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Commission issues negative determination for Locust Lane boardwalk; applicant to remove makeshift logs
Summary
The Needham Conservation Commission issued a negative determination of applicability allowing construction of a punched-board boardwalk at 0 Locust Lane, with conditions addressing stockpiling, erosion control and notification; applicant plans to remove improvised log "wafers," use black locust timbers and complete the project before October.
The Needham Conservation Commission on Sept. 11 voted to issue a negative determination of applicability for construction of a puncture (puncheon) boardwalk at 0 Locust Lane, finding the limited boardwalk work appropriate with conditions to protect the wetland.
Applicant Bill Giesenheimer described the site and the proposal, telling the commission: "The proposal is a punch in boardwalk... It's a very simple structure. These logs underneath, are pressure treated, and, there's 1 every 8 feet, so it will reduce the amount of fill a great amount. It also allows water to flow underneath."
Giesenheimer said the existing improvised log stepping areas ("wafers") are slippery, wobbly and prompting users to walk off the trail into the wetland. He proposed a boardwalk using durable timber (he preferred black locust) with supports spaced every 8 feet and said removing the log wafers would reduce fill and allow some new growth. He estimated the existing wafer fill at roughly 400–480 cubic feet and said most wafers are 4–6 inches thick and sit on top of the wet ground.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether the wafers should be removed or left in place under the new structure; staff and several commissioners favored removing them because they act as fill and impede infiltration. Tim (staff) explained that a negative determination can include special conditions and noted that the RDA process does not provide the same as-built and closing out procedure as an Order of Conditions, but the commission can add a few project-specific conditions.
The commission added standard conditions including: 3-day notice to staff prior to start of work so erosion controls can be requested if needed; best management practice for stockpile placement (scatter upland rather than large concentrated piles); and other project-specific conditions to minimize disturbance. The commission also discussed staging logistics; an abutter at 131 Locust Lane agreed to serve as a staging area and provide electricity for cutting.
After discussion the commission voted to issue a negative determination of applicability for 0 Locust Lane. Roll-call votes recorded Clary, Alina, Bill, Fred, Reid, Sue and Chair voting aye. The applicant said he expects lumber milling and delivery to take one to two weeks and hopes to finish by October to be ready for an October event on the site.
