Currents

A Publication of the Saugus River Watershed Council Volume 15 No.2, Spring 2006 Flooding Plagues Region Tennessee Gas Proposes 7.8 Mile Pipeline

The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company has proposed construct- ing a new 7.81 mile gas pipeline through Saugus, Wakefield and Lynnfield. If implemented as proposed, the project would have a significant negative impact on natural resources in the Saugus River watershed. Overall the project would affect 28.8 acres of forested land, 25.3 acres of wet- lands, and 19.4 acres of open land. The project would have a significant impact on several important natural resource areas including the main stem of the Saugus River, Breakheart Reserva- tion in Saugus, the Reedy Meadow Photo credit: Curtis White, National Park Service National Natural Landmark, and Shown here, the Saugus River expanded beyond its banks flooding portions of the Golden Hills Area of Critical the Saugus Iron Works. Under normal conditions, the river runs in a Environmental Concern. channel adjacent to the trees shown in rear of this photo. May 14, 2006. The Saugus River Watershed Council will submit comments This May, New England faced one While many local businesses were throughout the environmental of the worst flooding events in history, up and running days after the waters permitting process in an effort to with rivers and streams throughout receded, some roadway and other protect natural resources in our the region expanding over their banks infrastructure repairs will take months watershed. The Council recently flooding roadways, homes and to complete. v submitted a comment letter businesses. regarding the Environmental In this watershed, the Saugus River, Notification Form filed with the Walden Pond, and smaller streams, Inside this Issue Executive Office of flooded out numerous roadways such Environmental Affairs. as Route 1, the , Editorial...... Page 2 One of the Council’s primary Hamilton Street, Water Street and recommendations is that Tennes- Central Street. Flooding caused both Fish Monitoring Project...... Page 3 see Gas Pipeline Company iden- short and long-term damage to many tify alternative routes wherever homes, vehicles, businesses, bridges Youth Education...... Page 4 possible to reduce and/or mini- and roadways. mize impacts to natural resources With sewer and storm drain Around the Watershed...... Page 5 in the Saugus River watershed. As systems beyond their capacity, the currently proposed, the project Lincoln Avenue pumping station River Night 2006...... Page 6 follows the New England Power dumped sewage into the Saugus River Company easement and would for several days. In addition, local BJ’s Wholesale Warehouse..Page 7 significantly alter the natural sewer lines in many communities resource areas noted above. backed up through manholes in some Saugus River Picnic & locations contributing bacteria to flood Children’s Festival...... Page 7 ....Continued on page 4 waters in roadways and homes. Editorial: Recent Flooding Highlights Lobstermen’s Landing Need for “Low Impact Development” (LID) The Town of Saugus is propos- ing major improvements to the The recent floods throughout New River to the City of Lynn’s drinking landside facilities and docks at England have raised significant water reservoir system. Lobstermen’s Landing in Saugus. questions about the reality of plan- Incorporating “Low Impact The Saugus River Watershed ning for major storm events during Development” (LID) techniques Council submitted comments the environmental permitting when planning for development of during the permitting process in process for development. this and other major sites in the support of the project, noting the Debates will go on about whether watershed would help alleviate need to protect the river channel the recent rainstorm should be flooding and enhance important from debris during construction considered a 100-year rain storm or buffer zones and natural resources in work, and enhance interpretive something more. However it is the Saugus River watershed. information at Vitale Park about defined, the May 2006 floods high- Conventional development the natural resources and history v lighted the need for local, state and techniques often clear trees and of the Saugus River. federal environmental permitting valuable topsoil from a site and re- agencies to be more vigilant in grade it so that all water ends up in a requiring developers to meet high large detention basin. Resulting Saugus River standards for managing stormwater problems include loss of recharge, pollution and water volume. increased water temperature, de- Historic encroachment onto creased water quality and higher vegetated buffer zones along the runoff volumes. Saugus River, as well as wetlands The LID approach, on the other such as Reedy Meadow and Rumney hand, protects the natural ability of Watershed Council Marsh, has decreased the ability of the site to capture precipitation, keep these areas to provide important it clean and allow it to recharge the Board of Directors flood storage capacity. local water table. This is achieved by Lisa Capone-Condon, Co-President While it is difficult to go back and applying a suite of tools including: 1) Frank Ricciardi, Co-President change already developed parcels, planning to preserve and create Doug Heath, Vice President there is still ample opportunity natural features, 2) landscaping to Mary Kinsell, Treasurer within the Saugus River watershed enhance buffer zones and create Dan Burgess to increase flood storage capacity natural filters, 3) using vegetation to Pam Burgess associated with new developments. slow runoff rates, and 4) reducing Denise Butler For example, the 200+ acre impervious surfaces. David Eatough property (current location of The Massachusetts Executive Ann Farrell Sheraton Colonial Hotel and golf Office of Environmental Affairs has Kory Hellmer course) in Lynnfield and Wakefield created an excellent on-line resource Jim Hohmann has recently been sold and will be at www.mass.gov/envir/lid. The Joe James redeveloped over the next few years. site provides case studies, sample Carl King Dick Lynch The future development of this site is local by-laws, and informational Bob McLaughlin particularly important because it brochures. Incorporating these Debra Panetta abuts the Reedy Meadow National innovative approaches in our water- Tom Pawlina Natural Landmark and the Saugus shed could help prevent future Walt Silva River. The site is also adjacent to the problems similar to those caused by Bob Smith Lynn Water and Sewer Commission the May 2006 rainstorms. Kathy Wrynn Dam and Hawkes Brook which transports water from the Saugus Joan LeBlanc ❖ Staff Joan LeBlanc Executive Director What is LID? Low Impact Development is an approach to environmentally friendly land Currents is published by the Saugus River Watershed Council. Materials in use planning. It includes a suite of landscaping and design techniques Currents may be reprinted with that attempt to maintain the natural, pre-developed ability of a site to permission from the SRWC. manage rainfall. LID techniques capture water on site, filter it through Saugus River Watershed Council vegetation, and let it soak into the ground where it can recharge the local P.O. Box 1092, Saugus, MA 01906 water table rather than being lost as surface runoff. An important LID 781-233-5046 [email protected] principle includes the idea that stormwater is not merely a waste product www.saugusriver.org to be disposed of, but rather that rainwater is a resource. 2 2006 Fish Monitoring Project

