided lots,and any
adjacent lots formerly or presently owned by the same owner.
El Alternatives limited to the original parcel on which the project is located, the subdivided
parcels,any adjacent parcels, and any other land which can reasonably be obtained within
the municipality.
0 Alternatives extend to any sites which can reasonably be obtained within the appropriate
region of the state.
Negative Deteffnination
Note: No further action under the Wetlands Protection Act is required by the applicant However, if the
Department is requested to issue a Superseding Determination of Applicability, work may not proceed
on this project unless the Department fails to act on such request within 35 days of the date the
request is post-marked for certified mail or hand delivered to the Department. Work may then proceed
at the owners risk only upon notice to the Department and to the Conservation Commission.
Requirements for requests for Superseding Determinations are listed at the end of this document.
1. The area described in the Request is not an area subject to protection under the Act or the
Buffer Zone.
El 2. The work described in the Request is within an area subject to protection under the Act but will
not remove, fill, dredge, or alter that area. Therefore, said work does not require the filing of a
Notice of Intent
C1 3. The work described in the Request is within the Buffer Zone, as defined in the regulations, but
will not alter an Area subject to protection under the Act. Therefore, said work does not require
the filing of a Notice of Intent, subject to the following conditions(if any).
El 4. The work described in the Request is not within an Area subject to protection under the Act
(including the Buffer Zone). Therefore, said work does not require the filing of a Notice of Intent,
unless and until said work alters an Area subject to protection under the Ad.
wpafbMQ.d=- VIM Page 3 d 5
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection -Wetlands
WPA Form 2 - Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
B. Determination (cont.)
5. The area described in the Request is subject to protection under the Act. Since the work
described therein meets the requirements for the following exemption, as specified in the Act and
the regulations, no Notice of Intent is required:
�a 31D cm, w� A0_0_ykA
Exempt Activity(sme applicable statuatory1regulatori pi�ovisiions)
C3 6. The area and/or work described in the Request is not subject to review and approval by:
Name of Municipality
Pursuant to a municipal wetlands ordinance or bylaw.
Name Ordinance or Bylaw Citation
C. Authorization
This Determination is issued to the applicant and delivered as follows:
El by hand delivery on 9 by certified mail, return receipt requested on
OcAxf '9
Date Date
This Determination is valid for three years from the date of issuance(except Determinations for
Vegetation Management Plans which are valid for the duration of the Plan). This Determination does not
relieve the applicant from complying with all other applicable federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances,
bylaws, or regulations.
This Determination must be signed by a majority of the Conservation Commission. A copy must be sent
to the appropriate DEP Regional Office(see Attachment)and the property owner(if different from the
applicant).
Signatures:
441A�','1,47�
September 28, 2006
Date
�pafarrr,2 dw-w.311105 Paw 4 af 5
ILIMassachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection -Wetlands
WPA orm 2 — Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
D. Appeals
The applicant, owner, any person aggrieved by this Determination, any owner of land abutting the land
upon which the proposed work is to be done, or any ten residents of the city or town in which such land is
located, are hereby notified of their right to request the appropriate Department of Environmental
Protection Regional Office(see Attachment)to issue a Superseding Determination of Applicability. The
request must be made by certified mail or hand delivery to the Department,with the appropriate filing fee
and Fee Transmittal Form (see Request for Departmental Action Fee Transmittal Form)as provided in
310 CIVIR 10.03(7)within ten business days from the date of issuance of this Determination. A copy of the
request shall at the same time be sent by certified mail or hand delivery to the Conservation Commission
and to the applicant if he/she is not the appellant The request shall state clearly and concisely the
objections to the Determination which is being appealed.To the extent that the Determination is based on
a municipal ordinance or bylaw and not on the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act or regulations, the
Department of Environmental Protection has no appellate jurisdiction.
wpefomIcIm- 311A)5 Page 5 cd 5
CITY OF SALEM
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Determination of Applicability
Special Conditions
River Wharf Realty Trust
18 Commercial Street, Salem, NIA
The Salem Conservation Commission finds this Request for a Determination of Applicability negative so long as the
following Special Conditions are met:
1. The applicant shall confirm with the Conservation Agent that there are no sumps present and/or no history of
flooding in the basement or crawlspace located at 18 Commercial Street.
2. Erosion controls shall be installed and maintained throughout the construction process and removed only once
the area is stabilized.
3. If the Special Conditions are not met the applicant will be required to file a Notice of Intent.
120 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 *TEL: 978.745.9595 FAx: 978.740.0404 0 WWW.SALEM.COM
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands c-it-y-frown
WPA Form I - Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
A. General lnform�t�ion �������
Important:
Whenfillingout 1. Applicant:
forms on the River Wharf Really Trust
computer, use wgoldsmith@bioengineering.com
only the tab key Name E-Mail Address
to move your 18 Commercial Street
cursor-do not Mailing Address
use the return Salem MA 01970
key. City/Town State Zip Code
978-740-0096 ext.507
VQ -P-honeNumber Tax Number(if�applicable)
2. Representative (if any):
The Bioengin ering Group, Inc.
Firm
Nick Wildman nwildman(a)bioengineering.com
-Contact-Name E-Mail Address
18 Commercial St
Vailing-Address
Salem MA 01970
City[Town State Zip Code
Phone Number Tax Number(if�appficable)
B. Determinations
I request the Salem make the following determination(s). Check any that apply:
Conservation Commission
El a. whether the area depicted on plan(s) and/or map(s) referenced below is an area subject to
jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act.
El b. whether the boundaries of resource area(s)depicted on plan(s)and/or map(s)referenced
below are accurately delineated.
c. whether the work depicted on plan(s)referenced below is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act.
d.whether the area and/or work depicted on plan(s) referenced below is subject to the jurisdiction
of any municipal wetlands ordinance or bylaw of:
Salem
Name of Mu
E] e. whether the following scope of alternatives is adequate for work in the Riverfront Area as
depicted on referenced plan(s).
wpafo�l.doc
Page 1 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1 - Request for Determination of Applicability city/Town
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
C. Project Description
1. a. Project Location (use maps and plans to identify the location of the area subject to this request):
18 Commercial Street Salem
Street Address
city/To
V7
.&—0
Parcel/Lot Number
b. Area Description (use additional paper, if necessary):
The project area is in a heavily industrialized section of Salem along the left bank of the North River.
Commercial Street and its neighborhood are characterized by a parge proportion of impervious
surfaces which drain directly into the North River. This runoff contributes to impaired water quality
from sedimentation and chemical contamination in the River and in Salem Sound. The project was
designed as a demonstration of innovative stormwater management by a Massachusetts licensed
Professional Engineer and a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).The
CPESC has supervised each stage of the work in progress.
c. Plan and/or Map Reference(s):
Date
Date
Title -da—te
2. a. Work Description (use additional paper and/or provide plan(s)of work, if necessary):
Please see the attached plan. All areas of work have been stabilized using coir mattress for perimeter
control and the site has been graded to collect all runoff in a shallow basin topography(see photo). The
work at 18 Commercial Street involves removing 1,575 square feet of pavement in the front of the
building (Riverfront Area). The asphalt and the surface fill are removed offsite and 3"clean topsoil
brought in to establish a rain garden. Natural granite curbing will be installed along the edge to the bed to
form a wheelstop defining the edge of the parking lot. The rain garden will be planted with a welland seed
mix from Ernst Conservation Seed and select live plants suitable for the hydrology of a periodically
saturated environment. The rain garden will collect rain from the roof and allow it to infiltrate into the soH,
entering the North River much more slowly and with having had pollutants and nutrients processed
through filtration and uptake. In addition, an area of 1,037 square feet on the side of the building has
received soil amendments and a gravel pedestrian path to formalize and improve a favorite neighborhood
cut-through to the park. The area has been seeded with a native meadow seed mix and mulched to
ensure no erosion during establishment(see photo). The existing concrete staircase to the
Bioengineering Group will be replaced with a metal "rain-through" material to allow rainwater to flow into
the rain garden below. Similarly, the wooden handicaped access ramp will be replaced with a similar
pervious material. Overall, the project will result in reduced impervious surface in the North River
watershed with less runoff to the River and Salem Sound. The project also will result in the creation of a
diverse dry and wet meadow habitat where there was none existing. This project is being done in
coniunction with a neiahborhood beutification Droiect with Servino Salem (see letter).
.paforml.doc
Page 2 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Forml - Request for Determination of Applicability City/Town
Massachuse I tts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
C. Project Description (cont.)
b. Identify provisions of the Wetlands Protection Actor regulations which may exempt the applicant
from having to file a Notice of Intent for all or part of the described work (use additional paper, if
necessary).
