Applied Golf Solar Project at Hickory Ridge in Amherst

November 27, 2018
Briony Angus, Chair

Amherst Conservation Commission
4 Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, MA 01002
Re: Notice of Intent

Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power Systems
Amherst, Massachusetts
ESS Project No. D190-000
Dear Ms. Angus,

Enclosed, please find two (2) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI)
application for the Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power Systems Project.
ESS Group, Inc. has prepared this NOI application on behalf of Direct Energy Solar for compliance with
the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and the Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw. A copy of
the complete NOI application has been submitted to the MassDEP Western Regional Office and the
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. We anticipate that this matter will be heard at
December 12, 2018 the public meeting of the Amherst Conservation Commission.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (401) 330-1233 or apatterson@essgroup.com. Thank
you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
ESS GROUP, INC.
Alexander H. Patterson
Project Scientist
C: Charles Kovacic, Direct Energy Solar

MassDEP Western Regional Office
NHESP
© 2018 ESS Group, Inc.

Applied Golf Photovoltaic
Power System
Notice of Intent
PREPARED FOR:
Direct Energy Solar
7484 Candlewood Road, Suite T-W
Hanover, Maryland 21076
PREPARED BY:
ESS Group, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
SUBMITTED TO:
Amherst Conservation Commission
4 Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
November 2018
www.essgroup.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
Notice of Intent – WPA Form 3
Wetlands Fee Transmittal Form
Abutter Notification Materials
Project Narrative
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 1
3.0 ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................. 2
3.1 No Action Alternative ........................................................................................................................ 2
3.2 Larger Project Footprint .................................................................................................................... 2
3.3 Preferred Alternative ......................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................... 3
4.1 Wetland Resource Areas .................................................................................................................. 4
4.1.1 Inland Bank ............................................................................................................................. 4
4.1.2 Land Under Water ................................................................................................................... 4
4.1.3 Bordering Vegetated Wetland ................................................................................................. 4
4.1.4 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding........................................................................................ 5
4.1.5 Riverfront Area ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.1.6 Buffer Zones ............................................................................................................................ 5
4.2 State-listed Species .......................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Historical and Archaeological Resources ......................................................................................... 6
4.4 Environmental Due Diligence Review .............................................................................................. 6
5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT, AVOIDANCE, AND MINIMIZATION .............................................................. 7
5.1.1 Inland Bank ............................................................................................................................. 8
5.1.2 Land Under Water ................................................................................................................... 8
5.1.3 Bordering Vegetated Wetland ................................................................................................. 8
5.1.4 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding........................................................................................ 8
5.1.5 Riverfront Area ........................................................................................................................ 9
5.1.6 Buffer Zones ............................................................................................................................ 9
5.2 State-listed Species ........................................................................................................................ 10
5.3 Historical and Archaeological Resources ....................................................................................... 11
6.0 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................ 11
6.1 Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act ....................................................................................... 11
6.2 Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act ........................................................................................ 11
6.2.1 Inland Bank ........................................................................................................................... 11
6.2.2 Land Under Water ................................................................................................................. 11
6.2.3 Bordering Vegetated Wetland ............................................................................................... 11
6.2.4 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding...................................................................................... 12
6.2.5 Riverfront Area ...................................................................................................................... 13
6.2.6 Buffer Zones .......................................................................................................................... 14
6.3 Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw ................................................................................................ 14
6.4 Massachusetts Endangered Species Act ....................................................................................... 15
6.5 Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards .................................................................... 15
7.0 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 17
© 2018 ESS Group, Inc. – This document or any part may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording without the express written consent of ESS Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
TABLES
Table 1 Project Area Footprint within Resource Areas and Buffer Zones
FIGURES
Figure 1 Project Locus

Figure 2 Wetland Resource Areas
Figure 3 Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Data
APPENDICES
Attachment A Wetland Delineation Report

Attachment B Wildlife Habitat Evaluation
Attachment C Photographic Log
Attachment D Agency Correspondence
Attachment E Wood Turtle Habitat Management Plan
Attachment F Project Plans
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent
4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number
WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Document Transaction Number

Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 Amherst
City/Town
Important:
When filling out A. General Information
forms on the
computer, use 1. Project Location (Note: electronic filers will click on button to locate project site):
only the tab key
to move your 191 West Pomeroy Lane Amherst 01002
cursor - do not
a. Street Address b. City/Town c. Zip Code
use the return
key. 42.340727 -72.528427
Latitude and Longitude: d. Latitude e. Longitude
19D 10
f. Assessors Map/Plat Number g. Parcel /Lot Number
2. Applicant:
Charles Kovacic
a. First Name b. Last Name
Note: Direct Energy Solar
Before c. Organization
completing this
form consult
your local d. Street Address
Conservation Hanover MD 21076
Commission e. City/Town f. State g. Zip Code
regarding any
municipal bylaw 508-259-5726 charles.kovacic@directenergysolar.com
or ordinance. h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email Address
3. Property owner (required if different from applicant): Check if more than one owner
David Wasenda
c. Organization
191 West Pomeroy Lane
d. Street Address
Amherst MA 01002
e. City/Town f. State g. Zip Code
732-501-8440 davew@appliedgolf.com
h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email address
4. Representative (if any):

Alexander Patterson
ESS Group, Inc.
c. Company
10 Hemingway Drive, 2nd Floor
d. Street Address
East Providence RI 02915
401-330-1233 apatterson@essgroup.com
h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email address
5. Total WPA Fee Paid (from NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form):
$750.00 $362.50 $387.50
a. Total Fee Paid b. State Fee Paid c. City/Town Fee Paid
wpaform3.doc • rev. 2/8/2018 Page 1 of 9

4

City/Town
A. General Information (continued)

6. General Project Description:
The applicant proposes to install and operate the Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System, a +/-
5.24-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy facility located at the existing Hickory Ridge Golf Club.
7a. Project Type Checklist: (Limited Project Types see Section A. 7b.)
1. Single Family Home 2. Residential Subdivision
3. Commercial/Industrial 4. Dock/Pier
5. Utilities 6. Coastal engineering Structure
7. Agriculture (e.g., cranberries, forestry) 8. Transportation
9. Other
7b. Is any portion of the proposed activity eligible to be treated as a limited project (including Ecological
Restoration Limited Project) subject to 310 CMR 10.24 (coastal) or 310 CMR 10.53 (inland)?
If yes, describe which limited project applies to this project. (See 310 CMR
1. Yes No
10.24 and 10.53 for a complete list and description of limited project types)
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t): new access roadway for renewable energy project site.
2. Limited Project Type
If the proposed activity is eligible to be treated as an Ecological Restoration Limited Project (310
CMR10.24(8), 310 CMR 10.53(4)), complete and attach Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited
Project Checklist and Signed Certification.
8. Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for:

Hampshire
a. County b. Certificate # (if registered land)
7174 151
c. Book d. Page Number
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent)

1. Buffer Zone Only – Check if the project is located only in the Buffer Zone of a Bordering
Vegetated Wetland, Inland Bank, or Coastal Resource Area.
2. Inland Resource Areas (see 310 CMR 10.54-10.58; if not applicable, go to Section B.3,
Coastal Resource Areas).
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and any supporting documentation describing how the
project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including
standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.

4

City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
a. Bank 1. linear feet 2. linear feet

For all projects
affecting other b. Bordering Vegetated
Resource Areas, Wetland 1. square feet 2. square feet
please attach a
narrative c. Land Under 1. square feet 2. square feet
explaining how Waterbodies and
the resource
area was Waterways 3. cubic yards dredged
delineated.
Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
d. Bordering Land 135,500 sf (approx.)

Subject to Flooding 1. square feet 2. square feet
3. cubic feet of flood storage lost 4. cubic feet replaced

e. Isolated Land
Subject to Flooding 1. square feet
2. cubic feet of flood storage lost 3. cubic feet replaced

Fort River (inland); Muddy Brook (inland)
f. Riverfront Area 1. Name of Waterway (if available) - specify coastal or inland
2. Width of Riverfront Area (check one):
25 ft. - Designated Densely Developed Areas only
100 ft. - New agricultural projects only
200 ft. - All other projects

2,992,600 sf (approx)
3. Total area of Riverfront Area on the site of the proposed project: square feet
4. Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area:

30,055 sf (approx.) 12,630 sf (approx.) 17,425 sf (approx.)
a. total square feet b. square feet within 100 ft. c. square feet between 100 ft. and 200 ft.
5. Has an alternatives analysis been done and is it attached to this NOI? Yes No
6. Was the lot where the activity is proposed created prior to August 1, 1996? Yes No
3. Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25-10.35)
Note: for coastal riverfront areas, please complete Section B.2.f. above.

4

City/Town
B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent) (cont’d)
Check all that apply below. Attach narrative and supporting documentation describing how the
project will meet all performance standards for each of the resource areas altered, including
standards requiring consideration of alternative project design or location.
Online Users:
Include your Resource Area Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
document
transaction
number
a. Designated Port Areas Indicate size under Land Under the Ocean, below
(provided on your
receipt page) b. Land Under the Ocean 1. square feet
with all
supplementary
information you 2. cubic yards dredged
submit to the
Department. c. Barrier Beach Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coastal Dunes below
d. Coastal Beaches 1. square feet 2. cubic yards beach nourishment
e. Coastal Dunes 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dune nourishment
Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)
f. Coastal Banks 1. linear feet

g. Rocky Intertidal
Shores 1. square feet
h. Salt Marshes 1. square feet 2. sq ft restoration, rehab., creation

i. Land Under Salt
Ponds 1. square feet
2. cubic yards dredged

j. Land Containing
Shellfish 1. square feet
k. Fish Runs Indicate size under Coastal Banks, inland Bank, Land Under the
Ocean, and/or inland Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways,
above
1. cubic yards dredged

l. Land Subject to
Coastal Storm Flowage 1. square feet
4. Restoration/Enhancement
If the project is for the purpose of restoring or enhancing a wetland resource area in addition to the
square footage that has been entered in Section B.2.b or B.3.h above, please enter the additional
amount here.
a. square feet of BVW b. square feet of Salt Marsh
5. Project Involves Stream Crossings
a. number of new stream crossings b. number of replacement stream crossings

4

City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements

This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section C and
complete Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Limited Project Checklists – Required Actions
(310 CMR 10.11).
Streamlined Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/Wetlands Protection Act Review
1. Is any portion of the proposed project located in Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife as indicated on
the most recent Estimated Habitat Map of State-Listed Rare Wetland Wildlife published by the
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)? To view habitat maps, see the
Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas or go to
http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/PRI_EST_HAB/viewer.htm.
If yes, include proof of mailing or hand delivery of NOI to:
a. Yes No
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
10/1/2018 Westborough, MA 01581
b. Date of map
If yes, the project is also subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review (321
CMR 10.18). To qualify for a streamlined, 30-day, MESA/Wetlands Protection Act review, please
complete Section C.1.c, and include requested materials with this Notice of Intent (NOI); OR
complete Section C.2.f, if applicable. If MESA supplemental information is not included with the NOI,
by completing Section 1 of this form, the NHESP will require a separate MESA filing which may take
up to 90 days to review (unless noted exceptions in Section 2 apply, see below).
c. Submit Supplemental Information for Endangered Species Review∗
1. Percentage/acreage of property to be altered:

5.5 acres
(a) within wetland Resource Area percentage/acreage
5.5 acres
(b) outside Resource Area percentage/acreage
2. Assessor’s Map or right-of-way plan of site
2. Project plans for entire project site, including wetland resource areas and areas outside of
wetlands jurisdiction, showing existing and proposed conditions, existing and proposed
tree/vegetation clearing line, and clearly demarcated limits of work ∗∗
(a) Project description (including description of impacts outside of wetland resource area &
buffer zone)
(b) Photographs representative of the site
∗
Some projects not in Estimated Habitat may be located in Priority Habitat, and require NHESP review (see
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/). Priority Habitat includes habitat for state-listed plants
and strictly upland species not protected by the Wetlands Protection Act.
∗∗
MESA projects may not be segmented (321 CMR 10.16). The applicant must disclose full development plans even if such plans are
not required as part of the Notice of Intent process.
4

City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)
(c) MESA filing fee (fee information available at

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_review/mesa/mesa_fee_schedule.htm).
Make check payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts - NHESP” and mail to NHESP at
above address
Projects altering 10 or more acres of land, also submit:
(d) Vegetation cover type map of site
(e) Project plans showing Priority & Estimated Habitat boundaries
(f) OR Check One of the Following
1. Project is exempt from MESA review.

Attach applicant letter indicating which MESA exemption applies. (See 321 CMR 10.14,
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_review/mesa/mesa_exemptions.htm;
the NOI must still be sent to NHESP if the project is within estimated habitat pursuant to
310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59.)
2. Separate MESA review ongoing.

a. NHESP Tracking # b. Date submitted to NHESP
3. Separate MESA review completed.

Include copy of NHESP “no Take” determination or valid Conservation & Management
Permit with approved plan.
3. For coastal projects only, is any portion of the proposed project located below the mean high water
line or in a fish run?
a. Not applicable – project is in inland resource area only b. Yes No
If yes, include proof of mailing, hand delivery, or electronic delivery of NOI to either:
South Shore - Cohasset to Rhode Island border, and North Shore - Hull to New Hampshire border:
the Cape & Islands:
Division of Marine Fisheries - Division of Marine Fisheries -

Southeast Marine Fisheries Station North Shore Office
Attn: Environmental Reviewer Attn: Environmental Reviewer
836 South Rodney French Blvd. 30 Emerson Avenue
New Bedford, MA 02744 Gloucester, MA 01930
Email: DMF.EnvReview-South@state.ma.us Email: DMF.EnvReview-North@state.ma.us
Also if yes, the project may require a Chapter 91 license. For coastal towns in the Northeast Region,
please contact MassDEP’s Boston Office. For coastal towns in the Southeast Region, please contact
MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office.

4

City/Town
C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements (cont’d)

4. Is any portion of the proposed project within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)?
Online Users: If yes, provide name of ACEC (see instructions to WPA Form 3 or MassDEP
a. Yes No
Include your Website for ACEC locations). Note: electronic filers click on Website.
document
transaction
b. ACEC
number
(provided on your 5. Is any portion of the proposed project within an area designated as an Outstanding Resource Water
receipt page) (ORW) as designated in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00?
with all
supplementary a. Yes No
information you
submit to the 6. Is any portion of the site subject to a Wetlands Restriction Order under the Inland Wetlands
Department. Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40A) or the Coastal Wetlands Restriction Act (M.G.L. c. 130, § 105)?
a. Yes No
7. Is this project subject to provisions of the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards?

a. Yes. Attach a copy of the Stormwater Report as required by the Stormwater Management
Standards per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)-(q) and check if:
1. Applying for Low Impact Development (LID) site design credits (as described in
Stormwater Management Handbook Vol. 2, Chapter 3)
2. A portion of the site constitutes redevelopment
3. Proprietary BMPs are included in the Stormwater Management System.
b. No. Check why the project is exempt:
1. Single-family house
2. Emergency road repair

3. Small Residential Subdivision (less than or equal to 4 single-family houses or less than
or equal to 4 units in multi-family housing project) with no discharge to Critical Areas.
D. Additional Information
This is a proposal for an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. Skip Section D and complete
Appendix A: Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent – Minimum Required Documents (310 CMR
10.12).
Applicants must include the following with this Notice of Intent (NOI). See instructions for details.
Online Users: Attach the document transaction number (provided on your receipt page) for any of
the following information you submit to the Department.
1. USGS or other map of the area (along with a narrative description, if necessary) containing
sufficient information for the Conservation Commission and the Department to locate the site.
(Electronic filers may omit this item.)
2. Plans identifying the location of proposed activities (including activities proposed to serve as
a Bordering Vegetated Wetland [BVW] replication area or other mitigating measure) relative
to the boundaries of each affected resource area.

