A. 
Burden of proof. The applicant for a permit shall have the burden of providing by a preponderance of the credible evidence that the work proposed in the application shall not have an unacceptable, significant or cumulative negative effect upon the values of the resource area(s) protected by this bylaw. Failure to provide adequate evidence to the Commission supporting this burden shall be deemed sufficient cause for the Commission to deny a permit or grant a permit with conditions.
B. 
Presumption concerning Title 5 of the State Environmental Code. In accordance with 310 CMR 10.03(3), the following additional restrictions apply:
(1) 
None of the components of the subsurface disposal system may be located within 50 feet of the following resource areas: freshwater wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, bogs, swamps, lakes, rivers, ponds or streams.
(2) 
The leaching facility of said system, including the reserve area, shall be set back 100 feet from any resource area identified in 310 CMR 10.03(2)(a).
(3) 
The setback distance specified above shall not be required for the renovation or replacement (but is required for the substantial enlargement) of septic systems constructed prior to the date these regulations are promulgated, provided such work has been approved by the Groveland Board of Health, as required by law.
C. 
Dimensional regulations.
(1) 
Underground storage tanks for chemical and petroleum products, regardless of size, shall not be located within 100 feet of any resource area described in § 30-1.2.
(2) 
No paddock shall be installed within 100 feet of any resource area described in § 30-1.2 (except for 100-foot buffer areas).
(3) 
Commercial, institutional, industrial structures and associated parking facilities shall not be installed within 100 feet of any resource area described in § 30-1.2 (except for 100-foot buffer areas).
(4) 
Any other structure requiring a building permit, including, but not limited to, dwellings, garages, decks, storage sheds, swimming pools, etc., shall not be installed within 75 feet of any resource area described in § 30-1.2 (except for 100-foot buffer areas).
(5) 
Driveways and utility service connections or mains shall not be installed within 25 feet of any resource area described in § 30-1.2 (except for 100-foot buffer areas).
(6) 
Manure shall not be stockpiled or stored within 100 feet of any resource area described in § 30-1.2 (except for 100-foot buffer areas).
D. 
Seasonal restrictions.
(1) 
Work within a resource area shall be performed during "low flow" months of the year whenever practical. Springtime is not the proper time of year for working within a wet area. The Commission shall impose construction date limitations on an as-needed basis determined by each individual project.
(2) 
All stabilization work must commence by October 15 and be in place and fully functional prior to November 1. This shall include any and all required planting (or temporary protection methods), slope protection and pavement as required by the Commission in its decision. No work within any resource area described in § 30-1.2 shall be permitted after October 31 or before April 15 of the following year.
A. 
Findings.
(1) 
Freshwater wetlands are likely to be significant to public or private water supply, groundwater supply, flood control, storm damage prevention, prevention of pollution, the protection of fisheries and wildlife habitat, recreation and aesthetics.
(2) 
The plant communities, soil and associated low topography of freshwater wetlands remove or detrain sediments, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) and toxic substances (such as heavy metal compounds) that occur in runoff and floodwaters.
(3) 
Some nutrients and toxic substances are detained for years in plant root systems or in the soils. Others are held by plants during the growing season and released as the plants decay in the fall and winter. This latter phenomenon delays the impacts of nutrients and toxins until the cold weather period, when such impacts are less likely to reduce water quality.
(4) 
Freshwater wetlands are areas where groundwater discharges to the surface and where, under some circumstances, surface water discharges to the groundwater. The profusion of vegetation and the low topography of freshwater wetlands slow down and reduce the passage of floodwaters during periods of peak flows by providing temporary floodwater storage, and by facilitating water removal through flood damage to private and public property. During dry periods, the water retained in freshwater wetlands is essential to the maintenance of base flow levels in rivers and streams, which in turn is important to the protection of water quality and water supplies.
(5) 
Wetland vegetation provides shade that moderates temperatures important to fish life. Wetlands and adjacent water bodies and waterways provide food, breeding habitat and cover to fish. Fish populations in the larval stage are particularly dependent on food provided by overbank flooding which occurs during peak flow periods (extreme storms), because most river and stream channels do not provide sufficient quantities of the microscopic plant and animal life required.