Based on our professional opinion, and in consultation with the NERO Circuit Rider, we are confident
that this work is exempt from the Wetland Protection Act under 310 CIVIR 10.02(f), "the conversion of
impervious to vegetated surfaces, provided erosion and sedimentation controls are implemented
during construction...... The work described in this RDA was designed and overseen by a registered
PE and a CPESC using best management practices for construction erosion control. The project is
designed to improve the infiltration of stormwater and the water quality in the North River and Salem
Sound and has been included in recent EPA and MA Riverways grant application filed in cooperation
with Salem Sound Coastwatch and Center for Urban Watershed Renewal (See attached).
3. a. If this application is a Request for Determination of Scope of Alternatives for work in the
Riverfront Area, indicate the one classification below that best describes the project.
El Single family house on a lot recorded on or before 8/1/96
Single family house on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
El Expansion of an existing structure on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
El Project, other than a single family house or public project, where the applicant owned the lot
before 8/7/96
New agriculture or aquaculture project
Public project where funds were appropriated prior to 8/7/96
E] Project on a lot shown on an approved, definitive subdivision plan where there is a recorded deed
restriction limiting total alteration of the Riverfront Area for the entire subdivision
Z Residential subdivision; institutional, industrial, or commercial project
Municipal project
District, county, state, or federal government project
El Project required to evaluate off-site alternatives in more than one municipality in an
Environmental Impact Report under MEPA or in an alternatives analysis pursuant to an
application for a 404 permit from the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers or 401 Water Quality
Certification from the Department of Environmental Protection.
b. Provide evidence (e.g., record of date subdivision lot was recorded)supporting the classification
above (use additional paper and/or attach appropriate documents, if necessary.)
"afo.l.doe
Page 3 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
Cityrrown
WPA Form 1 - Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
D. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Request for Determination of Applicability
and accompanying plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my
knowledge.
I further certify that the property owner, if different from the applicant, and the appropriate DEP Regional
Office were sent a complete copy of this Request (including all appropriate documentation)
simultaneously with the submittal of this Request to the Conservation Commission.
Failure by the applicant to send copies in a timely manner may result in dismissal of the Request for
Determination of Applicability.
Name and address of the property owner:
River Wharf Realty Trust
Name
18 Commercial St.
mallingAddress
Salem
Cityrrown
MA 01970
State Zip Code
Signatures:
I also undersiiand that notification of Tis Request will be placed in a local newspaper at my expense
in accordance wi.th Section 1 n Act regulations.
5( p)(1)oft etlands Protectio
bignature of Applicant Dare
Signature of Representative(if any) Date
mafo"I.doc Pago 4 of 4
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Request for Determination of Applicability- 18 Commercial Street, Salem, MA
A
Figure 3-Side of the building showing aggregate path,upland seeding area,and coir erosion control rnat.
NoT11M. MUM a
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9salem
September 11, 2006
Ms. Wendi Goldsmith
The Bioengineering Group
18 Commercial Street
Salem MA 01970
Dear Ms. Goldsmith,
Sponsor Committee
Mark Tony
Danversbank Thank you for your generous donation of$250 to the Serving Salem Community
Committee Chair Serve-a-thon! We appreciate your support of the Salem Harbor CDC and applaud
Claudia Chuber your community spirit.
AkLaughlin Rmanrag Im
Laurence C.Harrington As a valued sponsor at the Apprentice level, The Bioengincering Group will be
North Share Bank recognized on Us year's Serving Salem T-shirts to be worn by volunteers and in
Marry Haub" informational brochures used to recruit volunteers and gather pledges as well as
7hg C%aw Omer&Fmy listed on the Serving Salem Website. You will also be thanked publicly at Serving
Nicholas P.Helides Salem.
Beverly National Bank
John H.Neely We're planning a morning of community service followed by lunch on Saturday,
Hmvthorne Associates September 30 from 9 a.m. to I p.m. Teams of volunteers will take part in service
Maturcen Safer projects around the city—doing chores for elderly residents, beautifying local
Damershank parks, planting bulbs, working on the Salem River Bed, cleaning up the
community, and more!
We hope to see you at Serving Salem, along with volunteers from The
Bioengineering Group. Again,please accept our sincere thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Michael Whalen
Executive Director
Serving Salem Community Sene-a-thon and Fundraiser
Organized by Salem Harbor CDC TMIS AGEMY SUPPORTED BY
102 Lafayette SL., Salem, MA 01970
Telephone: (978) 825-4002 Fax: (978) 745-4345 Unitediofty
So�md CoRstlt,' Committed to enhancing andprotecting the
environmental quality ofSalem Sound and its watershed
201 Washington St.,Suite 9
Salem,MA 01970
978-741-7900
Fax:978-741-0458
Vrate&h5 a Common Pvource www.salemsound.org
Eileen Goldberg January 12 2006
Riverways Program/DFG
251 Causeway St, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
Dear Ms. Goldberg:
Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) enthusiastically supports the Center for Urban
Watershed Renewal, Inc.'s grant proposal to install urban stormwater Best Management
Practices (BMPs) at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. Salem is an urbanized area with a
significant amount of impervious surface. Based on our water quality monitoring results
in this area of the North River and Beverly Harbor, stormwater is a significant pollution
source. Also, the Ipswich River Watershed is a highly taxed source of municipal water
for Salem and a growing North Shore population.
Installing innovative BMPs in a visible public area will serve to raise awareness of
stormwater and water conservation issues. By educating the public about simple
modifications they can make on their own property, such as rain gardens and pervious
pavement, stormwater BMPs will catch on. In particular, we hope to attract interest from
the business community and developers about way� they can literally "go green". These
BMPs are being used with success in many parts of the US and Europe not only to treat
stormwater but to create aesthetic and recreational benefits as well. Oftentimes
innovative ideas such as these are not seriously considered for implementation until they
are demonstrated to work. Currently, there is no local demonstration site such as
proposed in this grant proposal. This project will help raise awareness and build
confidence in urban stormwater BMPS.
Salem Sound Coastwatch will assist with public education and outreach for the project.
We have long identified stormwater and water usage as major threats to Salem Sound and
its surrounding watersheds. Through our programs, we have experience with public
education and outreach on stormwater and other issues and have developed relationships
with local municipal officials, the media, local business owners, and area citizens.
Salem Sound Coastwatch looks forward to partnering with the Center for Urban
Watershed Renewal on this project and hopes that you will find this project worthy of
funding.
Sincerely,
Barbara Warren
Executive Director
PROPOSAL TO DEMONSTRATE INNOVATIVE STORMATER
MANAGEMENT RETROFIT SYSTEMS AT AN URBANIZED SITE
ALONG THE NORTH RIVER IN SALEM, MA
SUBMISSION TO THE RIVERWAYS PROGRAM OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
RFR II)#: RIV-RIFLS-06-1
January 13,2006
The Center For Urban
Watershed Renewal, Inc.
Charles Steele, Executive Director
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal, Inc. (CUWR)
Mission Statement
To develop, demonstrate, implement, and promote technology and policy to
restore and manage urban watersheds. Urban watershed areas have long been
ignored by resource managers as too deteriorated to warrant serious natural
resource management attention. As a result,planners, politicians, engineers, and
businesses alike have manipulated the landscape with a heavy hand, altering and
impacting vegetation, soil, and waterways as convenient, and responding to
environmental regulations with equally mechanistic methods. However, the
cumulative effect of these actions is depleted ground water supplies, chronically low
stream base flows, increased peak flows (which can erode streams or overwhelm
piped systems), and the transmission of contaminants directly to receiving waters
without treatment. Even the wastewater treatment plants and stormwater collection
systems designed to manage these issues are in need of repair, expansion, and
modification,which can only occur at great expense. The vegetation, healthy soil,
and landforms that once served the function of capturing,buffering, filtering,
purifying, and otherwise systematically handling rainfall, nutrients, and pollutants
have been eradicated and replaced by structures that are often themselves sources of
pollution. The problem is abundantly clear in the form of problem odors, fish kills,
beach closings, restrictions on fish consumption, and ugly, neglected waterways that
people have learned to avoid. The most effective solutions to restore these degraded
resources will include the holistic restoration and enhancement of functional
landforms and beneficial natural processes.
Even outside of populated urban centers, numerous sites are burdened by industrial
impacts due to mining, historic industry,past military use, or waste disposal. These
sites often exhibit contamination of soils as well as surface or groundwater. The
methods chosen to clean up these contaminants can either improve the ecological
productivity of the site, or further impair it. Past strategies for remediation have
tended to focus on narrow objectives, sometimes failing to recognize when the
remedy is worse than the disease, or when treating only one symptom fails to cure.
Many underutilized technologies exist which can treat contaminants using robust
biological systems. By using plants, microorganisms, and natural geochemical
processes, sites may be cleaned while simultaneously enhancing ecological health
and leaving land in prime condition for conservation and recreation. The Center for
Urban Watershed Renewal is a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental advocacy
organization.
