Lenox Conservation Commission
August 21, 2014
Minutes
Town Hall
Members present: Chair Neal Carpenter, NC; Vince Ammendola, VA; Tim Flanagan, TF; Joe Strauch, JS; David Lane, DL; Rose Fitzgerald Casey, RFC
Absent with notification: Dick Ferren, DF
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, PA
NOI, Donald Roy, 225 Kemble St., Map 3 Parcel 49. The proposed project is to upgrade the existing septic system within or outside the buffer zone of the BVW. Originally scheduled for August 7, 2014, but was continued to August 21st in order to have a site visit. On August 15th, there was a site visit attended by Gail Ceresia of Berkshire Wetland Services, Donald Roy and Commissioners TF, VA, JS, RFC, and NC.
As a result of the site visit, the Commissioners requested changes to two separate delineation boundary lines and the buffer zone boundary line. A revised set of plans was presented.
Presenting the Notice of Intent and the revised set of plans was Gail Ceresia. Also present was Donald Roy.
Ms. Ceresia detailed the work that would be done. The depth of the cut of the leach field is 42 inches. Some of this soil will be used on the lawn area and any excess material will be removed from the site.
TF questioned the last wetland flag on the eastern side, upper right section of the plans. It was agreed that the Commission was not approving that flag, referred to as W-14.
RFC made a motion to issue an Order of Conditions with additional condition that Wetland Flag #14 is not being approved and VA seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 5-0-1. DL abstained as he was not at the site visit.
NOI, HG October Mountain Estate, LLC, aka Eastover Hotel and Resort, 430 East St., Map 18 Parcel 85. The proposed project is sustainable wastewater treatment system and related work. This is a buffer zone only project.
On August 15th there was a site visit attended by Steve Mack of Foresight Land Services and Commissioners TF, VA, JS, RFC and NC.
Rob Hoogs of Foresight Land Services, filling in for Steve Mack, explained that the proposal is to replace the existing septic system with a larger septic system and water treatment plant. Mr. Hoogs described how the natural biological system, an “eco-machine” would function.
At the site visit, a small amount of unmarked wetlands were discovered, which will require that the BVW line be changed.
A small portion of the work will be in the buffer zone.
Since this area is in the ACEC, a substantial number of other permits are required. An Environmental Notification Form has been filed and comments have been received by Natural Heritage. Mr. Hoogs stated that it appears from the information received from Natural Heritage the project can go forward to the next stage of permitting process.
TF made a motion to approve with the condition that work cannot commence until the Commission receives an updated set of wetland delineation plans and those plans are approved by the Commission. VA seconded the motion and the Commission voted to agree 5-0-1. DL abstained as he was not at the site visit.
NOI, Town of Lenox Department of Public Works, Root Water Treatment Plant, 471 Reservoir Road, Map 15 Parcel 2, construction of upgrades to the High Lift and Low Lift Pump Stations e.g., installation of a new emergency generator and associated conduits, installation of three new propane storage tanks and associated piping, and a new concrete entrance pad, portions of which are located within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. (On 8/19/014, because of engineering changes, Sean VanDeusen asked to continue to September 4, 2014, 7:30 pm. Also an RDA for Scenic Mountain Act has filed. This will also be heard on September 4th but at 7:45pm.)
On August 15th there was a site visit attended by Sean VanDeusen and Rickie Fuore of the Lenox DPW and Commissioners TF, VA, JS, RFC and NC.
VA made a motion to continue the NOI to September 4th at 7:30 pm. RFC seconded the motion and the Commission voted 5-0-1. DL abstained as he was not at the site visit.
Matt Puntin, SK Design Group, Lenox Valley WTF, at 63 Willow Creek Road, Map 9 Parcel 7 & 8. (WEP File No. 198-0244) Informal discussion involving a request a change to the drainage.
Present was Matt Puntin and Tom Garrity of Valley Mill. Mr. Puntin said that since he made the request to be put on the agenda, he and Mr. Garrity have decided that no changes are being requested to the open Order of Conditions that was issued in 2009. (The O of C was extended to 2014 and the Permit Extension Act has granted a further extension to 2018.) Instead of amending the O of C, they submitted a letter to the Commission dated August 21, 2014 requesting a Certificate of Compliance. The only deviation from the approved plans is the construction of the parking spaces and boulders at the turnaround area at the entrance to the former landfill, north of the site. Mr. Garrity indicated that he had been instructed to hold off on this installation due to the potential town solar array in that
area. In the interim the solar project came to a halt.
Discussion ensued and the Commission agreed that a site visit is in order before it could consider issuing a Certificate of Compliance. Much of the work has been completed, but the Commission will be inspecting the drainage and discuss another gate. The parking lot would have to be completed before a C of C could be issued. The site visit was scheduled for August 29th.
Site Visit-Yokun Avenue near Sunset for pipe culvert, on August 15th attended by Steve Mack, Sean VanDeusen and Rick Fuore of the Lenox DPW and Commissioners TF, VA, JS, RFC and NC.
Other business: NC advised that the Town Manager, Chris Ketchen, wants to talk to the Commission regarding EPA's Housatonic Rest of River Cleanup.
Approve minutes August 7, 2014- TF made a motion to approve the minutes and JS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 6-0.
RFC made a motion to adjourn and DL seconded the motion. The Commission voted to adjourn at 8:45 pm by a vote of 6-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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