NRC grants negative determination with conditions for additional borings on Aspen/Assabet River trail bridge
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Summary
GPI requested seven additional exploratory borings for the proposed Aspen River pedestrian trail bridge (68 Commonwealth Ave and 300 Baker Ave). The NRC issued a Negative Determination of Applicability with conditions including a pre-construction conference, work-in-dry conditions where feasible, use of swamp/timber mats as needed, seeding requirements, and a post-work compliance letter.
Representatives from GPI told the Natural Resources Commission they need seven additional exploratory borings along the alignment of the proposed Aspen River pedestrian trail bridge at 68 Commonwealth Avenue and 300 Baker Avenue to inform abutment and embankment design after a slight design shift.
Alexa (identified on the record) said prior borings authorized under a 2021 RDA used a track-mounted all-terrain vehicle and that the new work will follow similar access routes where possible. The team said it may use seismic refraction survey methods in some locations to reduce ground disturbance and that timber matting could be required for access in wet sections.
GPI noted the proposed borings fall within bordering vegetated wetlands, land under water, and the 200-foot riverfront area governed by the Wetlands Protection Act and Concord’s wetland bylaws; two borings are within land under water on the eastern bank and several are within riverfront areas outside the 100-foot buffer but within the 200-foot riverfront zone. GPI stated the borings may be considered minor, temporary activities and cited a regulatory provision in the 310 CMR series as a potential basis for limited-impact exemptions (as recorded in the transcript).
Commissioners asked whether the borings were needed because of a change in route or design; GPI and Sam Campbell responded that minor shifts and inaccessible locations in prior borings drove the request and that MassDOT geotechnical guidance requires subsurface information to advance abutment/piers design.
Commissioner Jim Smith moved that the NRC issue a Negative Determination of Applicability for application 24-17 (300 Baker Avenue) with these conditions: hold a pre-construction conference with DNR staff; conduct work in the dry where feasible; allow swamp/timber mats as needed; seed disturbed areas with a native seed mix provided to staff at or before the pre-construction meeting; and require a post-project letter to the NRC confirming work complied with the determination and describing any departures from the RDA. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.