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal believes that environmental quality,
community vitality, and socioeconomic opportunity are deeply connected.
Based on that premise, the Center seeks to devise solutions that integrate natural
resource management, commercial and residential development, and urban
infrastructure. Our goal is to transform stigmatized, underutilized, degraded urban
sites into economically viable, ecologically functional, socially valuable amenities. By
focusing on Brownfields redevelopment, the Center seeks to avert sprawl, locate jobs
near labor, strengthen decaying tax bases, and re-use existing infrastructure. By
incorporating green technologies and cutting edge planning with Brownfields re-
development,we can bring beauty, accessibility, ecological integrity, and social vitality
to those areas most in need. Old industrial sites that were historically or are currently
among the worst offenders in terms of watershed impacts (e.g., dams, channelization,
filled wetlands and floodplains, elevated runoff volume, and poor water quality) can
be converted into havens of treatment,benefit, and sensitivity. We seek to catalyze
similar efforts elsewhere by demonstrating and documenting the social, economic, and
ecological factors and outcomes.
CUWR Focus Topics
• Stormwater source reduction . Greenspace and greenways
• Riparian restoration a Recreation and natural science
• Regional detention ponds/infiltration education
zones . Rough and tumble natural play spaces
• Treatment wetlands 0 Community gardens
• Habitat enhancement . Natural resource based zoning
• Phytoremediation N Stormwater utilities
• Renewable construction materials 0 Combined sewer separation
• Soil reclamation 0 Stream daylighting
• Mine and slag drainage 0 Stormwater sewer elintmation
• Integrating remedies for air, water, and . TMDL's
soil pollution . Municipal composting
Past project highlights include:
• Conservation of endangered butterfly species on 5000 acre military reservation in
Herlong, CA constrained by military use impacts such as unexploded ordinance
• Collaboration with US Army Corps of Engineers and DoD Base Realignment and
closure office to identify and develop strategies for sites in CA, TX, and IL where site
clean-up needs posed threats to special and sensitive habitats
• Successful 319 grant funded stormwater management demonstration projects in
Salem, MA and Acushnet MA
• Collaboration with TPL on the transfer of multiple parcels of land totaling over 55,000
acres where soil remediation, public recreation, and habitat management needs and
opportunities exist
• Outreach presentation to US Chamber of Commerce to raise consciousness and outline
strategies for large and small business to practice improved watershed stewardship
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Statement of Problem
This project will help "keep water local" by addressing two significant problems. First,
the majority of Salem's water supply comes from the Ipswich River Watershed, which is
listed on the N/IA Riverways RIFLS Low-Flow Inventory and widely understood to be one
of the most stressed rivers in the Commonwealth. The rapid growth of development
within the area relying on this watershed has taxed the natural hydrology and caused the
river to run dry on occasions'. These dry periods have caused extensive fish kills and
other alterations to the ecosysteM2. This project includes the installation of a rainwater
collection and use system that will reduce the withdrawal from the Ipswich River
Watershed during key months of the year by capturing roof runoff and storing it for toilet
flushing. Even with the low-flow toilets recently installed in the building, rainwater
harvesting will reduce consumption of Ipswich River water by an estimated 50,000 gallons
per year or more.
Second, the proposed project will also measurably improve how stormwater enters the
local receiving waters. Rivers flowing through heavily urbanized corridors are vulnerable
to contaminated stormwater runoff from commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Where natural landscapes once provided and maintained infiltration processes, hardtop
surfaces such as asphalt streets, parking lots, and building roofs have created vast
quantities of impervious cover. Impervious surfaces eliminate precipitation contact with
soils and prevent absorption and storage processes. As a result, groundwater resources
contributing to baseflow are diminished, and stormwater runoff occurs almost
immediately during a precipitation event. Stormwater runoff collects a variety of
contaminants from these impervious surfaces. Vehicles and facilities experience mineral
weathering and leak oil and grease. Rooftops collect heat from solar gain plus pollutants
and nutrients. Bacteria from fecal matter and trash accumulate from numerous locations.
These pollutants have a devastating toll on aquatic ecosystems, with effects ranging from
algae blooms and damaged fish gills to anaerobic conditions and reduced reproductive
capacity.
Massachusetts Riverways Program: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/programs/�ifls/If—ipswich.htm
Lang,V.,Abele,R.,and Armstrong, D.,et.al. May 2001.Ipswich River Target Fish Community.
The North River in Salem, MA exhibits characteristics of a river impacted by urban
stormwater runoff. The riparian corridor of the river is dominated by industrial,
commercial, and residential development,particularly in the lower reaches. Riparian
vegetation is virtually nonexistent in many locations, and impervious surfaces often
extend to the banks of the river. The North River suffers from low dissolved oxygen
levels, high fecal coliform levels, and elevated levels of heavy metals in the sediment3. In
fact, Salem Sound 2000 concluded that the North River exhibits symptoms of toxic impact
as a result of urban stormwater runoff. These factors directly conflict with ongoing
efforts to restore fish spawning habitat on the river, which currently achieve only partial
success.
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of
retrofitting existing urbanized landscapes with best management systems that will
increase infiltration rates, provide filtering mechanisms for stormwater runoff, and
improve the water quality of stormwater discharging into the North River. Once
completed, this project and the accompanying outreach program will address the need for
successfully implemented examples of innovative stormwater management techniques.
Histo1y of the Project
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal, in association with the Salem Sound
Coastwatch4, a local water quality advocacy organization, identified the project site as a
prime location for installation of innovative stormwater management methods, and in fact
Russ Cohen was an early proponent of the work, due to its site and easy visibility, and
setting within a EPA designated Brownfields Corridor currently undergoing a wave of
redevelopment as is the entire City of Salem.
River Wharf Real!y Trust (RWRT) owns the project site and is committed to improving the
sustainability while reducing the environmental footprint of its properties. RWRT has
conducted two earlier phases of building and grounds permitting and construction to
support a state-of-the-art stormwater management retrofit in 2006. In this process,RWRT
proactively obtained needed permits for conducting the green parking and rain garden
construction. Based on ongoing communication with municipal authorities (Zoning
Board of Appeals and Building Inspector), it will be quick and simple to obtain approval
for the updated and modified designs currently planned. Therefore,we do not anticipate
any obstacles to completing constriction by the end of June 2006.
The site has multiple tenants, one of whom is The Bioen&eering Grou, Inc. (TBG), who
specializes in sustainable design working to improve the function of ecosystems while
attaining land management goals. TBG staff will provide all of the landscape design and
engineering for this project as well as construction supervision, and eagerly looks forward
' Salem Sound 2000,unpublished data.
'Formerly known as Salem Sound 2000.
to prominently featuring the project, in published papers and outreach, as its own best
way to "walk the talk" of its professional practice. TBG is a certified WBE in MA.
Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental advocacy
organization based in Salem, MA. SSCW partners with businesses, governments, and
other advocacy organizations to improve water quality within the watersheds flowing
into Salem Sound including the North River. In the 1990s, the organization had a leading
role in the development of the Comprehensive Conservation and management Plan for
the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program. Now, in addition to coordinating
volunteer monitoring and restoration programs, SSCW strives to increase awareness of
the threats facing Salem Sound through their public education program.
Scope of Work
The essence of the project is the installation of a rainwater retention system and porous
paving for the retention and reuse of stormwater. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. has
designed and implemented these systems as part of stormwater management in
numerous projects in the United States.
Task I
Final design for porous parking surface and rain garden planter- TBG
Estimated duration: 3 weeks
Deliverable: Complete drawing set of plans including sections, typical details, and
materials specifications.
Task 2
Coordinate modification of existing permits-TBG
Estimated duration: 8 weeks
Deliverable: Approval from all relevant government bodies
Task 3
Coordinate subcontractor services for construction- TBG,CUWR
Estimated duration: 4 weeks
Deliverable: Signed agreement for services from a licensed landscape contractor to
construct the designed retrofit.
Task 4
Constructed landscape retrofit- TBG
Estimated duration: 5 weeks
Deliverable: Completed project and set of"as built" drawings.
Task 5
Oversee construction- CUWR, TBG
Duration: Concurrent with Task 4
Task 6
Provide public outreach and education- SSCW, TBG
Duration: 6 weeks
Deliverables: One major mailing to public officials, landowners, professionals and the
general community describing the project, its key benefits, and inviting them to an, open
house with a presentation documenting the planning, design, construction, future
maintenance, and merits of the project. The workshop will be oriented to facilitate
adoption of other similar retrofits by additional parties. Other interim informal mailings
and events will be incorporated as possible.
