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MRWC
Millers River
Watershed Council, Inc
100 Main Street
Athol, MA 01331
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MRWC's News & Info Alert (NIA) database.
This News and Information (NIA) Database has been created to help residents of the Millers River Watershed and other interested parties keep up with many of the issues and developments that affect the health and quality of our region. The entries below cover a broad range of topics that have been reported on by local and regional newspapers. They are presented in chronological order of publication. You may enter a key word to search the database by topic or town. The MRWC welcomes your feedback on the NIA database.
2006
Click for Archive Data from 2005
NIA #: 06-25
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: Dam repair, Lake Monomonac, Senator Brewer
Source: Gardner News, 31 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Winchendon receives $250K for dam
Source 2: Telegram & Gazette, 31 Jan. 06
Headline: Brewer announces funds for dam project
Summary: After years of effort by Senator Brewer, the town is receiving a $250,000 grant from the state to repair the Great Dam on Lake Monomonac. Funds from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Office of Dam Safety were allocated as part of a $15 million environmental bond the state issued this year. According to Brewer, “There are $32 million worth of dam repairs needed in Massachusetts.” The total cost of repairs at the Great Dam will be $387,000, with a private foundation kicking in $100,000 and the town supplying $20,000. The town had been forced to allocate $250,000 for repairs in 2005 after project delays led to the loss of funds originally obtained by Brewer in 2002. “If the dam had failed, it would have been catastrophic for Winchendon,” Brewer said. Repairs are expected to be completed in the spring.
NIA #: 06-24
Geographical key word: Wendell
Thematic key words: water supply well, drinking water, wetlands
Source: Athol Daily news, 30 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: DEP visits proposed site for Wendell town well
Summary: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted a site visit at the proposed location of a new town well on Colleyville Road. The site was originally opposed by the conservation commission due to wetlands concerns, but the DEP has indicated that the need for drinking water may trump wetlands concerns, since the site, once the well was operational, would not be regularly accessed. The town has filed a “notice of intent” for “temporary access.”
NIA #: 06-23
Geographical key word: Massachusetts
Thematic key words: dam removal
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 27 Jan. 06
Headline: Easier way sought to dismantle old dams
Summary: Stephen Pritchard, Secretary of the state’s Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, is convening a panel to determine ways to help the owners of many small and/or old dams to remove them. Many of the 3,000 dams in the state are privately owned and are old or no longer serve their original purpose. Pritchard said such dams are safety hazards and can impair water quality, raise water temperatures, block the natural movement of debris and sediment, and impede the movement of fish. However, a complicated regulatory process that is costly and time-consuming makes the removal process hard on dam owners.
NIA #: 06-22
Geographical key word: Millers Watershed, South Royalston
Thematic key words: water quality, benthic macro-invertebrate monitoring
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 25 Jan. 06
Headline: Bugs can be clues to the health of Millers River
Summary: A water quality monitoring program is being developed by the Millers River Watershed Council for volunteers who will be trained to collect bugs from the underside of rocks. The bio-monitoring or benthic macro-invertebrate (BMI) monitoring program is being developed with the technical assistance of Dr. Michael Cole, an aquatic ecologist specializing in insects. The BMI method is useful in identifying a wide variety of insect species living in the water, whose presence or absence may be an indicator of water quality in a river or stream. Cole recently developed a similar program for the Deerfield River Watershed Association, whose Quality Assurance Project Plan or QAPP was approved by the state DEP—making its results acceptable for state use. The Millers program also intends to be QAPP-approved. In preliminary testing conducted by the MRWC and Dr. Cole at four sites throughout the watershed, the Millers River and its tributaries scored very well, with only one stretch of water below the South Royalston treatment plant showing some signs of impairment. Future BMI testing by the Council testing may show whether the plant is responsible.
