Beaver Wood Pownal 248 Filing: No. 8E - Pre-Filed Testimony of Adam Crary SD

8/8/2019 Beaver Wood Pownal 248 Filing: No. 8E - Pre-Filed Testimony of Adam Crary SD

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STATE OF VERMONTPUBLIC SERVICE BOARD

Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLC )for a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30V.S.A. 248 , to install and operate a BiornassEnergy Facility and an integrated wood pellet Docket Nmanufacturing facility located north of the old )Green Mountain Racetrack in Pownal, Vermont,to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project

PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OFADAM CRARYON BEHALF OFBEAVER WOOD ENERGY POWNAL, LEC

October 25, 2010

The purpose of the pre-filed testimony of Mr. Crary is to demonstrate that the proposedPownal Biomass Project will comply with certain provisions of 30 V.S.A. 248 (b)(5) ,namely those pertaining to outstanding resource waters, streams, wetlands, rare orirreplaceable natural areas, and necessary wildlife habitat and endangered spec ies.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction 12. Summary of Findings 33. Conclusion 10

EXHIBITSExhibit Petitioners AC-i Resum of Adam R. CraryExhibit Petitioners AC-2 Memorandum: Wetland, Stream , and other NaturalResources Summary


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Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLC )for a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30V. S.A. 248 , to install and operate a Biomass )Energy Facility an d an integrated wood pellet ) Docket 4omanufacturing facility located north of the old )Green Mountain Racetrack in Pownal, Vermont,to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project )

PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OFADAM CRARYON BEHALF OFBEAVER WOOD ENERGY POWNAL, LLC

1. IntroductionQi. Ple as e state your name, bu sin es s address an d employment.Al. My name is Adam Crary an d I am employed by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.

(VHB), formerly known as VHB Pioneer. The VH B business ad dress is 7056U.S. Route 7, North Ferrisburgh Vermont. I am a Senior Wetland Scientistresponsible fo r managing projects, staff, and technical work in conduct of va riousecological surveys an d reporting, typically under th e requirements of federal,state, an d lo cal environmental regulatory programs. My resume is attached asexhibit AC-i.

Q2. Please describe your educational background and professional experience.A2. I hold a B.S. degree in Natural Resources with a concentration in N atural History

and Ecology (2000) from the University of Maine (Orono). My education,training, an d professional experience include wetland, w aters, and stream


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Pownal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No ,Prefiled Testimony of Adam Crary

October 25, 2010Page 2 of 10

delineation and jurisdictional determinations; wetland function and valueassessments; stream assessments (quality, flow, habitat, biological, andgeomorphological); compensatory wetland mitigation (feasibility, design, andmonitoring); stream restoration/enhancement (feasibility, design, and monitoring);vascular flora identification and collection; floristic monitoring and su rvey s: rare,threatened and endangered plant spe cies surveys; natural community assessmentsand environmental inventory; and technical and scientific report and oralpresentation development. I am a recognized Professional Wetland Scientist(Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program, #1691), acertified Professional Wetland Delineator (Virginia Department of Professionaland Occupational Regulation, #3402 000067), and a recognized Rare PlantSurveyor (USFWS, Virginia Field Office).

Q3. What is the purpose of your testimony?A3. The purpose of my testimony is to demonstrate that the Pownal Biomass Project

(the Project) satisfies the requirements of 30 V.S .A . 248(b)(5). Se ction248(b)(5) provides, in pertinent part, that a generation or transmission facilityshould not have an undue adverse effect on water purity or the naturalenvironment, with due consideration having been given to the criteria specified in10 V.S.A. 1424a(d) (Outstanding Resource Waters) and 6086(a)(1) through(8) and (9)(K) (various Act 250 criteria). My testimony specifically coversOutstanding Resource Waters [10 V.S.A. 1424a(d))j, Streams [ 6086(a)(fl(E)1.


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Pownal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Adam Crary


Wetlands [ 6086(a)(1)(G)]. Rare and Irreplaceable Natural Areas [ 6086(a)(8jJ,and Necessary Wildlife Habitat and Endangered Species [ 6086 (a)(8)(A)j.