Table 1. Approximate Project Timeline
Month each X equals one week)
1 2 3 4 5
Task I XXX
Task 2 X XXXX XXX
Task 3 XXXX
Task 4 XXY1X X
Task 5 XXXX X
Task 6 XXXX I X
Benefits to the Watershed
The North River watershed is characterized by significant urban impacts throughout its
entire area. The river no longer supports the significant populations of anadromous fish
such as rainbow smelt and is listed on the state's 303-d list of Impaired Waters. As the
cities of Salem and Peabody have grown so has the amount of impervious surface within
the watershed. The result has been increased contaminated runoff from the many new
parking lots and streets. As new renovation and infill work proceeds at a brisk pace,
especially in the North River Corridor where numerous vacant lots still await re-
development, there is a need to demonstrate practical solutions that allow construction
while protecting the river.
Retrofits at 18 Commercial Street present an opportunity for substantial improvement to
the health of the North River and its estuary. As is common in such an urban area,
approximately 97% of the quarter—acre property is impervious surface. By creating a
raingarden that intercepts runoff from half the roof, substituting grassed permeable
paving for existing asphalt parkking, and harvesting roof runnof from the rear half of the
roof for toilet flushing, over 200,000 gallons per year of direct runoff to the North River
will be eliminated and base flows and water quality will be improved.
Reducing the direct input of stormwater and associated toxins to the North River through
projects like this one is essential to addressing the impairments the river faces. Allowing
for a more natural hydrologic regime through increased stormwater infiltration will
bolster area aquifers and improve water quality in the nearby estuary. Finally, this project
will contribute to the recovery of the native species that once thrived in the North River.
Reduced levels of toxics and runoff sediments will mean a more suitable environment for
aquatic invertebrates and anadromous fish species.
Rain Garden—Rainwater from the roof will be directed to a retention garden in the front
of the building. Such features are engineered to operate as functional wetlands and
provide many of the benefits of natural wetlands. This rainwater will support native
hydrophytic species and slowly enter
the groundwater through the permeable Cross-section of typical rain garden
underlayment.
Detaining the stormwater from the roof
and directing it into the soil will reduce
the "flashiness" of runoff from the
property. The "flash" refers to the
surge of stormwater into gutters,
culverts, and drains as water runs off of
vo blanket
impervious surfaces during a 97
t d age outlet
precipitation event. Also, as the water
passes through the soil of the
raingarden, fine particulates will be filtered out and wetland biogeochemical processes
will reduce levels of nutrients and toxics. The result will be cleaner water entering the
groundwater.
Porous Pavement—CUWR
has identified the
opportunity to remove UP to DIRECT FLOW INTO SUBGRADE
3,000 square feet of asphalt SURFACE WAIER FLOW
at the project site. The DRAINAC1 VOID
removal of asphalt from the
property will reduce the UPI CADD-STON SURFACE
amount of oil and grease
I . ' I _ Aq
entering the North River as PERMEABLE CASE
a result of natural STOPAGE-LAY(R.
weathering of the asphalt
overtime. As an alternative,
porous paving systems
allow a more natural
interface between the soil �CY WAPERIABLE
Figure- Example porous pavement system (Ideal,Inc.)
surface and groundwater while providing all of the functionality of a paved parking lot.
These systems involve a layer of attractive paver blocks underlain by engineered sand and
crushed stone. The pore spaces in between the block, sand particles, and crushed stone
allow for rainwater to pass down to the soil beneath. Installing porous pavement will
allow for significantly greater infiltration of stormwater and decrease the "flashiness" of
runoff from the property while reducing the toxic chemicals that can leach from
weathering asphalt.
Rain-thru Steps and Ramp—In order to maintain the continuity and functionality of the
rain garden, it is important to remove the existing impervious steps and handicapped
access ramp, and replace them with a system that will allow for natural movement of
precipitation and sunlight into the rain garden. Steps and modular ramp systems made
from reinforced steel grate can provide all of the access needs while allowing stormwater
to pass through to the soil beneath. These rain-thru systems serve the ecology of the rain
garden and the accessibility of the building for all users. Precipitation will naturally
collect in the rain garden and support the plants growing there. This novel (we have not
been able to identify prior applications where stormwater management and building
accessibility have been combined elsewhere) and enormously practical solution has been
reviewed and approved by our design architect and building inspector, and shows great
promise as a model for widespread adoption, assuming a successful demonstration.
Rainwater Collection Tank—TBG has identified the opportunity to collect and use
rainwater to offset municipal water usage which impacts to the Ipswich River Watershed.
River Wharf Realty Trust has donated the use of a large-volume storage tank, already
onsite, for use in this project.—Using a typical design, the tank will be elevated on a stand
and collect rainwater from the roof gutters. The tank will be plumbed to feed the toilets in
the men's and women's rooms by gravity. In the four coldest-weather months, the tank
will be drained and capped to prevent freezing and damage to the system. Excess
stormwater will be released to the raingarden.
Toilet flushing is the largest weekly use of water at the site. Making use of the rainwater
from the roof,when possible, will reduce TBG's withdrawal from the Ipswich River
Watershed by an estimated 50,000 gallons per year.
Demonstration Value
The proposed project incorporates elements of stormwater management that have been
gaining popularity over the last twenty years. These materials and methods are ideal for
smaller lots or sites where a limited amount of space precludes the use of larger
stormwater controls like ponds. Despite this growing recognition by landscape architects,
hydrologists, and engineers, porous pavement and raingardens are rarely used in small-
scale urban settings in Massachusetts. Such measures are virtually never used on retrofit
applications on already developed land. In most cases the densely developed urban
settings which were developed prior to any stormwater management regulations are the
ones that need effective measures to "keep water local"most. This project will serve as a
demonstration of the effectiveness and feasibility of these elements in a classically
constrained setting.
This site has considerable value as a demonstration site. First,because of its location five
minutes from the MBTA Salem Station and along the North River Bikeway, an important
recreational area in Salem, the project will be visible to the general public 365 days a year.
The rain garden and porous paving will be visible as people walk,bike, and kayak along
the North River. The native plants in the raingarden will provide beauty throughout the
year and help spread awareness about the use of native,non-invasive plants in home and
commercial landscapes.
Second, Salem Sound Coastwatch has offered to assist in the coordination of a series of
outreach activities that will bring the project to the attention of local landowners, public
officials, and landscape contractors. These activities include four on-site seminars during
the construction phase to show the designs and methods being employed. A volunteer
workday is another outreach opportunity that will teach participants how these systems
are installed. When the project is completed, SSCW and TBG will host an Open House to
share the finished product with area homeowners, landscapers, and planning and
conservation officials.
Finally, the innovative stormwater management systems installed at 18 Commercial Street
will be a focal point for collaborating professionals, agency representatives, and land
managers who regularly visit The Bioengineering Group for years to come. As a
recognized firm designing ecologically sound stormwater management systems, TBG will
have the opportunity to promote their installation to clients from around Massachusetts
and elsewhere,even after the formal outreach effort is complete.
Page 1 of 3
Sivaramakrishnan Sangameswaran
From: Lederer, Jason (DEP) [Jason.Lederer@ state.ma.us]
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 3:31 PM
To: Sivaramakrishnan Sangameswaran
Subject: RE: Con Comm Hearing
Hi Siva,
Sorry to only be able to get back to you now. I left you a voicemail a short while ago. After a conversation with
Carrie Duqez (Salem Conservation Agent) today, my hunch is that you are looking for the specific exemption that
the project may meet. In reviewing the details of the project with Carrie, we concluded that the most appropriate
exemption for the Commission to consider is 310 CMR 10.02(2)(b)(1)(f); "Conversion of impervious to vegetated
surfaces, provided erosion and sedimentation controls are implemented during construction..."
It sounds like things should go well tonight.
Let me know if you need anything else,
Regards,
Jason
----T1----\1/-----T1---------T-------------
Jason Lederer
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Northeast Regional Office
205B Lowell Street -Wilmington, MA 01887
Tel: (978) 694-3253
Fax: (978) 694-3498
E-mail:jason.ledere r @state.ma.us
Check for your MassDEP file numbers and comments here:
http://edep.d p.mus.gov/wetland/wetlmd.aspl
From: Sivaramakrishnan Sangameswaran [mailto:SSangameswaran@bioengineering.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:38 AM
To: Lederer, Jason (DEP)
Subject: Con Comm Hearing
Good Morning Jason.
