MassDOT, city say environmental review triggered by tree removals; plan includes replacements and protections

Massachusetts Department of Transportation and City of Springfield representatives told residents that the project prompted a Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review after tree removals reached a regulatory threshold, and they described mitigation steps and tree protection measures that will be part of construction.

Chris Signoli said the federal agency changes and the tree removal threshold required the project team to prepare an environmental document that analyzed trees, drainage and other environmental impacts. He told the meeting that contractors have removed trees that needed to be cut and that the project will plant an additional 118 trees within the corridor; project staff said that planting yields a net increase of 57 trees compared with preconstruction counts.

Some residents raised concerns about tree protection at active work sites. Resident Eva Schocken said the temporary wood barriers placed around tree trunks appeared “very flimsy” and did not protect root zones from stored materials and heavy pipes. City and MassDOT staff said the wooden trunk protection is intended primarily to protect trunks from direct impact and that root protection measures include air excavation (air spading), root pruning where necessary, and placing mulch or temporary supports under stored materials. Project staff said they will review and, where appropriate, increase the robustness of protective measures after the meeting.

Janet Burdewik, a neighborhood resident who said she has training in urban forestry and reviewed a city forester report, praised the city's revised proposal and the species choices and counts recommended in a revised tree plan but still urged continued care for existing specimen trees.

Discussion versus decision: the meeting recorded the staff explanation of the MEPA requirement and mitigation approach; no final environmental determinations or permits were issued at the meeting. Project staff said they would continue to refine tree‑protection measures and that trees removed would be replaced per the planting plan.

Ending: Project staff advised residents who see damaged protection or stored materials near trees to use the project hotline or email to report concerns so staff can respond and adjust protections where needed.