Q4 . Have you testified previously before the Board?A4 . Ye s. Previously, I have testified regarding the Chittenden County Solar Partners ,

LLC South Burlington Solar Farm project, PSB Docket No . 7611 . In this pr iortestimony, I testified as an expert witness regarding 10 V.S.A . 1424a (d)(Outstanding Resource Waters), Headwaters [ 6086(a)(1)(A)1, Floodways [6086(a)(1)(D)j. Streams [ 6086(a)(1)(E)], Shorelines [ 6086(a)(1)(F)],Wetlands [ 6086(a)(1)(G)j, Rare and Irreplaceable Natural Areas [ 6086(a)(8)j,and Necessary Wildlife Habitat and Endangered Species [ 6086 (a)(8)(A)].

2. Summary of FindingsQ5 . Based upon your evaluation and analyses, does the Project comply with Section

248?AS. Yes. The project complies with the Outstanding Resource Waters criterion [10

VS.A. 1424a(d)1 as the project is not located on , and would not affec t anysegment of waters determined to be Outstanding Resources Waters. The projectcomplies with the Streams criterion [ 6086(a)(1)(E)j because the project requ iresminimal work in streams and conforms to the ANR riparian buffer gu idance, anddoes not encroach on streams or their buffer zones. The project complies with theWetlands criterion [ 6086(a)(1)(G)], because Project will not affe ct significantwetlands as defined by the Natural Resources Board, as no State of Vermon tClass I or II Wetlands are present on the project site. The project complies with


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the Rare and Irreplaceable Natural Areas criterion [ 6086(a)(8)J, because theproject site is not within a state-designated Natural Area , Significant Na tura lCommunity, or Natura l Heritage Program Fragile Area . The project complieswith the Necessary Wildlife Habitat and Endangered Species criterion [ 6086(a)(8 )(A)1 because the project site does not comprise necessary wildlife habitat orendangered species.

Q6 What work have you conducted with respect to the Project?

riparian buffer assessments for both. Concerning Wetlands [ 6086(a)(1)(G)J, wehave perforrned site inspections to delineate the wetlands, collect data per federalrequirement, and coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)and the Vermont DEC-Wetlands Division regarding federal and state jurisdiction.Concerning Rare and Irreplaceable Natural Areas criterion [ 6086(a)(8)], andregarding Necessary Wildlife Habitat and Endangered Species [* 6086 (a)(8)(A)1,

A6 My staff and I have conducted site inspections, research, delineation, andprepared a technical memorandum that addresses the natural resources criteria atthe site including streams, wetlands, and threatened and endangered species.significant natural communities, and necessary wildlife habitat. RegardingOutstanding Resource Waters [10 V.S.A. 1424a(d)], we have researched WaterResources Panel (WRP) designations for such waters. Regarding Streams [6086(a)(j)(E)J, we have performed site inspections to delineate the ordinary highwater marks and top-of-bank for the onsite stream channels, which includesegments of the Hoosic Rivet (eastern hank) and Ladd Brook, and have made


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we have reviewed available databases for known occurrences within or adjacentto the site and have corroborated the findings with onsite inspections. Much ofthe work 1, or my staff, have conducted, is presented in the Wetland, Stream, andother Natural Resources Summary memorandum included as Exhibit AC-2. Ihave prepared th is written testimony following review of the Bruno AssociatesInc. P.C. 2010 Construction Layout Plan, dated 10 /5/10, as well as the BrunoAssociates Inc. P.C . drawing OA-1, revision da te 10/18/10 , sponsored in ExhibitBHB-4 in the pre-filed direct testimony of Bruce Boedtker. I have also preparedthis written testimony in corroboration with my colleague, Meddie Pe rry , whoalso provides pre-filed direct testimony regarding certain provisions of 30 V.S.A . 248(b)(5), namely those pertaining to headwaters, waste disposal, floodways,certain aspects of streams, shorelines, water supply for the project, and burden onexisting water supplies. In the following sections, I rely on the prefiled directtestimony and supporting exhibits of either Mr. Perry or Mr. Boedtker for projectdescriptions or conclusions drawn relative to the project plans or design.

Q7 Is the project located on , or would it affect any segment, of any designatedOutstanding Resource Waters [10 V.S.A. 1424a(d)J?