My name is Siva and am a colleague of Nick Wildman at The Biciengineering Group, Salem. I was interested in
talking to you about our green construction activities that we are carrying out in front of our office. Please feel free
to call me sometime today at 978-740-0096 Extn 521. Your inputs will be very helpful to me for the Con Comm
9/28/2006
CITY OF SALEM
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
City of Salem
Conservation Commission
Will hold a public hearing for a Request for a Determination of Applicability under the
Wetlands Protection Act, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40 and Salem's
Ordinance Pertaining to General Wetlands at the request of River Wharf Realty Trust, 18
Commercial Street, Salem, MA. The purpose of this hearing is for a determination of work
related to the construction of a handicap ramp, stair well, and a rain garden in front of the
existing commercial building located within a Riverfront Area at IS Commercial Street. This
hearing will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 313, third floor at
120 Washington Street.
cc
z
Kevin Comacchio
Chairman
Please run legal advertisement on:
September 21, 2006
Please send bill to:
The Bioengineering Group, Inc
Gina Altri
18 Commercial Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-740-0096
120 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 TEL: 978.745.9595 FAx: 978.740.0404 WWW.SALEM.COM
CITY OF SALEM
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
C
%TT 1-S%TT FORM
PROJECT LOCATION: awil 'A i q-
th"(d — DATE OF SITE VISIT
PROJECT PROPONIENT:-31]a ZUQ�tf 2�- DEP FILE NUMBER:-9hA
PROPOSED WORK:
,vo�
IL------------
A; vim=
Commission Members Agent: Abutters:
Applicant/Property Owner/Representative:
X'#equest for Determination E]Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation E]Notice of Intent
Certificate of Compliance Enforcement/Violation E]Emergency Informal
INLAND RESOURCE AREAS COASTAL RESOURCE AREAS
OBank
E]Land Subject to Coastal Land Under the Ocean
ElBordering Vegetated Wetland Storm Flowage
ElLand Subject to Flooding El Designated Port Area Coastal Beach
Ekand Under Water Bodies or Waterway El Coastal Dune 0 Barrier Beach
Arame:
oRiverfront Area D Coastal Bank El Rocky Intertidal Shore
Salt Marsh Land Under Salt Pond
Vernal Pools
Land Containing
Shellfish Anadromous/Cata-
dromous Fish Run
Bordering Vegetated Weiland in 6oastal Area
120 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 TEL: 978.745.9595 FAX: 978.740.0404 0 WWW.SALEM.COM
Water Body El Bordering Vegetated Wetland El Bank Coastal Beach El Coastal Dune
INTEREsirs.0,
�Iprotection of Water Supply aprotection of Groundwater Supply �Jflood Control
Ostorm Damage Prevention Mprevention of Pollution Aprotection of Fisheries
�Fprotection of Wildlife Habitat Protection of Land Containing Shellfish
Is this an exempt project; If so,why?
Are resource area boundaries delineated correctly? If not,explain.
la
SFr6dd(b4E
El Photos 0 Site Map El Other:
Take into account relevant aspects or features such as: natural or piped drainage or obvious pollution;
topography; existing vegetation; possible alternative sites; signs of wildlife, possible vernal pools, rare species
habitat; landmarks; recent or historical disturbances; proximity to other water bodies or drainage areas;
adjacent land uses.
.'t '7-'f
0
CITY OF SALEM
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
City of Salem
Conservation Commission
Will hold a site visit at 18 Commercial Street on Thursday, September 28, 2.006 at 4:50 p.m. Ile
purpose of the site visit is to inspect the project site where the following activities have been proposed:
determination of work related to the construction of a handicap ramp, stair well, and a rain garden in
front of the existing commercial building located within a Riverfront Area.
Kevin Cornaobid
Conservation Commission Cbairman
C-)
M,
�31
7
Ttlis notice POSt&d On "01-�Icliai sulipun 80aw
CIty, Hall Ave., Satfre'ri,
at
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23A -V218 Of NkO.L.
120 WASHINGIGH STREE'I', NIA'�SACIIJSE:'J-!',� 01970 * TFi,: 978.745.959,� FA�X 978.7,10.0zJ04 # WW'1V.SA1,EWC0M
L, i A*,D
RECEIVED
SEP 1 9 2006
DEPT. OF PLANNING&
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4ro-
AV
Cr,
cl-
IIQ
C4
f:F-
City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development
Check/Cash Receipt and Tracking Form
Please complete Ilium and make two copies
Date Received 19 J0(Q
Amount Received 1
Form of Payment MCheck Cash
CHECK PAYMENTS:
write chedc number
CASH PAYMENTS:
write client initials
F--j sign Permit Application Fee
��servatlon Commission Fee
Payment received for F'-j Plannft Board Fee
what service?
F-1 Old Town Hall Rental Fee
ED other
Name of staff person
receiving payment Gut"
Additional Notes U
2181
SALEMFM
BIOENGINEER.ING.'dROUP, INC. SALEM,.MA 01970
6371 113� --
IS COMMERCIAL ST..
SALEM�"01970a917
CHECK DATESeptember 19,2006 1
PH.(978)740-OM
PAY TwenfvFive and 001100 Dollars
AMOUW, $25.00
TO CitV of ��'!em
Atter�� yi: Carrie Duques 4,
120 ,.-.'- �!,.;nqton Street
Cow.�-.��tion commission, 3rd floor
01970
1180021,81"i 42113705SBI: 0 2 70 3 9 2 2 7 9118
Coj� 2. Application I'lle
L11Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
ureau o Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Forml - Request for Determination of Applicability City/Town
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
A. General Information
Important:
When filling out 1 Applicant:
forms on the River Wharf Realty Trust wgoldsmith@bioengineering.com
computer, use Name E-Mail Address
only the tab key
to move your 18 Commercial Street
cursor-do not Mailing Address
use the return Salem MA 01970
key. City/Town State Zip Code
978-740-0096 ext.507
VQ Phone Number Fax Number(if applicable)
2. Representative (if any):
The Bioengineering Group, Inc.
Firm
Nick Wildman nwildman@bioengineering.com
Contact Name E-Mail Address
18 Commercial St
Mailing Address
Salem MA 01970
City[Town State Zip Code
Phone Number Fax Number(if app-licable)
B. Determinations
1. I request the Salem make the following determination(s). Check any that apply:
Conservation Commission
El a. whether the area depicted on plan(s)and/or map(s) referenced below is an area subject to
jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act.
El b. whether the boundaries of resource area(s) depicted on plan(s) and/or map(s) referenced
below are accurately delineated.
Z c.whether the work depicted on plan(s)referenced below is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act.
d. whether the area and/or work depicted on plan(s) referenced below is subject to the jurisdiction
of any municipal wetlands ordinance or bylaw of:
Salem
Name of Municipality
El e. whether the following scope of alternatives is adequate for work in the Riverfront Area as
depicted on referenced plan(s).
wpafo�l.doc Page I of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands cityrrown
WPA Form I - Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
C. Project Description
1. a. Project Location (use maps and plans to identify the location of the area subject to this request):
18 Commercial Street Salem
Street Address City[Tow
-Z- ?e--0
Assessors Map/Plat Number Parcel/Lot-Number
b. Area Description (use additional paper, if necessary):
The project area is in a heavily industrialized section of Salem along the left bank of the North River.
Commercial Street and its neighborhood are characterized by a parge proportion of impervious
surfaces which drain directly into the North River. This runoff contributes to impaired water quality
from sedimentation and chemical contamination in the River and in Salem Sound. The project was
designed as a demonstration of innovative stormwater management by a Massachusetts licensed
Professional Engineer and a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). The
CPESC has supervised each stage of the work in progress.
c. Plan and/or Map Reference(s):
Title Date
Title Date
Title Date
2. a. Work Description (use additional paper and/or provide plan(s)of work, if necessary):
Please see the attached plan. All areas of work have been stabilized using coir mattress for perimeter
control and the site has been graded to collect all runoff in a shallow basin topography(see photo). The
work at 18 Commercial Street involves removing 1,575 square feet of pavement in the front of the
building (Riverfront Area). The asphalt and the surface fill are removed offsite and 3"clean topsoil
brought in to establish a rain garden. Natural granite curbing will be installed along the edge fo the bed to
form a wheelstop defining the edge of the parking lot. The rain garden will be planted with a wetland seed
mix from Ernst Conservation Seed and select live plants suitable for the hydrology of a periodically
saturated environment. The rain garden will collect rain from the roof and allow it to infiltrate into the soil,
entering the North River much more slowly and with having had pollutants and nutrients processed
through filtration and uptake. In addition, an area of 1,037 square feet on the side of the building has
received soil amendments and a gravel pedestrian path to formalize and improve a favorite neighborhood
cut-through to the park. The area has been seeded with a native meadow seed mix and mulched to
ensure no erosion during establishment(see photo). The existing concrete staircase to the
Bioengineering Group will be replaced with a metal "rain-through" material to allow rainwater to flow into
the rain garden below. Similarly, the wooden handicaped access ramp will be replaced with a similar
pervious material. Overall, the project will result in reduced impervious surface in the North River
watershed with less runoff to the River and Salem Sound. The project also will result in the creation of a
diverse dry and wet meadow habitat where there was none existing. This project is being done in
coniunction with a neiahborhood heutification Droiect with Servino Salem (see letter).
wpafo"l.doc Page 2 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands Cityrrown
WPA Form 1 - Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
C. Project Description (cont.)
b. Identify provisions of the Wetlands Protection Actor regulations which may exempt the applicant
from having to file a Notice of Intent for all or part of the described work (use additional paper, if
necessary).