Saugus River Fyke Net Sampling Results

2006 2005 rainbow smelt 1,412 138 white perch 64 12 alewife 3 11 blueback herring 1 0 American eel 12 8 fourspine stickleback 243 185 threespine stickleback 95 65 mummichog 265 20 yellow perch 26 47 white sucker 37 37 redfin pickerel 4 4 golden shiner 1 0 crayfish 0 1 From left, Brad Chase and Matt Ayer of the Division of Marine Total Catch: 2,163 528 Fisheries identify and measure fish from the Saugus River, March 2006.

This spring, the Saugus River ing smelt, the project also provides the population of juvenile (or glass) Watershed Council worked in partner- some information regarding the eels found in the Saugus River. That ship with the Massachusetts Division diversity of species found in the program will continue during June of Marine Fisheries, the Saugus Iron Saugus River. This year’s results with results to be published in the Works National Historic Site, and the continued to show that the Saugus summer newsletter. Corporate Wetlands Partnership to River provides important habitat for a Special thanks to all of the staff at conduct the second year of our Saugus range of species including, smelt, the Division of Marine Fisheries, and River fish monitoring project. white perch, alewife, American eel, the Saugus Iron Works for making this From 8 March 2006 through 19 May fourspine and threespine sticklebacks, project possible. We also appreciate 2006, a fyke net was set in the main mummichog, yellow perch and white support from the Corporate Wetlands stem of the Saugus River. Staff and sucker. Program and contributions of many volunteers checked the net four days In addition to the fyke net sampling volunteers who assisted with field v each week to identify and count fish. project, an eel trap was used to assess work. The fyke net sampling program is aimed at identifying the presence and size of rainbow smelt population in the Saugus River. This spring, 1,412 rainbow smelt were identified, measured and the released back into the Saugus River. These results show a marked increase from 2005 when 138 rainbow smelt were caught in the river under a similar sampling regime. Rainbow smelt, which were recently designated by the state as a Species of Special Concern, are a diadromous species that travel up the Saugus River to spawn along gravel bottom portions of the river bed. From left, SRWC Director Joan LeBlanc and Michelle Blees of Although the sampling program is the National Park Service check eel trap along Saugus River, targeted toward catching and releas- May 2006. 3 Youths Learn About Watershed Tennesse Gas Pipeline ...Continued from page 1 The Council’s other concerns about the project, include: 1) Installing a new gas pipeline in Reedy Meadow could pose a threat to the City of Lynn’s drinking water supply. 2) The number of Saugus River crossings should be reduced and efforts are needed to maintain water flow and protect riverbeds and banks. 3) If possible the project area should avoid Breakheart Reserva- tion, mitigation will be needed to ensure any impacted areas are revegetated. 4) The route of the pipeline Photo credit: Lisa Capone-Condon should be relocated so that it does With guidance from Bob Metcalfe, students from the Horace Mann not pass through Reedy Meadow. School in Melrose build watersheds models, March 2006. Locating the gas pipeline in Reedy Meadow would have a negative More than 500 youths have participated in the Saugus River Water- impact on wildlife habitat, and shed Council’s free environmental education programs this spring. could hamper ongoing efforts to Through a partnership with New England Discovery, wildlife expert improve hydrology and flood Bob Metcalfe has conducted numerous classroom and field programs storage. teaching youths about watershed concepts, local wildlife, the water 5) Plans are needed to ensure that cycle, and much more. no flood storage capacity is lost as Students built watershed models, conducted hands-on water qual- a result of work conducted in ity sampling, and went on field trips throughout the watershed. wetlands and waterways. Additional programs are scheduled for the month of June. Teachers 6) The project proponent should or youth group leaders interested in scheduling programs for the sum- ensure that smelt spawning habitat mer or fall should contact the Saugus River Watershed Council at 781- is not disturbed during river 233-5046 or [email protected]. Programs are available at no charge to crossings. schools and youths groups located within the Saugus River watershed. 7) Efforts are needed to ensure v that the work area does not affect vernal pools in Saugus, Lynnfield and Wakefield. 8) Revegetating disturbed areas should result in natural areas that have similar or greater environ- mental value to those lost. 9) Large scale mitigation projects should be identified and funded to offset negative environmental impacts of the project. 10) Numerous sites with signifi- cant archaeological value are located in the vicinity of the project area. These sites must be identified and appropriate measures are needed to ensure that they are protected. Photo credit: Bob Metcalfe For a copy of the full comment Students studying environmental science at Wakefield High School partici- letter regarding this project, please pated in a field trip to Rumney Marsh to learn about salt marsh habitat, contact SRWC at 781-233-5046 or April 2006. [email protected]. v 4 Around the Watershed

