(1)
Purpose. Development on or adjacent to unique
ridgelines, slopes and plateaus can have an adverse impact on:
(a) Water quality by causing erosion and
sedimentation and changing patterns of stormwater runoff;
(b) Wildlife habitat and corridors;
and
(c) Slope stability.
These adverse impacts can be avoided by restricting development
and mitigating its impacts.
(2)
Applicability.
The General Requirements of 974 CMR 3.06 applies to Slope Resource Areas (SRAs)
shown on the Devens Slope Resource Area Map [see Appendix B:
Figures (13), Figure M and SRA buffer areas
as described in 974 CMR 3.06(3)] and development outside these areas that may
impact them.
(3)
Definitions. The following definitions pertain to 974
CMR 3.06 only:
Site Disturbance. Any activity which
removes the vegetative cover and/or soils from the land surface.
Slope Resource Area (SRAs). Naturally formed, undisturbed
slopes with a contiguous areas of a 1/2 acre or more. These areas are
identified on the Devens Slope Resource Area Map in 974 CMR 3.06: Appendix B:
Figures (13) and Figure M. Such slopes are
generally in excess of 35%, with mature vegetative cover and in close proximity
to sensitive resource areas and/or unique geological formations.
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here to view image
(4)
General
Requirements.
(a) There shall be
no Site Disturbance in SRAs and the 15' no disturbance area around them, except
that the following are permitted:
1.
Construction of low-impact hiking/walking trails identified in the 2001 Devens
Main Post Trails Plan;
2. Removal
of the minimum number of trees necessary to ensure adequate site lines but in
no instance shall roots be removed unless the DEC approves a vegetation and
soil management plan designed to maintain slope and soil stability;
and
3. Removal of vegetation and
re-planting of native plant species may be allowed according to a vegetation
and soil management plan approved by the DEC if the area has been previously
disturbed by recent human activity or is infested by noxious weeds and/or
invasive plant species.
(b) There shall be no Site Disturbance within
the 35' buffer Area beyond the 15' no disturbance area, unless the DEC makes a
finding that the proposed activity will have no adverse impacts on the
structure and stability of the SRA and 15' no disturbance area. To support such
a finding, the Applicant shall be required to submit a geotechnical report,
prepared by a professional geotechnical engineer, that demonstrates the
proposed activity within the 35' buffer will have no adverse impacts on the
structure and stability of the SRA. Any development authorized within the 35'
buffer area shall preserve existing vegetation to the maximum extent
feasible.
(c) The Applicant shall
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the DEC that:
1. additional storm water run off from the
proposed development is not directed toward the SRA or SRA Buffer Areas and
that;
2. there are adequate
measures in place to ensure there is no increase in the rate of storm water
runoff directed toward the SRA or SRA buffer areas.