Based on our professional opinion, and in consultation with the NERO Circuit Rider, we are confident
that this work is exempt from the Welland Protection Act under 310 CMR 10.02(f), "the conversion of
impervious to vegetated surfaces, provided erosion and sedimentation controls are implemented
during construction...... The work described in this RDA was designed and overseen by a registered
PE and a CPESC using best management practices for construction erosion control. The project is
designed to improve the infiltration of stormwater and the water quality in the North River and Salem
Sound and has been included in recent EPA and MA Riverways grant application filed in cooperation
with Salem Sound Coastwatch and Center for Urban Watershed Renewal (See attached).
3. a. If this application is a Request for Determination of Scope of Alternatives for work in the
Riverfront Area, indicate the one classification below that best describes the project.
El Single family house on a lot recorded on or before 8/1/96
[I Single family house on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
El Expansion of an existing structure on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
El Project, other than a single family house or public project, where the applicant owned the lot
before 8/7/96
E:1 New agriculture or aquaculture project
El Public project where funds were appropriated prior to 8/7/96
F1 Project on a lot shown on an approved, definitive subdivision plan where there is a recorded deed
restriction limiting total alteration of the Riverfront Area for the entire subdivision
Z Residential subdivision; institutional, industrial, or commercial project
[I Municipal project
E] District, county, state, or federal government project
[:1 Project required to evaluate off-site alternatives in more than one municipality in an
Environmental Impact Report under MEPA or in an alternatives analysis pursuant to an
application for a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or 401 Water Quality
Certification from the Department of Environmental Protection.
b. Provide evidence (e.g., record of date subdivision lot was recorded)supporting the classification
above (use additional paper and/or attach appropriate documents, if necessary.)
wpafo�l.doc Page 3 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1 - Request for Determination of Applicability Cityrrown
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
D. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Request for Determination of Applicability
and accompanying plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my
knowledge.
I further certify that the property owner, if different from the applicant, and the appropriate DEP Regional
Office were sent a complete copy of this Request (including all appropriate documentation)
simultaneously with the submittal of this Request to the Conservation Commission.
Failure by the applicant to send copies in a timely manner may result in dismissal of the Request for
Determination of Applicability.
Name and address of the property owner:
River Wharf Realty Trust
Name
18 Commercial St.
Mailing Address
Salem
City/Town
MA 01970
State Zip Code
Signatures:
I also understand that notification of ti)is Request will be placed in a local newspaper at my expense
in accorda ion;1�45( ) )(1) of t Wetlands Protection Act regulations.
-� ='K: I=- —7J/5'z&0
Signature of Applicant Date
Signature of Representative(if any) Date
,oafiormtdoc Page 4 of 4
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Request for Determination of Applicability- 18 Commercial Street, Salem, MA
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servin
9salem
September 11, 2006
Ms. Wendi Goldsmith
The Bioengineering Group
18 Commercial Street
Salem MA 01970
Dear Ms. Goldsmith,
SpoesorConintiftee
Mark Terry
Danversbank Thank you for your generous donation of$250 to the Serving Salem Communily
Committee Chak Serve-a-thon! We appreciate your support of the Salem Harbor CDC and applaud
Claudia Chuber your community spirit.
AkLaighlin 17inanc4 Ina
Laurence C.Harrington As a valued sponsor at the Apprentice level, The Bioengineering Group will be
North Shore Bank recognized on this year's Serving Salem T-shirts to be worn by volunteers and in
Marcy Flauber informational brochures used to recruit volunteers and gather pledges as well as
7BaA QLaivt Gvver&Frvy listed on the Serving Salem Website. You will also be thanked publicly at Serving
Nicholas P.Helides Sakm.
Beverly National Bank
John H.Neely We're planning a morning of community service followed by lunch on Saturday,
11mr1horne Associates September 30 from 9 a.m. to I p.m. Teams of volunteers will take pan in service
Maureen Satr projects around the city—doing chores for elderly residents, beautifying local
Danversbank parks, planting bulbs, working on the Salem River Bed, cleaning up the
community, and more!
We hope to see you at Serving Salem, along with volunteers from The
Bioengineering Group. Again, please accept our sincere thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Nfichael Whalen
Executive Director
Serving Salem Community Sene-a-thon and Fundraiser
Organized by Salem Harbor CDC
102 Lafayette St,, Salem, MA 01970 �IS AGE�SUPPOMED BY
Telephone: (978) 825-4002 Fax: (978) 745-4345 UnitedQWay
50und Coft,,,
Committed to enhancing andprotecting the
0 environmental quality of Salem Sound and its watershed
201 Washington St.,Suite 9
Salem,MA 01970
978-741-7900
PrDlec6h3 a Common Tusource Fax:978-741-0458
www.saletnsound.org
Eileen Goldberg January 12 2006
Riverways Program/DFG
251 Causeway St, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
Dear Ms. Goldberg:
Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) enthusiastically supports the Center for Urban
Watershed Renewal, Inc.'s grant proposal to install urban stormwater Best Management
Practices (BMPs) at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. Salem is an urbanized area with a
significant amount of impervious surface. Based on our water quality monitoring results
in t1tis area of the North River and Beverly Harbor, stormwater is a significant pollution
source. Also, the Ipswich River Watershed is a highly taxed source of municipal water
for Salem and a growing North Shore population.
Installing innovative BMPs in a visible public area will serve to raise awareness of
stormwater and water conservation issues. By educating the public about simple
modifications they can make on their own property, such as rain gardens and pervious
pavement, stormwater BMPs will catch on. In particular, we hope to attract interest from
the business community and developers about ways they can literally "go green". These
BMPs are being used with success in many parts of the US and Europe not only to treat
stormwater but to create aesthetic and recreational benefits as well. Oftentimes
innovative ideas such as these are not seriously considered for implementation until they
are demonstrated to work. Currently, there is no local demonstration site such as
proposed in this grant proposal. This project will help raise awareness and build
confidence in urban stormwater BMPS.
Salem Sound Coastwatch will assist with public education and outreach for the project.
We have long identified stormwater and water usage as major threats to Salem Sound and
its surrounding watersheds. Through our programs, we bav'e experience with public
education and outreach on stormwater and other issues and have developed relationships
with local municipal officials, the media, local business owners, and area citizens,
Salem Sound Coastwatch looks forward to partnering with the Center for Urban
Watershed Renewal on this project and hopes that you will find this project worthy of
funding.
Sincerely,
Barbara Warren
Executive Director
PROPOSAL TO DEMONSTRATE INNOVATIVE STORMATER
MANAGEMENT RETROFIT SYSTEMS AT AN URBANIZED SITE
ALONG THE NORTH RIVER IN SALEM, MA
SUBMISSION TO THE RTVERWAYS PROGRAM OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
RFR ID#: RIV-RIFLS-06-1
January 13, 2006
The Center For Urban
Watershed Renewal, Inc.
Charles Steele, Executive Director
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal, Inc. (CUWR)
Mission Statement
To develop, demonstrate, implement, and promote technology and policy to
restore and manage urban watersheds. Urban watershed areas have long been
ignored by resource managers as too deteriorated to warrant serious natural
resource management attention. As a result,planners,politicians, engineers, and
businesses alike have manipulated the landscape with a heavy hand, altering and
impacting vegetation, soil, and waterways as convenient, and responding to
environmental regulations with equally mechanistic methods. However, the
cumulative effect of these actions is depleted ground water supplies, chronically low
stream base flows, increased peak flows (which can erode streams or overwhelm
piped systems), and the transmission of contaminants directly to receiving waters
without treatment. Even the wastewater treatment plants and stormwater collection
systems designed to manage these issues are in need of repair, expansion, and
modification, which can only occur at great expense. The vegetation, healthy soil,
and landforms that once served the function of capturing,buffering, filtering,
purifying, and otherwise systematically handling rainfall, nutrients, and pollutants
have been eradicated and replaced by structures that are often themselves sources of
pollution. The problem is abundantly clear in the form of problem odors, fish kills,
beach closings, restrictions on fish consumption, and ugly,neglected waterways that
people have learned to avoid. The most effective solutions to restore these degraded
resources will include the holistic restoration and enhancement of functional
landforms and beneficial natural processes.
Even outside of populated urban centers,numerous sites are burdened by industrial
impacts due to mining, historic industry, past military use, or waste disposal. These
sites often exhibit contamination of soils as well as surface or groundwater. The
methods chosen to clean up these contaminants can either improve the ecological
productivity of the site, or further impair it. Past strategies for remediation have
tended to focus on narrow objectives, sometimes failing to recognize when the
remedy is worse than the disease, or when treating only one symptom fails to cure.