Lake Quannapowitt Walk Massachusetts coastline and a June- trips. Special thanks to long-time As part of a series of informational September tide chart. For a free copy, volunteer Fred LeBlanc of Saugus walks hosted on a monthly basis, email your request and mailing for agreeing to lead the trips again Friends of will address to [email protected]. this year. host a free walk for the general public on 25 June 2006 at 10:00 a.m. DCR Education Programs Environmental Expo Participants will meet at the The Department of Conservation and Friends of Breakheart and the Gertrude Spaulding Park in Recreation is offering free educational Department of Conservation and Wakefield. For more information programs at the Environ- Recreation sponsored an Environ- call Lee at 781-224-2490. mental Education Center. All pro- mental Expo at Breakheart Reserva- grams are conducted by a DCR Park tion on Saturday, 20 May. Organi- Biodiversity Days Ranger and are offered Wednesday zations such as the Saugus River The Department of Conservation through Saturday throughout the year. Watershed Council, Saugus Action and Recreation will host a series of Topics will vary. Many of the pro- Volunteers for the Environment, events focused on identifying grams will be held at Breakheart and many others provided informa- biodiversity in Massachusetts. Bat Reservation in Saugus. For more tion about local environmental Bonanza Weekend will be held on 9 information, contact Matthew Nash at issues. The Council sponsored two and 10 June 2006 at Breakheart 617-727-1199 ext. 205 or nature walks led by Bob Metcalfe of Reservation in Saugus and [email protected]. New England Discovery. Partici- Middlesex Fells Reservation in Spring programs are available for pants looked at signs of wildlife Stoneham. Participants will learn schools or community groups through found at . how bats are useful to people and the end of June. their purpose in ecological systems. SAVE Annual Meeting Pre-registration is required for these Saugus Action Volunteers for the programs. Go to www.mass.gov/ Thank You! Environment will host its annual DCR to find out more about pro- meeting and dinner on Wednesday, grams and registration details. The Saugus River Watershed 14 June 2006 at the Sheraton Colo- Council extends its sincere thanks nial Hotel and Golf Club, Colonial Bike to the Sea to Raina’s Hair Design Studio on Center in Wakefield. The dinner Hosts Cleanup 115 Broadway in Revere. This past costs $22 per person. To register, Bike to the Sea will host a cleanup April, Raina Morgan and the salon, send check payable to SAVE to on Saturday, 17 June 2006, at 9:00 which features Aveda natural Chuck Bocchino, 41 Great Woods a.m. Volunteers will meet at beauty products, sold environmen- Road, Saugus 01906. Also include Marshview Park on Boston Street tal products to raise money and choice of dinner – steak, chicken or (at the Lynn/Saugus line). Partici- promote environmental awareness schrod. pants will remove trash from for earth day. Proceeds went to portions of the proposed multi-use support the Appalachian Mountain Festival by the Lake trail along the Saugus River in Lynn Club and the Saugus River Water- The Wakefield Center Neighbor- and Saugus. For more information, shed Council. We sincerely hood Association is sponsoring its contact Steve Winslow at 781-397- appreciate Raina’s efforts on behalf annual Festival by the Lake on 6893. of protecting the local environ- Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 a.m. to ment! 4:00 p.m. The festival includes 2006 Boater’s Guide hundreds of craft exhibitors and The 2006 Boaters' Guide to Tides numerous civic organizations and Pumpout Facilities is now Canoe Trips including the Saugus River Water- available from the Massachusetts shed Council and Friends of Lake The Saugus River Watershed Council Quannapowitt. The event takes Office of Coastal Zone Manage- will again host canoe trips in Rumney ment. The wallet-sized pamphlet, place on the lawn adjacent to Lake Marsh and along the main stem of the Quannapowitt in Wakefield. A printed on waterproof paper, Saugus River this summer and fall. contains information on the loca- raindate has been scheduled for Watch the mail for a separate flyer Saturday, 17 June 2006. v tions of pumpout facilities along the highlighting dates and times for these