4

City/Town
D. Additional Information (cont’d)

3. Identify the method for BVW and other resource area boundary delineations (MassDEP BVW
Field Data Form(s), Determination of Applicability, Order of Resource Area Delineation, etc.),
and attach documentation of the methodology.
4. List the titles and dates for all plans and other materials submitted with this NOI.
5.2+/- MW DC Solar Energy System
a. Plan Title
ESS Group, Inc. Jason Gold, P.E.
b. Prepared By c. Signed and Stamped by
11/27/18 1" = 50'
d. Final Revision Date e. Scale
f. Additional Plan or Document Title g. Date

5. If there is more than one property owner, please attach a list of these property owners not
listed on this form.
6. Attach proof of mailing for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, if needed.
7. Attach proof of mailing for Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, if needed.
8. Attach NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
9. Attach Stormwater Report, if needed.
E. Fees
1. Fee Exempt: No filing fee shall be assessed for projects of any city, town, county, or district
of the Commonwealth, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authority, municipal housing
authority, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Applicants must submit the following information (in addition to pages 1 and 2 of the NOI Wetland
Fee Transmittal Form) to confirm fee payment:
63530 11/19/2018
2. Municipal Check Number 3. Check date
63529 11/19/2018
4. State Check Number 5. Check date
ESS Group, Inc.
6. Payor name on check: First Name 7. Payor name on check: Last Name

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Important: When
A. Applicant Information
filling out forms
on the computer, 1. Location of Project:
use only the tab
key to move your 191 West Pomeroy Lane Amherst
cursor - do not a. Street Address b. City/Town
use the return
key. 63529 $775
c. Check number d. Fee amount
2. Applicant Mailing Address:

Charles Kovacic
Direct Energy Solar
c. Organization
d. Mailing Address
Hanover MD 21076
508-259-5726 charles.kovacic@directenergysolar.com
h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email Address
3. Property Owner (if different):

David Wasenda
c. Organization
d. Mailing Address
Amherst MA 01002
732-501-8440 davew@appliedgolf.com
h. Phone Number i. Fax Number j. Email Address
To calculate
filing fees, refer B. Fees
to the category
fee list and Fee should be calculated using the following process & worksheet. Please see Instructions before
examples in the filling out worksheet.
instructions for
filling out WPA Step 1/Type of Activity: Describe each type of activity that will occur in wetland resource area and buffer zone.
Form 3 (Notice of
Intent).
Step 2/Number of Activities: Identify the number of each type of activity.
Step 3/Individual Activity Fee: Identify each activity fee from the six project categories listed in the instructions.
Step 4/Subtotal Activity Fee: Multiply the number of activities (identified in Step 2) times the fee per category
(identified in Step 3) to reach a subtotal fee amount. Note: If any of these activities are in a Riverfront Area in
addition to another Resource Area or the Buffer Zone, the fee per activity should be multiplied by 1.5 and then
added to the subtotal amount.
Step 5/Total Project Fee: Determine the total project fee by adding the subtotal amounts from Step 4.
Step 6/Fee Payments: To calculate the state share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and subtract $12.50. To
calculate the city/town share of the fee, divide the total fee in half and add $12.50.
noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 1 of 2

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
NOI Wetland Fee Transmittal Form
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
B. Fees (continued)
Step 1/Type of Activity Step 2/Number Step Step 4/Subtotal Activity
of Activities 3/Individual Fee
Activity Fee
Category 3b (x1.5 RA multiplier) 1 $1,575.00 $1,575.00
Step 5/Total Project Fee:
Step 6/Fee Payments:

$1,575.00
Total Project Fee: a. Total Fee from Step 5
$775.00
State share of filing Fee: b. 1/2 Total Fee less $12.50
$800.00
City/Town share of filling Fee: c. 1/2 Total Fee plus $12.50
C. Submittal Requirements
a.) Complete pages 1 and 2 and send with a check or money order for the state share of the fee, payable to
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Department of Environmental Protection

Box 4062
Boston, MA 02211
b.) To the Conservation Commission: Send the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent; a copy of
this form; and the city/town fee payment.
To MassDEP Regional Office (see Instructions): Send a copy of the Notice of Intent or Abbreviated Notice of
Intent; a copy of this form; and a copy of the state fee payment. (E-filers of Notices of Intent may submit these
electronically.)
noifeetf.doc • Wetland Fee Transmittal Form • rev. 10/11 Page 2 of 2

Abutter Notification Materials
NOTIFICATION TO ABUTTERS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G. L.

Chapter 131 Section 40, the accompanying regulations 310 CMR 10.00, The Town of
Amherst Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Town of Amherst Wetlands Protection
Bylaw Regulations, notice is hereby given of the following wetland hearing:
Date: December 12, 2018

Location: The Town Room, 2nd Floor, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002
Time: 7:00 PM
Pertaining to the following work located at (Area of work location):
Installation and operation of the proposed Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System, a
5-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy facility located at the Hickory Ridge Golf Club,
191 West Pomeroy Lane, Amherst, Massachusetts.
The application may be reviewed in the Amherst Conservation Department office located
on the second floor of the Amherst Town Hall Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
PLEASE NOTE: Written comments regarding this project may be sent simultaneously
to the Amherst Conservation Commission, 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002 and
the Department of Environmental Protection, Western Region, 436 Dwight Street, Suite
402, Springfield, MA 01103.
Within ten business days of the issuance of a wetland permit, any group of ten
persons, any aggrieved person, or any governmental body or private organization
with a mandate to protect the environment who submits written comments may
appeal the Commission’s decision. Failure to submit written comments before the
end of the ten day appeal period may result in the waiver of any right to an
adjudicatory hearing.
Project Narrative
1.0 INTRODUCTION
ESS Group, Inc. (ESS) has prepared this application on behalf of Direct Energy Solar (the applicant) for
the installation and operation of the Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System (the project), a 5.24-
megawatt (MW) direct current (DC), ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility located at the
Hickory Ridge Golf Club, 191 West Pomeroy Lane, Amherst, Massachusetts (the project site) (Figure 1).
The subject property is an approximately 150-acre parcel located north of West Pomeroy Lane, west of
West Street (MA-116), and east of the Hadley town line in southwestern Amherst (Assessor’s Plat 19D,
Lot 10). Most of the property is zoned Flood-Prone Conservancy (FPC), with smaller portions zoned
Neighborhood Residence (R-N) and Outlying Residence (R-O). The property is occupied by the existing
18-hole Hickory Ridge Golf Club and associated buildings, cart paths, and asphalt parking lot.
Accordingly, the site is comprised primarily of managed turf with scattered trees and other ornamental
plantings. A narrow band of unmaintained vegetation is present along the banks of the Fort River, a
perennial tributary to the Connecticut River which flows in a westerly directly through the center of the
property. A series of existing bridges provides access to the portion of the property located north of the
Fort River. Muddy Brook, a perennial tributary to the Fort River, is located in the south-central portion of
the property. Surrounding land use is primarily residential, with some agricultural uses present in
neighboring Hadley.
The proposed project will require review and approval at the local and state level. The following project
narrative will provide a description of the proposed project (Section 2.0), an analysis of alternatives to the
proposed project (Section 3.0), a description of existing conditions at the project site (Section 4.0), a
discussion of anticipated project impacts and measures to avoid or minimize impacts (Section 5.0), and a
summary of project compliance with relevant local and state laws and regulations (Section 6.0).
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Applicant proposes to construct a 5.24± MW direct current (DC) ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV)
solar energy facility. To avoid wetlands at the site, the facility has been divided into a western array and
an eastern array. Proposed electrical equipment will include 115 SolarEdge 33KUS inverters, 17 new
utility poles, and an equipment pad that will hold the transformer and main electrical gear. A six-foot high
chain link fence will surround the solar arrays with a minimum clearance of ten feet between the fence
and the panels to allow for interior access. The approximately 15,000 individual solar modules will occupy
a footprint of approximately 16.4 acres within the approximately 22.8-acre fenced area. The limits of
disturbance (LOD) including site access, utility poles, and laydown areas covers approximately 24.5
acres. Access to the western array will be provided via a 15-foot wide, approximately 1,130-foot long
crushed stone driveway from West Pomeroy Lane. Access to the eastern array will be provided via a 15-
foot wide, approximately 1,530-foot long crushed stone driveway from the existing facility parking lot on
West Pomeroy Lane. Both access driveways will cross the Fort River via existing bridges, and the eastern
access driveway will also cross Muddy Brook via an existing culverted crossing. No new crossings or
improvements or modifications to existing crossings are needed to accommodate the vehicles and
equipment needed for facility installation.
Installation of the project is expected to take approximately six months and is expected to begin in the
spring of 2019. Work associated with the proposed project is expected to occur in the following order,
though some tasks may occur simultaneously or in a different order based on the contractor’s means and
methods:
• Mobilization and site access

Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System
November 2018
• Installation of erosion and sediment controls
• Installation of construction access
• Incidental vegetation removal, as needed
• Turf removal
• Minor grading, as needed
• Installation of facility access driveways
• Utility pole installation and electrical interconnection
• Facility fence installation
• Solar module and electrical infrastructure installation
• Facility testing and commissioning
• Seeding and site stabilization
• Removal of erosion and sediment controls
Following the completion of construction, the project will operate without the need for on-site personnel.
Inspection of the facility would occur on a periodic basis.
3.0 ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS

3.1 No Action Alternative
Under the no action alternative, the proposed project would not be built, and 5.24± MW of clean,
renewable solar energy would not be added to the electrical grid. In the short term, the alterations of the
project site associated with the installation of the solar modules, access roads, and utility lines would not
occur, and the site would remain in its existing condition. Operation of the existing golf course would
cease under all alternatives, including the no action alterative. Following cessation of golf course
operations, the property would likely be proposed for some other type of development. Other potential
forms of development for the property, including residential or commercial development, would entail a
greater extent and magnitude of environmental impacts which would not occur if the proposed project
were installed. Potential impacts associated with more intensive development of the property may include
air and water pollution, generation of sewage and refuse, traffic impacts, additional impervious surfaces in
the watershed, light and noise pollution, increased energy consumption, and additional demands on
municipal and emergency services.
3.2 Larger Project Footprint

Under the larger project footprint alternative, the proposed project would be installed in a manner similar
to that under the preferred alternative, and would provide the same electrical generation capacity. This
alternative differs from the preferred alternative in that the spacing between the solar module rows is
larger, which in turn increases the total solar array footprint from 22.5 acres under the preferred
alternative to 28.9 acres under this alternative. This increase in the overall size of the solar array footprint
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would mean that approximately 3.6 acres of the Riverfront Area associated with the Fort River would be
altered, and the array footprint would include an additional 3.7 acres of the Bordering Land Subject to
Flooding (BLSF) resource area. The alignment of the proposed access roads and utility lines would be
the same as under the preferred alternative. This alternative was rejected largely as a result of
consultation with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) in
order to avoid installation of the solar arrays within the 200-foot Riverfront Area of the Fort River.
3.3 Preferred Alternative

Under the preferred alternative, the proposed project would be installed as proposed, including the
approximately 22.5-acre solar array footprint, two facility access roads, and utility lines. Under the
preferred alternative, an additional 5.24± MW of clean, renewable solar energy would be added to the
electrical grid. This alternative differs from the larger project footprint alternative in that the spacing
between the proposed solar module rows has been reduced, which allows for the same number of
modules to be installed in a smaller array footprint. This reduction in the overall project footprint allows for
the siting of the solar arrays entirely outside of the Riverfront Area associated with the Fort River, and
reduces the overall project footprint within the BLSF resource area. Environmental impacts associated
with the preferred alternative are minimal, and the solar array footprints have been sited to entirely avoid
the Inland Bank, Land under Water (LUW), Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), Riverfront Area, and
100-foot buffer zone associated with wetlands on the property. Facility access roads and utility lines will
entirely avoid the Inland Bank, LUW, and BVW resource areas on the property, and have been sited to
minimize impacts to the Riverfront Area and 100-foot buffer zone.
4.0 EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS

Fort River. Muddy Brook, a perennial tributary to the Fort River, is located in the south-central portion of
the property. Surrounding land use is primarily residential, with some agricultural uses present in
neighboring Hadley.
The topography of the site generally slopes downhill from both the northern and southern property lines
toward the Fort River at the center of the site. Contours range from a high elevation of approximately 158
feet above sea level at the northern and southern property lines to a low of approximately 138 feet at the
Fort River in the center of the site. Topography at the site was confirmed using 2015 LiDAR terrain data
available from MassGIS.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), the primary soil map units at the property are Boxford silt loam, Pollux fine sandy loam,
Pootatuck fine sandy loam, Rippowam fine sandy loam, and Suncook loamy fine sand.
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4.1 Wetland Resource Areas

Several wetland resource areas under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
(WPA) and the Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw are present in and around the project site (Figure 2).
Wetland resource areas at the project site were delineated by ESS during the 2018 growing season. Most
wetland features at the project site are associated with the Fort River, a tributary to the Connecticut River
which flows through the property south of the proposed solar arrays.
4.1.1 Inland Bank

Inland Bank is defined at 310 CMR 10.54 as the land which contains water within a waterbody or
waterway, and is located between the mean annual low water level and the mean annual high water
level of a waterbody or waterway. When BVW is present, Inland Bank is located between the LUW
and the BVW. When BVW is not present, Inland Bank is located between LUW and the upland. Inland
Bank provides habitat for vegetation and a variety of animals, including small mammals, reptiles, and
amphibians.
Inland Bank is present along the Fort River, Muddy Brook, the intermittent tributaries to the Fort River,
the two man-made ponds located to the east of the Western Array (Figure 2). Typical plant species
observed growing in the Inland Bank resource area include white pine (Pinus strobus), white oak
(Quercus alba), red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (Acer saccharinum),
yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), poison ivy (Toxicodendron
radicans), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), jewelweed (Impatiens
capensis), and various sedges.
4.1.2 Land Under Water

Land Under Water (LUW) is defined at 310 CMR 10.56 as the land under waterbodies and waterways
which occurs below the mean annual low water level. LUW provides substrate for aquatic plant
growth and habitat for aquatic animals.
The LUW resource area is present within the Fort River, Muddy Brook, the intermittent tributaries to
the Fort River, and the two man-made ponds located to the east of the Western Array (Figure 2). The
LUW resource area at the site is primarily comprised of silty-sandy substrates.
4.1.3 Bordering Vegetated Wetland

Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW) is defined at 310 CMR 10.55 as freshwater wetlands that border
creeks, rivers, streams, and ponds, and include wet meadows, bogs, marshes, and swamps. BVW
provides habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species and functions to retain stormwater
and attenuate pollutants.
Several relatively small BVW areas were delineated on the property; these are primarily associated
with the Fort River and its tributaries (Figure 2). Typical plant species observed growing in the BVW
resource area include silver maple, red maple, black willow (Salix nigra), silky dogwood (Cornus
amomum), smooth alder (Alnus serrulata), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), multiflora rose,
poison ivy, sensitive fern, jewelweed, skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), yellow water lily
(Nuphar lutea variegata), smartweed (Polygonum sp.), broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia), curly
dock (Rumex crispus), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and purple loosestrife (Lythrum
salicaria).
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4.1.4 Bordering Land Subject to Flooding

Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF) is defined at 310 CMR 10.57 as an area with low, flat
topography adjacent to and inundated by flood waters rising from creeks, rivers, streams, ponds, or
lakes. BLSF extends from the banks of these waterways and waterbodies; where a BVW occurs, it
extends from the upper limit of the BVW.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the
project site was reviewed to determine whether the project site is located in a designated flood zone.
According to the FIRM for the project site (map no. 2501560010B, effective date 2/4/1981), a portion
of the property is located in flood zone AE. Flood zone AE is defined as the area that will be
inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent-annual-chance of being equaled or exceeded in any
given year (also known as the 100-year flood), where base flood elevations (BFE) have been
established. The BFE in the project area ranges from 141 feet to 143 feet (NGVD 1929).
4.1.5 Riverfront Area

Riverfront Area as defined at 310 CMR 10.58 is the area of land between a river’s mean annual high-
water line measured horizontally outward from the river and a parallel line located 200 feet away.
Riverfront Areas serve to protect surface and groundwater supplies, control flooding, and provide
wildlife habitat.
The Fort River and Muddy Brook have an associated 200-foot Riverfront Area, as depicted on Figure
2. Most of the Riverfront Area at the project site is currently maintained as golf course turf, bunkers,
and cart paths. A narrow band of woody vegetation is present along portions of the Fort River and
Muddy Brook.
4.1.6 Buffer Zones

The Inland Bank and BVW resource areas have an associated 100-foot buffer zone which begins at
the outer edge of the resource area boundary. Although not a resource area itself, work which occurs
within the 100-foot buffer zone is subject to the jurisdiction of the WPA.
The Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw also establishes a 30-foot No Work Setback which begins at
the outer edge of the Inland Bank and BVW boundary.
4.2 State-listed Species