Many underutilized technologies exist which can treat contaminants using robust
biological systems. By using plants,microorganisms, and natural geochernical
processes, sites may be cleaned while simultaneously enhancing ecological health
and leaving land in prime condition for conservation and recreation. The Center for
Urban Watershed Renewal is a 501(c)(3)non-profit environmental advocacy
organization.
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal believes that environmental quality,
community vitality','ar�d socioeconomic opportunity are deeply connected.
Based on that premise, the Center seeks to devise solutions that integrate natural
resource management, commercial and residential development, and urban
infrastructure. Our goal is to transform stigmatized, underutilized, degraded urban
sites into economically viable,ecologically functional, socially valuable amenities. By
focusing on Brownfields redevelopment, the Center seeks to avert sprawl, locate jobs
near labor, strengthen decaying tax bases, and re-use existing infrastructure. By
incorporating green technologies and cutting edge planning with Brownfields re-
development, we can bring beauty, accessibility,ecological integrity, and social vitality
to those areas most in need. Old industrial sites that were historically or are currently
among the worst offenders in terms of watershed impacts (e.g., dams, channelization,
filled wetlands and floodplains, elevated runoff volume, and poor water quality) can
be converted into havens of treatment,benefit, and sensitivity. We seek to catalyze
similar efforts elsewhere by demonstrating and documenting the social, economic, and
ecological factors and outcomes.
CUWR Focus Topics
• Stormwater source reduction 0 GreeDspace and greenways
• Riparian restoration . Recreation and natural science
• Regional detention ponds/infiltration education
zones . Rough and tumble natural play spaces
• Treatment wetlands . Community gardens
• Habitat enhancement , Natural resource based zoning
• Phytoremediation K Stormwater utilities
• Renewable construction materials . Combined sewer separation
• Soil reclamation . Stream daylighting
• Mine and slag drainage N Stormwater sewer elimiriati on
• Integrating remedies for air, water, and . TMDL's
soil pollution . Municipal composting
Past project highlights include:
• Conservation of endangered butterfly species on 5000 acre military reservation in
Herlong, CA constrained by military use impacts such as unexploded ordinance
• Collaboration with US Army Corps of Engineers and DoD Base Realignment and
closure office to identify and develop strategies for sites in CA, TX, and IL where site
clean-up needs posed threats to special and sensitive habitats
• Successful 319 grant funded stormwater management demonstration projects in
Salem, MA and Acushnet MA
• Collaboration with TPL on the transfer of multiple parcels of land totaling over 55,000
acres where §oil remediation, public recreation, and habitat management needs and
opportunities exist ' -
• Outreach presentation to US Chamber of Commerce to raise consciousness and outline
strategies for large and small business to practice improved watershed stewardship
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Statement of Problem
This project will help "keep water local" by addressing two significant problems. First,
the majority of Salem's water supply comes from the Ipswich River Watershed, which is
listed on the MA Riverways RITLS Low-Flow Inventory and widely understood to be one
of the most stressed rivers in the Commonwealth. The rapid growth of development
within the area relying on this watershed has taxed the natural hydrology and caused the
river to run dry on occasions'. These dry periods have caused extensive fish kills and
other alterations to the ecosystem2. This project includes the installation of a rainwater
collection and use system that will reduce the withdrawal from the Ipswich River
Watershed during key months of the year by capturing roof runoff and storing it for toilet
flushing. Even with the low-flow toilets recently installed in the building, rainwater
harvesting will reduce consumption of Ipswich River water by an estimated 50,000 gallons
per year or more.
Second, the proposed project will also measurably improve how stormwater enters the
local receiving waters. Rivers flowing through heavily urbanized corridors are vulnerable
to contaminated stormwater runoff from commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Where natural landscapes once provided and maintained infiltration processes, hardtop
surfaces such as asphalt streets,parking lots, and building roofs have created vast
quantities of impervious cover. Impervious surfaces eliminate precipitation contact with
soils and prevent absorption and storage processes. As a result, groundwater resources
contributing to baseflow are diminished, and stormwater runoff occurs almost
immediately during a precipitation event. Stormwater runoff collects a variety of
contaminants from these impervious surfaces. Vehicles and facilities experience mineral
weathering and leak oil and grease. Rooftops collect heat from solar gain plus pollutants
and nutrients. Bacteria from fecal matter and trash accumulate from numerous locations.
These pollutants have a devastating toll on aquatic ecosystems, with effects ranging from
algae blooms and damaged fish gills to anaerobic conditions and reduced reproductive
capacity.
' Massachusetts Riverways Program: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/�iver/programs/rifls/]iLipswich.htm
2 Lang,V.,Abele,R.,and Armstrong,D.,et.al. May 2001.Ipswich F�ver Target Fish Community.
The North River in Salem,NIA exhibits characteristics of a river impacted by urban
stormwater runoff, The Kipa�Tian corridor of the river is dominated by industrial,
commercial, and residential development, particularly in the lower reaches. Riparian
vegetation is virtually nonexistent in many locations, and impervious surfaces often
extend to the banks of the river. The North River suffers from low dissolved oxygen
levels,high fecal coliform levels, and elevated levels of heavy metals in the sediment3. In
fact, Salem Sound 2000 concluded that the North River exhibits symptoms of toxic impact
as a result of urban stormwater runoff. These factors directly conflict with ongoing
efforts to restore fish spawning habitat on the river, which currently achieve only partial
success.
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of
retrofitting existing urbanized landscapes with best management systems that will
increase infiltration rates,provide filtering mechanisms for stormwater runoff, and
improve the water quality of stormwater discharging into the North River. Once
completed, this project and the accompanying outreach program will address the need for
successfully implemented examples of innovative stormwater management techrdques.
Histo1y of the Project
The Center for Urban Watershed Renewal, in association with the Salem Sound
Coastwatch4, a local water quality advocacy organization, identified the project site as a
prime location for installation of innovative stormwater management methods, and in fact
Russ Cohen was an early proponent of the work, due to its site and easy visibility, and
setting within a EPA designated Brownfields Corridor currently undergoing a wave of
redevelopment as is the entire City of Salem.
River Wharf Realty Trust (RWRT) owns the project site and is committed to improving the
sustainability while reducing the environmental footprint of its properties. RV%TRT has
"77�-, 7
77,! �N,, conducted two earlier phases of building and grounds permitting and construction to
support a state-of-the-art stormwater management retrofit in 2006. In this process,RWRT
proactively obtained needed permits for conducting the green parking and rain garden
construction. Based on ongoing communication with municipal authorities (Zoning
Board of Appeals and Building Inspector), it will be quick and simple to obtain approval
for the updated and modified designs currently planned. Therefore,we do not.anticipate
any obstacles to completing constriction by the end of June 2006.
The site has multiple tenants, one of whom is The Bioengineering Grou, Inc. (TBG), who
specializes in sustainable design working to improve the function of ecosystems while
attaining land management goals. TBG staff will provide all of the landscape design and
engineering for this project as well as construction supervision, and eagerly looks forward
3 Salem Sound 20GO,unpublished data.
'Formerly known as Salem Sound 2000.
to prominently featuring the project, in published papers and outreach, as its own best
way to "walk the talk" of its-professional practice. TBG is a certified VVBE in MA.
Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental advocacy
organization based in Salem, MA. SSCW partners with businesses, governments, and
other advocacy organizations to,improve water quality within the watersheds flowing
into Salem Sound including the North River. In the 1990s, the organization had a leading
role in the development of the Comprehensive Conservation and management Plan for
the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program. Now, in addition to coordinating
volunteer monitoring and restoration programs, SSCW strives to increase awareness of
the threats facing Salem Sound through their public education program.
Scope of Wo
The essence of the project is the installation of a rainwater retention system and porous
paving for the retention and reuse of stormwater. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. has
designed and implemented these systems as part of stormwater management in
numerous projects in the United States.
Task I
Final design for porous parking surface and rain garden planter- TBG
Estimated duration: 3 weeks
Deliverable: Complete drawing set of plans including sections, typical details, and
materials specifications.
Task 2
Coordinate modification of existing permits- TBG
Estimated duration: 8 weeks
Deliverable: Approval from all relevant government bodies
Task 3
Coordinate subcontractor services for construction- TBG, CUWR
Estimated duration: 4 weeks
Deliverable: Signed agreement for services from a licensed landscape contractor to
construct the designed retrofit.
Task 4
Constructed landscape retrofit-TBG
Estimated duration: 5 weeks
Deliverable: Completed project and set of "as built" drawings.
