S Hunt Rd - Enforcement
Wetland replication at 12–14 South Hunt Road was constructed to 3,145 SF (a 3:1 replication:fill ratio); fall 2023 monitoring found wetland hydrology and greater than 90% native plant cover.
AI summary
An Order of Conditions (DEP #002‑1299) issued 04/20/2022 required 2,166 SF of wetland replication to mitigate 1,070 SF of wetland fill for site and roadway work at 12–14 South Hunt Road. As‑built survey (11/25/2024) shows 3,145 SF of replication (a 3:1 ratio). Fall 2023 monitoring by Goddard Consulting found wetland hydrology and greater than 90% native plant cover and recommends the replication area be deemed in compliance; a partial Certificate of Compliance request has been submitted.
Gallery
Project details
What is proposed
Work at 12–14 South Hunt Road was authorized by an Order of Conditions (DEP File #002‑1299) issued April 20, 2022 to allow site and roadway improvements associated with the Amesbury Sports Park. The approved work involved filling 1,070 square feet of wetland for roadway/access improvements and required creation of a wetland replication area as mitigation at a 2:1 ratio (2,166 square feet) under the local wetlands bylaw.
Where and how big
The project is located at 12 & 14 South Hunt Road (Map 97, Lots 4–5). Final as‑built survey documentation dated November 25, 2024 (Kelly Engineering Group) reports the completed wetland replication area measures 3,145 square feet, which is 979 square feet larger than the approved replication area and results in a 3:1 replication‑to‑fill ratio for the 1,070 square feet of wetland filled.
Mitigation and monitoring
The Order of Conditions required excavation to reestablish natural wetland hydrology, planting of native shrubs and ferns, and seeding with New England Wetland Plants “Wetmix” to establish an herbaceous layer. The permit also required monitoring for two full growing seasons and documentation demonstrating a 90% revegetation threshold.
Goddard Consulting performed the required fall 2023 inspection (site visit November 8, 2023) and prepared a monitoring report documenting soil redox indicators of wetland hydrology, the herbaceous species present, and the status of planted shrubs.
Findings from monitoring
Goddard observed a dense and diverse herbaceous cover including blue vervain, soft rush, various sedges, beggarticks, cattail, flat‑topped goldenrod, curly dock, St. John’s wort, American bugleweed, stinging nettle, sensitive fern, and rabbit‑foot clover. The consultant documented more than the originally planned number of highbush blueberry plantings, fewer established winterberry and spicebush shrubs than planned, and native willows spreading into the replication area from adjacent wetlands. Grazing pressure was noted on some shrub plantings. Based on vegetation cover and soil observations, Goddard concluded the replication area met and exceeded the 90% native revegetation threshold and recommended no further planting to avoid unnecessary disturbance.
Status
A partial Request for Certificate of Compliance (WPA Form 8A) for DEP File #002‑1299 was submitted by the property owners. The Goddard monitoring report (fall 2023) and the November 25, 2024 as‑built plan documenting 3,145 square feet of constructed wetland were submitted in support of that request; Goddard recommends the replication area be deemed in compliance with the Order of Conditions.
Discussion at meetings
- OTHERLift the Enforcement Order for DEP 002-1299 (12 & 14 S Hunt Rd)
- APPROVEIssue a partial Certificate of Compliance for the entire site while maintaining the two-year monitoring component
- APPROVERatify the Emergency Certification for Bartletts Reach to allow removal of hazardous trees.
- APPROVEA motion was made by J. McCarthy to approve the one-year Extension to the OOC 002-1259 77 Macy Street.
- APPROVEApprove issuance of OOC for 002-1329 South Hunt Road
