Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection – Wetlands and Waterways
BRP WW 10 Major Project Certification
BRP WW 11 Minor Project Certification
X224659
Transmittal Number #
401 water Quality Certification for Fill and excavation
Projects in waters and Wetlands
A. Applicant Information
Important:
When filling out
forms on the
computer, use
only the tab key
to move your
cursor - do not
use the return
key.
1. Which permit category are you applying for?
BRP WW 10
BRP WW 11
2. Applicant/Owner:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division
Name
10 Park Plaza
Address
Boston
MA
02116
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Susan McArthur
Contact Person
n/a
(617) 973-7434
Telephone (home)
(work)
3. Authorized Agent
Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division
Name
10 Park Plaza
Address
Boston
MA
02116
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Tim Dexter
Contact Person
n/a
(617) 973-8306
Telephone (home)
(work)
401 Water Quality Cert BRPWW11.doc • 07/01
BRP WW 10, 11 • Page 1 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection – Wetlands and Waterways
BRP WW 10 Major Project Certification
BRP WW 11 Minor Project Certification
X224659
Transmittal Number #
401 water Quality Certification for Fill and excavation
Projects in waters and Wetlands
B. Project Information
1. Project Location:
Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook
Address
Royalston
MA
03168
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Lawrence Brook
Nearest or Adjacent Waterbody
2. Project Name (if any):
Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook Bridge Replacement, Bridge No. R-12-004
3. a. Describe project purpose:
To replace the existing structurally deficient bridge with a new structure.
b. Is the project
water-dependent
401 Water Quality Cert BRPWW11.doc • 07/01
non water-dependent
BRP WW 10, 11 • Page 2 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection – Wetlands and Waterways
X224659
BRP WW 10 Major Project Certification
BRP WW 11 Minor Project Certification
Transmittal Number #
401 water Quality Certification for Fill and excavation
Projects in waters and Wetlands
B. Project Information (cont.)
4. a. provide a brief description of the proposed project (See Application Instructions and include a
copy of the Notice of intent, if any.):
SEE ATTACHMENT A
b. Notice of Intent File number (if any):
Project is Bridge Exempt
5. Identify the loss in square feet of each type of resource area (see Application Instructions for
additional information.):
32 Permanent; 172 Temporary
a. Bordering vegetated wetland:
square feet
0
b. Isolated vegetated wetland:
square feet
c.
square feet
683 Temporary
Land under water:
32 Permanent; 855 Temporary
d. Total cumulative loss of a. + b. + c.:
square feet
e. Salt marsh:
square feet
n/a
6. a. Will the proposed project occur in any wetlands or waters designated as “Outstanding Resource
Waters”?
Yes
No
If yes has public notice been published in the Environmental Monitor?
Yes
No
b. Is this project a subdivision or any part of a
subdivision?
c. Is the project categorically subject to
MEPA?
If yes, has final action been taken?
To be published
Date of Publication
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
If yes, please include copy of MEPA
certificate.
401 Water Quality Cert BRPWW11.doc • 07/01
BRP WW 10, 11 • Page 3 of 4
Public Notice
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Wetlands and Waterways
Boston Region
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1341 M.G.L. c. 21 S 43, notice is given of a 401 Water Quality
Certification application for the replacement of Bridge R-12-004, Northeast Fitzwilliam
Road over Lawrence Brook in the Town of Royalston, Massachusetts by the MassDOT
Division of Highways, Ten Park Plaza, Room 4260, Boston, MA 02116. This project will
involve the replacement of the existing structure; there will also be some minor roadway
approach reconstruction. The new bridge will exist approximately on the same horizontal
and vertical alignment as the existing structure. Additional information may be obtained
from the Massachusetts Highway Department at the above address, Attention Timothy
Dexter, (617) 973-8306. Written comments should be sent to DEP, Division of Wetlands
and Waterways, Attention Derek Standish, Boston Region, One Winter Street, 3rd Floor,
Boston, MA 02108 within 21 days of this notice. 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 Department’s
Certification. Failure to submit written comments before the end of the public comment
period may result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory hearing.
WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION – ATTACHMENT A
Replacement of Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook
Bridge No. R-12-004
Royalston, Massachusetts
1. Existing Conditions
The project is located in the Town of Royalston, Massachusetts in the northwest part of
Worcester County. The existing bridge, built in 1936, is a single span simply supported
span (26’-9”) consisting of eight non-composite rolled section stringers and a 6” concrete
deck overlaid with a bituminous concrete wearing surface. The out-to-out bridge width is
approximately 23’-3” consisting of a 21’-2” roadway between a concrete barrier on the
east side and a Type SS guardrail on the west side. There is no sidewalk on the bridge or
its approaches. The current runoff from the bridge deck travels to the approach roadway
where it runs off the side of the road and down the side slopes. Northeast Fitzwilliam
Road is functionally classified as a rural local road. The 2004 Average Daily Traffic
(ADT) for this section of the road is 140 vehicles per day (VPD) and for the year 2024
and ADT of 176 VPD is projected. The existing bridge has an AASHTO sufficiency
rating of 21.5 and is structurally deficient. The bridge has a weight limit posting of 8, 11
and 17 tons for type H, 3 and 3S2 truck, respectively.
2. Proposed Conditions
The proposed structure will be widened to provide a 24-foot wide roadway with a
bituminous surface. This will be transitioned to meet the existing 22-foot wide roadway
at the project limits. The new bridge structure will be pre-engineered modular precast
concrete arch culvert. The segments will have a 48'-0" clear opening and an 11'-0" rise.