5 River Night 2006 a Great Success!

Photo credit: Dan Burgess

guests bidding at the auction, we Lozzi (Lynn Beach Commissioner), raised approximately $19,000 to Lynn Museum and Historical support our river restoration and Society, Sue and Bob McFarlane, environmental education programs. Bob and Terry McLaughlin, Meg Special thanks to the following Michaels, Mark and Debra Panetta, River Night sponsors: General Joan LeBlanc and Bion Pike, and Electric, Pinney & Scofield, Inc., John and Laura Walsh. Spinelli’s Function Facility, Weston & River Night was made possible Sampson Engineers, Overlook Ridge, by the enthusiastic efforts of our LLC, Onyx Environmental Services, benefit and honorary committees, GeoSyntec Consultants, Inc., Central auction volunteers, sponsors, item Centerless Grinding, Giannelli Man- donors, staff at Spinelli’s, and agement and Development Corp., guests at the auction. Photo credit: Dan Burgess Peter Rossetti Insurance Agency, New SRWC extends our sincere England Church Restoration, Seyfarth thanks to everyone who worked SRWC’s 4th Annual River Night Shaw LLP, ATP Environmental, together to make this year’s event dinner and auction was a great Gomez & Sullivan Engineers, Jenkins such a great success! v success. Approximately 150 Insurance Agency, John’s members and friends joined us at Oil Company, Kane’s Spinelli’s in Lynnfield on March Donuts, Saugusbank, and 28th for a delicious dinner and Saugus Federal Credit exciting auction. This year’s event Union. included a live auction featuring a Special thanks also to Maine sailing vacation for two, our “Friends of River Red Sox seats in a luxury box, a Night”: Karen and BOSE wave radio and much more. Michael Benson (Indian Guests also participated in an Rock Stables), Captain exciting silent auction and a Wolf Executive Car & Saugus River “fishing derby”. Limo, Lisa and Will Thanks to very generous Condon, Committee to contributions from hundreds of Elect Sean Grant, Dot event sponsors, item donors and and Joe James, Anthony Photo credit: Dan Burgess

