Revere Wetlands Preservation and Development Discussed in Conservation Meeting

In a concerted effort to address environmental concerns while advancing development, the Revere Conservation Commission held a meeting on June 4th, 2024, where they deliberated on the wetlands delineation of the Wonderland site and other significant local projects. The commission’s discussions centered on the technical delineation of wetlands, the approval of isolated wetlands subject to the city’s environmental ordinance, and the consideration of a new vegetated management plan along the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) right-of-way. Additionally, matters of property development concerning drainage, flooding, and structural integrity were evaluated, alongside the installation of a safety fence and the approval of certificates of compliance for completed drainage improvement projects.

The most pressing topic involved the delineation and preservation of wetlands at the Wonderland site. The applicant’s representative, CLA Hogaboom, updated the commission on the revised wetland delineation since the initial application. David Cameron, the peer reviewer, discussed the difficulties in delineating the legal wetland boundaries due to the level and disturbed nature of the site. He recommended monitoring stream flows in the Eastern County ditch and suggested the city’s wetlands protection ordinance could benefit from clarification. Cameron expressed confidence in the delineation of the resource areas and recommended issuing the Anrad (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation).

A significant part of the discussion revolved around the technical aspects of the bordering land subject to flooding evaluation. Niche Engineering provided responses to questions raised by the peer reviewer, which included inquiries about the depth of water in Wetland B and the calculation methods used for certain evaluations. The peer reviewer confirmed that the revisions addressed all his questions.

The meeting also touched on the ecological importance of the Wonderland site. A member observed wildlife usage, including breeding pairs of mallards, and mentioned the surrounding natural wetlands and waterways were at capacity. The possibility of spillover was a concern. The perennial stream on the site was also discussed, with its hydrology being difficult to ascertain due to various influencing factors. The commission contemplated the inclusion of language in the determination that would allow the applicant to present information to prove the intermittent status of the perennial stream during the lifetime of the determination.

Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. expressed the city’s aspiration to develop the site into an ecological learning environment while ensuring its preservation. The commission moved to approve the delineation of isolated wetlands B, C, D, and F, as depicted in the resource area delineation plan prepared by BSC Group. The determination of mitigation for potential filling of Wetland B was deferred to a later date.

Another item of interest was the MBTA’s vegetated management plan, which involved confirming wetland delineation along its right-of-way in Revere. The commission approved the request for determination of applicability, confirming that the boundaries for the wetlands along the MBTA’s right-of-way were correctly depicted.

The commission additionally addressed a notice of intent from the owner of 102 Summer Street. The owner’s representative presented a proposed retaining wall plan, which prompted concerns about potential drainage issues and the wall’s structural integrity. Questions regarding the dimensions and reinforcement of the pre-cast concrete blocks were raised. The commission postponed the approval of the project until signed application forms from the adjacent property owners were obtained and additional information was provided.

Safety concerns due to a significant drop in a driveway led to a discussion on the installation of a fence. Details regarding the cost and responsibilities for the fence were still being finalized. The commission continued this hearing to the following month to provide more time for resolving the outstanding issues.

The commission recommended approving a certificate of compliance for the Mass Electric National Grid project, as all necessary measures had been taken. Additionally, the commission dealt with a demolition work RDA at a city field, determining it was not within their jurisdiction and approving the RDA accordingly. A new natural gas pipeline installation proposal was also discussed, with the commission suggesting a negative determination due to the minimal environmental impact.

Lastly, certificates of compliance were approved for three properties after successful completion of drainage improvement projects. The commission concluded with a discussion on a potential hybrid meeting option and set the next meeting date.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Patrick M. Keefe Jr.
Environmental Commission Officials:

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