(6) 
Wetland vegetation supports a wide variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds, which are a source of food for important game fish. Freshwater wetlands are probably the Town's most important habitat for wildlife. The hydrologic regime, plant community composition and structure, soil composition and structure, topography and water chemistry of freshwater wetlands provide important food, shelter, migratory and overwintering areas and breeding areas for many birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. A wide variety of vegetative wetland plants, the nature of which are determined in large part by the depth and duration of water, as well as soil and water composition, are utilized by varied species as important areas for mating, nesting, brood rearing, shelter and (directly and indirectly) food. The diversity and interspersion of the vegetative structure is also important in determining the nature of its wildlife habitat. Different habitat characteristics are used by different wildlife species during summer, winter and migratory seasons.
B. 
Identification and applicability.
(1) 
The Groveland bylaw is not restricted to protection of bordering vegetated wetlands, but applies to all wetlands. Wetlands and their boundaries shall be identified in the manner designated in MGL c. 131, § 40, incorporated herein by reference. Where appropriate, the Commission may use additional criteria for the identification of wetlands and their boundaries, including, but not limited to, soil type.
(2) 
Only isolated wetlands greater than 5,000 square feet in area are subject to protection under these regulations.
C. 
Review period. Wetland boundary delineations shall be reviewed only between April 1 and December 1 of each year, unless the Commission grants a waiver on a particular site due to the low probability of error, or reserves the right to adjust the boundary during the growing season.
D. 
Presumption. Where a proposed activity involves the removing, filling, dredging or altering of a freshwater wetland, the Commission shall presume that such area is significant to the interests specified in Subsection A herein.
E. 
General performance standards. Any proposed work in freshwater wetlands shall not destroy or otherwise impair any portion of said area. However, and at its sole discretion, the Commission may issue a permit allowing work which results in the loss of up to 5,000 square feet of freshwater wetlands when said area is replaced in accordance with the following general conditions and any specific conditions the Commission deems necessary to ensure that the replacement area will function in a manner similar to the area that will be lost:
(1) 
The surface of the replacement area to be created (the "replacement area") shall be at least equal to that of the area which will be lost (the "lost area"). At the discretion of the Commission, the replacement area may be required to exceed the size of the lost area.
(2) 
The groundwater and surface water elevations of the replacement area shall be approximately equal to that of the lost area.
(3) 
The overall horizontal configuration and location of the replacement area with respect to the bank shall be similar to that of the lost area.
(4) 
The replacement area shall have an unrestricted hydraulic connection with the same water body or waterway associated with the lost area.
(5) 
The replacement area shall be located within the same general area of the water body or reach of the waterway as the lost area.
(6) 
A minimum of 75% of the replacement area shall be reestablished with indigenous wetland plant species within two growing seasons, and prior to said vegetative establishment any exposed soil in the replacement area shall be temporarily stabilized to prevent erosion in accordance with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service methods.
(7) 
The replacement area shall be provided in a manner which is consistent with all other performance standards for each resource area described in these regulations.
F. 
Alteration of finger-like wetland areas. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection E(1) through (7) herein, the Commission may issue a permit allowing work which results in the loss of a portion of the freshwater wetlands when:
(1) 
Said portion has a surface area less than 500 square feet;
(2) 
Said portion extends in a distinct linear configuration ("finger-like") into adjacent uplands; and
(3) 
In the judgment of the Commission, it is not reasonable to scale down, redesign or otherwise change the proposed work so that it could not be completed without the loss of said wetland.
G. 
Limited projects in wetlands. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections E and F herein, the Commission, at its sole discretion, may issue a permit for the limited range of projects identified in 310 CMR 10.53.
Refer to §§ 30-1.1, 30-1.2 and 30-2.2 of the bylaw.
Refer to §§ 30-1.1, 30-1.2 and 30-2.2 of the bylaw.