A7 No. The Vermont Water Quality Standards (VWQS, effective January 1, 2008)under section 1-03D, state that the Natural Resources Board (NRB) may, under10 V.S.A. Section 1424(a), designate Outstanding Resource Waters, or ORW.The Natural Resources Board, under 10 V.S.A . Section 1424(a) , de signatesOutstanding Resource Waters. A list of these waters is maintained on the Water

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Pownal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Adam CraryOctober 25, 2010

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Resources Panel (WRP) website (http://www.nrb.state.vt.us/wrp/orw.htm). Thefollowing waterways have been classified by the WRP as Outstanding ResourceWaters:

1. Batten Kill River, Towns of East Dorset and Arlington2. Pikes Falls/Ball Mountain, Town of Jamaica3. Poultney River, Towns of Poultney and Fair Haven4. Great Falls, Ompompanoosuc River, Town of Thetford

The proposed Project is not located in the vicinity of any of the lis ted wate rs;therefore the project will have no affect on such features.

Q8 Will the Project have an undue adverse effect on the natural environment, withdue consideration being given to the criteria of 10 V.S.A. 1424a(d) regardingthe designation of Outstanding Resource Waters?

A8 No. As presented in Exhibit AC-2, there are no streams or other natural waterbodies within the planned project development site and there will be no directimpact to stream channels for the project other than a single intake pipe describedin some detail below and in Mr. Perrys testimony. The 1-loosic River and LaddBrook do occur nearby to the project development site , the Hoosic River banklying approximately 50-feet from the nearest perimeter fence lim it and LaddBrook banks lying, on average, approximately 25-feet from the perimeter fencinglimit. As presented in Exhibit AC-2, the Hoosic River existing riparian conditionand the Ladd Brook existing stream channel and riparian condition have been


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Pow nal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Adam CraryOctober 25, 2010Page 7 of 10

degraded by past land us es . As discussed further below, it is therefore my opinionthat th e project is not within th e vicinity of any waterways that would beconsidered significant, or that would otherwise support an ORW designation,because the streams in the vicinity should not be considered highly significantper Section 1424 a(d), an d considerations of these criteria are not applicable to theproject. Therefore, and as discussed further under th e St rea m s section below andin the testimonies of Mr. Perry and Mr. Boedtkers, th e Project will not ha ve anyadverse effect on th e natural environment with respect to waters that migh t beconsidered significant or support an ORW designation.

Q9 Will the project maintain the natural condition of streams?A9 Yes. My colleague Meddie Perry wi ll testify regarding the proposed w ater

withdrawal fro m th e Hoosic River, which will maintain natural conditions ofdepth an d velocity of flow downstream. My testimony pertains to th e delineationof streams and their buffers, and the projects design insofar as it does notencroach on the stream buffers. As presented in Exhibit AC-2, delineatedsegments of the Hoosic River lie to the west of the project development site andth e La dd Brook to th e north. With exception of the placement of the river w aterintake pipe below ordinary high water on th e Hoosic River (generally describedbelow and in more deta il in Mr. Perrys testimony). th e project will not requireany direct impacts to streams. Also as presented in Exhibit AC -2, VHBrecommended riparian stream buffers be maintained fro m the onsite streams,which were assessed in accordance with Section IILB.3 of the Vermont A N R s


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Pownal Biomass Project. PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Adam Crary

October 25, 20 10Pa ge 8 of 10

December 9, 2005 Guidance for Ac t 25 0 and Section 248 C om m en ts RegardingRiparian Buf fer s (th e Guidance) and are graphically depicted on Page 21 of th eAttachment in Exhibit AC-2. The project development does not ta ke place withinthe Hoosic River stream buffer, an d in most cases, the project site is sited wel lbeyond the buffer. Two minor perimeter fencing encroachments within the LaddBrook buffer will be necessary and is an acceptable activity per Section III .C ofthe Guidance.This river water intake will ca use only a minimal amount of disturbance belowthe 1-loosic River ordinary high water mark as it will be installed by hydraulicallyjacking from a pit th at is outside of the buffer, an d the only disturbance will be an8-inch diameter location where th e intake pipe will protrude from the underwaterriverbank in the 5-foot deep intake po ol. As Mr. Perrys testimony explains, theintake has been designed so th at the maximum w ater velocity at th e intake screenwill be les s than 0.3 feet per second, which will not entrain or impinge fis h andaquatic organisms. This minimal intrusion will also not alter th e natural fluvia lgeomorphology process of the river (sediment and debris transport). A VermontANR Water Quality Division Stream Alteration Permit is not required. A federalpermit from th e U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under Section 404 ofthe Clean Water Act will be a requirement for th e intake structure and w at erwithdrawal, for which pre-application coordination with the USACE has be eninitiated.