6 BJ’s Wholesale Wharehouse, Revere Saugus River Picnic & Children’s Festival Earlier this year, BJ’s Wholesale Set for Tuesday, 27 June 2006 Club began the environmental permit- ting process for construction of a 121,635 square foot store and gas station on a 19.95 acre site in Revere adjacent to the Rumney Marshes Area of Critical Environmental Concern. SRWC submitted comments regarding the Environmental Notifica- tion Form for the project, highlighting the following concerns: 1) The project proponent should consider on-site alternatives such as relocating all construction out of the ACEC and floodplain, moving the fueling facility away from the marsh, The Saugus River Watershed audiences of all ages. Get ready to reducing the overall project footprint, Council will host its annual Saugus dance with lobsters and sway to the and reducing the amount of parking River Picnic and Children’s Festival rhythms of coral reefs. Additional area. on Tuesday, 27 June 2006 at the music will be presented by Dave 2) The proposed fueling facility is Saugus Iron Works, from 6:00 p.m. Simmons, Dick Lynch and friends. not an appropriate use for the site, to dusk (Raindate: Wednesday, 28 Children will also enjoy balloons, given the potential environmental June). and a variety of hands-on environ- problems associated with constructing Members of the public are invited mental games and activities. This a 20,000 gallon underground storage to bring a picnic supper and blanket year’s event will also include a tank within filled tidelands as well as or lawn chairs to enjoy a delightful nature walk and exploration along pollution associated with the pro- summer evening of fun for the the Saugus River. posed fueling operation. whole family. Free drinks and Special thanks to the staff at the 3) Given historical uses of the site, dessert will be provided. Saugus Iron Works for providing a soils should be analyzed for 21E At 7:00 p.m., Paul Erickson will great location for this event, and to classification to determine if hazard- present The Ocean Rocks - rock and Wild Oats Community Marketplace ous materials exist on the site. roll music of the aquatic kind for and REI for their support. 4) Vegetated buffer zones are needed to protect valuable salt marsh habitat from pollution associated with Directions: From Route 1, take Walnut Street exit toward Saugus/Lynn. stormwater on the site. Take right at first light onto Central Street. Follow signs to the Saugus 5) Stormwater management plans Iron Works. For more information, please call 781-233-5046. v should incorporate low impact development (LID) techniques, utilize vegetated filters, and address issues associated with high tidal conditions and flooding during storm events. Massachusetts Coast Guide 6) Development of the site should avoid altering wetlands wherever With summer fast approaching, now is an ideal time to get a copy possible. Wetlands restoration of the Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston and the North Shore. This projects should be implemented as spiral-bound, 10" x 6.5" guidebook is perfect for fitting in a backpack mitigation for any disturbed wetlands. or a glove compartment. Developed by the Massachusetts Office of The Certificate of the Secretary of Coastal Zone Management, the Coast Guide's 80+ pages include 22 Environmental Affairs for the project maps covering the coast from Salisbury to Hingham, highlighting requires the project proponent to nearly 400 sites open to the public, ranging from expansive parks to submit an Environmental Impact small public landings. Brief site descriptions cover general character- Report addressing the concerns raised istics of the site, available facilities, and parking. by the Council as well as other To get your free copy, e-mail your address to [email protected], or commenters on the project. stop by the CZM Boston office at 251 Causeway Street from 9 a.m. to 5 For a complete copy of the p.m. CZM is on the 8th floor. Excerpts from the printed version of the Council’s comments regarding this guide are also available on-line at www.mass.gov/czm/coastguide. v project, contact SRWC at 781-233-5046 or [email protected] 7

Saugus, MA 01906 MA Saugus,

P.O. Box 1092 Box P.O.

Saugus River Watershed Council Watershed River Saugus Currents

Making a Difference Join the Saugus River Watershed Council The Saugus River watershed stretches from Lake Quannapowitt to the Lynn Harbor/ Saugus River estuary, encompassing all or Yes! I would like to become a member of the Saugus River Watershed Council.* part of eleven communities. The Saugus River Watershed Council is a ❏ New Member ❏ Membership Renewal non-profit organization founded in 1991 to protect the natural resources of the water- ❏ Individual ($10) ❏ Family ($15) ❏ Friend ($25) shed. Our priorities include restoring water ❏ Steward ($50) ❏ Patron ($100) ❏ Other $_____ quality, expanding public access, restoring habitat for anadromous fish and other wild * Corporations interested in joining the Saugus River Watershed life, and protecting critical resources such as Council should call (781) 233-5046 for additional information. Rumney Marsh and Reedy Meadow. Please consider adding your voice, as a Name______member of the Council, to our efforts to Address______protect the natural resources and beauty of the Saugus River watershed. City______State______Zip______

Telephone______

Send check or money order to: Saugus River Watershed Council P.O. Box 1092 Spring 2006 Saugus, MA 01906 8