Refer to §§ 30-1.1, 30-1.2 and 30-2.2 of the bylaw. Any project shown to be within an area of an endangered, threatened or special concern species as shown on the current Estimated Habitat Map shall submit notice of the project to Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in accordance with 310 CMR 10.37 and 10.59. Notification shall be a required simultaneously with the filing before the Commission.
A. 
Findings.
(1) 
It has been the Commission's experience that any project undertaken in close proximity to a wetland resource area is likely to result in some type of alteration, either immediately, as a consequence of construction or over a longer period of time, as a consequence of daily operation of the completed project. Accordingly, these regulations require that any person intending to perform work within 100 feet of a resource area must submit to the Commission either an RDA or a notice of intent. This way, the Commission has an opportunity to review the proposed project to determine whether any alteration of the resource area will occur, and whether any resulting alteration is in compliance with this or other applicable performance standards.
(2) 
If, in response to a request for determination of applicability, the Commission finds that work within the buffer zone will not alter the resource area, it may issue a negative determination of applicability, with or without conditions.
B. 
Presumption.
(1) 
Based on experience to date with projects in the buffer zone, the Commission may presume that work in the categories below closer than the tabulated distances to the resource protected by the buffer zone will result in an alteration of the resource.
(2) 
Refer to § 30-2.1B, C and D for regulations concerning subsurface disposal systems, dimensional restrictions and setbacks and calendar dates for work within the buffer zone.
(3) 
The following activities within the buffer zone will typically be considered not to have a negative effect on an adjacent resource area:
(a) 
Landscape plantings, to within 25 feet of the protected area, provided that areas disturbed are mulched immediately and there is no change in grade. Species of plants likely to invade the resource area shall be prohibited.
(b) 
Construction or installation of fences or structures that do not require a building permit where no extensive filling or grading of the area is involved.
C. 
Additional restrictions along the Merrimack River.
(1) 
Findings. The Merrimack River and its banks are a vital part of our ecosystem. Many species rely entirely on the river as a habitat to feed, reproduce and survive. Some of these species are listed as rare, threatened or endangered, such as the bald eagle; deer, moose and numerous other mammals, as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish also rely on this habitat for survival.
(2) 
A 200-foot no-work zone (measured horizontally from the mean annual high water mark) shall be established along the bank of the Merrimack River. No cutting of trees, undergrowth, brush, etc., shall be permitted in this area. Access to the River shall be permitted by one seven-foot-maximum wide path as described in Subsection D. The path shall be used solely for foot traffic access to the water's edge or a private dock. The wooded area must be maintained with a natural leaf litter or mulch. No planting of other than indigenous species shall be permitted (including any species of grass). No fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides shall be permitted within this area.
D. 
Cutting of vegetation (except as established in Subsection C of this section)
(1) 
No-cut zone. There shall be a no-cut zone 25 feet in depth (measured horizontally from the mean annual high water mark) adjacent to the protected resource. Vegetation in this zone shall not be cut or trimmed in any manner. A single path to the resource area per lot may be created and maintained if limited to seven feet in width. Paths on adjacent lots shall be separated by a minimum of 25 feet.
(2) 
Understory. Mowing or cutting vegetation to within 25 feet (measured horizontally from the mean annual high water mark) of the protected resource area is allowed without filing a notice of intent, provided that soil is not exposed to erosion and that sod cover or natural litter is maintained.
(3) 
Overstory/Canopy. To promote recharge of the groundwater and avoid excessive runoff, not more than 40% of the trees in the buffer zone shall be removed. No clear-cutting of trees shall be permitted within any buffer zone. Minimal clearing to allow erection of permitted structures will be allowed. All permissible cutting shall be done in such a manner so as to ensure that a well-distributed stand of trees, by size, and other vegetation remains throughout the buffer zone.
(4) 
Pre-existing Use. Landscaping in a buffer zone in existence on the date these regulations are promulgated may be maintained. However, landowners are encouraged to comply with these regulations in order to protect the values identified in the Groveland Wetland Protection Bylaw.
E. 
Limited Projects in the buffer zone. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections B and C herein, the Commission at its sole discretion may issue a permit for execution of work in the buffer zone of the limited range of projects identified in 310 CMR 10.53.