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Pownal Biomass Proje ct , PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Adam Crary

October 25, 20 10Pa ge 9 of 10

Therefore, th e project will hav e no undue adverse im pa ct to onsite or downstreamstream channels, a conclusion which is supported in part by th e testimonies of Mr.Perry an d Mr. Boedtker.

Q 10 Will the Project comply with the rules regarding significant (Class I or II)wetlands?

AlO Yes. As presented in Exhibit AC-2, there are no areas within or adjacent to theproject site that are subject to th e Vermont Wetland Rules as Class I or Class IIwetlands or associated buffers. Therefore, the Water Resources B oa rd rule sregarding significant wetlands do not apply to th e project.As also presented in Exhibit AC-2, there is a wetland within the project site th at issubject to USACE (federal) jurisdiction associated with one man-made pond , butis no t included under Vermont (state) jurisdiction. The project will require thefilling of this man-made pon d, which will result in approximately 2.6 acres ofimpact requiring permit authorization from th e USACE pursuant to Section 40 4of th e Clean Water Ac t. D ue to the minimal functions provided by this maninduced wetland and the mitigative measures expected as part of the Section 404permit, it is my opinion that there will not be any adverse effect from the projectto those wetlands that are not under Vermont jurisdiction.

QI 1 Will the Project destroy, or significantly im pe ril necessary wildlife ha bitat or anyendangered species?

All No. As presented in Exhibit AC-2 at Page 5, there are no known threatened orendangered species at the project site, nor is th ere any necessary wildlife habitat.


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Pownal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Adam CraryOctober 25, 2010Page 10 of 10

Q12 Will the Project have an undue adverse effect on any rare and irreplaceablenatural are as (RINA)?

A12 No . As presented in Exhibit AC-2 at Page 5 there are no natural communities thathave been identified within or proximal to the project site that are consideredsignificant by the Vermont Natural Heritage Information Program (NHIP).Corroborative field assessments conducted by VHB confirmed the absence ofsignificant or uncommon natural communities. As such , the project will notaffect any state-designated Natural Area. Significant Natu ral Community, orNatural Heritage Program Fragile Area that may be considered RINA.

3. Initial Project Work for 2010 and 2011Ql3 With respect to the criteria that you have testified about, will the in itial phase of

work proposed for 2010 and 2011 affect the Streams, Wetlands, Rare andIrreplaceable Natural Areas, and Necessary Wildlife Habitat and EndangeredSpecies?

A13 No . The initial phases of work will not involve any work within or adjacent tostreams, Class I or II wetland (or wetlands not under Vermont jurisdiction),RINA, or necessary wildlife habitat or threatened or endangered species. As asubset of the overall project and following the conclusions drawn in my testimonyabove, the initial phases of work will not have any impact to these criteria.

4. ConclusionQ14. Does th is conclude your testimony?A14. Yes.


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Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLC )for a Certificate of Public Good, pu rsuant to 30 )V.S.A. 248, to install and operate a BiomassEnergy Facility and an integrat ed wood pe llet ) 0 ket Noanufacturing facility located north of the old ) ocGreen Mountain Racetrack in Pownal, Verm on t, )to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project

PREFILED TESTIMONY OFADAM CRARYExhibit BWEP - AC 1

Resum


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Adam R. Crary, PWS,PWDContinued, p. 4

technical report of findings and a formal presentation to the Chesterfield County Off iceof Water Quality. As a result of county-coordination and discussion, county perennialstream determination procedures have evolved. Other responsibilities included wetlanddelineation, RPA determination, regulatory support, and coordination with the USACE,DCBLA, county staff, client, engineer, surveyor, and attorney.Cabrila Point; St. Thom as, USVIPrior to VHB, per U.S. Virgin Island regulation, an Environmental Resource Inventorywas needed fo r this proposed resort near Red Hook, St. Thomas. As a botanist and leadEcologist for this project, work entailed detailed surveys and literature reviewsaddressing wetland, coastal mangroves, geology, soil s, vegetation, and wildliferesources on the proposed1-acre site. A detailed wetland delineation was completedaccording the 1987 Corps Manual. All mangrove species present were identified andmapped. Geological and soil characteristics of the site were evaluated through availableliterature. A complete natural community mapping and flor istic survey effort wascompleted. Terrestrial wildlife surveyswere completed and supplemented by theavailable literature. The final ERT compiled the methods and results of all suneys in onecomprehensive report.