NIA #: 06-21
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: zoning bylaws, subdivisions, open space, GARD
Source: Gardner News, 25 Jan. 06, p. 4
Headline: New zoning ordinance may pass next month
Summary: The City Council is expected to approve revised zoning bylaws early next year. Some of the new rules aim to make new subdivisions more compatible with open spaces, encourage mixed use developments, and regulate earth-moving. The Gardner Alliance for Responsible Development said it is pleased with the results and with its ability to work cooperatively with city officials; the group formed four years ago in response to what its members considered irresponsible development.
NIA #: 06-20
Geographical key words: Quabbin, Massachusetts
Thematic key words: Quabbin Reservoir, water resources
Source: Recorder, 24 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: State may sell Quabbin water
Summary: In an effort to raise money to shore up state finances, the Mass. Water Resources Authority is considering the sale of Quabbin Reservoir water to eastern towns likely to need the extra water, especially in summer. The MWRA thinks it can supply 36 million gallons per day (gpd). According to Quabbin Superintendent William Pula, 220 million gpd is consumed from the Quabbin system by 47 communities, mostly in eastern Mass., and the system has a safe yield of 300 million gpd. Bob Clark, president of Friends of the Quabbin, said occasional emergency use of the Quabbin’s reserve capacity is acceptable, but drought conditions need to be considered and “to stress the system at a time when we have low supply conditions is not a good idea.” The Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee considers the proposal “short-sighted.” The MRWA board could vote on the proposal in March.
NIA #: 06-19
Geographical key words: Vernon (VT), New England
Thematic key words: Entergy, Vermont Yankee nuclear plant
Source: Recorder, 24 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Vt. Yankee nears OK for uprate
Summary: This article reviews the process of Entergy’s request for a 20 percent uprate or power boost shortly after acquiring the plant in late 2002. Vermont’s Public Service Board has conditionally approved the plan, which calls for more frequent replacement of nuclear fuel rods, the addition of new water pumps to generate more steam and electricity, and a new turbine and generator to provide 100 megawatts more than the plant’s average output of 510 megawatts. One megawatt provides electricity for 500-1,000 homes. The article also details the various other issues facing the Vermont Yankee plant, and opposition from the New England Coalition and some regional residents. According to a September New York Times article, Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions would triple if the nuclear plant were replaced by a fossil fuel plant.
NIA #: 06-18
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: zoning bylaws
Source: Gardner News, 20 Jan. 06, p. 3
Headline: Bylaw revisions near completion
Summary: As part of the process of revising the town’s bylaws, the Zoning Revision Task Force will submit a second draft of the revised bylaws at a public hearing of the planning board on March 7th. It hopes to receive comments from the public at that time that can be incorporated into a final draft to be submitted for approval at the Annual Town Meeting. Winchendon’s building permit cap will expire in a few years, and the town is concerned about uncontrolled growth. Comments on the draft bylaws may be directed to Mr. Shea at the Department of Planning and Development, at 978-297-3308.
NIA #: 06-17
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: Chapter 40B, comprehensive permit, development, affordable housing
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 19 Jan. 06
Headline: Chapter 40B is clarified
Source 2: Gardner News, 19 Jan. 06, p. 3
Headline: Board receives information at Chapter 40B seminar
Summary: Town officials heard from a 40B expert that they do not have to “just say yes to developers seeking comprehensive permits under Chapter 40B regulations.” Jay Talerman told them “You don’t have to say yes to everything. You have leverage to shape the project into what you want for your town. You don’t have to grant every waiver the contractor requests.” There is currently one 40B project in town, the Day Mill Townhouses that are underway. Three more have been proposed. According to Talerman, “When a developer asks for waivers of local zoning, wetlands regulations, sewer and water hookups, the town never has to take a knee-jerk response to the waiver requests.” The needs of the town should be weighed by town officials against the importance of the developer’s requests. The Mass. Housing Finance Authority must approve the final plan, reflecting comments from all town boards. 6.6 percent of Templeton’s housing stock is rated affordable, below the 10 percent minimum that allows developers to seek waivers under Chapter 40B.