As depicted in Figure 3, the project site is partially located within both Priority Habitats of Rare Species
(PH 2064) and Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife (EH 1359). Accordingly, a Request for State-listed
Species Information form was sent to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program (NHESP) on August 14, 2018. The NHESP response letter dated August 17, 2018 (Attachment
D) identified four state-listed species associated with these mapped habitat areas, including three
freshwater mussel species and one reptile species. Brief descriptions of these species are provided
below.
Creeper
The creeper (Strophitus undulatus) is a freshwater mussel species that ranges throughout much of
eastern and central North America. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts lists the creeper as a species
of Special Concern; the species is not listed at the federal level. Creepers are a relatively small mussel
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November 2018
that inhabits streams and rivers, especially those low water velocities and sandy or gravelly bottoms. This
species has a wide distribution but low abundance in Massachusetts, and is primarily found in the central
portion of the state (NHESP 2015a).
Eastern Pondmussel
The eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta) is a freshwater mussel species that ranges along the northern
Atlantic coast and in the eastern Great Lakes. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts lists eastern
pondmussel as a species of Special Concern; the species is not listed at the federal level. The eastern
pondmussel is a fairly distinctive medium- to large-sized mussel that can be found in a variety of open
water habitats. In Massachusetts, eastern pondmussels are found primarily in the southeastern part of the
state; however records also exist for several towns in the Connecticut River watershed (NHESP 2015b).
Dwarf Wedgemussel
The dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) is a freshwater mussel species listed as endangered
by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government. This species is a relatively
small mussel, growing up to 1.75 inches in length. Dwarf wedgemussel may be found in a variety of
freshwater river and stream habitat types, including large rivers. Preferred bottom substrates are silt,
sand, and gravel, though even small patches of these substrate types interspersed among cobble or
boulders are sufficient. This species has been extirpated from most of its known historical range in
Massachusetts, and is now found in only a few waterbodies in the Connecticut River watershed (NHESP
2015c).
Wood Turtle
The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a freshwater turtle species that ranges throughout northeastern
North America, including Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts lists wood turtle as a
species of Special Concern; the species is not listed at the federal level. Wood turtles primarily inhabit
river and stream corridors, especially areas characterized by slow-moving water, mid-sized watercourses,
sandy substrates, and densely vegetated shorelines. From November to March, wood turtles hibernate in
stream substrates. Nesting occurs in June with nest hatching taking place in August and September
(NHESP 2015d).
4.3 Historical and Archaeological Resources

A Project Notification Form (PNF) was submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) on
August 13, 2018 to notify MHC of the proposed project and solicit information on known historical or
archaeological resource at the project site (Attachment D). No response to the submittal of the PNF was
received from the MHC, indicating that no historical or archaeological resources are known to occur at the
property. A review of the MHC’s online Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS)
confirms that the property is not located in a National or Local Historic District and that no historical or
archaeological resources have been identified on the property.
4.4 Environmental Due Diligence Review

An environmental database query was conducted for available federal and state records pertaining to the
environmental conditions in and around the project site.
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November 2018
Chemical or Oil Spills or Discharge

ESS reviewed both federal (USEPA) and state (MassDEP) record databases online. The database
queries focused on identifying chemical and/or oil spills at the project site. No federal or state-listed sites
are associated with the project site. Seven (7) Massachusetts state-listed sites were located within 1-mile
of the proposed project. Each of these sites involved small releases associated with residential uses (i.e.
heating oil, mineral oil) with the exception of the Hess Station at the corner of Route 116 and West
Pomeroy Lane which involved a gasoline station. Each of the seven state-listed sites has achieved a
Permanent Solution.
Industrial or Municipal Discharge

ESS reviewed Town of Amherst, EPA NOI, and EPA NPDES Annual Report databases. The database
queries were identified to assist in determining upstream or on-site industrial or municipal discharge
within 1,000 feet of the proposed project. No industrial discharges were identified within 1,000 feet of the
proposed project.
Chronic Pollutant Loading

ESS reviewed MassGIS, Town of Amherst, EPA NOI, and EPA NPDES Annual Report databases. The
database queries were identified to assist in whether chronic pollutant loading and/or other source of
pollutants (CSO, POTW) were located in the proposed project area. No chronic pollutant loading and/or
other source of pollutant was found.
5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT, AVOIDANCE, AND MINIMIZATION

The proposed project has been sited to avoid wetland resource areas to the greatest extent practicable,
and no work will occur within the Inland Bank, LUW, or BVW resource areas. Indirect impacts to these
and other resource areas at the project site will be avoided or minimized through the use of erosion and
sedimentation controls during project installation. Table 1 summarizes the size of the project area within
each resource area and buffer zone.
Table 1. Project Area Footprint within Resource Areas and Buffer Zones
Western Eastern
Western Eastern Utility
Access Access
Resource Area Array Array Poles
Road Road
(acres) (acres) (sf)
(acres) (acres)
Inland Bank 0 0 0 0 0
Land Under Water 0 0 0 0 0
Bordering Vegetated Wetland 0 0 0 0 0
Bordering Land Subject to Flooding 0.40 1.94 0.34 0.43 9
0- to 100-foot Riverfront Area 0 0 0.10 0.19 0
100- to 200-foot Riverfront Area 0 0 0.13 0.27 0
100-foot Buffer Zone 0 0 0.21 0.28 12
30-foot No Work Setback 0 0 0.01 0.05 0
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5.1.1 Inland Bank

As discussed above, the proposed project has been sited to entirely avoid the Inland Bank resource
area. The two facility access roads will access the arrays via existing crossings of the Fort River and
Muddy Brook, which are sufficient in their current state and without additional improvements to carry
the construction vehicles and equipment necessary for installation of the project. Indirect impacts to
this resource area will be avoided or minimized through the use of erosion and sedimentation controls
during project installation.

As discussed above, the proposed project has been sited to entirely avoid the LUW resource area.
The two facility access roads will access the arrays via existing crossings of the Fort River and Muddy
Brook, which are sufficient in their current state and without additional improvements to carry the
construction vehicles and equipment necessary for installation of the project. Indirect impacts to this
resource area will be avoided or minimized through the use of erosion and sedimentation controls
during project installation.

As discussed above, the proposed project has been sited to entirely avoid the BVW resource areas
on the property. Indirect impacts to this resource area will be avoided or minimized through the use of
erosion and sedimentation controls during project installation.

Both the Western and Eastern Arrays are partially located within the BLSF resource area, and will
entail approximately 101,930 square feet of alteration of the BLSF. Installation of the solar arrays will
not require alterations to the existing grade or ground cover within the project area. The proposed
solar arrays are located within an existing maintained golf course with scattered trees; following
completion of the project, ground cover within the arrays will be native, herbaceous vegetation.
Therefore, installation of the solar arrays is not expected to alter the flood storage capacity of the
BLSF or change the volume, velocity, or direction of runoff on the property.
Due to the location of the BLSF resource area on the property, both facility access roads must
necessarily cross the BLSF to reach the proposed array locations. Approximately 33,540 square feet
of BLSF will be altered by the construction of the two facility access roads. As discussed in Section
2.0, facility access road will be comprised of pervious crushed stone, and no changes to the existing
grade are proposed for installation of the access roads. Therefore, installation of the facility access
roads is not expected to alter the flood storage capacity of the BLSF or change the volume, velocity,
or direction of runoff on the property.
The temporary work zone associated with the installation of the overhead utility line between the two
solar arrays will entail approximately 22,650 square feet of temporary alteration to the BLSF resource
area. Seventeen (17) utility poles will be sited within the BLSF resource area, and will entail a
permanent impact of approximately 160 square feet.
The installation of fence posts, solar racking posts, utility poles, and both access roads within the
BLSF resource area will result in a loss of flood storage capacity of approximately 1.12 cubic yards.
However; installation of the proposed access roads in the BLSF resource area will increase the flood
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storage capacity within the BLSF by approximately 33 cubic yards through the removal of that volume
of material. Therefore, installation of the proposed project will result in a net increase of flood storage
capacity at the site of approximately 32 cubic yards.

Both the Western and Eastern Arrays have been sited to entirely avoid any work within the Riverfront
Areas associated with the Fort River and Muddy Brook. Due to the configuration of the Riverfront
Area on the property, both facility access roads must necessarily cross the Riverfront Area to reach
the proposed array locations; however, access roads have been sited to minimize work within the
Riverfront Area to the greatest extent possible.
Approximately 12,630 square feet of the 0- to 100-foot Riverfront Area and 17,425 square feet of the
100- to 200-foot Riverfront Area will be altered by the construction of the two facility access roads. As
discussed in Section 2.0, the proposed facility access roads will be located entirely within existing
maintained golf course turf.
solar arrays is located entirely outside of the Riverfront Area.
Section 6.2.5 provides a discussion of the project’s compliance with regulatory performance
standards for the Riverfront Area.
5.1.6 Buffer Zones

Both the Western and Eastern Arrays have been sited to entirely avoid any work within the 100-foot
Buffer Zone and the 30-foot No Work Setback. Due to the configuration of wetlands on the property,
both facility access roads must necessarily cross the 100-foot buffer zone and the 30-foot No Work
Setback to reach the proposed array locations; however access roads have been sited to minimize
work within the buffer zone and No Work Setback to the greatest extent possible.
Approximately 2,440 square feet of the 30-foot No Work Setback will be altered by the construction of
the two facility access roads. The entirety of this area is also located within the 200-foot Riverfront
Area. Approximately 21,345 square feet of the 100-foot buffer zone will be altered by the construction
of the two facility access roads (this total includes the 2,440 square foot alteration of the 30-foot No
Work Setback). As discussed in Section 2.0, the proposed facility access roads will be located
entirely within existing maintained golf course turf.
solar arrays will entail approximately 3,700 square feet of temporary impact to the 30-foot No Work
Setback, and approximately 17,860 square feet of temporary impact to the 100-foot buffer zone
(including the 3,700 square foot alteration of the 30-foot No Work Setback). The utility poles
themselves have been sited to avoid placement of poles within the 30-foot No Work Setback. Twelve
(12) utility poles will be sited within the 100-foot buffer zone, and will entail a permanent impact of
approximately 115 square feet.
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Freshwater Mussels
Neither the construction nor operation of the project entails any direct alteration of aquatic habitats (i.e.,
dredging or other in-water, silt-generating work); therefore, direct impacts to listed freshwater mussel
species which may occur at or near the project site are not expected. In general, the primary threats to
listed mussel species include actions or processes which degrade their aquatic habitats, including
sedimentation, point-source pollution, nutrient enrichment, flow alteration, and water withdrawal, among
others (NHESP 2015). As described in Section 2.0, the proposed project entails limited earthwork, which
minimizes the potential for sedimentation into the Fort River or other aquatic habitats. Erosion and
sedimentation controls will be employed during construction as described in Section 6.1 to further reduce
the potential for sedimentation of aquatic habitats during project installation. Following the completion of
construction and stabilization of soil at the site, there will be no on-going potential for impacts to aquatic
habitats from the operation of the project. Application of fertilizer will cease after the site is converted from
an active golf course, which may contribute to an improvement in water quality at the site. Therefore,
impacts to listed mussel species at the project site are not expected.
Wood Turtle
A variety of factors pose threats to wood turtle populations, including roadway mortality, alteration of
wooded stream corridors, stream water quality degradation, forestry and agricultural activities, and
incidental collection (NHESP 2015d). The project’s location at an existing golf course minimizes the need
for large-scale vegetation clearing or alteration of native habitats. While the project will permanently alter
11.0 acres of wood turtle Priority/Estimated Habitat, there will be a net benefit to the wood turtle due to
cessation of golf course activities which will benefit the remaining 101 acres of mapped habitat on the
property (Figure 4). Furthermore, the proposed wood turtle protection plan in concert with the habitat
enhancement plan will result in a net-benefit to the wood turtle when compared to existing conditions and
land use.
The project has been sited to avoid impacting the area within 200 feet of the Fort River to the greatest
extent possible; the only proposed alteration within 200 feet of the river is the installation of the two facility
access roads which are necessary to access the solar arrays. No vegetation clearing will be needed
within 200 feet of the Fort River. Land within this 200-foot corridor which currently exists as maintained
turf will be restored to a natural vegetation community, thus improving and expanding wood turtle habitat
at the site. Prior to initiation of work, the limits of work for the PV solar energy facility will be delineated in
the field with erosion and sediment control measures which will also act as a turtle barrier. Mobilization
and site access would be established within paved parking area north of West Pomeroy Road.
Approximately 0.4 acres of existing sand traps would be filled with sand or other well-drained soils to
create turtle nesting habitat. Application of fertilizer will cease after the site is converted from an active
golf course, which may contribute to an improvement in water quality at the site. The proposed facility
fence will be installed such that an eight-inch gap is maintained between the ground surface and the
bottom of the fence, which will allow for unrestricted movement of wood turtles through the project area.
Once established, grass interior of the facility fence will be maintained approximately twice annually
between November 15 and April 15.
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November 2018
5.3 Historical and Archaeological Resources

As discussed in Section 4.3, no historical or archaeological resources have been identified at the project
site. Impacts to these resources are therefore not anticipated.
6.0 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

6.1 Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act
The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) (M.G.L. c. 30, §§ 61 through 62I) and its
implementing regulations (301 CMR 11.00) establish procedures for the evaluation of environmental
impacts associated with actions taken by state agencies, including issuance of permits and granting of
financial assistance. Projects that exceed one or more MEPA review thresholds are required to undergo
review by the MEPA office. The proposed project exceeds the following two MEPA Environmental
Notification Form (ENF) review thresholds:
• 301 CMR 11.03(2)(b)(2): greater than two acres of disturbance of designated priority habitat that
results in a take of a state-listed species; and
• 301 CMR 11.03(3)(b)(1)(f): alteration of one half or more acres of any other wetlands.
Accordingly, an ENF for the proposed project was filed with the MEPA Office in November 2018. The
Secretary’s Certificate on the ENF is expected in January 2019.
6.2 Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act

The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40) and its implementing
regulations (310 CMR 10.00) provide for the protection of wetland resource areas and the public benefits
provided by these areas as identified by the Act. The project’s compliance with the relevant performance
standards for the resource areas present at the project site is discussed below. A portion of the project is
eligible to be reviewed as a limited project in accordance with 310 CMR 10.53(3)(t); the project’s
compliance with this provision is discussed in Section 6.2.5.
6.2.1 Inland Bank

As discussed in Section 5.1.1, the proposed project has been sited to entirely avoid the Inland Bank
resource area, and no impacts to this resource area are anticipated as a result of the installation or
operation of the project.


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Performance standards for the BLSF resource area are provided in 310 CMR 10.57(4)(a). A
discussion of the project’s compliance with these performance standards is provided below.
310 CMR 10.57(4)(a)(1): Compensatory storage shall be provided for all flood storage volume that
will be lost as the result of a proposed project within Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, when in the
judgment of the issuing authority said loss will cause an increase or will contribute incrementally to an
increase in the horizontal extent and level of flood waters during peak flows.
As discussed in Section 5.1.4, the installation of fence posts, solar racking posts, utility poles, and
both access roads within the BLSF resource area will result in a loss of flood storage capacity of
approximately 1.12 cubic yards. However; installation of the proposed access roads in the BLSF
resource area will increase the flood storage capacity within the BLSF by approximately 33 cubic
yards through the removal of that volume of material. Therefore, installation of the proposed project
will result in a net increase of flood storage capacity at the site of approximately 32 cubic yards.
310 CMR 10.57(4)(a)(2): Work within Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, including that work
required to provide the above-specified compensatory storage, shall not restrict flows so as to cause
an increase in flood stage or velocity.
Work within the BLSF resource area includes the installation of fence posts, solar racking posts, utility
poles, and portions of both facility access roads. The cross-sectional area and volume of individual
fence posts, solar racking posts, and utility poles is minimal and will not restrict flows. The proposed
access roads will be installed on existing grades and will not entail changes in existing topography,
soil, or hydrological conditions. Therefore, installation of the project will not cause an increase in flood
stage or velocity.
310 CMR 10.57(4)(a)(3): Work in those portions of bordering land subject to flooding found to be
significant to the protection of wildlife habitat shall not impair its capacity to provide important wildlife
habitat functions.
A Detailed Wildlife Habitat Evaluation form has been completed for the project site in accordance with
the Massachusetts Wildlife Habitat Protection Guidance for Inland Wetlands (DEP 2006) and is
included in this filing as Attachment B. As an operating golf course facility, the project area likely
provides some degree of wildlife habitat for species adapted to disturbance (by users of the facility,
golf carts, maintenance vehicles, etc.) and which prefer open habitats characterized by low ground
cover, sparse trees, and in general a highly-maintained, park-like environment. This group of species
is typical of developed, suburban areas and includes relatively common, generalist species. The most
valuable wildlife habitat at the site is the forested corridor along the Fort River; this area will not be
altered by the proposed project and no tree clearing will take place within 200 feet of the river. The
cessation of golf course activities at the site and conversion of a portion of the property to a solar
energy facility as proposed may improve the quality of the remaining habitat by eliminating regular
human disturbance and ending the application of fertilizer to the property. Potential impacts to
habitats of the state-listed wood turtle are expected to be avoided, minimized, and mitigated for as
described in the Wood Turtle Habitat Management Plan prepared for the project (Attachment E).
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November 2018

As discussed in Section 5.1.5, the solar arrays have been sited to entirely avoid any work within the
Riverfront Areas of the Fort River and Muddy Brook. In order to access the two solar arrays on the
north side of the Fort River, the western access road must cross the Riverfront Area associated with
the Fort River, and the eastern access road must cross the Riverfront Areas associated with both the
Fort River and Muddy Brook. The facility access road crossings of the Riverfront Area are eligible to
be reviewed as a limited project pursuant to 310 CMR 10.53(3)(t): the construction of a new access
roadway…needed to transport equipment to a renewable energy project site. The project’s
compliance with the general conditions associated with the limited project provision at 310 CMR
10.53(3)(t) is discussed below.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(1): Hydrological changes to resource areas shall be minimized.
As discussed above, due to the configuration of the Riverfront Area on the subject property, both
facility access driveways must cross the Riverfront Area in order to access the proposed solar arrays.
The proposed access driveways will be installed at the existing grade without the need for changes to
existing topography, soil, or hydrological conditions. No new stream crossings or improvements or
modifications to existing crossings are needed to accommodate the vehicles and equipment required
for project installation.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(2): Best management practices shall be used to minimize adverse impacts
during construction. An applicant shall be presumed to use best management practices to minimized
adverse impacts during construction if s/he implements erosion and sediment controls in accordance
with the Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines. This presumption may be rebutted
by credible evidence from a competent source.
As discussed in this narrative and shown on the project plans, appropriate erosion and sedimentation
controls will be employed during construction to minimize the potential for runoff into adjacent
resource areas.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(3): No access road or other structure or activity shall restrict flows so as to
cause an increase in flood stage or velocity.
Access roads within the Riverfront Area will be installed at the existing grade and will not restrict flows
so as to cause an increase in flood stage or velocity. No other structures or activities are located
within the Riverfront Area.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(4): No change in the existing surface topography or the existing soil and surface
water levels shall occur except for temporary access roads.
The project entails the installation of two permanent crushed stone access driveways, which will be
installed at the existing grade, without the need for changes in the existing surface topography or the
existing soil and surface water levels.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(5): Temporary structures and work areas in resource areas shall be removed
within 30 days of completion of work. Temporary alterations to resource areas shall be substantially
restored to preexisting hydrology and topography. At least 75% of the surface of any area of
disturbed vegetation shall be reestablished with indigenous wetland plant species within two growing
13
November 2018
seasons and prior to said vegetative reestablishment any exposed soil in the area of disturbed
vegetation shall be temporarily stabilized to prevent erosion. Surface area shall be presumed to be
stabilized to prevent erosion if the applicant implements the procedures set forth in the
Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines. This presumption may be rebutted by
credible evidence from a competent source.
The project does not entail any temporary structures or temporary impacts to resource areas. All
disturbed soils at the site will be stabilized as shown on the project plans.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(6): Work in resource areas shall occur only during those periods when the
ground is sufficiently frozen, dry, or otherwise stable to support the equipment being used.
The applicant will ensure that all work conducted in resource areas (Riverfront Area and BLSF)
occurs only when ground conditions are sufficiently stable to support the equipment being used.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(7): Slash, branches, and limbs resulting from cutting and removal operations
shall not be placed within 25 feet of the bank of any water body. The applicant will comply with this
provision. Any slash, branches, and limbs resulting from cutting and removal operations will be
stockpiled at the temporary construction laydown area located at the existing parking lot.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(8): The applicant shall provide replication of bordering vegetated wetlands and
compensatory flood storage to the extent practicable.
The project does not entail any impacts to the BVW resource area and hence no replication of BVW
is required. As discussed in Section 5.1.4, the installation of fence posts, solar racking posts, utility
poles, and both access roads within the BLSF resource area will result in a loss of flood storage
capacity of approximately 1.12 cubic yards. However; installation of the proposed access roads in the
BLSF resource area will increase the flood storage capacity within the BLSF by approximately 33
cubic yards through the removal of that volume of material. Therefore, installation of the proposed
project will result in a net increase of flood storage capacity at the site of approximately 32 cubic
yards.
310 CMR 10.53(3)(t)(9): The applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Issuing Authority that
any stream crossings meet the general performance standards in 310 CMR 10.54(4)(a) and
10.56(4)(a). The project does not entail any new stream crossings or modifications of existing stream
crossings.
6.2.6 Buffer Zones

Performance standards for work in the buffer zone have not been established by the regulations. A
discussion of proposed work in the buffer zone is provided in Section 5.1.6.
6.3 Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw

Section 5.1.6 provides a summary of anticipated project impacts to the 30-foot No Work Setback. These
impact areas are also located entirely within the Riverfront Areas associated with the Fort River and
Muddy Brook. The project’s compliance with the performance standards for Riverfront Area is discussed
in Section 6.2.5.
14
November 2018
6.4 Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) (M.G.L. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations
(321 CMR 10.00) provides for the protection of endangered, threatened, and special concern species and
their habitats in Massachusetts. The proposed project is located in both Priority and Estimated Habitats,
and therefore will require review and approval by NHESP under MESA. As described in Section 5.2,
neither the construction nor operation of the proposed project is expected to result in negative impacts to
nor a “take” of the three listed freshwater mussel species associated with the Priority and Estimated
Habitats at the site. Potential impacts to wood turtle habitat are expected to be avoided, minimized, and
mitigated in accordance with the Wood Turtle Habitat Management Plan prepared for the project and
included in this filing as Attachment E.
6.5 Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards

Minimal change in existing grades and ground cover are proposed as the site features gently-sloping
topography and is primarily cleared. The project has been designed to meet the MassDEP Stormwater
Management Standards. The following section provides a summary of project compliance with each
standard.
Standard 1: No new stormwater conveyances may discharge untreated stormwater directly to or cause
erosion in wetlands or waters of the Commonwealth.
Standard 1 is not applicable. No new discharges from stormwater conveyances are proposed for this
project.
Standard 2: Stormwater management systems shall be designed so that post-development peak

discharge rates do not exceed pre-development peak discharge rates. This Standard may be waived for
discharges to land subject to coastal storm flowage as defined in 310 CMR 10.04.
The proposed project has been designed so that post-development peak discharge rates do not exceed
pre-development peak discharge rates. The proposed change in ground cover is negligible; as it consists
only of gravel roads and the proposed gravel roads follow existing gravel cart paths where practical.
Since the project will not result in an increased curve number or a reduced time of concentration, it will
not result in an increase in peak discharge rates. Therefore, further stormwater analysis is not warranted.
Standard 3: Loss of annual recharge to groundwater shall be eliminated or minimized through the use of
infiltration measures including environmentally sensitive site design, low impact development techniques,
stormwater best management practices, and good operation and maintenance. At a minimum, the annual
recharge from the post-development site shall approximate the annual recharge from the pre-
development site conditions based on soil type. This Standard is met when the stormwater management
system is designed to infiltrate the required recharge volume as determined in accordance with the
Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook.
Environmentally-sensitive site design for the proposed project ensures that the infiltration volume of
precipitation into the ground under post-development conditions is equal to the infiltration volume under
pre-development conditions. With the exception of a small, 240 sf equipment pad, new impervious areas
have not been proposed. Therefore, the proposed project will not result in a loss of annual recharge to
groundwater.
15
November 2018
Standard 4: Stormwater management systems shall be designed to remove 80% of the average annual
post-construction load of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). This Standard is met when: (a.) Suitable
practices for source control and pollution prevention are identified in a long-term pollution prevention plan,
and thereafter are implemented and maintained; (b.) Structural stormwater best management practices
are sized to capture the required water quality volume determined in accordance with the Massachusetts
Stormwater Handbook; and (c.) Pretreatment is provided in accordance with the Massachusetts
Stormwater Handbook.
Standard 4 is not applicable to the proposed project; as new impervious areas have not been proposed,
with the exception of a small, 240 sf equipment pad.
Standard 5: For land uses with higher potential pollutant loads source control and pollution prevention
shall be implemented. The use of infiltration practices without pretreatment is prohibited.
Standard 5 is not applicable. The project does not involve land uses with higher potential pollutant loads.
Standard 6: Stormwater discharges within the Zone II or Interim Wellhead Protection Area of a public
water supply, and stormwater discharges near or to any other critical area, require the use of the specific
source control and pollution prevention measures and the specific structural stormwater best
management practices determined by the Department to be suitable for managing discharges to such
areas.
Standard 6 is not applicable. The project site is not located within the Zone II or Interim Wellhead
Protection Area of a public water supply or any other critical area.
Standard 7: A redevelopment project is required to meet the following Stormwater Management

Standards only to the maximum extent practicable: Standard 2, Standard 3, and the pretreatment and
structural best management practice requirements of Standards 4, 5, and 6. Existing stormwater
discharges shall comply with Standard 1 only to the maximum extent practicable. A redevelopment
project shall also comply with all other requirements of the Stormwater Management Standards and
improve existing conditions.
The proposed project is a redevelopment project since it is a previously developed site; however, the
proposed project results in a zero net increase in impervious area. Where applicable, and to the
maximum extent practicable, the proposed project meets Stormwater Management Standards 1, 2, 3, and
the pretreatment and structural best management practice requirements of Standards 4, 5, and 6. In
addition, the proposed project complies with all other requirements of the Stormwater Management
Standards and improves existing conditions by converting heavily maintained golf course turf with low
maintenance solar field grass and by reducing the frequency and intensity of the land use.
Standard 8: A plan to control construction related impacts including erosion, sedimentation and other
pollutant sources during construction and land disturbance activities (construction period erosion,
sedimentation, and pollution prevention plan) shall be developed and implemented.
A comprehensive system of erosion and sedimentation controls will be implemented during construction
to minimize short-term, construction-related impacts as well as stabilize conditions for permanent
operation of the development. These measures include silt sock placement along disturbed areas of the
property, site stabilization, and a stabilized construction entrance. An online registration and Stormwater
16
November 2018
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Construction General Permit will be submitted prior to construction.
Standard 9: A long term operation and maintenance plan shall be developed and implemented.
Standard 9 is not applicable. Best Management Practices have not been proposed, therefore, an
Operations and Maintenance Plan is not required.
Standard 10: All illicit discharges to the stormwater management system are prohibited.
No known illicit discharges currently exist on the Site and a stormwater management system has not
been proposed.
7.0 REFERENCES
[NHESP 2015a]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Creeper
(Strophitus undulatus) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/se/strophitus-undulatus.pdf
[NHESP 2015b]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Eastern
pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qd/ligumia-nasuta.pdf
[NHESP 2015c]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Dwarf
wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/ux/alasmidonta-heterodon.pdf
[NHESP 2015d]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Wood turtle
(Glyptemys insculpta) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018:https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/tm/glyptemys-insculpta.pdf
17
Figures
© 2018 ESS Group, Inc. Drawing Date: 2018/08/09 Path: J:\D190-000 Direct Energy Solar- APPLIED GOLF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS- 191 WEST POMEROY LANE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS\04 GRAPHICS\GIS\MXD\Permit Figures\Figure 1 - Project Locus.mxd
0
1,000
2,000
1 inch = 2,000 feet

4,000
Feet
Project Site
Source: 1) USGS Topograpic Quadrangle Mt. Holyoke

Direct Energy Solar - Hickory Ridge Golf Club
!
°
Figure 1
Project Locus
GOLF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS- 191 WEST POMEROY LANE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS\04 GRAPHICS\GIS\MXD\Permit Figures\Figure 2 - Wetland Resource Areas 080718.mxd
Note: Wetlands depicted on this figure represent only those
jurisdictional resource areas delineated in the vicnity of the
proposed project layout.
Map 19A Lot 4

°
!
Map 19B Lot 15
Proposed fence line
Proposed fence line
Proposed Western Array
Proposed Utility Line

Proposed Eastern Array
Map 20A Lot 58
Map 19D Lot 10
Fort River
Date: 11/7/2018
Solar- APPLIED
Map 19C Lot 2

Drawing
Proposed Access Road

Path: J:\D190-000 Direct Energy
Plum
Brook
WEST POMEROY LANE

Proposed Access Road and WEST POMEROY LA
0 125 250 500
Utility Line NE
Feet
Direct Energy Solar - Hickory Ridge Golf Club Legend Wetland Resource Areas
Inland Bank 100-foot Riverfront Area Bordering Land Subject to Flooding
1 inch = 250 feet Land Under Water 200-foot Riverfront Area Perennial Stream Centerline (Plum Brook)
Bordering Vegetated Wetland 30-foot No Work Setback Intermittent Stream Centerline Figure 2
Source: 1) Wetland Features, ESS 2018; 2) Project Layout, Direct Energy Solar 2018;
3) Parcels, Town of Amherst 2018
Photo-interpolated Wetland Limit 100-foot Buffer Zone Parcels
Solar- APPLIED GOLF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS- 191 WEST POMEROY LANE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS\04 GRAPHICS\GIS\MXD\Permit Figures\Figure 3 - NHESP 080718.mxd
Map 19A Lot 4

°
!
Map 19B Lot 15
Proposed fence line
Proposed fence line

Map 20A Lot 58
Map 19D Lot 10
PH 2064
Fort River
11/7/2018
EH 1359
Energy
Map 19C Lot 2

Date:
Direct
Drawing

Path: J:\D190-000
Plum
Brook
WEST POMEROY LANE

0 125 250 500
Utility Line NE
Feet
Direct Energy Solar - Hickory Ridge Golf Club Legend Priority Habitats of Rare Species &
Amherst, Massachusetts Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife
Priority Habitats of Rare Species
1 inch = 250 feet Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife
Parcels
Figure 3
Source: 1) NHESP Data, MassGIS 2017; 2) Project Layout, Direct Energy Solar 2018;
Attachment A
Wetland Delineation Report

Wetland Delineation Report
Assessor’s Map 19D, Lot 10
PREPARED FOR:
Direct Energy Solar
PREPARED BY:
ESS Group, Inc.
October 2018
www.essgroup.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 DELINEATION METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................... 2
3.0 DELINEATION RESULTS....................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 8
TABLES
Table 1 Summary of Wetland Delineation Results at the Project Site
1.0 INTRODUCTION
ESS Group, Inc. (ESS) was contracted by Direct Energy Solar in May 2018 to delineate jurisdictional
wetland resource areas at a privately-owned parcel identified as Assessor’s Map 19D, Lot 10 in Amherst,
Massachusetts (hereafter referred to as “the project site”). The delineation was conducted on those
portions of the property in the vicinity of the proposed development, and generally included all areas
within 200 feet of the proposed project footprint. The initial wetland delineation at the project site was
conducted on May 30, 2018. Revisions to the project layout necessitated delineation of additional portions
of the property on June 12, 2018 and October 23, 2018.
The project site is located in the Fort River watershed (hydrologic unit code [HUC] 010802010605), part
of the larger Middle Connecticut River watershed (HUC 01080201) which includes the Connecticut River
valley from the Vermont/New Hampshire state lines to Springfield.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil data for the project site indicates that multiple soil
map units are present at the project site. A soil map unit is a grouping of soils by their natural landscape
and soil patterns. Each map unit is designated as all hydric, partially hydric, not hydric, or unknown
hydric, depending on the rating of its respective components. Hydric soils are defined by the National
Technical Committee for Hydric Soils as soils that are formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or
ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the
soil horizon. Under natural conditions, these soils are either saturated or inundated long enough during
the growing season to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic vegetation. Therefore, hydric
soils are typically found within wetlands. The primary soil map units present at the project site are
described below.
Pootatuck fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (2A). This moderately well-drained fine sandy loam
is typically found in floodplains. Depth to water table is approximately 20 to 34 inches. This soil map unit
does not meet the hydric criteria.
Rippowam fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (4A). This poorly drained fine sandy loam is typically
found in alluvial flats. Depth to water table is approximately 0 to 18 inches. This soil map unit meets the
hydric soil criteria.
Scitico silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (14A). This poorly drained silt loam is typically found in
depressions. Depth to water table is approximately 0 to 12 inches. This soil map unit meets the hydric soil
criteria.
Suncook loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes (97A). This excessively drained loamy fine sand is
typically found in floodplains. Depth to water table is approximately 48 to 72 inches. This soil map unit
does not meet the hydric criteria.
Boxford silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (220A). This moderately well-drained silt loam is typically
found in terraces. Depth to water table is approximately 19 to 36 inches. This soil map unit does not meet
the hydric criteria.
Boxford silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes (220B). This moderately well-drained silt loam is typically
Wetland Delineation Report – Amherst, Massachusetts
October 2018
Boxford silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes (220C). This moderately well-drained silt loam is typically
Pollux fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes (250B). This well-drained fine sandy loam is typically
found in outwash plains. Depth to water table is more than 80 inches. This soil map unit does not meet
Amostown fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (258A). This moderately well-drained fine sandy
loam is typically found in terraces, deltas, and outwash plains. Depth to water table is approximately 18 to
36 inches. This soil map unit does not meet the hydric criteria.
2.0 DELINEATION METHODOLOGY

An ESS wetland scientist delineated wetlands at the project site in accordance with the Federal Manual
for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands (USACE 1989), the Regional Supplement to the
Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0)
(USACE 2012), and Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands under the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act (MassDEP 1995). The delineation included an initial desktop data review followed by a
field investigation. ESS reviewed existing data sources prior to conducting the field investigation to
determine the general extent of wetland resource areas at the project site. Data sources reviewed
included USGS 7.5-minute topographic maps, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
wetlands mapping, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soils maps, and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) flood hazard mapping data.
Three criteria are typically required to document an area as wetland under the 1989 Federal Manual: (1) a
predominance of hydrophytic vegetation, (2) the presence of hydric soils, and (3) the presence of wetland
hydrology. Details regarding these criteria are provided below.
Hydrophytic Vegetation: The hydrophytic vegetation criterion is satisfied at a location if more than
50% of all the dominant species present within the vegetation unit have a wetland indicator status of
obligate (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW), or facultative (FAC). An OBL indicator status refers to
plants that have a 99% probability of occurring in wetlands under natural conditions. An FACW
indicator status refers to plants that usually occur in wetlands (67% to 99% probability) but
occasionally are found elsewhere. A FAC indicator status refers to plants that are equally likely to
occur in wetlands or elsewhere (estimated probability 34% to 66% for each).
Hydric Soils: The hydric soil criterion is satisfied at a location if soils in the area can be inferred or
observed to have a high groundwater table, if there is evidence of prolonged soil saturation, or if there
are any indicators suggesting a long-term reduced environment in the upper 18 inches of the soil
profile.
Wetland Hydrology: The wetland hydrology criterion is satisfied at a location based on conclusions
inferred from field observations that indicate that an area has a high probability of being inundated or
saturated (flooded, ponded, or tidally influenced) long enough during the growing season to develop
anaerobic conditions in the surface soil environment, especially within the root zone.
2
October 2018
Wetlands were identified in the field by marking the wetland boundary with pink flagging, labeled
“WETLAND DELINEATION”. Each flag was labeled in consecutive order. Flags were generally tied so
that each flag was visible from the flag tied before and the flag tied after, generally 25 feet apart or less as
boundaries dictated.
3.0 DELINEATION RESULTS

ESS delineated a total of ten wetlands represented by 24 wetland flag series at the project site. Table 1
summarizes the results of the wetland delineation conducted at the project site.
Table 1. Summary of Wetland Delineation Results at the Project Site.
Cowardin
Flag Series Description MA Resource Areas
Classification
South bank of Fort River, western portion
1-1 to 1-47 R3 Inland Bank, LUW
of project area
North bank of Fort River, western portion
1A-1 to 1A-40 R3 Inland Bank, LUW
of project area
North bank of Fort River, central and
1A-1A to 1A-48A R3 Inland Bank, LUW
eastern portions of project area
Vegetated wetland bordering north bank
1B-1 to 1B-6 of Fort River, western portion of project PFO BVW
area
1C-1 to 1C-9 of Fort River, eastern portion of project PFO BVW
area
1D-1 to 1D-24 of Fort River, eastern portion of project PEM BVW
area
South bank of Fort River, eastern portion
1E-1 to 1E-41 R3 Inland Bank, LUW
of project area
Vegetated wetland bordering south bank
1F-1 to 1F-7 of Fort River, eastern portion of project PFO BVW
area
Vegetated wetland with intermittent
2-1 to 2-29 PEM/R4 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
stream, southwest portion of project area
Vegetated wetland, western portion of
3-1 to 3-21 PEM/PSS BVW
project area
Vegetated wetland and two mad-made
4-1 to 4-28 PFO/PUB BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
ponds, central portion of project area
Intermitted tributary to Fort River, central
5-1 to 5-20 R4 Inland Bank, LUW
portion of project area
Vegetated wetland bordering intermitted
6-1 to 6-13 tributary to Fort River, central portion of PFO BVW
project area
Vegetated wetland, central portion of
7-1 to 7-17 PFO BVW
project area
Vegetated wetland bordering Muddy
8-1 to 8-21 PSS/PEM/R3 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
Brook
8A-1 to 8A-28 PSS/PEM/R3 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
Brook
8B-1 to 8B-9 PSS/PEM/R3 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
Brook
3
October 2018
Vegetated wetland bordering intermittent

9-1 to 9-8 tributary to Fort River, south-central PEM/R4 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
9A-1 to 9A-14 tributary to Fort River, south-central PEM/R4 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
9B-1 to 9B-8 tributary to Fort River, south-central PEM/R4 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
9C-1 to 9C-11 tributary to Fort River, south-central PEM/R4 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
9D-1 to 9D-7 tributary to Fort River, south-central PEM/R4 BVW, Inland Bank, LUW
Intermitted tributary to Fort River, south-
9E-1 to 9E-8 R4 Inland Bank, LUW
central portion of project area
Vegetated wetland, southwestern portion
10-1 to 10-7 PSS/PEM BVW
of project area
The ten wetlands delineated at the project site are described in the following sections.
Wetland 1
Wetland 1 is comprised of the Fort River and vegetated wetlands which directly border the river. The Fort
River is a perennial tributary to the Connecticut River and flows in a westerly directly through the center of
the property, bisecting it into northern and southern areas. The width of the river varies from
approximately 25 to 40 feet and is comprised of silty-sandy substrates. Most of the river’s banks feature a
narrow band of vegetation dominated by trees with an understory of shrubs and herbaceous species. In
some locations regular mowing occurs to the mean annual high water level.
Typical plant species documented along the bank of the river include white pine (Pinus strobus), white
oak (Quercus alba), red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (Acer saccharinum),
yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), poison ivy (Toxicodendron
radicans), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), jewelweed (Impatiens
capensis), and various sedges. Plant species documented in vegetated wetland areas bordering the river
also include black willow (Salix nigra), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), smooth alder (Alnus serrulata),
skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea variegata), smartweed
(Polygonum sp.), broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia), curly dock (Rumex crispus), and purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria).
The vast majority of Wetland 1 is located below the mean annual low water level. Portions of Wetland 1
located above this line are primarily comprised of the Pootatuck fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
soil map unit.
Wetland 1 includes the following areas subject to protection under the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act (WPA): Inland Bank, Land under Water (LUW), and Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW).
Inland Bank is defined at 310 CMR 10.54 as “the land which contains water within a waterbody or
waterway, and is located between the mean annual low water level and the mean annual high water level
4
October 2018
of a waterbody or waterway. When BVW is present, Inland Bank is located between the LUW and the
BVW. When BVW is not present, Inland Bank is located between LUW and the upland”. LUW is defined
at 310 CMR 10.56 as “the land under waterbodies and waterways which occurs below the mean annual
low water level”. BVW is defined at 310 CMR 10.55 as “freshwater wetlands that border creeks, rivers,
streams, and ponds, and include wet meadows, bogs, marshes, and swamps.” The Inland Bank and
BVW resource areas have an associated 100-foot buffer zone which begins at the outer edge of the
resource area boundary. Although not a resource area itself, work which occurs within the 100-foot buffer
zone is subject to the jurisdiction of the WPA. As a perennial stream, the Fort River has an associated
200-foot Riverfront Area, which is defined at 310 CMR 10.58 as “the area of land between a river’s mean
annual high-water line and a parallel line measured horizontally outward 200 feet away”. Wetland 1 is
located almost entirely within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone AE (also
known as the 100-year flood zone), and hence is located within the Bordering Land Subject to Flooding
(BLSF) resource area.
Wetland 1 is an area under the jurisdiction of the Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw. Under the Bylaw,
Wetland 1 would also have an associated 30-foot No Work Setback.
Wetland 2
Wetland 2 is an emergent wetland bordering on an intermittent tributary to the Fort River. The stream
channel is low-gradient, features a mucky bottom, and includes areas of standing water. The eastern end
of Wetland 2 is connected to the western end of Wetland 10.
Typical plant species documented in Wetland 2 include red oak, silver maple, yellow birch, poison ivy,
multiflora rose, jewelweed, and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudocorus).
Wetland 2 is comprised of the following soil map units: Pootatuck fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes;
Scitico silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes; and Boxford silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes.
Wetland 2 includes the following areas subject to protection under the WPA: Inland Bank, LUW, BVW,
BLSF, and the 100-foot buffer zone.
Wetland 3
Wetland 3 is a vegetated wetland with forested and emergent components and an area of open water
located in the northwestern portion of the property.
Typical plant species document in Wetland 3 include red oak, green ash (Fraxinus americana), silky
dogwood, smooth alder, multiflora rose, sensitive fern, jewelweed, skunk cabbage, and yellow water lily.
Wetland 3 is primarily comprised of the following soil map units: Boxford silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes;
Boxford silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, and Scitico silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes.
Wetland 3 includes the following areas subject to protection under the WPA: BVW, BLSF, and the 100-
foot buffer zone.
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October 2018
Wetland 4
Wetland 4 is a narrow, intermittent stream channel and two man-made ponds located in the central
portion of the site, north of the Fort River. No water was observed in the stream channel at the time of the
site visit in May 2018. The stream and both ponds are connected via a series of culverts.
Wetland 4 is vegetated primarily with black willow, silver maple, multiflora rose, jewelweed, various
sedges, and yellow water lily.
Wetland 4 is primarily comprised of the following soil map units: Boxford silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
and Pootatuck fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes.
Wetland 4 includes the following areas subject to protection under the WPA: BVW, Inland Bank, LUW,
Wetland 5
Wetland 5 is a narrow, unnamed intermittent tributary to the Fort River which originates from Wetland 6 in
the northern-central portion of the property. No culverts are present along this stream.
Vegetation along the bank of the intermittent stream channel includes silver maple, black willow, silky
dogwood, and jewelweed.
Wetland 5 is primarily comprised of the Pollux fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes soil map unit.
Wetland 5 includes the following areas subject to protection under the WPA: Inland Bank, LUW, BLSF,
and the 100-foot buffer zone.
Wetland 6
Wetland 6 is a small forested wetland located along the northern property line of the site, up-gradient of
Wetland 5. Wetland 6 receives drainage from a larger wetland complex located north of the site in the
vicinity of Riverglade Drive.
Wetland 6 is vegetated primarily with red maple, black willow, multiflora rose, silky dogwood, jewelweed,
sensitive fern, broad-leaved cattail, poison ivy, and various sedges.
Wetland 6 is primarily comprised of the Amostown fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes soil map unit.
Wetland 6 includes the following areas subject to protection under the WPA: BVW and the 100-foot buffer
zone.
6
October 2018
Wetland 7
Wetland 7 is a sparsely-vegetated wetland bordering the Fort River. This wetland may have been created
or altered historically for flood control or aesthetic purposes. Standing water is present seasonally as
evidenced by a review of aerial photographs of the site; however no standing water was observed in this
wetland during the site visit in June 2018.
Due to the presence of standing water throughout certain parts of the year, vegetation growth in Wetland
7 is relatively sparse. Vegetation documented in and along the margins of Wetland 7 include silver maple,
red maple, red oak, multiflora rose, jewelweed, sensitive fern, and poison ivy.
Wetland 7 is primarily comprised of the Pootatuck fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes soil map unit.
foot buffer zone.
Wetland 8
Wetland 8 is comprised of Muddy Brook, a perennial tributary to the Fort River, and the narrow band of
vegetated wetlands associated with Muddy Brook. Three 24-inch metal pipe culverts are present along
the reach of Muddy Brook between the property line and its confluence with the Fort River, which provide
access for golf carts and maintenance vehicles.
Wetland 8 is vegetated primarily with broad-leaved cattail, purple loosestrife, multiflora rose, smooth
alder, silver maple, climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera
morrowii), black willow, silky dogwood, raspberry (Rosa sp.), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea),
curly dock, sensitive fern, skunk cabbage, and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
Wetland 8 is primarily comprised of the Scitico silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes and the Pootatuck fine
sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes soil map units.
BLSF, and the 100-foot buffer zone. As a perennial stream, Muddy Brook also has an associated 200-foot
Riverfront Area.
Wetland 9
Wetland 9 is a series of small, primarily emergent vegetated wetlands that border an unnamed,
intermittent tributary to the Fort River, located in the southern-central portion of the site. The intermittent
7
October 2018
stream is culverted at four locations on the property to provide access across the waterway and
associated wetlands.
Wetland 9 is vegetated primarily with narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia), reed canary grass,
beggar-ticks (Bidens sp.), New England aster (Aster novae-angliae), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate),
purple loosestrife, silver maple, tussock sedge (Carex stricta), and buttonbush.
Wetland 9 is primarily comprised of the Rippowam fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes soil map unit.
Wetland 10
Wetland 10 is a vegetated wetland with forested and emergent component located at the base of a slope
along West Pomeroy Lane, in the southwestern portion of the property. A portion of this wetland is
located within the maintained golf course area. The western end of Wetland 10 is connected to the
eastern end of Wetland 2.
Wetland 10 is vegetated primarily with silver maple, red maple, silky dogwood, and multiflora rose.
Wetland 10 is primarily comprised of the Boxford silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes soil map unit.
foot buffer zone.
4.0 REFERENCES
Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater
habitats of the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Washington, D.C. 131 pp.
Federal Interagency Committee for Wetland Delineation. 1989. Federal Manual for Identifying and
Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service,
Washington, D.C. Cooperative technical publication. 76 pp. plus appendices.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. 1995. Delineating Bordering Vegetated
Wetlands under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act: A Handbook.
Munsell Color, 2000. Munsell soil color chart: Baltimore, Maryland, 22 pp.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1989. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Wetlands
Research Program Technical Report Y-87-1.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0). ERDC/EL TR-12-1.
8
October 2018
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. National Wetlands Inventory Data (Map). U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, National Wetlands Inventory (Publisher), St. Petersburg FL.
9
Attachment B
Wildlife Habitat Evaluation

Attachment C
Photographic Log
Photograph No. 1:
Existing golf course facility in the vicinity of the proposed Western Array.
Photograph No. 2:
Typical forested habitats along the banks of the Fort River.
Photographic Log
2018
Sheet 1 of 4
environmental consulting
& engineering services
Photograph No. 3:
Fort River, looking northwest (downstream).
Photograph No. 4:
Existing man-made ponds located east of the Western Array.
Photographic Log
2018
Sheet 2 of 4
Photograph No. 5:
Delineated wetland area located south of the proposed Eastern Array.
Photograph No. 6:
Delineated wetland area located west of the Western Array.
Photographic Log
2018
Sheet 3 of 4
Photograph No. 7:
Existing crossing of the Fort River (Bridge 12) providing access to the
proposed Western Array.
Photograph No. 8:
Existing crossing of the Fort River (Bridge 9) providing access to the proposed
Eastern Array.
Photographic Log
2018
Sheet 4 of 4
Attachment D
Agency Correspondence
Request for State-listed Species Information
Please complete this form to request state-listed species information from the Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program for a particular location (please submit only one project per form).
Fee: $50.00, Payable to Comm. of MA – NHESP (as required in 321 CMR 10.17(3))
No fee required if request is for conservation purposes or habitat management and you are a non-profit
conservation group, government agency or are working with a government agency.
Requestor Information
Name: Affiliation:
Melissa Lenker ESS Group, Inc.
Address: 100 5th Avenue, 5th Floor
City: Waltham State: MA Zip Code: 02451
Daytime Phone: 781-419-7740 Ext. Email address: mlenker@essgroup.com
Project Information
Project or Site Name: Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System
Location: Town:
191 West Pomeroy Lane Amherst
Name of Landowner or Project Proponent (if different from Requestor):
Proponent: Direct Energy Solar
Land owner: Applied Golf
Acreage of the Property: 148 acres
Hickory LLC
Description of Proposed Project and Current Site Conditions: (If necessary attach additional sheet)
The proposed project includes a 5 MW solar array (photovoltaic power system) to be installed at the
Applied Golf facility in Amherst, MA. The proposed development will include the construction of
ground-mounted solar arrays and associated electrical conduits. Minimal earthwork is proposed and the
ground beneath the solar arrays will be vegetated. The project site is currently maintained as a golf
course.
Required: Enclose a map with the site location clearly marked and centered on the page.
Please mail this completed form, a topographic map, and fee (if applicable) to the above address, Attn:
Regulatory Review.
If no fee is required, you can email the information to natural.heritage@state.ma.us.
A written response will be returned within 30 days of receipt of all information required.
0
1,000
2,000
1 inch = 2,000 feet

4,000
Feet
Project Site

!
°
Figure 1
Project Locus
Alex Patterson
From: TrackingUpdates@fedex.com
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2018 1:16 PM
To: Melissa Lenker
Subject: FedEx Shipment 772969807701 Delivered
Your package has been delivered

Tracking # 772969807701
Ship date: Delivery date:

Tue, 8/14/2018 Thu, 8/16/2018 1:12 pm
Waltham Administration Attn: Regulatory Review
ESS GROUP, INC. 1 Rabbit Hill Road
WALTHAM, MA 02451 Delivered WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581
US US
Shipment Facts
Our records indicate that the following package has been delivered.
Tracking number: 772969807701
Status: Delivered: 08/16/2018 1:12

PM Signed for By:
I.HUBBERT
Reference: D190-000.07/A. Patterson
Signed for by: I.HUBBERT
Delivery location: WESTBOROUGH, MA
Delivered to: Receptionist/Front Desk
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1
August 17, 2018
Melissa Lenker
ESS Group, Inc.
Waltham MA 02451
RE: Project Location: 191 West Pomeroy Lane

Town: AMHERST
NHESP Tracking No.: 18-37988
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for contacting the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the MA Division of
Fisheries & Wildlife (the “Division”) for information regarding state-listed rare species in the vicinity of
the above referenced site. Based on the information provided, this project site, or a portion thereof, is
located within Priority Habitat 2064 (PH 2064) and Estimated Habitat 1359 (EH 1359) as indicated in the
Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas (14th Edition) for the following state-listed rare species:
Scientific name Common Name Taxonomic Group State Status

Strophitus undulatus Creeper Mussel Special Concern
Ligumia nasuta Eastern Pondmussel Mussel Special Concern
Alasmidonta heterodon Dwarf Wedgemussel Mussel Endangered
Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle Reptile Special Concern
The species listed above are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) (M.G.L.
c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). State-listed wildlife are also protected
under the state’s Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) (M.G.L. c. 131, s. 40) and its implementing regulations
(310 CMR 10.00). Fact sheets for most state-listed rare species can be found on our website
(www.mass.gov/nhesp).
Please note that projects and activities located within Priority and/or Estimated Habitat must be
reviewed by the Division for compliance with the state-listed rare species protection provisions of MESA
(321 CMR 10.00) and/or the WPA (310 CMR 10.00).
Wetlands Protection Act (WPA)

If the project site is within Estimated Habitat and a Notice of Intent (NOI) is required, then a copy of the
NOI must be submitted to the Division so that it is received at the same time as the local conservation
commission. If the Division determines that the proposed project will adversely affect the actual
Resource Area habitat of state-protected wildlife, then the proposed project may not be permitted (310
CMR 10.37, 10.58(4)(b) & 10.59). In such a case, the project proponent may request a consultation with
the Division to discuss potential project design modifications that would avoid adverse effects to rare
wildlife habitat.
NHESP File No. 18-37988,Page 2 of 2
A streamlined joint MESA/WPA review process is available. When filing a Notice of Intent (NOI), the
applicant may file concurrently under the MESA on the same NOI form and qualify for a 30-day
streamlined joint review. For a copy of the NOI form, please visit the MA Department of Environmental
Protection’s website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/wpa-form-3-wetlands-notice-of-intent.
MA Endangered Species Act (MESA)

If the proposed project is located within Priority Habitat and is not exempt from review (see 321 CMR
10.14), then project plans, a fee, and other required materials must be sent to Natural Heritage
Regulatory Review to determine whether a probable Take under the MA Endangered Species Act would
occur (321 CMR 10.18). Please note that all proposed and anticipated development must be disclosed,
as MESA does not allow project segmentation (321 CMR 10.16). For a MESA filing checklist and
additional information please see our website: https://www.mass.gov/regulatory-review.
We recommend that rare species habitat concerns be addressed during the project design phase prior
to submission of a formal MESA filing, as avoidance and minimization of impacts to rare species and
their habitats is likely to expedite endangered species regulatory review.
This evaluation is based on the most recent information available in the Natural Heritage database,
which is constantly being expanded and updated through ongoing research and inventory. If the
purpose of your inquiry is to generate a species list to fulfill the federal Endangered Species Act (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) information requirements for a permit, proposal, or authorization of any kind from a
federal agency, we recommend that you contact the National Marine Fisheries Service at (978)281-9328
and use the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Information for Planning and Conservation website
(https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac). If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact Melany
Cheeseman, Endangered Species Review Assistant, at (508) 389-6357.
Sincerely,
Thomas W. French, Ph.D.

Assistant Director
Attachment E
Wood Turtle Habitat Management Plan

Habitat Management Plan
for Applied Golf Photovoltaic
Power System
NHESP Tracking No.: 18-37988

EEA No.: 15938
SUBMITTED TO:
Regulatory Review
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
PREPARED FOR:
Direct Energy Solar
PREPARED BY:
ESS Group, Inc.
November, 2018
www.essgroup.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................................ 1
2.2.1 Creeper ................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2.2 Eastern Pondmussel ............................................................................................................... 2
2.2.3 Dwarf Wedgemussel ............................................................................................................... 2
2.2.4 Wood Turtle............................................................................................................................. 2
3.0 PROPOSED CONDITIONS .................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 IMPACT ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2.1 Freshwater Mussels ................................................................................................................ 4
4.2.2 Wood Turtle............................................................................................................................. 4
5.0 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................................................................... 5
5.1 Wood Turtle Protection Plan............................................................................................................. 5
5.1.1 Wood Turtle Timing ................................................................................................................. 5
5.1.2 Turtle Exclusion Barrier During Work...................................................................................... 5
5.1.3 Wood Turtle Sweeps During Construction .............................................................................. 6
5.1.4 Construction Staff Education .................................................................................................. 6
5.2 Wood Turtle Habitat Enhancement Plan .......................................................................................... 7
5.2.1 Wood Turtle Timing ................................................................................................................. 7
5.2.2 Habitat Creation ...................................................................................................................... 7
5.2.3 Future Management and Maintenance ................................................................................... 7
5.2.4 Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................................................................ 7
6.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 8
FIGURES
Figure 1 Project Locus

Figure 2 Wetland Resource Areas
Figure 3 Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Data
Figure 4 Habitat Management Plan
1.0 INTRODUCTION
ESS Group, Inc. (ESS) has prepared this Conservation and Management Permit on behalf of Direct
Energy Solar for the installation and operation of the Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System (the
project), a 5.24-megawatt (MW) direct current (DC), ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar energy
facility located at the Hickory Ridge Golf Club, 191 West Pomeroy Lane, Amherst, Massachusetts (the
project site) (Figure 1). The proposed project includes cessation of all existing golf course operations to
facilitate the proposed project.
The following project narrative will provide a description of the existing conditions (Section 2.0), proposed
conditions (Section 3.0), impact analysis which adequately assesses both temporary and permanent
impacts to State-listed Species (Section 4.0), and a conservation and management plans to provide long-
term net benefit to the conservation of the impacted species (Section 5.0).
2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

Fort River. Plum Brook, a perennial tributary to the Fort River, is located in the south-central portion of the
property. Surrounding land use is primarily residential, with some agricultural uses present in neighboring
Hadley.
The topography of the site generally slopes downhill from both the northern and southern property lines
toward the Fort River at the center of the site. Contours range from a high elevation of approximately 158
feet above sea level at the northern and southern property lines to a low of approximately 138 feet at the
Fort River in the center of the site. Topography at the site was confirmed using 2015 LiDAR terrain data
available from MassGIS.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), the primary soil map units at the property are Boxford silt loam, Pollux fine sandy loam,
Pootatuck fine sandy loam, Rippowam fine sandy loam, and Suncook loamy fine sand.

Several wetland resource areas under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
(WPA) and the Amherst Wetland Protection Bylaw are present in and around the project site (Figure 2).
Wetland resource areas at the project site were delineated by ESS during the 2018 growing season. Most
wetland features at the project site are associated with the Fort River, a tributary to the Connecticut River
which flows through the property south of the proposed solar arrays.

The project site is partially located within both Priority Habitats of Rare Species (PH 2064) and Estimated
Habitats of Rare Wildlife (EH 1359) (Figure 3). A Request for State-listed Species Information form was
sent to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) on August 14,
Habitat Management Plan for Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System
November 2018
2018. The NHESP response letter dated August 17, 2018 (Attachment A) identified four state-listed
species associated with the mapped Priority and Estimated Habitat areas, including three freshwater
mussel species and one reptile species. Brief descriptions of these species are provided below.
2.2.1 Creeper
The creeper (Strophitus undulatus) is a freshwater mussel species that ranges throughout much of
eastern and central North America. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts lists the creeper as a
species of Special Concern; the species is not listed at the federal level. Creepers are a relatively
small mussel that inhabits streams and rivers, especially those low water velocities and sandy or
gravelly bottoms. This species has a wide distribution but low abundance in Massachusetts, and is
primarily found in the central portion of the state (NHESP 2015a). The Fort River which has an
average width of 36 feet runs through the property for approx. 7,500 feet of the property. It is
assumed that the Fort River potentially provides 6.2 acres of habitat for all life stages of the creeper.
2.2.2 Eastern Pondmussel

The eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta) is a freshwater mussel species that ranges along the
northern Atlantic coast and in the eastern Great Lakes. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts lists
eastern pondmussel as a species of Special Concern; the species is not listed at the federal level.
The eastern pondmussel is a fairly distinctive medium- to large-sized mussel that can be found in a
variety of open water habitats. In Massachusetts, eastern pondmussels are found primarily in the
southeastern part of the state; however, records also exist for several towns in the Connecticut River
watershed (NHESP 2015b). The Fort River which has an average width of 36 feet runs through the
property for approx. 7,500 feet of the property. It is assumed that the Fort River potentially provides
6.2 acres of habitat for all life stages of the eastern pondmussel.
2.2.3 Dwarf Wedgemussel

The dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) is a freshwater mussel species listed as
endangered by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government. This species
is a relatively small mussel, growing up to 1.75 inches in length. Dwarf wedgemussel may be found in
a variety of freshwater river and stream habitat types, including large rivers. Preferred bottom
substrates are silt, sand, and gravel, though even small patches of these substrate types interspersed
among cobble or boulders are sufficient. This species has been extirpated from most of its known
historical range in Massachusetts, and is now found in only a few waterbodies in the Connecticut
River watershed (NHESP 2015c). The Fort River which has an average width of 36 feet runs through
the property for approx. 7,500 feet of the property. It is assumed that the Fort River potentially
provides 6.2 acres of habitat for all life stages of the dwarf wedgemussel.
2.2.4 Wood Turtle

The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a freshwater turtle species that ranges throughout
northeastern North America, including Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts lists
wood turtle as a species of Special Concern; the species is not listed at the federal level. Wood turtles
primarily inhabit river and stream corridors, especially areas characterized by slow-moving water,
mid-sized watercourses, sandy substrates, and densely vegetated shorelines. From November to
March, wood turtles hibernate in stream substrates. Nesting occurs in June with nest hatching taking
place in August and September (NHESP 2015d). Based on dialogue with NHESP staff, it is assumed
the entire NHESP mapped area on site (112 acres) affords wood turtle habitat; therefore, the
2
November 2018
proposed project would result in a ‘take’ of the wood turtle under the Massachusetts Endangered
Species Act (MESA) and in implementing regulation (321 CMR 10.00).
3.0 PROPOSED CONDITIONS

The proposed projects include the construction of a 5.24± MW direct current (DC) ground-mounted
photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility. To facilitate the proposed PV solar energy facility, all existing golf
course operation would cease. To avoid wetlands at the site, the facility has been divided into a western
array and an eastern array. Proposed electrical equipment will include 115 SolarEdge inverters, 17 new
utility poles, and an equipment pad that will hold the transformer and main electrical gear. A six-foot high
chain link fence will surround the solar arrays with a minimum clearance of ten feet between the fence
and the panels to allow for interior access. The approximately 15,000 individual solar modules will occupy
a footprint of approximately 16.4 acres within the approximately 22.8-acre fenced area. The limits of
disturbance (LOD) including site access, utility poles, and laydown areas covers approximately 24.5
acres. Access to the western array will be provided via a 15-foot wide, approximately 1,130-foot long
crushed stone driveway from West Pomeroy Lane. Access to the eastern array will be provided via a 15-
foot wide, approximately 1,530-foot long crushed stone driveway from the existing facility parking lot on
West Pomeroy Lane. Both access driveways will cross the Fort River via existing bridges, while the
eastern access driveway will also cross Plum Brook via an existing culverted crossing. No new crossings
or improvements or modifications to existing crossings are needed to accommodate the equipment and
vehicles needed for facility installation and subsequent operation.
Installation of the project is would take approximately six months and would begin in the spring of 2019.
Work associated with the proposed project is expected to occur in the following order, though some tasks
may occur simultaneously or in a different order based on the contractor’s means and methods:
• Mobilization and site access to be established within paved parking area,
• Installation of erosion and sediment controls which will also act as a turtle barrier,
• Incidental vegetation removal, as needed,
• Installation of facility western and eastern access driveways
• Turf removal and minor grading to support proposed site development and the creation of
successional field and wood turtle nesting habitat,
• Facility fence installation,
• Solar module and electrical infrastructure installation,
• Utility pole installation and electrical interconnection,
• Facility testing and commissioning,
• Seeding and site stabilization interior of the facility fence with Ernst Native/Naturalized Solar Farm
Seed Mix, and seeding and stabilization outside the facility fence with New England
Conservation/Wildlife Mix, and
3
November 2018
• Removal of erosion and sediment controls.
Following construction, the project will operate without the need for onsite personnel. Inspection of the
facility would occur on a periodic basis annually. Once established grass interior of the facility fence will
be maintained approximately twice annually between November 15 and April 15.
4.0 IMPACT ANALYSIS

The proposed project has been sited to avoid wetland resource areas to the greatest extent practicable,
and no work will occur within the Inland Bank, land under water (LUW), or boarding vegetated wetlands
(BVW) resource areas. Indirect impacts to these and other resource areas at the project site will be
avoided or minimized through the use of erosion and sedimentation controls during project installation.

4.2.1 Freshwater Mussels
In general, the primary threats to listed mussel species include actions or processes which degrade
their aquatic habitats, including sedimentation, point-source pollution, nutrient enrichment, flow
alteration, and water withdrawal, among others (NHESP 2015). Neither the construction nor operation
of the project entails the direct alteration of aquatic habitats (i.e., dredging or other in-water, silt-
generating work); therefore, direct impacts to the three listed freshwater mussel species which may
occur at or near the project site are not expected. The proposed project entails limited earthwork in
upland areas, which minimizes the potential for sedimentation into the Fort River or other aquatic
habitats. Erosion and sedimentation controls will be installed and maintained throughout construction
to further reduce the potential for sedimentation of adjacent aquatic habitats during project
construction. Following construction and stabilization of soil at the site, there will be no on-going
potential for impacts to aquatic habitats from the operation of the project. Application of fertilizer will
cease after the site is converted from an active golf course, which may contribute to an improvement
in water quality at the site. Therefore, impacts to listed mussel species or 6.2 acres of assumed
habitat in the Fort River at the project site are not expected.
4.2.2 Wood Turtle

A variety of factors pose threats to wood turtle populations, including roadway mortality, alteration of
wooded stream corridors, stream water quality degradation, forestry and agricultural activities, and
incidental collection (NHESP 2015d). The project’s location at an existing golf course minimizes the
need for large-scale vegetation clearing or alteration of native habitats. While the project will
permanently alter 11.0 acres of wood turtle Priority/Estimated Habitat, there will be a net benefit to the
wood turtle due to cessation of golf course activities which will benefit the remaining 101 acres of
mapped habitat on the property (Figure 4). Furthermore, the proposed wood turtle protection plan in
concert with the habitat enhancement plan will result in a net-benefit to the wood turtle when
compared to existing conditions and land use.
The project has been sited to avoid impacting the area within 200 feet of the Fort River to the greatest
extent possible; the only proposed alteration within 200 feet of the river is the installation of the two
facility access roads which are necessary to access the solar arrays. No vegetation clearing will be
needed within 200 feet of the Fort River. Land within this 200-foot corridor which currently exists as
maintained turf will be restored to a natural vegetation community, thus improving and expanding
4
November 2018
wood turtle habitat at the site. Prior to initiation of work, the limits of work for the PV solar energy
facility will be delineated in the field with erosion and sediment control measures which will also act as
a turtle barrier. Mobilization and site access would be established within paved parking area north of
West Pomeroy Road. Approximately 0.4 acres of existing sand traps would be filled with sand or
other well-drained soils to create turtle nesting habitat. Application of fertilizer will cease after the site
is converted from an active golf course, which may contribute to an improvement in water quality at
the site. The proposed facility fence will be installed such that an eight-inch gap is maintained
between the ground surface and the bottom of the fence, which will allow for unrestricted movement
of wood turtles through the project area. Once established, grass interior of the facility fence will be
maintained approximately twice annually between November 15 and April 15.
5.0 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

The goal of this Habitat Management Plan (HMP) is to provide a long-term net benefit to the conservation
of wood turtles through the protection, restoration and management of wood turtle habitat. The long-term
operator of the Applied Golf Photovoltaic Power System (Direct Energy Solar and the property owner) will
be responsible for implementation of the HMP, including vegetation management, nesting habitat creation
and long-term maintenance and monitoring. Habitat management activities will be supervised by a wildlife
biologist approved in writing by the NHESP. The wildlife biologist will make recommendations for site
specific alteration/modification if the habitat does not meet the goal of providing foraging, sheltering and
nesting habitat for wood turtles.
5.1 Wood Turtle Protection Plan

The following plan is to protect State-listed turtles during construction and routine maintenance.
5.1.1 Wood Turtle Timing

The wood turtle active season is defined as: April 16 to November 14.
The wood turtle inactive season is defined as: November 15 to April 15. No Wood Turtle Protection
Plan is required for work conducted during the inactive season.
5.1.2 Turtle Exclusion Barrier During Work

Prior to initiation of work, to include soil or vegetation alteration, the permit holder shall install
entrenched silt fence around the entire work area as shown on the project plans.
• Installation of the sediment barrier must be conducted using methods that result in the
minimum disturbance.
• No work, clearing, soil or vegetation disturbance will occur outside the limit of disturbance
approved on the project plans.
• The bottom of the sediment barrier will be buried in a four to six-inch trench that is backfilled
and compacted. Any haybales will be utilized on the work-side of the barrier.
• Once installed, the sediment barrier will remain taut between stakes.
• Within three days following installation of the sediment barrier, an inspection will be
conducted by a by a wildlife biologist approved by the NHESP.
5
November 2018
• The sediment barrier will be maintained in good condition throughout the construction period
and repaired or replaced as necessary.
o During the active season, daily inspections of the barrier by someone familiar with the
barrier installation and maintenance will occur to ensure the barrier remains intact.
o During the active season, inspections will be required every two weeks by the wildlife
biologist, who will inspect the work area for turtles. The wildlife biologist will be
responsible for ensuring the sediment barrier is functioning as a turtle barrier and
reporting insufficiencies to the permit holder. The wildlife biologist will ensure
insufficiencies are repaired in a timely manner.
o If the sediment barrier will be in place over the winter, in late March or early April the
barrier will be inspected by the wildlife biologist to ensure the barrier is functional by
the start of the active season.
• Should the project occur in phases, a revised turtle exclusion barrier plan will be submitted to
the NHESP for review and approval prior to implementation of any changes.
All sediment barriers will be removed no later than two year from the commencement of work relevant
project component.
5.1.3 Wood Turtle Sweeps During Construction

The permit holder will implement a Wood Turtle Protection Plan during all phases of construction that
occur during the turtle active season. The turtle sweeps will be conducted within the enclosed area
associated with the proposed work. The proposed sweep work will be conducted by a wildlife biologist
approved by the NHESP in writing. The approved wildlife biologist will obtain a Commercial Scientific
Collection Permit for the project prior to conduction turtle sweeps. Searches by the wildlife biologist
will occur during appropriate weather conditions to equal the total effort of two hours per acre of
grassland/early successional habitat and four hours of effort per acres of mid-successional/forested
habitat. Searches will include looking on both sides of the sediment barrier, along construction and
personnel access paths and within the entire interior of the sediment barrier. Any rare species found
will be relocated into suitable habitat in an area nearby but outside the enclosed work area. All rare
species observations associated with sweeps will be reported to the NHESP through a Rare Species
Observation Form, submitted through the Vernal Pool & Rare Species Information System (VPRS)
within ten days of the observation. In each year sweeps occur, a brief annual report will be prepared
and submitted by December 31 of the same year summarizing: the name of the biologist, dates of
any visits, activities conducted by the biologist on each visit, number of hours searched per date, and
observations made and repairs suggested and implemented.
5.1.4 Construction Staff Education

All contractors will be informed in writing of the likely presence of State-listed species on the project
site and what measures should be implement to minimize direct harm to the State-listed species. No
wildlife shall be removed from the project site without the approval of the approved wildlife biologist or
the NHESP except as necessary to receive veterinary treatment in the event of harm during
construction. Should construction occur during the active season, the approved wildlife biologist will
conduct a construction staff education program. The purpose of the education program will be to
6
November 2018
review wood turtle biology, species identification, MESA negligence, and protocols to follow should a
turtle be found onsite or a turtle is injured. The program will include a “Turtle of Massachusetts” poster
to facilitate in turtle identification, emergency contact numbers if a turtle is found or injured and the
NHESP informational sheet on wood turtles.
5.2 Wood Turtle Habitat Enhancement Plan

5.2.1 Wood Turtle Timing
The wood turtle active season is defined as: April 16 to November 14.
The wood turtle inactive season is defined as: November 15 to April 15. No Wood Turtle Protection
Plan is required for work conducted during the inactive season.
5.2.2 Habitat Creation

The conservation goal of the initial habitat creation is to convert 16.6 acres turf grass within the 200-
foot Riverfront Area of the Fort River to an early successional vegetation community, thus improving
and expanding wood turtle habitat at the site. It is anticipated this habitat creation will afford foraging,
migrating, and potentially, nesting habitat for the wood turtle. Following the removal of the turf grass,
the entire area would be seeded at a rate of 25 pounds per acre with New England
Conservation/Wildlife Mix which provides a permanent cover of grasses, wildflowers, and legumes.
This seed mixture offers good wildlife habitat value and erosion control while not requiring
maintenance. Following grow-in the vegetative composition would be a mixture of grasses and
eventually woody vegetation that does not exceed a height of five feet.
Within the 200-foot Riverfront Area and following the removal of turf grass, eight of the existing sand
traps will converted to wood turtle nesting habitat. Specifically, once the turf grass has been removed
to the approval of the wildlife biologist, each sand trap will be filled with sand or other well-drained
soils (<5% clay and <25% gravel). Material brought into the site will be washed and/or certified weed
free to avoid the introduction of invasive species. Each nesting mound shape will be consistent with
the various sand traps and have a prominent southeast facing aspect for a total nesting mound
creation area of 0.4 acres. Due to the varying sizes of sand traps, the final nesting mound elevation
will generally be one to two feet higher than the surrounding grade.
5.2.3 Future Management and Maintenance

The goal of this early to mid-successional habitat creation is create foraging, migrating, and
potentially, nesting habitat for the wood turtle as well as provided a vegetated buffer to the Fort River
and Plum Brook. The vegetative composition would be a mixture of grasses and eventually woody
vegetation that does not exceed a height of five feet. It is anticipated mechanical vegetative
management would be necessary every three to five years during the wood turtle inactive season.
Cut vegetation and slash would be left in place, provided it does not result in suppression of
vegetation growth in subsequent seasons.
5.2.4 Monitoring and Reporting

To determine the effectiveness of the habitat creation, it will be monitored by a NHESP approved
wildlife biologist. Monitoring will be conducted between May 1 and September 1 during the first
growing season following construction and every year following a management/maintenance activity.
Within 30 days of each monitoring event for year one and two following construction, a brief summary
7
November 2018
will be submitted to the permit holder, NHESP, and Amherst Conservation Commission and include:
the name of the wildlife biologist, date(s) of the visit, time spent onsite conducting monitoring, an
overview of habitat conditions relative to wood turtles and recommendation for actions or modification
to enhance the habitat conditions. Within 30 days of receipt of the monitoring report, the permit holder
will take reasonable measures necessary to implement the recommendation of the wildlife biologist to
maintain/enhance the habitat for the wood turtle. For visits starting year three following construction,
the wildlife biologist report would be submitted by December 15 of the same year in which the visit
occurred. All recommendations by the wildlife biologist would be implemented within one year of the
site visit and approval by the NHESP. Following year five monitoring, site should be in a stable
condition and the wildlife biologist would provide a draft long-term maintenance plan to NHESP which
includes modifications to maximize the habitat creation areas long-term usefulness to rare species
and other wildlife. Following year five, future monitoring would be conducted by an entity familiar with
monitoring wildlife site use, such as the NHESP or Conservation Commission, at no expense to the
permit holder.
6.0 REFERENCES
[NHESP 2015a]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Creeper
(Strophitus undulatus) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/se/strophitus-undulatus.pdf
[NHESP 2015b]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Eastern
pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qd/ligumia-nasuta.pdf
[NHESP 2015c]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Dwarf
wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/ux/alasmidonta-heterodon.pdf
[NHESP 2015d]. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. 2015. Wood turtle
(Glyptemys insculpta) fact sheet. Accessed online October
2018:https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/tm/glyptemys-insculpta.pdf
8
Figures
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0
1,000
2,000
1 inch = 2,000 feet

4,000
Feet
Project Site

!
°
Figure 1
Project Locus
GOLF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS- 191 WEST POMEROY LANE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS\04 GRAPHICS\GIS\MXD\Permit Figures\Figure 2 - Wetland Resource Areas 080718.mxd
Map 19A Lot 4

°
!
Map 19B Lot 15
Proposed fence line
Proposed fence line

Map 20A Lot 58
Map 19D Lot 10
Fort River
Date: 11/7/2018
Solar- APPLIED
Map 19C Lot 2

Drawing

Path: J:\D190-000 Direct Energy
Plum
Brook
WEST POMEROY LANE

0 125 250 500
Utility Line NE
Feet
Direct Energy Solar - Hickory Ridge Golf Club Legend Wetland Resource Areas
Inland Bank 100-foot Riverfront Area Bordering Land Subject to Flooding
1 inch = 250 feet Land Under Water 200-foot Riverfront Area Perennial Stream Centerline (Plum Brook)
Bordering Vegetated Wetland 30-foot No Work Setback Intermittent Stream Centerline Figure 2
Source: 1) Wetland Features, ESS 2018; 2) Project Layout, Direct Energy Solar 2018;
Photo-interpolated Wetland Limit 100-foot Buffer Zone Parcels
Solar- APPLIED GOLF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS- 191 WEST POMEROY LANE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS\04 GRAPHICS\GIS\MXD\Permit Figures\Figure 3 - NHESP 080718.mxd
Map 19A Lot 4

°
!
Map 19B Lot 15
Proposed fence line
Proposed fence line

Map 20A Lot 58
Map 19D Lot 10
PH 2064
Fort River
11/7/2018
EH 1359
Energy
Map 19C Lot 2

Date:
Direct
Drawing

Path: J:\D190-000
Plum
Brook
WEST POMEROY LANE

0 125 250 500
Utility Line NE
Feet
Direct Energy Solar - Hickory Ridge Golf Club Legend Priority Habitats of Rare Species &
Amherst, Massachusetts Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife
Priority Habitats of Rare Species
1 inch = 250 feet Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife
Parcels
Figure 3
Direct Energy Solar- APPLIED GOLF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS- 191 WEST POMEROY LANE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS\04 GRAPHICS\GIS\MXD\Permit Figures\Figure 4 - HMP.mxd
°
!
Proposed fence line Proposed Eastern Array
Proposed fence line

SHADY LANE
WE S T
Date: 11/26/2018
ST REE
J:\D190-000
Drawing
T
Path:
Proposed Access Road and

Utility Line
WEST POMEROY LA
0 150 300 600
Feet NE
Legend
Direct Energy Solar - Hickory Ridge Golf Club Habitat Management Plan
Amherst, Massachusetts Property Boundary (150 acres) Proposed Habitat Restoration Area (16.6 acres)
Potential Wood Turtle Habitat (112 acres) Existing Sand Traps to be Improved (0.4 acres)
1 inch = 300 feet
Potential Freshwater Mussel Habitat (6 acres) Proposed Alteration of Priority/Estimated Habitats (11.0 acres) Figure 4
3) Parcels, Town of Amherst 2018 200-foot Riverfront Area
Attachment F
Project Plans (under separate cover)

5.2± MW DC SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
NOTICE OF INTENT
PROPERTY
191 WEST POMEROY LANE
AMHERST, MA 01002
AP 19D LOT 10
OWNER AND APPLICANT

DAVE WASENDA
191 WEST POMEROY LANE
AMHERST, MA 01002
PREPARED FOR
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR
7484 CANDLEWOOD ROAD, SUITE T-W
HANOVER, MD 21076
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
Sheet Index
Sheet Number Sheet Title
1 COVER
SITE
2 NOTES
3 INDEX SHEET
4 SITE LAYOUT AND GRADING
en v ir o n m en t a l c o n s u l t in g
9 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
& en g i n e e r i n g s e r v i c e s
100 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 13 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
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14 DETAILS
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LOCATION MAP 15 DETAILS
SCALE= 1"=1,000'
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
Copyright © ESS Group, Inc. 2016
EXISTING CONDITIONS LEGEND
PROPERTY LINE
BUILDING SETBACK
ZONING BOUNDARY
DELINEATED BORDERING VEGETATIVE WETLAND
30-FOOT NO WORK SETBACK
100-FOOT BUFFER ZONE
DELINEATED EXISTING BANK
100-FOOT RIVERFRONT AREA
200-FOOT RIVERFRONT AREA
BORDERING LAND SUBJECT TO FLOODING
PLUM BROOKE CENTERLINE
DELINEATED EXISTING STREAM CENTERLINE
EXISTING MINOR CONTOUR
EXISTING MAJOR CONTOUR
PROPOSED CONDITIONS LEGEND
LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE
LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE/ FILTER SOCK
FILTER SOCK
OVERHEAD WIRES
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC
CHAIN LINK FENCE
STONE DRIVEWAY
UTILITY POLE
FLOW ARROW
140 PROPOSED MAJOR CONTOUR

143 PROPOSED MINOR CONTOUR

™

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DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTES
N-1
RIVERGLADE DR
N
BOULDERS DR
DRAWING C-5 AND EC-5
DRAWING C-2 AND EC-2 0 150 300

Feet
DRAWING C-4 AND EC-4 APPROXIMATE PROPERTY LINE

AP 19D, LOT 10 en v ir o n m en t a l c o n s u l t in g

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DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
WEST POMEROY LN
NOTICE OF INTENT
INDEX SHEET
D
NR
O
GT
MIN
R
C-1
FA
PONDVIEW DR

N
LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE (TYP.) 7 FT TALL CHAIN

LINK FENCE (TYP.)
WESTERN ARRAY
8,602 MODULES±
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1

152 155 0 50 100
Feet


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SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1

SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
EQUIPMENT PAD LOD/FILTER SOCK
24 FT WIDE GATE
WITH KNOX LOCK
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
(OR EQUAL) DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
14
0
NOTICE OF INTENT
SITE LAYOUT AND GRADING
NOTES:
1. PERMANENT SEEDING WITHIN FENCE TO BE AMERICAN MEADOWS INC. SOLAR FARM COLOR SEED MIX OR
EQUIVALENT APPROVED BY OWNER. 140
2. SEED DISTURBED GROUND OUTSIDE FENCE WITH NEW ENGLAND WETLAND PLANTS, INC. NEW ENGLAND
CONSERVATION/WILDLIFE MIX OR EQUIVALENT APPROVED BY OWNER.
3. FINAL LOCATION OF ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, WIRES, POLES, INVERTERS, ETC. TO BE DETERMINED BY
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND APPROVED BY OWNER. ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND DISTRIBUTION WITHIN
THE ARRAY SHALL BE UNDERGROUND. ALL UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NOT SHOWN ON THIS PLAN SET.
4. FINAL NUMBER AND LOCATION OF SOLAR MODULES TO BE DESIGNED BY OTHERS AND MAY VARY AS NEEDED
WITHIN PROPOSED FENCE LINE. ALL MODULES SHALL BE INSTALLED OUTSIDE OF BUILDING SETBACK.
5. POST SIGNAGE WITH 24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION ON EACH GATE.
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1
BRIDGE DESIGN
C-2
6. EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS NOT PROPOSED.
BY OTHERS
N
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2 SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1

SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2

EQUIPMENT PAD LOD/FILTER SOCK
24 FT WIDE GATE
WITH KNOX LOCK
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
(OR EQUAL)
14
0
140

BRIDGE DESIGN
BY OTHERS
13
5
15 FT WIDE DENSE GRADED
135
CRUSHED STONE ROAD (TYP.) 0 50 100
Feet


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CUSTOMER OWNED
POLE (TYP.)
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
140 191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
145
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTES:
EQUIVALENT APPROVED BY OWNER.
2. SEED DISTURBED GROUND OUTSIDE FENCE WITH NEW ENGLAND WETLAND PLANTS, INC. NEW ENGLAND POINT OF
CONSERVATION/WILDLIFE MIX OR EQUIVALENT APPROVED BY OWNER. INTERCONNECTION PAVED APRON
3. FINAL LOCATION OF ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, WIRES, POLES, INVERTERS, ETC. TO BE DETERMINED BY UTILITY OWNED
THE ARRAY SHALL BE UNDERGROUND. ALL UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NOT SHOWN ON THIS PLAN SET. POLES
C-3
NOTES:
N
2. SEED DISTURBED GROUND OUTSIDE FENCE WITH NEW ENGLAND WETLAND PLANTS, INC. NEW ENGLAND SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
EASTERN SOLAR ARRAY
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4

6,424 MODULES±
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3

SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1
0 50 100
Feet


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SHEETS C-1 & EC-1
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4
SHEETS C-5 & EC-5

SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
NOTICE OF INTENT
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3 SHEETS C-3 & EC-3 C-4

NOTES:
N
2. SEED DISTURBED GROUND OUTSIDE FENCE WITH NEW ENGLAND WETLAND PLANTS, INC. NEW ENGLAND
4. FINAL NUMBER AND LOCATION OF SOLAR MODULES TO BE DESIGNED BY OTHERS AND MAY VARY AS NEEDED 7 FT TALL CHAIN
WITHIN PROPOSED FENCE LINE. ALL MODULES SHALL BE INSTALLED OUTSIDE OF BUILDING SETBACK. LINK FENCE
155
160
155
150
145
140
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
155
0 50 100
Feet
EASTERN SOLAR ARRAY
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4
6,424 MODULES±


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SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
14
3
24 FT WIDE GATE NOTICE OF INTENT

WITH KNOX LOCK
(OR EQUAL) SITE LAYOUT AND GRADING
SHEETS C-5 & EC-5
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4 C-5

SHEETS C-5 & EC-5
N
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4

SHEETS C-5 & EC-5
BRIDGE DESIGN
BY OTHERS
140
15 FT WIDE DENSE GRADED

CRUSHED STONE ROAD (TYP.)
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3

0
14

145
15
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0
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140
1
15
LAYDOWN
AREA
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR
AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTES:
1. PERMANENT SEEDING WITHIN FENCE TO BE AMERICAN MEADOWS INC. SOLAR FARM COLOR SEED MIX OR EQUIVALENT APPROVED BY OWNER.
2. SEED DISTURBED GROUND OUTSIDE FENCE WITH NEW ENGLAND WETLAND PLANTS, INC. NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATION/WILDLIFE MIX OR
3. FINAL LOCATION OF ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, WIRES, POLES, INVERTERS, ETC. TO BE DETERMINED BY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND
APPROVED BY OWNER. ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND DISTRIBUTION WITHIN THE ARRAY SHALL BE UNDERGROUND. ALL UNDERGROUND
ELECTRICAL NOT SHOWN ON THIS PLAN SET.
4. FINAL NUMBER AND LOCATION OF SOLAR MODULES TO BE DESIGNED BY OTHERS AND MAY VARY AS NEEDED WITHIN PROPOSED FENCE LINE. ALL
MODULES SHALL BE INSTALLED OUTSIDE OF BUILDING SETBACK.
0 50 100
Feet
C-6

N
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1

TEMPORARY SOIL STOCKPILE
SURROUND WITH FILTER SOCK
0 50 100
152 155 Feet


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SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1

SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
ROLL-OFF CONTAINER FOR
DEBRIS COLLECTION
LOD/FILTER SOCK
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
14
0
NOTICE OF INTENT
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
140
NOTES:
1. EXISTING BUILDING LOCATIONS ARE AND DIMENSIONS APPROXIMATE.
2. LOCATION OF ROLL-OFF CONTAINER, CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA, AND SOIL STOCKPILE TO BE LOCATED AS
FAR FROM WETLAND EDGE AS PRACTICAL. FINAL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY CONTRACTOR AS
APPROVED BY THE OWNER.
3. STOCKPILES THAT ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHIN 30 DAYS SHALL BE TEMPORARILY STABILIZED WITH SEED
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1 EC-1
AND MULCH OR COVERED WITH POLYETHYLENE SHEETING.
N
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1

SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
DEBRIS COLLECTION
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2

LOD/FILTER SOCK
SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
14
0
140
13
5
135
0 50 100
Feet


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ABOVE GRADE LINED

CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR
AP 19D LOT 10
140 191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
145
NOTICE OF INTENT
CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE
NOTES:
1. EXISTING BUILDING LOCATIONS AND DIMENSIONS ARE
APPROXIMATE.
2. LOCATION OF ROLL-OFF CONTAINER, CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA,
AND SOIL STOCKPILE TO BE LOCATED AS FAR FROM WETLAND
EDGE AS PRACTICAL. FINAL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY
CONTRACTOR AS APPROVED BY THE OWNER.
3. STOCKPILES THAT ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHIN 30 DAYS SHALL
BE TEMPORARILY STABILIZED WITH SEED AND MULCH OR
EC-2
COVERED WITH POLYETHYLENE SHEETING.
NOTES:
1. EXISTING BUILDING LOCATIONS AND DIMENSIONS ARE
N
APPROXIMATE.
2. LOCATION OF ROLL-OFF CONTAINER, CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA,
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
AND SOIL STOCKPILE TO BE LOCATED AS FAR FROM WETLAND
EDGE AS PRACTICAL. FINAL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY
3. STOCKPILES THAT ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHIN 30 DAYS SHALL BE
TEMPORARILY STABILIZED WITH SEED AND MULCH OR COVERED
WITH POLYETHYLENE SHEETING.
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3

SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-1 & EC-1
0 50 100
Feet


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SHEETS C-1 & EC-1
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4
SHEETS C-5 & EC-5

SHEETS C-2 & EC-2
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
NOTICE OF INTENT
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3 SHEETS C-3 & EC-3 EC-3

NOTES:
1. EXISTING BUILDING LOCATIONS AND DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.
N
2. LOCATION OF ROLL-OFF CONTAINER, CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA, AND SOIL STOCKPILE TO BE
LOCATED AS FAR FROM WETLAND EDGE AS PRACTICAL. FINAL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY
3. STOCKPILES THAT ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHIN 30 DAYS SHALL BE TEMPORARILY STABILIZED
WITH SEED AND MULCH OR COVERED WITH POLYETHYLENE SHEETING.
155
160
TEMPORARY SOIL STOCKPILE
SURROUND WITH FILTER SOCK
155
150
145
140
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
155
0 50 100
Feet
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4


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SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
DEBRIS COLLECTION
14
3
NOTICE OF INTENT
SHEETS C-5 & EC-5
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4 EC-4

SHEETS C-5 & EC-5
N
SHEETS C-4 & EC-4

SHEETS C-5 & EC-5
140
SHEETS C-3 & EC-3
0 50 100
Feet

0
14

145
15
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140
1
15
CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE
LAYDOWN
AREA
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR
AP 19D LOT 10
191 WEST POMEROY LN
AMHERST, MA
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTES:
1. EXISTING BUILDING LOCATIONS AND DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.
2. LOCATION OF ROLL-OFF CONTAINER, CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA, AND SOIL STOCKPILE TO BE LOCATED AS
FAR FROM WETLAND EDGE AS PRACTICAL. FINAL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY CONTRACTOR AS
APPROVED BY THE OWNER.
3. STOCKPILES THAT ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHIN 30 DAYS SHALL BE TEMPORARILY STABILIZED WITH SEED
EC-5
AND MULCH OR COVERED WITH POLYETHYLENE SHEETING.
PV MODULES
AMERICAN MEADOWS INC.

RACK STRUCTURE SOLAR FARM COLOR SEED MIX
OR APPROVED EQUIVALENT
LOAM (4" MIN)
NOTE:
NATIVE SUBGRADE
1. RACK STRUCTURE AND PV MODULES SHOWN FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES.
ACTUAL COMPONENTS AND DIMENSIONS AS APPROVED BY OWNER. FOUNDATION
TYPE TO BE DETERMINED BY OTHERS.
1 SOLAR PANEL AND RACK DETAIL

14 SCALE: NTS
.
4 TYPICAL 7-FT CHAIN LINK FENCE OR EQUAL DETAIL
M AX TED 14 SCALE: NTS
' C
10 IRE OVERLAP ENDS NOTES:
D
AS 2' MIN.
OR 1. FINAL FENCE DETAIL TO BE SELECTED BY OWNER.
2"x2" STAKES PLACED
1 1/2' TO 2' IN GROUND. 2. FENCE TO BE BLACK OR GREEN MERCHANT METALS COLORBOND® COLOR COATED CHAIN LINK FENCE, OR APPROVED EQUIVALENT.
FLOW 3. INSTALL FENCE PER MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
PROTECTED
AREA 4. PROVIDE 6-INCH CLEARANCE BENEATH THE FENCE TO PERMIT WILDLIFE PASSAGE.
5. FENCE POSTS TO BE PILE DRIVEN EXCEPT AT CORNERS AND GATES WHICH SHALL BE SET IN CONCRETE.
FILTER SOCK
6. FENCE HEIGHT SHALL BE 7 FEET.

ANCHORING DETAIL
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
1. FILTER SOCKS SHALL BE FILTREXX SILTSOXX WITH BIODEGRADABLE

MESH, OR EQUIVALENT APPROVED BY THE OWNER. FILTER SOCK AND
COMPOST MATERIALS SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH AASHTO MP 9-06,
LATEST REVISION.
2. FILTER SOCKS SHALL BE 8 INCHES IN DIAMETER.
3. FILTER SOCKS SHALL BE PLACED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PLAN SET
AND IN A ROW WITH ENDS OVERLAPPING 2 FEET (MIN.). & en g i n e e r i n g s e r v i c e s
4. FILTER SOCKS SHALL BE SECURELY ANCHORED IN PLACE BY WOOD STAKES,
10 FEET ON CENTER (MAX).
5. INSPECTION SHALL BE FREQUENT AND REPAIR AND/OR REPLACEMENT Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
SHALL BE MADE PROMPTLY AS NEEDED.
p 781.419.7696
6. FILTER SOCKS SHALL NOT BE MOVED TO OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE www.essgroup.com
PROJECT ONCE PLACED.
7. VEGETATED BIODEGRADEABLE FILTER SOCKS TO REMAIN. REMOVE NON-

BIODEGRADABLE FILTER SOCKS AFTER SITE HAS BEEN STABILIZED.
2 TYPICAL FILTER SOCK

14 SCALE: NTS
DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR

AP 19D LOT 10
15 FT
191 WEST POMEROY LN
3:1 MAX SIDE SLOPE WITH MIN. 4
INCHES OF LOAM AND SEED AMHERST, MA
12 IN. MIN COMPACTED DENSE GRADED STRIP LOAM

CRUSHED STONE (MASSDOT M2.01.7)
EXISTING GRADE NOTICE OF INTENT

NOTES:
DETAILS
1. FINAL GATE DETAIL TO BE SELECTED BY OWNER.
2.
3. INSTALL GATE PER MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
3 TYPICAL CRUSHED STONE DRIVEWAY SECTION 4.
5.
GATE POSTS SHALL BE SET IN CONCRETE.
FENCE HEIGHT SHALL BE 7 FEET, OPENING WIDTH SHALL BE 24 FEET.

14 SCALE: NTS
5 TYPICAL VEHICLE GATE OR EQUAL DETAIL D-1

14 SCALE: NTS

3:1 (TYP.)
18"
EXISTING
PAVEMENT
(PUBLIC
5:1 15' MIN
WAY)
12"
NOTES:
PLAN
1. SIGN SHALL BE 0.040 IN. RUST FREE
ALUMINUM.
EXISTING 2. SIGN SHALL COMPLY WITH ANSI Z535.

PAVEMENT
3. DANGER SIGN TO BE SPACED EVERY
1 TO 3-INCH STONE, (PUBLIC
300 FEET ALONG FENCE LINE.
RECLAIMED STONE, OR 6" MIN WAY)
RECYCLED CONCRETE
3'
5:1
5:1
3 DANGER SIGN
15 SCALE: NTS
FILTER CLOTH
MOUNTABLE BERM
(OPTIONAL)
PROFILE
1 TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE

15 SCALE: NTS
18"
12"

NOTES:
1. SIGN SHALL BE 0.040 IN. RUST FREE
STAPLES ALUMINUM.
STRAW BALE
(2 PER BALE)
2. SIGN SHALL COMPLY WITH ANSI Z535.
WOOD OR METAL
10 mil PLASTIC LINING en v ir o n m en t a l c o n s u l t in g
BINDING WIRE 3. NO TRESPASSING SIGN TO BE SPACED
STAKES (2 PER BALE)
NATIVE MATERIAL
EVERY 100 FEET ALONG FENCE LINE. & en g i n e e r i n g s e r v i c e s
(OPTIONAL)
SECTION B-B'
4 NO TRESPASSING SIGN 100 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor
15 SCALE: NTS Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
10' MINIMUM STAKE
p 781.419.7696
(TYP.) www.essgroup.com
B B'
VARIES
2'
STRAW BALE
OR WOOD
FRAME (TYP.)
10mil PLASTIC LINING XXXX

PLAN
2'
NOTES: EMERGENCY
CONTACT: DIRECT ENERGY SOLAR
1. ACTUAL LAYOUT AND LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CONTRACTOR. LOCATE XXX-XXX-XXXX
WASHOUT AREA AT LEAST 50 FEET FROM SENSITIVE AREAS SUCH AS STORM DRAINS, AP 19D LOT 10
OPEN DITCHES, OR WATER BODIES, INCLUDING WETLANDS. 191 WEST POMEROY LN
2. CONCRETE WASHOUT SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED IN SUFFICIENT
NOTES:
AMHERST, MA
QUANTITY AND SIZE TO CONTAIN ALL LIQUID AND CONCRETE WASTE GENERATED BY
WASHOUT OPERATIONS. PROVIDE 12 INCHES OF FREEBOARD. 1. SIGN SHALL BE REFLECTIVE RUST
FREE ALUMINUM.
3. PLASTIC LINING SHALL BE FREE OF HOLES, TEARS, OR OTHER DEFECTS.
2. EMERGENCY CONTACT TELEPHONE
4. WASHOUT SHALL BE CLEANED OR REPLACED ONCE 75% FULL. NUMBER TO BE PROVIDED BY OWNER.
NOTICE OF INTENT
5 EMERGENCY CONTACT SIGN DETAILS
15 SCALE: NTS
2 TYPICAL CONCRETE WASHOUT
15 SCALE: NTS
D-2

Applied Golf Solar Project at Hickory Ridge in Amherst

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Applied Golf Solar Project at Hickory Ridge in Amherst

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November 27, 2018

Briony Angus, Chair

Re: Notice of Intent

Dear Ms. Angus,

C: Charles Kovacic, Direct Energy Solar

© 2018 ESS Group, Inc.

ESS Project No. D190-000

Notice of Intent – WPA Form 3

Wetlands Fee Transmittal Form

Abutter Notification Materials

Figure 1 Project Locus

Attachment A Wetland Delineation Report

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Document Transaction Number

4. Representative (if any):

wpaform3.doc • rev. 2/8/2018 Page 1 of 9

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Document Transaction Number

A. General Information (continued)

1. Single Family Home 2. Residential Subdivision

5. Utilities 6. Coastal engineering Structure

7. Agriculture (e.g., cranberries, forestry) 8. Transportation

8. Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for:

B. Buffer Zone & Resource Area Impacts (temporary & permanent)

wpaform3.doc • rev. 2/8/2018 Page 2 of 9

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Document Transaction Number

a. Bank 1. linear feet 2. linear feet

d. Bordering Land 135,500 sf (approx.)

3. cubic feet of flood storage lost 4. cubic feet replaced

2. cubic feet of flood storage lost 3. cubic feet replaced

2. Width of Riverfront Area (check one):

25 ft. - Designated Densely Developed Areas only

100 ft. - New agricultural projects only

200 ft. - All other projects

4. Proposed alteration of the Riverfront Area:

3. Coastal Resource Areas: (See 310 CMR 10.25-10.35)

wpaform3.doc • rev. 2/8/2018 Page 3 of 9

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Document Transaction Number

d. Coastal Beaches 1. square feet 2. cubic yards beach nourishment

e. Coastal Dunes 1. square feet 2. cubic yards dune nourishment

Size of Proposed Alteration Proposed Replacement (if any)

f. Coastal Banks 1. linear feet

h. Salt Marshes 1. square feet 2. sq ft restoration, rehab., creation

2. cubic yards dredged

1. cubic yards dredged

a. square feet of BVW b. square feet of Salt Marsh

5. Project Involves Stream Crossings

a. number of new stream crossings b. number of replacement stream crossings

wpaform3.doc • rev. 2/8/2018 Page 4 of 9

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number

WPA Form 3 – Notice of Intent Document Transaction Number

C. Other Applicable Standards and Requirements

Streamlined Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/Wetlands Protection Act Review

1. Percentage/acreage of property to be altered:

2. Assessor’s Map or right-of-way plan of site

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Provided by MassDEP:

Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands MassDEP File Number