Educat ionl Educ ation::fes anal OS, Natural Resources (Natural Hisloiy and Ecology), Universityof Maine, Orono, ME, 2000Profess ional Training:Applied Flu vial Geomorphology, Wildiand Hydrology,Shepherdstown, , April 2009OSHA 70-HR Construction Safety, Richmond, VA, February 2008Emerg. Med/cal Respo nse an d Bloodbome Pathog en Training.Richmond. VA, March 2008Fire Safety and Extinguisher Use, Richmond, VA, March 2008Wetland Delineation and Management, RCET, Charlotte, NC,October 2005Field Botany and Floristics, Humboldt Field Research Institute,Steuben, ME , June 2004Perennia l Stream Ongin Identification for Application of the CBPADesignation and Management Regulations in Virgin ia. NC StateDept. of Forestry, Richmond, VA, June 2004Advanced Hydric Soils, VIMS, Gloucester, VA , October2003Fairfax County Perenn ial Stream Field Identification Protocol,Fairfax. VA, May 2003Prince William Co. and Fairfax Co., VA Physical StreamAssessments. Sept. & Oct. 2003

nif i


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Adam R. Crary, PWS,PwDContinued. p. 5

Wet/and Functiona/ Asse ssment Methodo/ogy, EnvironmentalConcern, MD. September 2002Lent/c Proper Functioning Condition Methods NRCS/USFWS,Coeur dMene, ID, 2000USACE Highway Methodo/ogy Wet/and Assessments , USACE, N.Springfield, VT, June 1999Interpretive Training Institute, AM C Pinkham Notch Visitor Center,Gorham, NH , June 1998-99

Prof es sio nal Professional Wetland Scientist (#1691), Society of WetlandRegistration s! Scientists Professional Certification Program, Inc.Certifications Virginia Certified Professional Wetland Delineator ( #3402000067), Virginia Dept. of Professional and OccupationalRegulationApproved Rare Plant Surveyor Small W1,oded Pogonia, SwampPink, Harperella, Sensitive Joint-vetch, Smooth Conellower,Round-leaf Birch, Virginia Spiraea, and all Plants of Virginia,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Vi rg ini a Field OfficeChesterfield County, VA Approved Wetland ProfessionalWilderness First Responder

Affiliations! Society of Wetland Scientists (2001 - present)Memberships Virginia Association ofWetland Professiona ls (2001 - present)Sou thern Appalachian Botanical Society (2004 - present)Virginia Natural History Society (2004 - present)American Institute of Biological Sciences (2008 - present)Alpha Zeta and Golden Key National Honor Societies (1999 -2000)

Example Technical Tech nical or Scientific Writing Examples:Writing and Crary, AR. 2009. Compensatory Wetland and Stream MitigationPresen tations Plan Brunswick Solid Waste Facility. Contracted Report underColder #0739607509. Solder Associates Inc. (prepared for SF1Waste).Crary, AR. 2008 (Rev. 2009). Rare and Sensitive Species SurveyReport Chesterfield Power Station. Contracted Report underSolder #0736607. GolderAssociates In c. (prepared forDominion).Crary, A.R., M.G. Williams. 2008. Post-Constwct ion StreamRelocation Baseline Monitoring Report 623 La ndfi ll. Contracted

VHS


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Adam R. Crary, PWS,PWDbontinued p. 6