The segments will be buried under a minimum of 10" to the top of paving. Widening of
the bridge will be done entirely to the east side and aligned with new horizontal and
vertical roadway geometry. The roadway will be closed during construction and a detour
plan will be implemented. Curbing will be constructed along both the left and right side
of the roadway on the north approach to the bridge where the roadway grades increase
from 1.5% (±) to 11.5% (±). Deep sump catch basins will be installed to collect this
runoff and discharge it to a proposed drainage swale on the northeast side of the bridge.
Drainage runoff on the south side of the bridge will continue to discharge over the edges
of the approach roadway, keeping the current drainage conditions unchanged. The
approach roadway alignment will be slightly shifted to the northwest to avoid impacts to
a historic retaining wall, and the side slope on the northwest approach roadway has been
steeped to a 1.5:1 slope to avoid impacts to a wet meadow.
3. Construction Sequence
I.
Placement of temporary traffic control devices for road closure/detour.
II.
Placement of hay bales and sedimentation fence around work area.
III.
Provide debris shield underneath bridge.
IV.
Remove existing guardrail, concrete slab and steel beams.
V.
Lower existing abutments.
WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION – ATTACHMENT A
Replacement of Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook
Bridge No. R-12-004
Royalston, Massachusetts
VI.
Install H-piles for support of excavation adjacent to and behind both
existing abutments.
VII.
Excavate and construct cast-in-place concrete bridge foundations.
VIII.
Install pre-engineered modular precast concrete arch culvert.
IX.
Reconstruct roadway approaches and construct drainage swale. Plant
proposed landscaping and wetlands replication/restoration.
X.
Stabilize all slopes prior to the removal of the hay bales and sedimentation
fence.
XI.
Remove all temporary traffic control devices and open roadway to traffic.
XII.
Cleanup area and return to pre-construction condition.
4. Wetland Impacts
A wetland survey of the project area was conducted on July 27, 2005. Based on
hydrologic indicators, soil conditions, and existing vegetation, the limits of Mean High
Water (or Bank) and Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) were delineated and
surveyed. BVW are located adjacent to the roadway on all four of the bridge approaches
at minimum distances from the proposed roadway as follows:
NW approach
SW approach
NE approach
SE approach
20’ ±
23’ ±
18’ ±
13’ ±
To minimize impacts to wetland resource areas, 1:1 reinforced earth slopes will be
constructed in on either side of the roadway and bridge. With the construction of these
steeper, reinforced earth slopes, the permanent impacts to wetland resource areas will be
minimal. Approximately 32 square feet (sf) of BVW will be permanently impacted on
the northeast side of the bridge at the base of one of these slopes.
For the construction of the proposed bridge foundations, cofferdams and temporary steel
sheeting will be temporarily installed to allow for the work to be done in the dry. The
approximate limits of these temporary cofferdams have been shown on the Construction
Plan and are estimated to result in approximately 172 sf of temporary impacts to BVW
and 683 sf of temporary impact to Land Under Water (LUW). It is noted that the 683 sf
of temporary impacts to Land Under Water are occurring due to the acceptance of
Substructure Alternative 2, which requires cutting the abutments 2’ below streambed
elevation and the placement of natural stone to restore streambed habitat in the footprint
of the existing abutments (see section 10 Alternatives Analysis).
WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION – ATTACHMENT A
Replacement of Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook
Bridge No. R-12-004
Royalston, Massachusetts
Table 1. Impact Summary
Resource Area
Land Under Water
Bordering Vegetated Wetlands
Total Impacts
Permanent Impacts
Temporary Impacts
0 sf
32 sf
32 sf
683 sf
172 sf
855 sf
5. Wetland Replication (if required)
To mitigate the 32 sf of permanent impacts to BVW, a 41 sf BVW replication area is
proposed adjacent to existing BVW east of the bridge. Due to the replication area’s small
size, two arrowwood viburnam (Viburnum dentatum) shrubs will be planted and the
entire area seeded with a native wetland species seed mix. The 172 sf of temporary
impacts to BVW will be mitigated by restoration within the BVW’s pre-construction
location using a native wetland species seed mix.
6. Sedimentation Control
Appropriate erosion and sedimentation controls and other construction best management
practices will be employed during construction to avoid and minimize impacts to adjacent
wetland resource areas. The Lawerence Brook Fort River will be protected by compost
filter tubes to be used in lieu of haybales and silt fencing. These erosion and
sedimentation controls will be placed around work areas for each activity to demarcate
limits of work and to prevent the movement of disturbed material toward nearby wetland
resource areas. Additional control measures will be employed as necessary. All
measures will be maintained for the duration of the contract. All silt collected behind
compost filter tubes shall be removed before such measures are removed.
7. Dewatering
The proposed bridge foundations will be located below the groundwater elevation, behind
a sandbag cofferdam to allow work to be completed in the dry. Dewatering will be
necessary for this work. The dewatering will consist of a pump to remove water from the
areas of excavation and to allow for the placement of concrete. The discharge pipe will
transfer this pumped water to temporary dewatering sediment containment structure
which will serve to filter out sediments before the runoff is discharged into the
surrounding environment. Dewatering sediment containment structures will be located
outside of environmentally sensitive resource areas.
