Wetland Science Portfolio

Wetland Delineation Projects:

Wetland resource area delineation initiates the first phase of in-field site analysis for most projects requiring ecological services. The wetland scientists at Hancock have in-depth experience with large and small-scale resource area delineations for both coastal and inland projects.

Boston Edison Transmission Rebuild Project, Medway, MA

Performed field delineations of federal and state wetland boundaries, including soil assessments and comprehensive vegetation analyses, for an 11-mile power pole replacement project.

Gordon College Property Environmental Inventory, Wenham & Hamilton, MA

Conducted field studies to determine wetland resource area boundaries, wetland classifications and regulatory jurisdiction over a 150-acre site. Project scientists prepared a comprehensive environmental report detailing wetland classes, hydrology and soils data compiled from in-field environmental observations and site sketches. Also delineated wetlands at various campus locations to facilitate construction of the new dormitories, physical plant, Athletic Center and Student Center.

Crane River West Definitive Subdivision, Danvers, MA

Performed field delineations and analyses of six different on-site coastal and freshwater wetland resource classes within a proposed 58-lot subdivision. Project included preparation and submittal of a detailed wetlands resource area inventory to accompany state and local environmental permit applications.

Westbrook Road, Shrewsbury, MA

Delineated wetland resources on this 180-acre site to facilitate planning for the construction of a public high school.

Holden / Sewell Street, Shrewsbury, MA

Performed wetland delineation on this 125-acre parcel proposed for the construction of a new high school.

Suffolk Downs Race Track, Revere, MA

Delineated wetlands and classified resource areas on an area of the racetrack property, including wetland and riverfront area associated with Sales Creek, a perennial river.

Iron Rail Property, Wenham, MA

Delineated and classified wetland resource areas on a 72-acre parcel to facilitate planning and permitting of a new town cemetery on land owned by the Wenham Cemetery Commission.

Bialek Residence Coastal Site Work, Gloucester, MA

Performed detailed field studies and topographic analysis to determine the jurisdictional limit of a coastal bank resource area in preparation for a residential construction permit application.

Wetland Construction Projects:

Ft. Devens Training Annex, Sudbury, MA

Prepared wetland replication plans to provide compensatory wetland mitigation for impacted areas from landfill construction. Hancock designed the replication area, coordinated plant acquisition and installation and provided monitoring to ensure success of the constructed wetland.

Sagamore Realty Trust Project, Ipswich, MA

Designed wetland replication plan and buffer zone mitigation plantings to compensate for wetlands impacted by a driveway construction. Wetland replication area incorporated necessary flood storage volume lost from the fill required for the driveway. Hancock has performed several site inspections to monitor progress of the replication area.

Crane River West Affordable Housing Project, Danvers, MA

Designed and obtained approval for wetland replication areas to serve as secondary treatment for roadway stormwater runoff from within the 58-unit residential subdivision. Hancock delineated, analyzed and provided construction impact mitigation for six different types of jurisdictional wetland resource areas within the project area. Hancock designed two separate wetland systems to replicate wetlands altered by construction and to retain and treat stormwater prior to discharge into the adjacent tidal Crane River. The Crane River contains pollution sensitive environmental resources, including shellfish beds, an anadromous fish run, and salt marsh habitat. Received environmental permits to initiate clean up of residual hazardous tannery material from past site usage.

Salem Forest IV Subdivision Road, North Andover, MA

Provided critical expertise in preparation of definitive subdivision plans, resulting from the construction of a subdivision road to access buildable upland isolated from road frontage by wetlands. Hancock provided a detailed report analyzing construction impacts on wetland resource areas and provided specific comprehensive impact mitigation measures to meet stringent performance standards of town wetlands protection regulations. Documentation included wetland replication methodology and site plans, erosion control and soil stabilization specifications, construction sequencing, and wetland replication monitoring, maintenance, and contingency plans.

Ferncroft Heights Definitive Subdivision, Middleton, MA

Designed wetland replication area for retention and secondary treatment of stormwater runoff from a 31-unit residential subdivision. Wetland construction area was designed as a primary receiver of first flush stormwater from adjacent roads and houses. Revegetation of the constructed wetland area incorporated appropriate vegetative specification for nutrient uptake and long-term retention of nutrients and pollutants. Wetland construction area also provides important wetland functions including reduction of peak stormwater flow, stormwater retention, and valuable wildlife habitat.

Boxford Landfill, Boxford, MA

Designed a 10,000 square feet +/- bordering vegetated wetland replication area on the town landfill site to mitigate for a resource area filled during landfill capping activities. The wetland replication area narrative proposed a variety of tree, shrub and seed species for planting within the newly created resource area. A 50-foot No-Disturbance Zone was established along the edge of the newly created wetland and a planting plan was established for the No-Disturbance Zone. Construction activities were supervised in the fall of 2001.

Danvers Industrial Packaging, Danvers, MA

Secured approval for a 96,000 square feet addition. Hancock designed and received approval for construction and enhancement of a vernal pool. A marginal pool site, formed by site grading years ago, was reconstructed in a more location adjacent to the natural wetland system.