Technical Report under Colder #043677708, Colder AssociatesInc . (prepared for Republ ic Services, Inc.).Crary, AR. 2007. Swamp Pink Conservation and ManagementWilt on on the Jam es. Contracted Technical Report under WEG#2112. Williamsburg Environmental Group! Inc. (prepared forHHHunt. Inc.).Crary, A.R. 2007. Rare and Sensitive Species Report Wilto n onthe James. Contracted Technical Report underWEG #2112.Williamsburg Environmenta l Group, Inc . (prepared for HHHunt.Inc.) .Crary, AR. 2006. Baseline Vegetation Community Investigation.Contracted Technical Report under WEG #1759. WilliamsburgEnvironmenta l Group, Inc. (prepared for Greeley and Hansen).Crary. A.R. 2005. Barking Treefrog (Hy /agratiosa) in Virginia.Internal review. Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc . D.DeSerry, and B. Helmandollar reviewers. Spp.Crary, AR. 2005. Environmental Resource Inventory, CabritaPoint, St. Thomas, USVI. Contracted Technical Report underWEG #2372. Williamsburg Environmental Group. Inc. (preparedtor Springline Architects). 22pp.Crary, AR . 2004. Determination of Section 404 JurisdictionalAreas Using the Atypical Situations Procedure: Nunnally Property,Chesterfield County, Virginia. Contracted Technical Report underWEG #2042. Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. (preparedfor E.W. Nunnai ly . Jr. ). lGpp. (plus appendices).DeBerry, D.A.. A. R. Craw (contributing author). 2004. IntegratedNatural Resources Management Plan: SMR Camp Pendteton.Contracted Report. Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc.(prepared for Virginia Dept. of Military Affairs).Crary, AR. 2004. Charter Colony Lakes (LTC-30 and LTC-20-25)WET II Functional Evaluation. Contracted Technical Report underWEG#1472D . Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. (preparedfor Chesterteid County, Virginia).Example Oral Reports or Pre sen ta tions :Invasiveness of Phragmites austra/is. May 2000. SeniorRese arch Paper Presen tation. University of Maine NaturalResources Program.The Effects of Darn RenovaI. May 2000. Poster Presentation.University of Maine. Soil and Water Quality (PSE 344).Hydric Soil: Using Field Indicators. 8 January 2004.Williamsburg Environmental Group Annual Ecology Seminar.Richmond, Virginia.

VHB


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Adam R. Crary, PWS,PWDContinued, p. 7

Wetland Delineation. October 2006. Toll Brothers, In c. LoudounCounty, Virginia.Bra nch Creek Perennial Stream Determination. 6 March 2007.Chesterlield County Office of Water Quality. Chester, Virg inia .Buena Vista Wetland Functional Analysis. 25 Ap ril 2007.Virginia Mitigation Bank Review Team. Richmond, Virgin ia.Small Whorled Pogonia in Virgi ni a. 27 Ap ril 2007. 2007Wliliamsburg Environmental Group Annual Ecology Seminar.Richmond. Virginia.Compensatory Stream Mitigation. 17 March 2008. GolderAssociates In-House Presentation. Richmond, Virginia.Basic GPS Field Use Trimble GeoXT. 12 June 2008. GolderAssociates Training Presentation. Richmond, Virginia

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Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pown al, EECfor a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30V.S.A. 248, to install and operate a Biomass )Energy Facili ty and an integrated wo od pellet Docket Nomanufacturing facility located no rth of the old )Green Mountain Racetrack in Powna l, Vermont,to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project

PREFILED TESTIMONY OFADAM CRARYExhibit BWEP - AC -2

Memorandum: Wetland, Stream, and otherNatural Resources Summary


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Beaver Wood Energy, LLCPiojectFilePownai, yr


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Wetland, Stream, and Other Natural Resources SummaryPage 6October2l,2010 - -

Through review of the NI-TIP database, one rare or sensitive species was identified that is known tooccur within the one-mile radius of the Study Area, but there are no known species or significantnatural community EQs within or adjacent to the Project site. This EQ is a plant considered rare inVermont (52), but is not afforded protection under Vermont Endangered Species Law. There is amapped deer wintering area within the one-mile radius that is located within intact forestland tothewest of the Project site, but is separated from the Project site by development, roadways, agriculturalland, and the Hoosic River. The Rare Species and Wildlife Habitat Review Map is provided on Page 22of the Attachment, and details the map results of these database queries.Based on the results of this database review, no species or community-specific surveys were conductedfor any unknown threatened or endangered species or significant natural community types. Duringfield investigations and data collection efforts as part of VHBs wetland and waters delineation, si teconditions were found to be highly modified from natural undisturbed (or disturbed) condition andthe likelihood that there are suitable habitats onsite for any protected species is minimal - There are noonsite habitat conditions that would be conducive to providing necessary wildlife habitat for whitetailed deer or moose wintering or black bear (foraging or travel). These findings are similar to thoseincluded in the State of Vermont Public Service Boards (PSB) findings as part of Docket No. 7618 (22-MW Solar Generation Facility at the Southern Vermont Energy Park).Attachment; Site Location Map

Wetland and Stream Delineation Map Summary of 2010 Delineated Wetlands and Summary of 201 0 Delineated Streams (twosummary tables) USACE Wetland Determination Data Form IJSACE Wetland Function-Value Evaluation Form Site Photographs - Wetland/Stream Delineation Soil Comparisons Locations (map) Vermont Soil Fact Sheet, 278 Udipsamments and Udorthents Vermont So il Fact Sheet, 29A Occum Aerial Imagery 1942 Aerial Imagery 1962 9/30/10 Electronic Mail Correspondence from Alan Quackenbush, Subject; Re: Pow nalRacet rack Beaver Wo od Energy Pro ject Stream Buffer Map Rare Species and Wildlife Habitat Review Map

