MONSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES MAY 18, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul Hatch, Kevin Haley, Tara Hengeveld and Karen King.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Craig Sweitzer.
Gary Weiner Ecotec Environmental met with the Board to discuss the review by David Loring, Tighe & Bond dated May 17, 2010 of the slope stability analysis at Quaboag Heights prepared by O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun (OTO) dated March 31, 2010 Updated Slope Stability Evaluation.
Mr. Weiner stated David Loring questioned the parameters used to establish modeling but as far as OTO is concerned the parameters are adequate. OTO attempted to contact David Loring throughout the day today but was unsuccessful. Mr. Loring also expressed concern that the water level was modeled at elevation 340 feet, which is 6 inches below the overflow spillway elevation. Mr. Weiner stated their consultant modeled up the 6 inches and still met a safety factor of 1.32, and is comfortable with the parameters used for the modeling. He stated the parameters did not take into account the 40 mil liner that is to be installed.
The report from David Loring referred to comments he made in a letter dated December 2008 regarding holes that he observed along the south east embankment, adjacent to the repair area near the toe of the new slope. Ecotec Environmental responded in their letter of December 30, 2008 that the holes appeared to be woodchuck holes and would be filled in before March 15, 2009. Mr. Loring stated in his most recent review of May 17, 2010 that penetrations of earthen embankments by wildlife can lead to instabilities due to material collapse, piping, and increased water pressures. He stated the burrows were in a critical area of the embankment and it was important to monitor the embankment for animal penetration and properly fill immediately to maintain the integrity of the embankment. He recommended that
if burrowing and slope maintenance becomes excessive stone rip rap should be considered, as this will discourage wildlife and increase overall slope stability.
Mr. Weiner stated that he is not aware of any holes in the embankment at this time. He stated Mr. Bukowski is anxious to get going and complete the work on the detention basin. The gabions have been ordered and he would like to start work the first week in June. He reiterated that their consultant O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun stands by the conclusions contained it their report dated March 31, 2010 that “the calculated Factor of Safety against failure for the subject earth slope was greater than the minimum recommended factor for earth slopes. Therefore, it is our conclusion the subject earth slope has been adequately designed, and no additional actions are required.”
Paul Hatch asked Mr. Weiner to make sure the Planning Board receives copies of the conclusions and response from the discussion between O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun and Tighe & Bond.
Gary Weiner stated irregardless of the embankment issue Mr. Bukowski would like to start the gabion work the first week in June.
Paul Hatch stated the consultants should be made aware that work on the gabion is going forward.
Gary Weiner stated assuming the consultants agree on the embankment after the gabions are installed they would raise the spillway and enlarge the basin to bring the structure into compliance with the plans approved by the Planning Board.
Karen King moved to accept the minutes of April 20 2010 as presented.
Tara Hengeveld seconded the motion.
It was so voted by majority vote.
Kevin Haley abstained.
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission was sent a copy of the draft solar energy bylaw. The Board will wait for PVPC to contact the Board to set up an informal discussion.
Harold Leaming stated that he was notified that Lydall Company on Bethany Road is now warehousing wood pellets and he will speak with them and recommend they come to the next meeting for an informal discussion.
Paul Hatch questioned if they met the fire code for pellets?
Harold Leaming stated he was in the process of scheduling a visit to the facility with Fire Chief George Robichaud. There are different categories of hazard.
Tara Hengeveld moved to adjourn at 7:35 P.M.
Karen King seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
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