NIA #: 06-16
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: community development strategy
Source: Athol Daily News, 14 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Panel seeks support for development strategy
Summary: The town’s Board of Planning and Community Development is preparing for a public meeting next week where residents will be invited to offer feedback on setting priorities for the town’s Community Development Strategy. The board is currently working to update, reorganize and prioritize the objectives contained in the Strategy. Among the many objectives to be prioritized are: Developing a Ridge Protection overlay District zoning bylaw, developing a public education program for protecting surface water resources and related wildlife, and expanding the recreational trail system connecting residential areas with open space, historic, cultural and natural resources.
NIA #: 06-15
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: open space
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 13 Jan. 06
Headline: River, farms keys to open space
Summary: The Open Space Committee’s priorities for 2006 include cleanup and protection of the Otter River, working with Gardner and Athol on open space issues, and completing the Day Mill Trail, and supporting the Right to Farm process. The committee plans to work more closely with the Millers River Watershed Council on river projects, and hopes to develop a learning center for students at the Day Mill Trail area, located behind Narragansett Regional High School.
NIA #: 06-14
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: arsenic, pressure-treated wood, hazardous waste
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 12 Jan. 06
Headline: Athol playground plan includes arsenic removal
Summary: The town is planning the removal of approximately 125 tons of contaminated soil from the Lake Street Playground, where a wooden structure was removed in November after its pressure-treated wood was found to contain arsenic, which leached into the soil. The cost of disposal will depend on the site it is taken to, and could exceed $10,000. A playground will eventually be rebuilt, probably on a smaller scale due to costs. The contamination was originally discovered by a student working on a school project, and confirmed by consultants.
NIA #: 06-13
Geographical key word: Vernon (VT), New England
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, Entergy
Source: Recorder, 11 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: NRC advisory panel: Approve Vt. Yankee power boost
Summary: The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards has recommended to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that Entergy’s request for a 20 percent power increase at its Vermont Yankee nuclear plant be approved. The committee, which consists of nuclear experts from around the country, also said there is no need for an independent safety study of the 34-year old plant. In its letter to the NRC, the committee discounted Vermont’s Department of Public Service’s concerns over emergency core cooling pumps, and said the “overall risk associated with the extended power uprate is small and the change in risk resulting from allowing the requested containment overpressure credit is also small.”
NIA #: 06-12
Geographical key words: Greenfield, Montague, Wendell
Thematic key words: green building, sustainable design, LEED, Energy Star
Source: Recorder, 10 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Groundbreaking “green” house built for low-income owners
Summary: A modest, three-bedroom house on Petty Plain Road in Greenfield will be the first low-income house in Massachusetts to be LEED certified, for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The home boasts numerous sustainable energy and construction features, which are normally found on larger-scale projects or more expensive homes. The home is being built by Greenfield-based Rural Development Inc. (RDI), which built its first “Energy Star” home in 2000 (it has since built 40). RDI’s program director said building to the LEED standard adds about 3 percent to the cost, which totaled $180,000 for the Greenfield house. The $19,000 photovoltaic system cost $19,000 was paid for with a grant. It will require almost no maintenance, and the monthly energy bill should be around $15, depending on use. Other green features include biodegradable fiber-cement siding, recycled insulation material that is locally manufactured, sub-floors made from wood chips, and many others. The eventual homeowner will be trained to maintain the various systems, and will plant drought-resistant grasses to reduce lawn watering. RDI is also hoping to have houses in Montague and Wendell become LEED-certified. Perkins said that when it comes to green building, Franklin County is “leading the pack.”