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VHBP Investigation Area

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Sampling Point: IProfile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicaton.)Depth Matrix Redo x FeaturesCo lor (moisfl V. Type toe Textu re

Hydric Soil Indicators: Histosol (Al) Histic Epipedon (A2) Black Histic (AS) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Stratified Layers (AS) Depleted Below Dark Surface (All) Thick Dar k Surface (A12) Sandy Mucky Mineral (Si) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4 ) Sandy Redox (55) Stripped Matrix (56) Dark Surface (57 ) (LRR R, MLRA 14GB)

Polyvalue Below Surface (SB) (tSR R,MLRA 1498) Thin Dark Surface (59) (LRR P. MLRA 1498) Lo amy Mucky Mineral (Fl) (tSR K, L) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)4 Depleted Matrix (F3) Redox Dar k Surface (F6) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Redox Depressions (Fe)

2ocatlon: PL=Pore Lining , MMatrix.Indicators for Problematic Hydric s&i 2cm Muck (AID) (LRR K. L, MLRA 1498) Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (LRR K, L, R) 5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (53) (tSR K, L, R) Dark Surface (57) (LRR K, L) Po lyvatue Below Surface (58) (LRR K, L) Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR K, L) Iron-Manganese Masses (F12 ) (LRR K, L, R) Piedmont Flood plain So ils (F19) (Mt.RA 1498) Mesic Spod ic (TA6) (MLRA 144A, 145, 1498) Red Parent Material (TF2) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF1 2) Other (Explain in Remarks)

Remarksinches) Color (mo ist)tO \JL zji

(oU .o- (b jI 10 Nta

Type: C=Goncent ratlon, DDeP!ptlon, R =Redqgq_atri, CSCovered orpated Sand Grains .

Depth (in ches ):Remarks:

3ndicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hyd rology must be presen t, unless disturbed or prob lematic.Restrictive Layer (If observed):Typ e:

Hydri c S oil Present? Yes X No

US Army Corps of Engineers Northcentra t and Northeast Region Interim Ver sion


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9Site Photographs Wetland/Stream Delineation


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Beaver Wood Energy LLC, Pownal Biomass Site

Photograph 2: Representative view of the Hoosic River, glidepoo i reach (C. Martin)

Photographer:Pho tographs Taken:VHB Project#

VUB PioneerMay, June, or August 201057407

Ia;;asse Haiigen IJr,,stliu, inc.

Photograph 1: Repres enta tive view of the Hoos ic River, riffle-run reach (C. Martin)

f:\57407.OO bea ver wood pomal\docs\snemos\nr memo\bvr wood biom ass wetl s tream photo layout 10-20-1 0.doc x

10Site Photographs WetlandlStream Delineation


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Beaver Wood Energ y LLC, Pownal Biomass Site

cros sing on 2010-TB-2 (Ladd Brook) (C. Martin)

Pho tographe r:Photographs Taken:VHB Project#

VHB PioneerMay, June, or Augus t 201057407

IazIasst JIa.sigc,i Bru stlin. Inc.

Photograph 3: Repre sent ative view of stream 2010-TB-2 (LaddBrook) (C. Martin)

Photograph 4: View of downstream invert of eulverted

f:\57407.OO beaver wood pownal.docs\memos\nr rnemo\bv r wood bioma ss weti stream pho to layout_1O-20-1 O.docx

11Site Photog raphs Wetland/Stream Delineation


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Beaver Wood Energy LLC, Pownal Biomass Site

Photograph 6: Representative view of the non-jur isd ictiona lexcavated pond /wetl and 201 0-2 in the middle of the former racetrack (R. Scoff)

Pho tographe r:Photog raph s Taken:VHB Proje et#

VHB Pion eerMay, June, or August 201057407

Vanasse ila ngen Brus tlin, Inc

Photograph 5: Representative view of theexcava ted wetl and 2010-1 (C. Martin). jurisdictiona l

f\574O7.OO beaver wood pownal\docs snemos\nr memo\bvT wood biom a ss w eti stream phot o layo ut_1O-20 -1Odocx