Riverfront Area Development Projects:

In August 1996, former Governor William Weld signed into law the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act. This legislation amended the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act to create new regulations for work proposed within a 200-foot wide Riverfront area adjacent to all perennial rivers and streams in the state. The new legislation severely impacts development options within riverfront areas, and requires extensive documentation to be prepared and submitted for any work proposed within this resource.

All scientists at Hancock have a thorough understanding of the Rivers Protection Act and the recently promulgated regulations. Hancock has designed and successfully permitted several projects within riverfront areas since the law became effective. Below are descriptions of riverfront area projects for which Hancock has obtained approval.

31 South Main Street, Topsfield, MA

Hancock prepared an extensive alternatives analysis to document the best access route across Riverfront area to buildable uplands. Hancock works with our in-house engineering to minimize impacts of Riverfront area, flooding and wetlands.

Wolcott Estates Subdivision, Boxford, MA

Located on the banks of the Ipswich River, undeveloped lots within a previously approved subdivision came under The Rivers Protection Act jurisdiction in August, 1996. The Rivers Bill was enacted during the planning board approval process. Several proposed lots were potentially in jeopardy because of the new legislation. Hancock prepared careful site design and detailed mitigation plans and narratives, which allowed construction of the affected properties while still conforming to the Rivers Bill and guidance documents.

Sea Rock Estates Apartment Complex Parking Expansion, Manchester, MA

Due to increased residency within an existing apartment complex in downtown Manchester, additional parking spaces were required to accommodate resident demand. Site constraints did not provide any alternative to locating additional parking within a riverfront area. Hancock analyzed existing conditions on-site and designed additional parking within the riverfront area in an area that was previously degraded. A detailed permit application addressing all of the Rivers Protection Act requirements, from water quality to wildlife habitat, was submitted to the Manchester Conservation Commission. The project was approved as proposed.

Corbett Property Dwelling Construction, Beverly, MA

Prepared a detailed site plan and permit application addressing all Rivers Protection Act issues for the proposed construction of a single family home on the Bass River. The riverfront area encumbered the entire parcel. Site constraints, including steep topography, limited buildable area, and close proximity to the river, made careful planning and design work critical to the project's success. Hancock provided evidence to document the property was grandfathered and could be allowed under the River Act. The presence of several additional resource areas, including shellfish beds and coastal bank, added to the complexity of the permit process. After review of the proposed work under the Rivers Protection Act jurisdiction, the Beverly Conservation Commission voted their approval.

James Property Septic System Replacement, Georgetown, MA

Prepared a detailed permit application for the replacement of a residential septic system within a riverfront area. All riverfront area issues and requirements were successfully addressed in the permit application. The proposed work was determined by the Conservation Commission to be in compliance with the regulations.

Conservation Commission Consulting Services:

As a result of our scientists' knowledge, experience and reputation for quality service. Hancock has become a trusted third-party environmental consultant for several municipal conservation commissions. Hancock has recently been called upon to provide services ranging from review of complex project permit applications to resource area delineations on conservation commission owned property.

Town of North Andover Conservation Commission

Hancock serves as Acting Agent for the North Andover Conservation Commission as the need arises for outside consultant review of permit applications, site plans and resource area delineations. These services help facilitate the Commission's review of projects proposed under the jurisdiction of the North Andover Wetlands Protection By-law and state and federal wetlands regulations.

Town of North Andover Department of Public Works

Provide ongoing consulting services, including preparation of environmental permit applications, project design, construction monitoring and meeting representation for town projects, including sewer line extensions and sidewalk expansion projects.

Town of Arlington Conservation Commission

Reviewed and reported to the Commission on potential impacts to sensitive wetland areas in connection with a major stormwater drainage construction project.

Town of Saugus Conservation Commission

Reviewed environmental filings with respect to potential development impacts on a vernal pool resource area. Also reviewed wetland delineation on an 80-acre parcel of land.

City of Beverly Conservation Commission

Reviewed a wetland delineation for the Commission on a large estate property. Also prepared and presented a wetland delineation workshop for Commission members. The workshop focused on recent changes to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations regarding wetland delineation. These changes incorporated the three parameters of soils, vegetation and hydrology in the revised delineation methodology. Both indoor discussion sessions and in-field hands-on training were attended by the Commission.

Town of Concord Natural Resources Commission

In association with Hancock Engineering Associates, provided third party review of drainage, groundwater, and wetland impacts of a planned residential development.

Town of Topsfield Conservation Commission

Under an on-going third party consulting relationship, Hancock reviewed a potential vernal pool for its ability to be certified under state criteria.

Town of Danvers Conservation Commission

Review of parcel of land and annotation of wetland resources for acquisition as Open Space.

Town of Hamilton Conservation Commission

Prepared and presented a wetland delineation workshop for Commission members focusing on the use of soils and hydrology in the delineation of wetlands.