NIA #: 06-11
Geographical key words: Westminster, Ashburnham
Thematic key words: population projections, housing prices
Source: Gardner News, 9 Jan. 06, p. 3
Headline: Demographer compares population projections for two towns
Summary: Ashburnham’s population grew 2 percent from 1990 to 2000, an increase of 113 people, from 5,433 to 5,546. Its neighbor, Westminster, grew by 12 percent during the same period, adding 716 people, from 6,191 to 6,907. A demographic study prepared by consultant Ellen Kelly for the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School Committee found an annual increase in the number of children in both towns. Both towns also showed a drop in the childbearing age group (defined as 20-35). In Ashburnham the median price of a house in 2005 was $247.500, compared with $285,000 for a home in Westminster (and $182,000 for a condominium there). The school district could have close to 500 more students in 2015, Kelly said, with most of the increase coming from Ashburnham. On the other hand, Kelly said she was told by area realtors that housing inquiries dropped sharply during last summer’s spike in gas prices.
NIA #: 06-10
Geographical key word: Athol, North Quabbin
Thematic key words: Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Source: Athol Daily News, 7 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Mount Grace Land Trust is marking its 20th year
Summary: The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust will be offering a variety of events to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, but according to executive director Leigh Youngblood, the most important activity of the year will be to “continue our work to protect farms and forests for future generations of people and wildlife.” Youngblood said the non-profit group will reach the milestone of protecting its 20,000th acre this year—about 10 percent of the total protected land in its 23-town service area, which stretches from Gardner to Greenfield. The Trust was founded in 1986 by forester Keith Ross, and its first deal that year led to creation of the 364-acre Lawton State Forest. For more info contact the Trust at 978-248-2043 or visit their website—mountgrace.org.
NIA #: 06-09
Geographical key words: Templeton, Orange
Thematic key words: recycling, solid waste management
Source: Gardner News, 7 Jan. 06, p. 2
Headline: Board of health looking to put town on online swap shop
Summary: After considering setting up its own on-line swap site on the town’s website, the board of health now hopes to have the town join the Freecycle Network. According to their website –freecycle.org--Network members around the globe give and get stuff for free in their home towns. Pianos, fax machines and chairs are some of the items cited, which can be re-used instead of going into the landfill. The town is seeking a resident to serve as a moderator for the Templeton group’s website; contact the board of health at 978-939-2377 if you are interested in being the moderator. Orange and Leominster groups are currently part of the Network.
NIA #: 06-08
Geographical key words: Gardner
Thematic key words: open space and recreation plan
Source: Gardner News, 9 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Officials need help updating Gardner’s open space plan
Summary: City officials are requesting additional information from citizens about open space priorities, after the open space committee completed a town-wide survey and held a recent public meeting. The 19 residents at that meeting were provided with an inventory of open space properties, and maps were displayed featuring the city’s water resources and other information. Residents with additional input can contact Community Development and Project Manager Daniel Keeney at 978-632-3800 or email dkeeney@gardner-ma.gov.
NIA #: 06-07
Geographical key words: New England, Massachusetts
Thematic key words: community development, sprawl
Source: Recorder, 7 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Development Shapes New England’s Future: Community planning v. opportunistic development
Summary: New England’s traditional go-it-alone attitude is making it harder for towns, cities and states to handle the twin threats of an aging, slow-growing population and sprawling development that is gobbling up open space. A review of major trends among the six NE states makes a compelling case for town and state leaders needing to get together and think outside the box to counter the region’s sprawl, youth drain, housing crisis, and related anti-family culture (the fear that affordable housing will flood schools and increase property taxes). Some ideas being promoted by regional planners and experts include requiring development to preserve community character; making planning a community debate, not just for developers and town officials; and various smart growth concepts such as building mixed-use residential areas and rehabilitating urban cores.
NIA #: 06-06
Geographical key word: Orange
Thematic key words: landfill closure account
Source: Recorder, 6 Jan. 06, p. 2
Headline: Landfill closure account discussions resume
Summary: The select board continued discussions on using the landfill closure account. The current $141,000 balance would be used to deal with any toxic leaks at the closed landfill. The board is against raising trash bag fees, fearing it would encourage more illegal dumping. The board will consider using some of the cash to buy equipment for the recycling center/transfer station.
