Environmental Monitor
April 9, 2025
The Environmental Monitor provides information on projects under review by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office, recent MEPA decisions of the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, and public notices from environmental agencies.
Berkshire Index:
• Great Barrington, Lenox, Sheffield, Lee, Pittsfield, Stockbridge – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan has been submitted for: Housatonic Railroad Company, Incorporated (HRRC) for the treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides during the 2025 calendar year. This plan has been prepared and submitted to the Department of Agricultural Resources by: TEC Associates of South Portland, Maine. One selective herbicide application will take place in the non-sensitive and sensitive area buffer zones along the roadbed portion of the right-of-way using a DAR approved herbicide mixture. This program is targeted toward the eradication of woody and herbaceous plant species germinating within the roadbed and around other fixtures including but not limited to: switches, signals, signs, and highway grade crossings. This application will be followed by a late summer touch-up application in areas of heavy vegetation growth, if necessary. – comments due 5/23/2025
• Lee – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – Notice is given of a 401 Water Quality Certification application for the replacement of Bridge #L04-005, Meadow Street over Powder Mill Brook in the Town of Lee, Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division, Ten Park Plaza, Room 7360, Boston, MA 02116. The bridge replacement project includes removal of the existing wingwalls and abutments as well as streambed restoration to improve the area. Two weirs will also be constructed in order to reduce the scour related to the waterway and bridge. Additional information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division at the above address, attention Courtney Walker or by emailing courtney.l.walker@dot.state.ma.us. Written comments should be sent to Heidi Davis, MassDEP Wetlands Program, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114 or heidi.davis@mass.gov within twenty-one 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. – published 4/9/2025
• Williamstown – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Aquatic Plant Management Program – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – Fred Puddester will file a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the Puddester’s Pond Management Plan with the Williamstown Conservation Commissions on or around April 24, 2025. Fred Puddester is proposing to implement a restoration management program at Puddester’s Pond to manage nuisance plant growth and invasive species. Management actions may include herbicide applications, hand pulling, hydroraking, native replanting, and placement of benthic barriers. Management actions may also include the installation and use of an aeration system to help improve water quality conditions in the pond and the placement of sand around a portion of the pond perimeter to create turtle nesting habitat. The project will improve aquatic habitats that support wildlife species and will restore the natural capacity of the resource area to protect the interests identified in the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131 §40). The anticipated public hearing date is April 24, 2025. To obtain additional information regarding the dates, times, and locations of the public hearings or to examine copies of the NOI, contact the Williamstown Conservation Commission at Andrew Groff, 31 North Street, Williamstown, MA 01267, (413) 597-8284. To obtain more information regarding this application or to obtain an electronic copy of the application, contact Katie Conese at TRC Companies at kconese@trccompanies.com or (781) 419-7709. – published 4/9/2025
• Florida – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – Edward Sturtevant of Lewis Tree Service, Inc. submitted a YOP to MDAR for Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project in March of 2025. In 2025 Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project will conduct an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program on their transmission lines. The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project VMP. In accordance with the guidelines set forth in Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project VMP and YOP, herbicides will be selectively applied to target vegetation by licensed/certified applicators carrying backpack or hand-held application equipment for the IVM program. Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project will only use herbicides recommended by MDAR for use in regulated sensitive areas for their IVM program. Pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04, no herbicides will be sprayed within any designated “no spray sensitive area” instead mechanical only methods will be used to control vegetation. Public notification, by certified mail, will be provided to each “affected” municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Becket, Dalton, Hinsdale, Pittsfield, Richmond, Washington, West Stockbridge – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan for right-of-ways treatment with herbicides during the 2025 calendar year has been submitted for: CSX Transportation, Incorporated (CSX). This plan has been prepared and submitted to the MDAR by: Keith Morris CSX’s vegetation control program for 2025 will be consistent with the VMP and YOP as approved by MDAR and involves an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach where possible. Under the 2025 program, brush control will be limited to mechanical cutting in sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones, and mechanical cutting or foliar herbicide applications in non-sensitive areas. Foliar herbicide applications will selectively treat target vegetation and encourage the growth of non-target vegetation. One selective post-emergent herbicide application will take place in ballasted rights-of-way areas and around other fixtures including but not limited to: switches, signals, signs, and highway grade crossings. This post-emergent application will take place in non-sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones and is targeted toward the eradication of woody and herbaceous plant species. Areas that do not have vegetation will not be treated. Herbicide applications to the roadbed and areas adjacent to the shoulder will be conducted with a spray truck and/or a backpack sprayer according to the guidelines set forth in the VMP and YOP. Sensitive areas as defined by the Rights-of-Way Management Regulations will receive the full protection afforded by those regulations. All herbicide applications will be done by an applicator properly licensed by MDAR Pesticide Bureau and fully trained in herbicide mixing, handling, and application methods. Applications will commence following approval of the YOP by MDAR. Public notification (by registered mail) will be provided to the chief elected official, Board of Health, and Conservation Commission in each affected municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Adams, Florida, North Adams, Williamstown – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan– (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A YOP for Berkshire & Eastern Railroad for the treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides in the listed municipalities for the calendar year 2025 has been prepared by Keith L. Morris, Environmental Consultant from Leeds, Massachusetts, has been submitted to MDAR. The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with the VMP, as approved by MDAR. Herbicides shall be applied to the roadbed by a spray truck, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the VMP and the YOP. The herbicides to be applied, Aquaneat, Opensight, Polaris, and MSO Extra are recommended for use in “sensitive areas” by the Department of Environmental Protection, and MDAR. No herbicides shall be applied within a Zone I of a public groundwater source, within 100’ of any Class A public surface water source, within 100’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body runs within 400’ of a Class A surface water source, or within 10’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body is at a distance greater than 400’ from a Class A surface water source, within a lateral distance of 100’ for 400’ upstream, on both sides of the river, of any Class B Drinking Water Intake, a 50-foot radius around a private well, 10’ from the edge of standing or flowing water or wetlands, within 10’ of the mean annual high water line or any River, or within 10’ of any certified vernal pool (pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04: Sensitive Area Restrictions). Applications of herbicide shall commence after the approval of the YOP by MDAR, following public review and comment. It is anticipated that herbicide application will occur between May – end of August 2025. The YOP contains: maps locating rights-of-way and sensitive areas; the name of the herbicides proposed for use, including application rates, carriers and adjuvants; application techniques and alternative control measures; material safety data sheets and herbicide fact sheets as approved by the DAR; the names of the applicator and YOP supervisor; methods used to identify and mark sensitive areas on the right-of-way; procedures for handling, mixing, and loading of herbicides; and identification of target vegetation in accordance with 333 CMR 11.06(2). Additionally, the YOP contains emergency/contingency measures and local, state and federal emergency contact telephone numbers. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells – Secretary’s Certificate on FEIR – published 3/26/2025
CT River Valley Index:
• Hadley – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Ecological Restoration Project – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – The proposed project is seeking approval to initiate an Ecological Restoration Management Program at Lake Warner in Hadley, MA. Project Description: In our ongoing efforts to reduce and prevent eutrophication in Lake Warner, we plan to undertake the following measures: 1. Continue hand-pulling water chestnuts: Volunteers, in collaboration with the Connecticut River Conservancy, will persist in manually removing water chestnuts. 2. Implement a targeted herbicide treatment plan: In areas where hand-pulling has not been effective, we will apply herbicides (DIQUAT) to approximately 10.75 acres of the 70-acre lake to reduce water chestnut populations. 3. Develop and implement a phosphorus sequestration plan: To prevent the release and mobilization of phosphorus, we will create a plan that includes sampling and treatment of both sediment and the water column using a DEP-approved product. Reviewing Conservation Commission(s): Hadley Conservation Commission, 100 Middle Street, Hadley MA 01035. Copies of the NOI may be examined or acquired from the Conservation Commission at conservation@hadleyma.gov, or 413-584-4236, Monday and Friday between 9AM and 4PM. See Conservation Commission website for the meeting schedule for exact dates and agendas: https://www.hadleyma.org/conservation-commission. – published 4/9/2025
• Palmer, Ware – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan has been submitted for: Massachusetts Central Railroad (MCER) for the treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides during the 2025 calendar year. This plan has been prepared and submitted to the Department of Agricultural Resources by: TEC Associates of South Portland, Maine. One selective herbicide application will take place in the non-sensitive and sensitive area buffer zones along the roadbed portion of the right-of-way using a DAR approved herbicide mixture. This program is targeted toward the eradication of woody and herbaceous plant species germinating within the roadbed and around other fixtures including but not limited to: switches, signals, signs, and highway grade crossings. This application will be followed by a late summer touch-up application in areas of heavy vegetation growth, if necessary. – comments due 5/23/2025
• Amherst – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Ecological Restoration Project – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – Conservation Commission: Town of Amherst, c/o Erin Jacque, Wetlands Administrator, 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002. jacquee@amherstma.gov 413-259-3202. Description: Kellog Brook was culverted approximately 60 years ago. The project will remove the culvert, daylight the stream and establish thousands of square feet of native and wetland plant species in what is currently grass lawn. Additionally, a small bridge will be installed to facilitate pedestrian and vehicular movements. Public Hearing: The public hearing date, time and location will be available on the Conservation Commission’s website: https://www.amherstma.gov/285/Conservation Documentation: Copies of the NOI may be examined at or acquired from the Amherst Conservation Commission at the address and number above. – published 3/26/2025
• Amherst, Montague, Belchertown, Northfield, Erving, Palmer, Leverett, Sunderland, Monson – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – A YOP for treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides for the 2025 calendar year for New England Central Railroad Company, prepared by Keith L. Morris, Environmental Consultant from Leeds, Massachusetts, has been submitted to MDAR. The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with the VMP, as approved by MDAR. Herbicides shall be applied to the roadbed by a spray truck, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the VMP and the YOP. The herbicides to be applied, Aquaneat, Opensight, Polaris, and MSO Extra are recommended for use in “sensitive areas” by the Department of Environmental Protection, and MDAR. No herbicides shall be applied within a Zone I of a public groundwater source, within 100’ of any Class A public surface water source, within 100’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body runs within 400’ of a Class A surface water source, or within 10’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body is at a distance greater than 400’ form a Class A surface water source, within a lateral distance of 100’ for 400’ upstream, on both sides of the river, of any Class B Drinking Water Intake, a 50-foot radius around a private well, 10’ from the edge of standing or flowing water or wetlands, within 10’ of the mean annual high water line or any River, or within 10’ of any certified vernal pool (pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04: Sensitive Area Restrictions). Applications of herbicide shall commence after the approval of the YOP by the DAR, following public review and comment. It is anticipated that herbicide application will occur between May – end of August 2025. The YOP contains: maps locating rights-of-way and sensitive areas; the name of the herbicides proposed for use, including application rates, carriers and adjuvants; application techniques and alternative control measures; material safety data sheets and herbicide fact sheets as approved by the DAR; the names of the applicator and YOP supervisor; methods used to identify and mark sensitive areas on the right-of-way; procedures for handling, mixing, and loading of herbicides; and identification of target vegetation in accordance with 333 CMR 11.06(2). Additionally, the YOP contains emergency/contingency measures and local, state and federal emergency contact telephone numbers. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Rowe – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – Edward Sturtevant of Lewis Tree Service, Inc. submitted a YOP to MDAR for Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project in March of 2025. In 2025 Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project will conduct an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program on their transmission lines. The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project VMP. In accordance with the guidelines set forth in Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project VMP and YOP, herbicides will be selectively applied to target vegetation by licensed/certified applicators carrying backpack or hand-held application equipment for the IVM program. Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project will only use herbicides recommended by MDAR for use in regulated sensitive areas for their IVM program. Pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04, no herbicides will be sprayed within any designated “no spray sensitive area” instead mechanical only methods will be used to control vegetation. Public notification, by certified mail, will be provided to each “affected” municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Brimfield, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Monson, Montgomery, Palmer, Russell, Springfield, West Springfield, Westfield, Wilbraham – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan for right-of-ways treatment with herbicides during the 2025 calendar year has been submitted for: CSX Transportation, Incorporated (CSX). This plan has been prepared and submitted to the MDAR by: Keith Morris CSX’s vegetation control program for 2025 will be consistent with the VMP and YOP as approved by MDAR and involves an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach where possible. Under the 2025 program, brush control will be limited to mechanical cutting in sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones, and mechanical cutting or foliar herbicide applications in non-sensitive areas. Foliar herbicide applications will selectively treat target vegetation and encourage the growth of non-target vegetation. One selective post-emergent herbicide application will take place in ballasted rights-of-way areas and around other fixtures including but not limited to: switches, signals, signs, and highway grade crossings. This post-emergent application will take place in non-sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones and is targeted toward the eradication of woody and herbaceous plant species. Areas that do not have vegetation will not be treated. Herbicide applications to the roadbed and areas adjacent to the shoulder will be conducted with a spray truck and/or a backpack sprayer according to the guidelines set forth in the VMP and YOP. Sensitive areas as defined by the Rights-of-Way Management Regulations will receive the full protection afforded by those regulations. All herbicide applications will be done by an applicator properly licensed by MDAR Pesticide Bureau and fully trained in herbicide mixing, handling, and application methods. Applications will commence following approval of the YOP by MDAR. Public notification (by registered mail) will be provided to the chief elected official, Board of Health, and Conservation Commission in each affected municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Chicopee, Conway, Deerfield, Easthampton, Erving, Greenfield, Hatfield, Holyoke, Montague, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne Springfield, Wendell, Whately – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan– (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A YOP for Berkshire & Eastern Railroad for the treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides in the listed municipalities for the calendar year 2025 has been prepared by Keith L. Morris, Environmental Consultant from Leeds, Massachusetts, has been submitted to MDAR. The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with the VMP, as approved by MDAR. Herbicides shall be applied to the roadbed by a spray truck, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the VMP and the YOP. The herbicides to be applied, Aquaneat, Opensight, Polaris, and MSO Extra are recommended for use in “sensitive areas” by the Department of Environmental Protection, and MDAR. No herbicides shall be applied within a Zone I of a public groundwater source, within 100’ of any Class A public surface water source, within 100’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body runs within 400’ of a Class A surface water source, or within 10’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body is at a distance greater than 400’ from a Class A surface water source, within a lateral distance of 100’ for 400’ upstream, on both sides of the river, of any Class B Drinking Water Intake, a 50-foot radius around a private well, 10’ from the edge of standing or flowing water or wetlands, within 10’ of the mean annual high water line or any River, or within 10’ of any certified vernal pool (pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04: Sensitive Area Restrictions). Applications of herbicide shall commence after the approval of the YOP by MDAR, following public review and comment. It is anticipated that herbicide application will occur between May – end of August 2025. The YOP contains: maps locating rights-of-way and sensitive areas; the name of the herbicides proposed for use, including application rates, carriers and adjuvants; application techniques and alternative control measures; material safety data sheets and herbicide fact sheets as approved by the DAR; the names of the applicator and YOP supervisor; methods used to identify and mark sensitive areas on the right-of-way; procedures for handling, mixing, and loading of herbicides; and identification of target vegetation in accordance with 333 CMR 11.06(2). Additionally, the YOP contains emergency/contingency measures and local, state and federal emergency contact telephone numbers. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Longmeadow, Springfield – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan for treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides during the 2025 calendar year has been submitted for: AMTRAK National Railroad Passenger Corporation. This plan has been prepared and submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) by: TEC Associates of South Portland, Maine. AMTRAK’s vegetation control program for 2025 will be consistent with the VMP as approved by MDAR and involves an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) approach. In the 2025 program, brush control will be limited to manual or mechanical cutting in sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones. In non-sensitive areas, one foliar application will be conducted to selectively treat brush adjacent to the shoulder using MDAR approved herbicide mixture. One selective herbicide application will take place in the non-sensitive and sensitive area buffer zones along the roadbed portion of the right-of-way using an MDAR approved herbicide mixture. This program is targeted toward the eradication of woody and herbaceous plant species germinating within the roadbed and around other fixtures including but not limited to: switches, signals, signs, and highway grade crossings. This application will be followed by a late summer touch-up application in areas of heavy vegetation growth. Hi-rail vehicles equipped with herbicide application equipment will be used to treat the rights-of-way. Public notification (by certified mail) will be provided to the chief elected official, Board of Health, and Conservation Commission in each affected municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
• Agawam – Proposed Gas Station – Secretary’s Certificate on SEIR – published 3/26/2025
• Sunderland, Leverett, Deerfield, Shelburne, Ware, Shutesbury, Belchertown, Conway, Pelham – Central to Western Massachusetts Energy Improvement Project – Secretary’s Certificate on ENF – published 3/26/2025
• Ware, Palmer – Palmer to Ware Improvement Project – Secretary’s Certificate SEIR – published 3/26/2025
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