Town of Boxford Conservation Commission

Hancock acted as a co-interim wetlands consultant to perform preconstruction site meetings for the Commission during its search for a full-time administrator. Hancock has also been contracted by the Commission to delineate wetland resources within the 300-acre town owned Wildcat Forest.

Town of Boxford Conservation Commission

Town of Wenham Conservation Commission

Hancock reviewed the existing Town Wetlands Bylaw to aid the Conservation Commission and Board of Selectmen in their regulatory revision efforts. Recommendations were offered by Hancock to update the By-law for consistency with current case law and statute revisions.

Coastal Waterfront Development Projects:

Construction on Barrier Beaches, Gloucester, MA

Obtained local and state wetland permits for several private dwelling construction projects on Wingaersheek barrier beach. Provided state and local authorities with a detailed existing conditions narrative documenting location and relative stability of adjacent dunes, and relationship to the 100-year storm surge and existing fragile dune vegetation. Hancock provided dwelling construction methodology incorporating preservation of adjacent dune migration, and avoiding encroachment into potential bird nesting habitat and coastal storm velocity zones.

Gelpey Property, Salem, MA

Provided extensive consultation and strategic planning, coupled with aggressive permitting effort, to obtain approval for a private waterfront dwelling. Obtained regulating Notice of Non-Jurisdiction from Army Corps of Engineers and DEP Waterways Division to facilitate local approval of waterfront dwelling on piers.

Hannah Marina Construction, Beverly, MA

Worked with attorneys to secure Department of Waterways Chapter 91 Licensing for a 50+ slip boat marina. Performed extensive research to determine past site usage and historic mean high water location. Prepared detailed license plans for historic fill licensing and placement of boat slips, and provided draft documentation of existing conditions to facilitate filing by others.

Seeling Property - Coastal Bank Stabilization, Beverly, MA

Coordinated with Coastal Zone Management Agency, architect and Client to successfully permit the stabilization of eroding coastal banks and to construct a pool and landscaping in the coastal bank buffer zone.

Beverly Commerce Park, ("The Shoe") Pond Dredging and Bank Stabilization, Beverly, MA

Years of outwash from urban street drains caused the accumulation of silts at the pipe discharge. Hancock successfully permitted the removal of accumulated silts within the tidal pond. The dredged material was proposed to reclaim an adjacent bank area. The dredge area was replanted with aquatic species to mitigate for disturbance of the pond bottom.

Male Residence Seawall Repair and Terrace Construction, Swampscott, MA

Prepared detailed existing conditions report and worked closely with the property owner, construction manager, structural engineer, landscape architect and regulatory authorities. Hancock developed seawall repair and coastal terrace construction methodologies consistent with stringent performance standards for work performed on an eroding coastal bank. Hancock coordinated pre-filing conferences and solicited comment from the local permitting authority and obtained regulatory input from the State Department of Environmental Protection.

Wildlife Habitat/Rare Species Assessments:

U.S. Generating Plan, Athens, NY

Hancock performed a Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) to predict impacts to wildlife habitat and provide a basis for habitat mitigation. Hancock evaluated existing and proposed cover types, selected appropriate "model" wildlife species, and evaluated the potential development impacts of the project on wildlife habitat.

Mill Pond Bank Restoration, Danvers, MA

Hancock worked to create an aesthetically pleasing wildlife planting/bank restoration at the Mill Pond. The project was done in conjunction with the local Rotary Chapters donation to the Town. Hancock designed and oversaw implementation of wetland plantings designed to provide food source for birds, while preventing resident waterfowl from utilizing the adjacent grassy park area of the Danvers Library grounds.

Wildlife Pond, Wenham, MA

Provided comprehensive assessment of wildlife habitat and species assessment of a degraded wetland area. Provided plans and specifications to create an open water/shrub fringe environment for wildlife benefit on land once used as a gravel wash area. Assessment included existing conditions inventory, list of target benefit species and environmental specifications designed to attract those species. Hancock additionally furnished post-construction assessment of the pond area to secure a Certificate of Compliance.

Rare Species Assessment, Topsfield, MA

Performed site reconnaissance and habitat assessment for the Blue Spotted Salamander, a state listed rare species. Provided regulatory guidance and site design to avoid impacts to rare species habitat. Hancock coordinated site meetings with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Audubon Society, and Conservation Commission to facilitate permit acquisition to complete dwelling construction in this sensitive resource area.

Wildlife Habitat Evaluation for Subdivision Roadway Crossing, Middleton, MA

Hancock provided required wildlife habitat evaluation for stream bank alteration exceeding regulatory threshold. Analysis included potential habitat values of intermittent stream and pond area to be impacted by roadway construction. Hancock assessed an area degraded by historical activity and concluded that minimal habitat functions existed within the impacted resource areas. Results of the evaluation were submitted to authorities by Hancock to successfully secure environmental permits for the proposed project.

Tuppenny Tower Trust, Gloucester, MA

Performed site reconnaissance and habitat assessment for Piping Plover delineating lack of important nesting habitat near proposed beach house on coastal dune.