HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05R_Exhibit 030 Letter from Errol Briggs 12 14 20Gilman & Briggs Environmental, Inc.
1 Conti Circle, Suite 5 Barre, Vermont 05641
Tel: (802) 479-7480; FAX: (802) 476-7018
team@gbevt.com
14 December 2020 Andrew Gill O’Brien Brothers 1855 Williston Road
South Burlington, VT 05403 Subject: Class III Wetland, Hillside @O’Brien Farm Dear Andrew,
We have reviewed the site plan for this proposed development, specifically as it relates to Wetlands “C” and “D” that we delineated on 8 October 2019 and offer this assessment of the applicability of Article 12.02E(3) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations.
These wetlands are depressions in open fields, one (“C”) measuring 5,280 ft², and the other (“D”) measuring 2,785 ft². Because of their size and the fact that neither performs any of the functions protected under the Vermont Wetland Rules at a significant level, they are regarded as Class III wetlands.
We 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 wetland 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 wetland “C” is readily visible from Kimball Avenue, it is
more likely to be perceived as merely part of a hayfield than a wetland. 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, we 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