Task 5
Oversee construction- CU`VVR, TBG
Duration: Concurrent with Task 4
Task 6
Provide public outreach ;nd-education- SSCW,TBG
Duration: 6 weeks
Deliverables: One major mailing to public officials, landowners, professionals and the
general community describing the project, its key benefits, and inviting them to an, open
house with a presentation docurhenting the planning, design, construction, future
maintenance, and merits of the project. The workshop will be oriented to facilitate
adoption of other similar retrofits by additional parties. Other interim informal mailings
and events will be incorporated as possible.
Table 1. Approximate Project Timeline
Month each X e uals one week)
1 2 31 41 5
Task I XXX
Task 2 X XXXX XXX
Task 3 XXXX
Task 4 X
Task 5 XXXX X
Task 6 X XXXX X
Benefits to the Watershed
The North River watershed is characterized by significant urban impacts throughout its
entire area. The river no longer supports the significant populations of anadrornous fish
such as rainbow smelt and is listed on the state's 303-d list of Impaired Waters. As the
cities of Salem and Peabody have grown so has the amount of impervious surface within
the watershed. The result has been increased contaminated runoff from the many new
parking lots and streets. As new renovation and infill work proceeds at a brisk pace,
especially in the North River Corridor where numerous vacant lots still await re-
development, there is a need to demonstrate practical solutions that allow construction
while protecting the river.
Retrofits at 18 Commercial Street present an opportunity for substantial improvement to
the health of the North River and its estuary. As is common in such an urban area,
approximately 97% of the quarter—acre property is impervious surface. By creating a
raingarden that intercepts runoff from half the roof, substituting grassed permeable
paving for existing asphalt parkking, and harvesting roof runnof from the rear half of the
roof for toilet flushing, over 200,000 gallons per year of direct runoff to the North River
will be eliminated and base flows and water quality will be improved.
Reducing the direct input of stormwater and associated toxins to the North River through
projects like this one is essential to addressing the impairments the river faces. Allowing
for a more natural hydrol o- gic regime through increased stormwater infiltration will
bolster area aquifers and improve water quality in the nearby estuary. Finally,this project
will contribute to the recovery of the native species that once thrived in the North River.
Reduced levels of toxics and runoff sediments will mean a more suitable environment for
aquatic invertebrates and anadr6mous fish species.
Rain Garden—Rainwater from the roof will be directed to a retention garden in the front
of the building. Such features are engineered to operate as functional wetlands and
provide many of the benefits of natural wetlands. This rainwater will support native
hydrophytic species and slowly enter
the groundwater through the permeable Ctoss-secEon of typical rain gatden
underlayment.
Detaining the stormwater from the roof
and directing it into the soil will reduce
the "flashiness" of runoff from the
property. The "flash" refers to the
surge of stormwater into gutters,
culverts, and drains as water runs off of
impervious surfaces during a arnwel kel
precipitation event. Also, as the water
passes through the soil of the
raingarden, fine particulates will be filtered out and wetland biogeochemical processes
will reduce levels of nutrients and toxics. The result will be cleaner water entering the
groundwater.
Porous Pavement—CUWR
has identified the
opportunity to remove up to DIRECT FLOV1 IN70. SUBGRALIF
3,000 square feet of asphalt SRFACE WA-trR r[ov�
at the project site. The
removal of asphalt from the
property will reduce the
amount of oil and grease
-T�
entering the North River as PERM:45a BAS'
a result of natural A�r-
weathering of the asphalt
PERM &RA
over time. As an alternative,
porous paving systems
allow a more natural
interface between the soil E
figure-hxample porous pavement system(Ideal,Inc.)
surface and groundwater while providing all of the functionality of a paved parking lot.
These systems involve a layer of attractive paver blocks underlain by engineered sand and
crushed stone. The pore spaces in between the block, sand particles, and crushed stone
allow for rainwater to pass down to the soil beneath. Installing porous pavement will
allow for significantly greater infiltration of stormwater and decrease the "flashiness" of
runoff from the property while reducing the toxic chemicals that can leach from
weathering asphalt.
Rain-thru Steps and Ramp—In order to maintain the continuity and functionality of the
rain garden, it is important to remove the existing impervious steps and handicapped
access ramp, and replace them with a system that will allow for natural movement of
precipitation and sunlight into the rain garden. Steps and modular ramp systems made
from reinforced steel grate can provide all of the access needs while allowing stormwater
to pass through to the soil beneath. These rain-thru systems serve the ecology of the rain
garden and the accessibility of the building for all users. Precipitation will naturally
collect in the rain garden and support the plants growing there. This novel (we have not
been able to identify prior applications where stormwater management and building
accessibility have been combined elsewhere) and enormously practical solution has been
reviewed and approved by our design architect and building inspector, and shows great
promise as a model for widespread adoption, assuming a successful demonstration.
Rainwater Collection Tank—TBG has identified the opportunity to collect and use
rainwater to offset municipal water usage which impacts to the Ipswich River Watershed.
River Wharf Realty Trust has donated the use of a large-volume storage tank, already
onsite, for use in this project. Using a typical design, the tank will be elevated on a stand
and collect rainwater from the roof gutters. The tank will be plumbed to feed the toilets in
the men's and women's rooms by gravity. In the four coldest-weather months, the tank
will be drained and capped to prevent freezing and damage to the system. Excess
stormwater will be released to the raingarden.
Toilet flushing is the largest weekly use of water at the site. Making use of the rainwater
from the roof, when possible,will reduce TBG's withdrawal from the Ipswich River
Watershed by an estimated 50,000 gallons per year.
Demonstration Value
The proposed project incorporates elements of stormwater management that have been
gaining popularity over the last twenty years. These materials and methods are ideal for
smaller lots or sites where a limited amount of space precludes the use of larger
stormwater controls like ponds. Despite this growing recognition by landscape architects,
hydrologists, and engineers, porous pavement and raingardens are rarely used in small-
scale urban settings in Massachusetts. Such measures are virtually never used on retrofit
applications on already developed land. In most cases the densely developed urban
settings which were developed prior to any stormwater management regulations are the
ones that need effqctive measures to "keep water local"most. This project will serve as a
demonstration of the effe�tiv_eness and feasibility of these elements in a classically
constrained setting.
This site has considerable value as a demonstration site. First,because of its location five
minutes from the MBTA Salem Station and along the North River Bikeway, an important
recreational area in Salem, the project will be visible to the general public 365 days a year.
The rain garden and porous paving will be visible as people walk,bike, and kayak along
the North River. The native plants in the raingarden will provide beauty throughout the
year and help spread awareness about the use of native,non-invasive plants in home and
commercial landscapes.
Second, Salem Sound Coastwatch has offered to assist in the coordination of a series of
outreach activities that will bring the project to the attention of local landowners,public
officials, and landscape contractors. These activities include four on-site seminars during
the construction phase to show the designs and methods being employed. A volunteer
workday is another outreach opportunity that will teach participants how these systems
are installed. When the project is completed, SSCW and TBG will host an Open House to
share the finished product with area homeowners, landscapers, and planning and
conservation officials.
Finally, the innovative stormwater management systems installed at 18 Commercial Street
will be a focal point for collaborating professionals, agency representatives, and land
managers who regularly visit The Bioengineering Group for years to come. As a
recognized firm designing ecologically sound stormwater management systems, TBG will
have the opportunity to promote their installation to clients from around Massachusetts
and elsewhere, even after the formal outreach effort is complete.
Buildmit.6n.ble Communiti�on=EcolNicA Foundation
4 18 Commercial Street Salem.MA01970
ioengineering p:978-740-0096 f:978-740-0097
TOM GROUP bioengineering.com
�W— F
Wendi Goldsmith, CPG,CPSSc,
President
The Bioengineering Group Inc.
18, Commercial Street
Salem, MA 01970 RECOVED
To
nCT V 6 2006
The Salem Conservation Commission CO DEPT. OF PLAIVivING
Attention: Ms Carrie Duques &'h4UAJ1TYDEVELO &
PMEIVT
120 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970
Sub: Regarding RDA for Rain Garden Activities
Dear Conservation Commission Agent:
This memo is written in response to the comments received during the
commission hearing on 281h September 2006. There is no basement for the
building and there are no sumps or other drainage elements that flow directly
into the North River. A survey of the building demonstrated that the finished
floor elevation of the building is above the 100-year flood elevation. We will
ensure that the erosion control measures are in place and well maintained
throughout the course of the project.
As discussed during the RDA hearing, by removing impervious surfaces and
routing roof runoff through the proposed rain garden (a) water quality
treatment, (b) runoff containment, (c) sediment retention, (d) ecological and
habitat functionalities of the buildings and grounds will be greatly improved.
Thanks and Regards,
[Wendi Goldsmith]
ECOLOGISTS EARTHSCIENTISTS ENGINEERS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS