HomeMy WebLinkAboutSD-22-04 - Supplemental - 0119 Tilley Drive (19)Gilman & Briggs Environmental, Inc.
1 Conti Circle, Suite 5 Barre, Vermont 05641
Tel: (802) 479-7480; FAX: (802) 476-7018
team@gbevt.com
Two wetlands have been identified in the vicinity of Mountain View Business Park Lot 6 off Tilley Drive in South Burlington. These wetlands are shallow depressions on formerly agricultural lands. They were originally delineated in April 2006 using the methodology found in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, and re-delineated in
October 2019 using the Manual and the 2009 Regional Supplement as required by the Vermont Wetland Rules . Neither wetland is shown on the Vermont Significant Wetlands Inventory, and because of their size, location and lack of functional value, they were determined to be Class III by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation on 28 October 2019.
These wetlands occupy areas mapped as poorly drained Covington silty claw and are dominated by reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), as sedge (probably Carex crawfordii), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and water-pepper (Persicaria hydropiper). They would be classified as seasonally saturated emergent (PEME) wetlands.
I performed an analysis of these wetlands’ functions and values, and per Art. 12.02 D(1) of the Regulations, we submit the following report: Water Storage for Flood Water and Storm Storage: These wetlands are very small, not contiguous to streams and not part of a collection of small wetlands that that provide this
function collectively. Additionally, there is minimal storage capacity in these wetlands. Surface and Ground Water Protection. These wetlands are very small, not contiguous to streams and not part of a collection of small wetlands that that provide this function collectively, therefore their capacity to perform this function is limited, and because there is no evidence of
pollutant or sediment input, they also lack the opportunity to perform the function. Fish Habitat. There is no open water associated with these wetlands and no connection to wetlands that may contribute to the function, therefore they do not provide fish habitat. Wildlife Habitat. Wetland hydrology and character in these wetlands are at the drier end of the scale and do not support wetland dependent species, and current use results in frequent cutting and mowing. We did not note the presence of any wetland dependent species in either of these wetlands. Exemplary Wetland Natural Community. These wetlands meet none of the physical and vegetative characteristics that denote exemplary wetland natural communities. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Habitat. No rare, threatened, or endangered species are associate with these wetlands.
Education and Research in Natural Sciences. These wetlands lack any characteristics that
would contribute to this function.
Recreational Value and Economic Benefits. These wetlands lack any characteristics that would contribute to this function.
Open Space and Aesthetics. Although these wetlands are readily visible from either Tilley
Drive or Old Farm Road, they are more likely to be perceived as merely part of a hayfield than wetlands. Neither wetland has any special or unique aesthetic quality. Erosion Control Through Binding and Stabilizing the Soil. There are no erosive forces
associated with these wetlands and therefore no opportunity to perform this function.
Based on the foregoing, I conclude that encroachment into the wetlands and their buffer zones will not adversely affect the ability of the property to carry or store flood water adequately (Art. 12.02 E(3)(a), will not adversely affect the ability of the proposed stormwater treatment system
to reduce sedimentation according to state standards (Art. 12.02 E(3)(b). and because the
wetlands have minimal functions and values, Art. 12.02 E(3)(c) of the Land Development Regulations does not apply. Sincerely,
Errol C. Briggs 28 July 2021