8. Storm Water Management
The project proposes to add curbing and deep sump catch basins on the north bridge
approach. This will discharge through a drainage swale to be constructed on the
WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION – ATTACHMENT A
Replacement of Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook
Bridge No. R-12-004
Royalston, Massachusetts
northeast side of the bridge. This will result in an increase in TSS removal rate before the
runoff is discharged in to the surrounding areas, which is an improvement over the
current system in which under existing conditions no TSS removal is provided. Drainage
runoff on the south approach to the bridge will be dispersed over the edges of the
roadway (no curbing will be provided), keeping the current drainage conditions
unchanged.
9. Fisheries and Wildlife/Natural Heritage Endangered Species/Vernal Pools
■ End Sp
 ORW
Coordination with the NHESP has indicated the project site is located within the habitat
of the Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta). During MESA coordination in 2008, the
NHESP issued a “no take” letter provided specific conditions are met. Due to the
project’s redesign, MassDOT is submitting a revised MESA Project Review Checklist
concurrently with this WQC Application. Due to the more context sensitive design,
utilizing streambed restoration elements, MassDOT anticipates another “no take”
determination from the NHESP. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife will
review the project for fisheries concerns concurrently with the MESA filing.
DFW Fisheries has identified 10 species of fish that inhabit Lawrence Brook. These
include: bluegill, brook trout, brown bullhead, brown trout, chain pickerel, creek
chubsucker, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass and white sucker. The
river is also stocked each spring with brook trout, brown trout and/or rainbow trout.
10. Alternative Analysis
Bridge Type
In June 2007, a bridge type selection study was prepared. This type study evaluated five
alternatives to replace the existing bridge crossing to carry an HS-25 live load.
Subsequently, an addendum to the type study was prepared in February 2012 in which an
additional four alternatives were evaluated. Each alternative considers a new single span
structure that will increase the travel way from 21’-2” to 24’-0” with curbs and bridge
railing.
Since the bridge crosses Lawrence Brook, the existing river clearance envelope below the
bridge will not be decreased; existing low chord elevation is 866.12 feet. The
Massachusetts Department of Transportation Hydraulic Section has identified the 100year design flood elevation to be 860.90 feet. The existing abutments define the limits of
the horizontal river clearance envelope; therefore, these will be left in place and the new
abutments will be located behind these.
Since the proposed abutments for all of the bridge structure types will be located behind
the existing abutments and are essentially the same width, the impacts to the adjacent
WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION – ATTACHMENT A
Replacement of Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook
Bridge No. R-12-004
Royalston, Massachusetts
resource areas would be the same for all. The selection of the pre-engineered modular
precast concrete arch culvert as the preferred alternative is primarily related to the cost.
In addition to the bridge type selection, two alternatives were evaluated for the widening
of the bridge and the approach roadways. Alternative 1 evaluated the widening of the
roadway to the west side, while maintaining the existing east edge of pavement.
Alternative 2 considered widening to the east side, while maintaining the existing west
edge of pavement. Both alternatives require minor right-of-way takings and the costs
associated with each are essentially the same. However, the environmental impacts
associated with Alternative 1 were found to be more extensive than Alternative 2. When
considering standard 2:1 side slopes, Alternative 1 would result in approximately 200
square feet of permanent BVW impacts while Alternative 2 would result in only 75
square feet of permanent impacts to BVW areas. Based on this, Alternative 2 was
selected as the Preferred Alternative. Subsequently, 1:1 reinforced earth slopes have
been incorporated into the design to further reduce the impacts to the wetland resource
areas.
Substructure Type
Two substructure alternatives were analyzed: 1) Abutments cut above streambed; 2)
Abutments cut below streambed with streambed restoration. Substructure Alternative 1
resulted in minimal impacts to the wetland resource due to cutting the existing abutment
above the Ordinary High Water Mark and conducting bridge construction behind the
existing abutments. Though, given the presence of the wood turtle and fisheries
resources, MassDOT also investigated Substructure Alternative 2: cutting the abutments
below streambed elevation, placing riprap on top of the cut abutment for scour protection,
and placing 2’ of natural stone on top of the riprap to provide a natural cross section to
enhance the stream for endangered species and fisheries resources. The Hydraulics
Section determined that Substructure Alternative 2 would not have an impact to flood
elevations and was adequate for scour protection. Consequently, given the context
sensitivity of the site, Substructure Alternative 2 was selected.
11. Specifications to be included into the contract
■ Demo
■ Wetland Replication
 Mussel Survey/Transplant Protocol
 Vegetation Survey/Transplant Protocol
■ Wood Turtle Protection
■ Streambed / bank restoration
Northeast Fitzwilliam Road – Lawrence Brook
ITEM # 983.521 STREAMBED/BANK RESTORATION
YARD
CUBIC
The purpose of this item is to provide for the installation of natural streambed material over
the proposed riprap and the existing footing to be left for scour protection, to provide a
natural streambed for aquatic organisms, and an upland bank along the face of the new
abutments for wildlife passage, to enhance the Lawrence Brook habitat at Bridge
# R-12-004.
The work to be done under this item shall conform to the relevant provisions of Section 983
of the Standard Specifications and the following:
MATERIAL
The streambed/bank construction material is to be placed on top of the existing
abutment which will be cut below streambed, and on top of the proposed riprap in front
of the proposed abutment, as depicted on the plans. The intent of this item is to ensure a
natural streambed and bank over the existing abutment footing to be left in place, and in
front of the proposed abutment, to provide fisheries and wildlife habitat enhancement as
part of the reconstruction of Bridge # R-12-004.
The streambed material shall be comprised of two primary components.
1. Stone 4 inches and under shall meet the following gradation:
Sieve opening
Percent by Mass Passing Through
4”
2”
¾”
#4
95
55 – 65
30 – 45
0–5
2. Stone 6 inches to 2.5 foot in diameter:
Stone Size
Percent Passing
2.0’
1.5’
0.5’
80
25
0
The streambed/bank stone for all two components shall be native cobbles and boulders
similar in shape and size of streambed/bank stone adjacent to the work area. Partially
angular rock is preferred over round and shall be able to lock together to prevent
movement during high flows. Crushed Stone will not be accepted for any of the four
components. Any stone excavated from the existing streambed can be stockpiled and
reused for streambed restoration, provided the excavated stone is characteristic of the
existing stream material upstream and downstream of the work area, or meets the above
criteria. The elevations and conditions of the existing streambed shall be maintained to
the maximum extent practicable.
CONSTRUCTION
STREAMBED
Components one and two shall be pre-blended outside the project area at a volume ratio
of 30% and 70% respectively. The pre-blending shall be done in a way that will prevent
the mass from being contaminated by work-place soils. The pre-blended mass shall be
placed over areas of the existing abutment/footing to be cut below streambed, and over
areas of proposed riprap as shown on the plans.
The placement of streambed/bank material under this item shall not begin until the
Engineer approves the rip rap along the bridge footing. The Contractor shall submit to
the Engineer for approval prior to the start of operations, his placement plan and method
of placement.
METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
The quantity payable shall be the volume of stone placed.
BASIS OF PAYMENT
The work to be done under this Item shall be measured and paid for at the Contract Unit
Price per Cubic Yard complete and in place. Said price shall be considered full
compensation for all labor, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to rebuild the
streambed.
ITEM 755. 1
ITEM 755.9
WETLAND REPLACEMENT / RESTORATION AREA
PROFESSIONAL WETLAND SPECIALIST
LUMP SUM
HOUR
DESCRIPTION
(Revised, September 2010.)
The work to be done under this section includes excavating, fine grading and installation of wetland soil and
plants as shown on the plans and as directed by the Engineer. The work under this item shall conform to the
relevant provisions of Sections 120, 770, 771, and the following:
The construction and re-vegetation of the replacement and restoration areas shall be in accordance with the
Plans and Cross Sections and as directed by the Wetland Specialist. Limits of replacement and proposed
plantings shown on the plans are approximate and may require adjustment in the field to accommodate actual
conditions.
The Contractor shall retain the services of a Wetland Scientist, Biologist, Botanist, or other individual
(hereafter referred to as Wetland Specialist) with similar qualifications and a minimum of five years experience
in similar wetland replacements, and thoroughly versed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act (MGL C.131, s.40) and all other relevant regulations of the Department of Environmental
Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District.
WETLAND SPECIALIST
The Wetland Specialist shall be paid per hour under Item 755.9. Responsibilities of the Wetland Specialist shall
pertain only to wetland replacement, mitigation and restoration activities. All other environmental monitoring
activities shall be paid for under separate items.
Wetland Specialist shall review environmental permits and evaluate impacted and proposed wetland sites,
conditions and materials prior to construction. Wetland Specialist shall review siltation controls and monitor
construction impacts to buffer zones and regulated wetland resources for wetland replacement activities. Wetland
Specialist shall also be responsible for approving the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
final location of wetland area and limits
final grading prior to planting and seeding
limits of wetland and upland seeding prior to seeding
wetland plant locations prior to installation
monitoring for invasive species during establishment period and until final acceptance
submitting wetland monitoring reports to the Resident engineer, other MassDOT units, and regulatory
agencies, as directed.
Wetland Specialist shall also be responsible for mitigation requirements specified in the Order of Conditions as
they pertain to the wetland replacement, restoration or mitigation.
The definition of invasive species referred to herein shall be as defined by Massachusetts Invasive Plant
Advisory Group (MIPAG): "non-native species that have spread into native or minimally managed plant
systems in Massachusetts, causing economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations
and becoming dominant and/or disruptive to those systems." In addition, invasive species shall include those
listed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District.
SUBMITTALS
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Wetland Specialist. Prior to beginning work, the Wetland Specialist shall furnish proof of qualifications to the
Engineer for approval.
Soils. Contractor shall submit for approval all sources of loam and compost and all other soil amendments prior
to ordering. Soils brought in from off-site shall be free of invasive species. Off-site source shall be identified
and available for inspection by the Engineer prior to transport of soil to the site.
Photographic Documentation. Prior to any disturbance, clear and legible digital photographs shall be taken by
the Contractor of the existing wetland to be impacted and of the proposed wetland replacement site. These shall
be submitted to the Engineer.
Seed. At least 30 days prior to ordering, the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer seed packing certificates
with source and date, as well as material specifications for all mulch materials. No material shall be ordered
until submittals have been approved by the Engineer. Delivered materials shall match approved materials. All
substitutions shall be approved by the Wetland Specialist or MassDOT Landscape Architect.
Seed shall be brought to the site in unopened bags, whereupon Engineer shall collect certification from bag
prior to opening bag and prior to any seeding activity. In addition, a manufacturer’s Certificate of Compliance
shall be submitted with each seed shipment. These Certificates shall include the guaranteed percentages of Pure
Live Seed, based on purity and germination rates, as well as the net weight, harvest, and shipment dates.
Quantities specified are Pure Live Seed (PLS). Greater quantities of ordered seed may be required to achieve
actual specified seeding rates. Pure Live Seed is defined as the fraction of pure seed species within the mix
that, by standard seed testing practices, will germinate. This is determined by multiplying the percent of seed
purity by the percent of seed germination.
Plant Material. At least 60 days before planting, the Contractor shall notify the Engineer of the nursery
sources of all plant material to be used in the contract.
MATERIALS
Wetland Soil
Compost shall be per the requirements of Section M.1.06.0 Organic Soil Additives.
Wetland soil for wetland restoration or replacement may be either soil excavated from impacted wetland area or
manufactured hydric soil. If using soil from the impacted wetland area, soil shall not be compacted or grubbed.
If the proposed mitigation site is in an area free of invasive species, wetland soil from the impacted wetland
that is infested with invasive plant species shall not be used so as to avoid bringing invasive species to a new
location. If the mitigation is adjacent to the infested area, wetland soils from the impacted site may be used as
they will inevitably spread into the mitigation site. Manufactured wetland soil shall consist of on-site borrow
from the proposed replacement site thoroughly mixed with compost to achieve a target organic content of 1012% by weight. Where empirical data are lacking, compost to soil ratio shall be 1:2 by volume. Off-site borrow
may be used for mixing if approved in advance by the Engineer per these Special Provisions.
No soil, compost, or other soil amendment imported to the work site shall contain seeds, roots, stems, or other
viable parts of invasive plants. No soil or soil amendment shall be brought on site without prior approval of the
material source. Soils used in the replacement area should be free of rocks greater than 4 inches (100 mm) in
diameter.
Compost Filter Tubes/Berms
Compost filter tubes or berms, if used in lieu of hay bales, shall conform to the requirements of Section 767 of
the Standard Specifications and to the Special Provision for Compost Filter Tubes.
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Plant Material
The planting will consist of the material specified herein or on the plans. It may be necessary to substitute if
the specified plant material is not available. However, any substitutions must be approved by the Resident
Engineer or MassDOT Landscape Design Section prior to planting. A variety of species is desired; if a
significant number of plants are specified, the Wetland Specialist, in coordination with the Landscape Design
Section, may substitute plants to create a wider diversity of appropriate wetland species.
Plant species and sizes shall be
• southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), 3’-4’ HT.
All plant material used shall be native species. Plants shall be nursery-grown and healthy, sound and free of
disease, insect pests, eggs or larvae, leaf discolorations, leaf wilting or curling, and shall have a well-developed
root system. All plants shall be containerized or seedling plugs. No bare-root plants shall be used and no field
collected plants shall be used.
Container-grown plants shall have sufficient roots to hold planting mix intact after removal from containers,
but should not be root bound.
Soil/root mass shall be watered and moist upon delivery to the job site. Plants with dry soils/roots shall not be
accepted. Plant material shall be planted as soon as possible (within a week) after it has been purchased. All
plant materials temporarily stored at the site prior to planting shall be stored out of direct exposure to sun and
wind and shall be maintained by careful watering and shall be protected from damage due to construction
activities and adverse weather. Plants stored improperly may be rejected and shall be replaced by the
Contractor at no additional cost to MassDOT.
Replication and Restoration Seeding
Seed Mix shall be Pure Live Seed and shall be
• A wetland mix comprised of native New England species from one of the following suppliers or an
approved equal: New England Wetland Plants, Amherst, MA (#413) 549-4000; Allen Seed, Exeter, RI
(#800-527-3898); or Ernst Conservation Seeds, Meadville PA (#800- 873-3321). Such mix shall be
specific to the hydrologic conditions of the site and approved by the Wetland Specialist or
MassHighway Landscape Design Section.
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Site Preparation
All trees, stumps, brush and other removed vegetation shall become the property of the Contractor to be legally
disposed of off site or recycled for use.
The Contractor shall plan and execute operations in such a manner that the amount of excavated and exposed
fill is minimized and foreign materials are prevented from being washed or otherwise carried into the
replacement area or into nearby wetland resource areas.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Stake out replacement area boundaries in the field prior to excavation. Install siltation barrier of hay bales and
silt fence or filter tubes and silt fence (if used) along the edge of the proposed replacement site. The siltation
barrier shall begin and end in the surrounding upland and shall be placed so that no excavated material or
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disturbed soil can enter adjacent wetlands or waters. The siltation barrier shall act as a limit of work barrier for
all heavy equipment. Siltation fencing needs to be entrenched in soil to prevent sediment transport.
Filter tubes shall be sized and filled to achieve at least 12 inches (300 mm) in height. Bags shall be tamped to
ensure good contact with soil. The Contractor shall maintain the filter tubes in a functional condition at all
times, including inspections after each rainfall and at least daily during prolonged rainfall and shall
immediately correct all deficiencies.
Hay bales shall be a single row and shall be tightly butted to adjacent bales, and staked with two 1” x 1” x 3’
(25 mm x 25 mm x 1 m) stakes spaced evenly in the bale and driven solidly into the underlying material.
Engineer shall inspect and approve erosion and sediment control measures prior to excavation work. Contractor
shall remove sediment deposits as necessary to maintain the filters in working condition.
Suitable erosion and sedimentation control consisting of a filter berm, compost tube, or siltation fence shall be
installed around the replacement to control the discharge of water draining into and from the replacement area.
Excavation
Final wetland replacement area shall be staked for approval prior to clearing and excavation. Environmental
protection measures, including hay bales, silt fence, compost filter tubes or berms, shall be in place prior to any
construction activities. Limits of replacement area shall be adjusted to protect root systems of existing trees:
limits shall be a minimum of 6 feet (2 meters) from trunk of trees to the extent possible. However, the total
area of wetland mitigation required by permit(s) shall not be reduced.
Unless otherwise directed, the contractor shall excavate replacement area to a depth of 12 inches (300mm)
below finished grade.
If hydric soil from the impacted wetland is being used and the replacement area is not ready for placement, the
soil may be temporarily stacked in a site approved by the Engineer. The stockpiled soil shall be placed in the
replacement area as soon as practicable and with a minimum of handling. The Contractor shall provide water to
keep the soil moist, whether stockpiled or placed in the replacement area. All stockpiled soils shall be outside
the resource area and at least 100 feet (30 meters) from the edge of resource areas and buffer zones. All
material should be covered with plastic or a tarpaulin and watered as necessary to prevent desiccation.
Stockpiled soil shall be surrounded by hay bales or filter tubes/berms to prevent migration of sediment.
In the event there is excess borrow, it shall be disposed of without additional compensation.
Backfill and Grading
The Wetland Specialist and the Resident Engineer will oversee all grading activities. The Contractor shall take
measures necessary to ensure that the elevations of constructed replacement area blend without interruption
with those of protected wetland areas.
Sequence and execution of work will ensure minimal compaction and that no heavy equipment travels over
placed replacement soil.
Following excavation and grading of the site to sub-grade, and after the sub-grade elevations are approved by
the Engineer, wetland soils shall be placed in two lifts over the replacement area as shown on the Plans and
Cross Sections and/or as directed by the Wetland Specialist.
Contractor shall provide sufficient backfill to reach a depth not to exceed 12 inches (300 mm). The finish
elevations within the wetland replacement area shall be surveyed to ensure that the correct topography and
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control devices. The finished grade shall be at an elevation that will provide a hydrologic connection between
the replacement area and adjacent wetlands or water source. The Contractor shall verify that this elevation is
not at a level that could dewater an adjacent wetland. The hydrologic connection should be in keeping with
restoring the intended function of the replacement wetland.
After placement of soil is complete, the soil surface shall be raked to a relatively smooth planting surface,
except for topography changes around any trees that are selected to remain. If area has been dewatered, natural
water levels shall be restored.
Upon completion of the excavating, filling and grading of the replacement area, filter berms, filter tubes or a
hay bale barrier shall be placed around the entire perimeter to protect it until completion of project construction.
The erosion-control devices shall be removed after plants are established and in accordance with performance
standards from the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations and applicable permits. The ground under the siltation
barriers shall be reseeded with the wetland mix when the barriers are removed.
PLANTING & SEEDING
Once soils have been placed, no heavy equipments shall travel across replacement or restoration areas.
All planting and seeding will take place under the supervision of the Wetland Specialist. At least 75 percent of
the replacement surface area shall be reestablished with wetland plant species within two growing seasons of
planting in accordance with the Massachusetts DEP Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, Corps of Engineers
mitigation guidance, and applicable permit conditions.
Plant Installation
Wetland planting shall be performed between April 1 and June 15 or between September 1 and October 30.
Planting outside of these dates shall require written permission from the Engineer in coordination with the
Landscape Design Section.
Trees shall be planted approximately 8-12 feet on center. Shrubs shall be planted in groupings of 3-12 plants. If
proposed shrubs are sized less than 2.5 feet (750 mm) in height, plants shall be spaced at no greater than 3 feet
(1 meter) apart. Plants shall be located in a naturalized manner; under no circumstances shall replacement
planting arrangement be a grid pattern with plants spaced evenly, 4 or 8 feet (1.2 or 2.4 meters) on center
throughout. This special provision shall take precedence over the planting plan. Discrepancies may be resolved
in consultation with the MassDOT Landscape Design Section.
Plants shall be positioned as shown on plans and as directed by the Wetland Specialist. All plants shall be
placed in holes where the void width is three times the width of the root mass and the same depth as the room
mass. The plant shall be removed from its container or burlap covering and set in the hole in a manner so that
the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the ground. The hole shall be filled in 3 lifts with the
material dug out of the hole. Each lift shall be watered and lightly compacted to assure that the plant cannot be
easily removed and to remove air pockets. Care must be taken to keep the root ball intact during handling. No
fertilizers shall be necessary.
After planting is complete, the replacement area shall be hand raked until soil is loose to eliminate all soil
compaction due to foot traffic. Raking shall also be used to maintain finish grades established prior to planting.
All planted material shall be watered within the same day after planting. If for any reason all plantings are not
accomplished in one day, the finished plantings must be watered in the interim.
Following planting, a second line of erosion control protection (hay bales or filter berms/tubes) shall be placed
at the upper limit of the wetland replacement area. These are intended to protect the replacement area from
erosion and from foreign materials that could potentially wash into the area.
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Seeding
Wetland seed mix shall be applied after soil has been raked or after mulch has been applied. Seed shall be sown
by hand or by small mechanical lawn seeder unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. No fertilizers are
necessary unless otherwise directed by the Wetland Specialist.
Water seeded areas within same day. Spray of water shall not disturb seed on the soil surface. Any seeded area
disturbed by watering or other construction activity shall be re-seeded at no additional cost. Watering shall
continue as necessary for germination and establishment of seed.
Compost Mulch
Upon completion of seeding and/or planting, all disturbed areas up to the limit of the replacement area shall be
lightly mulched with 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) of compost and seeded.
Removal of Erosion Protection Measures
Upon completion of all construction and once soils are stabilized with a uniform cover of vegetation, hay bales
shall be removed and disposed of off-site. Contractor shall rake out filter berms so that filter material is no greater
than 3 inches (75 mm) in depth on soil substrate. If filter has been wrapped in fabric or fabric bags, all bag
material shall be cut and removed and disposed of off-site by the Contractor, at no additional cost to the project.
Filter material shall then be raked out.
MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENTS
Monitoring will be performed in order to ensure satisfactory plant establishment and compliance with the
performance standards for Bordering Vegetated Wetland from the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
Regulations at 310 CMR 10.55 (4)(b) or with any other requirements of the Department of Environmental
Protection, Corps of Engineers, and applicable permits..
At the end of each of the growing seasons, the Wetland Specialist shall complete and submit a progress report
detailing the relative success or failure of the replacement efforts.
Plants shall be inspected for disease and area shall be monitored for invasive species. All invasive species shall
be removed as specified by the Wetland Specialist.
Completion Inspection
Area shall be inspected to document that it has been constructed such that it meets the intent of the design with
regard to soils, grading, hydrologic connection, erosion control, plant species and quantities, and quality of
plant material. A written report must be submitted to the Resident Engineer which documents construction of
the mitigation area, materials, final grades, final total area of mitigation, and digital photographs showing final
conditions.
First Inspection
Wetland Specialist will conduct an inspection at the end of the first full growing season or 180 growing season
days after planting, whichever comes first. A written report must be submitted to the Resident Engineer
documenting viability of the mitigation area, hydrology, condition of vegetation, evidence of invasive plant
species, and any other information required by permits, DEP and Corps of Engineers regulations and
requirements.
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Plants shall show seventy-five percent (75%) healthy foliage to be assumed as having satisfactory evidence of
growth after the first growing season. The Contractor is required to remove and replace all plants that have not
shown satisfactory evidence of establishment. Replacements shall be with plants originally specified in this
contract or as determined by the Wetland Specialist and shall be at no additional cost to the department.
Seeding shall have seventy-five percent (75%) uniform cover by wetland species to be accepted as having
satisfactory evidence of growth. Any areas that are unsatisfactory shall be reseeded. All reseeding, together with
necessary re-grading, soil amendment and erosion control, shall be done at the expense of the Contractor.
Second Inspection
The Wetland Specialist shall make a second inspection at the end of the second growing season. All written
reports shall be provided to the Resident Engineer as described under First Inspection.
Plants shall show seventy-five percent (75%) healthy foliage to be assumed as having satisfactory evidence of
growth after the first growing season. Seventy-five percent (75%) uniform cover by wetland species shall be
considered satisfactory evidence of growth. Plants that are dead or do not show healthy growth as determined
by the Wetland Specialist and the Engineer shall be replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the
Department.
Seeding shall have ninety percent (90%) uniform cover by wetland species to be accepted as having satisfactory
evidence of growth. Any areas that are unsatisfactory shall be reseeded. All reseeding, together with necessary
re-grading, soil amendment and erosion control, shall be done at the expense of the Contractor.
COMPENSATION
Wetland replacement and restoration areas shall be measured as lump sum (Item 755.1) of wetland
replacement/restoration completed and shall be paid for as such. Cost shall be full compensation for the work
described above, surveying of areas and existing conditions, evaluation of presence of satisfactory existing
wetland (hydric) soils for reuse in the replacement area, excavation, provision and placement of suitable
wetland soil materials, grading, and protection of the work and all inspections and reports. The cost shall also
be full compensation for seeding, plantings, fertilizers, watering, treatment of invasive species, inspections, and
all incidental costs for the satisfactory establishment of the wetland replacement and restoration areas.
For Lump Sum payment, Contractor shall submit a breakdown of costs for excavation, plant materials, seeding,
monitoring and maintenance. Lump sum shall be spread over the duration of the contract as follows:
75% after construction and upon approval of installation of plants and seeding;
15% upon approval after first inspection at end of first growing season
10% upon approval after second inspection at end of second growing season.
Professional Wetland Specialist shall be paid per hour under Item 755.9. Contractor shall submit a breakdown
of costs for all activities. Contract quantity is based on estimate of work appropriate for this contract.
Additional hours must be approved in advance by the MassDOT Landscape Design Section.
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ITEM 754.30
WOOD TURTLE PROTECTION PLAN
LUMP SUM
NORTHEAST FITZWILLIAM ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DESCRIPTION
General
This item outlines the requirements of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
(NHESP) of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) for projects occurring in the vicinity
of wood turtle populations. The work to be done consists of the monitoring and protection of
turtles during the reconstruction the Northeast Fitzwilliam Road over Lawrence Brook Bridge in
Royalston.
______________________________________________________________________________________
One-Time Sweeps Prior to Vegetation Clearing and In-Water Cofferdam Installation
The Turtle Monitor shall be a MassDOT biologist (Tim Dexter 617-973-8306
timothy.dexter@state.ma.us; Alex Murray 617-973-8284 alex.murray@state.ma.us) approved by
the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). Turtle Monitor shall obtain a
scientific collecting permit from the NHESP to handle wood turtles. The NHESP-approved Turtle
Monitor shall visit the site prior to the start of major work activity, and prior to that start of all
cofferdam phases; the Contractor and/or Resident Engineer shall coordinate with the Monitor at
least 3 weeks prior to such work. The Monitor shall sweep the site prior to any site clearing,
grubbing, or site preparations. The monitor shall inspect vegetation within 200’ of the stream,
prior to the establishment on the limit of work line.
The Monitor shall also provide a sweep of the site prior to any work in water. The Monitor shall
inspect all areas of land under water where cofferdams are to be installed, paying close attention
to overhanging banks.
The Monitor shall visually sweep these areas immediately before machines enter the area, and
relocate any turtles to suitable habitat immediately beyond the construction site. The Turtle
Monitor shall provide contact information to the project supervisor in the event a wood turtle is
discovered on-site. The Monitor may visit the site on only one day if the vegetation clearing and
in-water work are initiated on the same day. Upon completion of sweeps, the Monitor shall
provide the NHESP with a summary of activities at the construction site. This report shall include
the number and duration of visits, and rare species observation forms for all state-listed species
encountered. In the event of finding an injured turtle, the turtle shall be transported to a suitable
veterinarian. In the event of finding a turtle with a radio transmitter, NHESP and the contact on
the transmitter shall be alerted immediately.
All state-listed species encountered in or near the project shall be reported to the NHESP through
a Rare Animal/Plan Observation Report with the required supporting materials within 10 days
of the observation. No state-listed species may be removed from the project site unless under the
direct supervision of the biologist or the NHESP.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Establishment of a Limit of Work Barrier and Signage
Following the sweep of the work site, a limit of work barrier shall be installed. This line shall
consist of compost filter tubes and silt fence (silt fence as the outer boundary) and shall contain
signage clearly identifying it as the limits of work. One symbolic fence per bridge quadrant at the
limit of work shall be furnished and installed by the Contractor as directed by the Turtle Monitor.
1.
Installation of the barrier must be conducted using methods that result in a minimum of
disturbance (i.e., hand-dug, “2-man” trencher or auger). It is not appropriate to clear large
access paths prior to sweeps for turtle. No clearing may occur outside the limit of work
approved by the NHESP.
2.
The barrier must be composed of at least 2 1/2 feet of vertical barrier above ground and
an additional 4-6 inches buried below ground.
3.
The face of the material must be relatively smooth. Materials commonly used are staked at
6 - 10 foot intervals and include tightly woven geotextile, aluminum flashing, or other
such materials stapled or tacked to stakes. Loosely woven geotextile fabrics, hay/straw
bales, wattles or tubular materials are not generally sufficient. Tightly staked silt fence is
appropriate.
4.
The bottom of the barrier fabric must be carefully buried in a 4-6 inch deep trench. The
trench must be backfilled and compacted. If it is not possible to dig a trench, then the
bottom of the barrier must be affixed to the surfaced.
5.
The compost filter tubes used with silt fencing shall be installed on the work-side of the
silt fence to avoid turtles using these to breach the barrier.
6.
Once installed, the barrier shall be taut between the stakes. Slumps or loose materials will
undermine the effectiveness of the barrier. In some circumstances, geotextile fabrics may
need to be reinforced with backer material to ensure integrity. Backer material is typically
similar to hardware cloth.
Once per week, a person familiar with barrier maintenance and installation shall inspect the
barrier and facilitate any repairs or alterations. The limit of work barrier should remain taught
between stakes and any holes along the bottom repaired.
Work barrier and signage shall be removed by the Contractor at the completion of the project or
when approved by the Engineer. All material shall be removed and disposed of off-site by the
Contractor.
Example limit of work sign.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Construction Worker Training
The Monitor shall provide to the construction foreperson wood turtle identification and handling
pamphlets. All construction, landscaping, and other sub-contractors associated with the Project
shall be informed in writing of the likely presence of State-listed Species on the Property and
what measures (observation and injury) should be implemented to minimize direct harm to
State-listed Species.
Further, no wildlife shall be removed from the Property without approval of a qualified wildlife
biologist or the Division except as necessary to receive veterinary treatment in the case of harm
during construction.
This protocol may require only one to three days of labor, including field surveys and
correspondence with the NHESP.
COMPENSATION
Basis of Payment.
One-Time Sweeps Prior to Vegetation Clearing and In-Water Cofferdam Installation and
Construction Worker Training:
There will be no payment for the work, as the Turtle Monitor will be provided to the contractor
as a free service by MassDOT.
Establishment of Limit of Work Barrier and Signage:
Installation of a limit of work barrier and signage shall be paid at the lump sum bid price and
shall be compensation for all labor, equipment and materials necessary for the successful
installation, maintenance and removal of the work barrier and signage and the maintenance and
removal of the system.
40% of the lump sum bid price shall be made following the installation of the barrier and
signage. The remaining 60% shall be paid in 10% increments throughout the remaining period of
the contract.
Payment for compost filter tubes installed adjacent to work barrier shall be paid separately under
Item 767.12.
Photo 1: Northeast quad.
Photo 2: Southeast quad.
Photo 5: North abutment.
Photo 6: Southwest quad.
Photo 3: From southeast quad looking upstream.
Photo 4: South abutment.
Photo 7: Northwest quad.
Photo 8: Looking downstream.
Photo 9: Looking upstream.
CORRESPONDENCE
FROM NHESP
CONSTRUCTION PLANS