NIA #: 06-05
Geographical key words: New England, Massachusetts, Franklin County
Thematic key words: dam safety, dam removal
Source: Recorder, 5 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Aging dams pose safety problems
Summary: More than 7,000 dams dot the southern New England landscape, and many date to the 1600s. Thousands of people live downstream from old dams that are in need of repair. Dams that have the capacity to kill someone or cause extensive property damage are rated by the federal government as being “high-hazard.” There are 320 high hazard dams in Mass., of which Franklin County has a dozen. Recently passed state regulations make dam owners responsible for inspection and maintenance. According to a recent study by the Associated Press, private owners are reluctant or unable to bear the costs, and the government has not stepped in to help.
NIA #: 06-04
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: open space, preservation, development
Source: Recorder, 4 Jan. 06, p. 3
Headline: Athol issues survey on open space
Summary: The town will soon mail 4,500 copies of an open space survey to residents consisting of 15 questions. According to open space committee chair Jessica Race, “Our community is growing at a tremendous rate and our town’s open space plan is a major component of our overall master plan.” The committee will use the survey’s results to develop priorities for open space preservation
NIA #: 06-03
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: subdivision development, Cook Pond Estates, Templeton Heights, French Quarters
Source: Gardner News, 4 Jan. 06. p. 3
Headline: Board grants partial release signing to Cook Pond Estates
Summary: Approval to begin construction on 23 lots of Cook Pond Estates was granted to Gary Lorden by the planning board Tuesday. This represents the first of three phases in the 60-lot subdivision located between Hubbardston and South Roads. The board also heard a presentation on the proposed Templeton Heights subdivision on Baldwinville Road. Adams development presented three scenarios, ranging from 51 lots to 29 lots. The board also approved the order of conditions for the French Quarters subdivision.
NIA #: 06-02
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: asbestos removal, hazardous waste
Source: Athol Daily News, 4 Jan. 06, p. 1
Headline: Asbestos removal authorized
Source 2: Recorder, 4 Jan. 06, p. 2
Headline: Asbestos removal to go out to bid
Summary: The select board made two decisions Tuesday night regarding asbestos at the Exchange Street building now being converted into the Police Station. Contractors currently working on the roof will be allowed to remove any asbestos necessary to complete the new roof without delay. The town will also send out a request for bid for removal of the asbestos at the site. Town manager David Ames said the majority of the asbestos is in the duct work, and is “wrapped and in good shape” and may not need to be removed at all. The town will put out two separate bid requests, one to include the duct work asbestos, which may cost over $20,000, and one not to remove the duct work asbestos, which may cost about $10,000. According to a report prepared for the town, removal of all the hazardous waste from the building, including lead and other toxic substances, could cost from $80-100,000. Board members debated the relative merits of leaving or removing the asbestos in the duct work.
NIA #: 06-01
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: North Quabbin Business Park, Economic Development and Industrial Corp., Viking Acquisitions
Source: Recorder, 2 Jan. 06, p. 3
Headline: Developer investigates potential for North Quabbin Business Park
Summary: Viking Acquisitions, the Sharon-based developer, has obtained a purchase and sale agreement on 150 acres of property known as the North Quabbin Business Park off Templeton Road and Route 2. The site is owned by Keith Lyman, John Colby and Roger Vincent, and is being promoted by the town’s Economic Development and Industrial Corp. The developer will not know the exact potential of the site until wetlands are delineated in the spring, but Viking vice-president Roger Babson said “a supermarket is at the top of the list.” The town has been an active supporter of the Business Park project, and allowed commercial and-retail uses to be added to what was originally zoned industrial only.
Last entry for 2005. See 2005 archive above
NIA #: 05-234
Geographical key words: Ashburnham, Westminster, Southern Monadnock Plateau
Thematic key words: Mt. Hunger, Mid-State Trail, Forest Legacy program, land protection, conservation restriction
Source: Gardner News, 31 Dec. 05, p. 4
Headline: Mt. Hunger land said to be under serious development pressure
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