12Site Pho tographs Wetland/Stream Delineation


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Slthzasse Ilangen iirustlin, Inc. Beaver Wood Energy LLC, Pown al Biomass Site

excavated wetland/pond 2010-2 (L. Stafford)

Photographer:Pho tographs Taken:VHB Projec t#

VHB Pio neerMay, June, or August 201057407

Photograph 7: View of typical non-wetland condition innorthe rn port ion looking over former pav ed park ing (C. Martin)

Photograph 8: View of paved parkin g, former race track, and

f:\57407.OO bea ve r wood pownal\docs\memos\nr rnemo\bvr wood biomass weti stream photo Iayout_1O-20-1O.docx

Site Photographs Wetland/Stream De lineation 13


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viasse Ilangeii Iirnst!i,s. Inc. Beaver Wood Energy LLC , Pownal Biomass Site

within the site (C. Martin )

Phot ogra pher :Photogra phs Taken:VHB Project#

VT -lB PioneerMay, June , or August 201057407

L.. Jill

Photograph 9: View of typical Hoosie River buffe r condition

f:\57407OO beav er wood pownal\docsMemos\nr memo\bvr wood biom ass wet! stream pho to layoutjO-20-1Odocx


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LegendC VHBP Investigation AreaO So1 Comparison Location VT Class I&l l Roads

Beaver Wood Energy lownal, LLCPownal Biomass SitePownal, Vermont

Soil Comparison LocationsAugust 18, 2010

souicea: Baclcground - Topo Powsial, North Pownal,Berlin and North Adam, Quad, Sr,n USGS 9S4)Roads and Properly Parcels from VCGI (2S ), Soil tAut,from VCCI (21YJ8)

PI4NEER7056 Us Route 7P0 Box 120North Ferrisburqh VT 0547318431 425 1788 f802-425 1199cornT7CW ker Wood Fo o,slGlP!c joP,a!_aI,lorsbcov n,,-od

USDA Natmal ResocesCOQnO ,SY4C Vermont So il Fact Sheet

27B: Udipsamments and Udorthents, gently sloping-..

Bennington County, vermont 15


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This man unit consists of areas where the original soil has been removed or covered with fill material . The fill material is typically( loamy, but sandy and clayey areas are included. On-site investigation is needed to identity the soil properties and to determine the hazards and limitations fo r specific uses.The soil in this map uni t has been altered or removed. This map un it is not suited to cultivated crops, hay or pasture.Important farmland classification: NPSL Land capability: 8 s Vermont Agricultural Value Group: 11

Vermont Residential Wastewater Disposal - Group and Subgroup:V.- This unit is not rated as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems. Due to the variable nature of the soils, on-site investigations are needed to determine their suitability.

0.5-10WATER FEATURES SOIL FEATURES

Hydrologic Depth to seasonal Flooding Ponding I Hydric ISo il na group I high wate r table Freque ncy I Du ralion Frequency ) Duratn sdl? Dep th to bedroc k(Feet) I I (range in inches)Udipsamments - 1.5->6.0 None None NoUdorthents - 1.5->6.0 None None No

LAND USE LIMITATIONS I AGRICULTURAL YIELD DATASoil name Land use Rating Reason I crop name Yield / acreUdipsamments Dwell ings with basements: Not ratedUdortherts Dwell ings with basements: Not ratedUdipsamments Pond reservoir areas: Not ratedUdorthents Pond reservoir areas: Very lim ited Seepage

WOODLAND MANAGEMENTManagementSoil name concern Rating Reason Vermont na tural communitiesUdipsamments Harvest equ ip operability: Not ratedtidorthents Harvest equip operabi lity: Well suitedUdipsamments Road sui tability: Nol ratedUdocthents Road suitability: Well suitedUdipsamments Erosion hazard (off- road): Not ratedUdorthents Erosion ha zard (off-road): Slight

Dis tHb ution Generation Date: 3/13/2008 Page 1 ot 1

Udipsarnments 0-65 - S 0-1 5.6 - 78 20-100Udorthents 0-65 GR-SL 1-15 4.5-71 0.06.200.0-0.5 .10 .15

USDA Nawni Re,oces Con5enation Se rvice Vermont Soil Fact Sheet Bennington County, Vermont 1629A: Occum tine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopesOCCUM SOILS formed in loamy over sandy alluvi al deposits on flood plains that are frequently flooded for brief duration from Mid


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Winter through early Spring. They are very deep to bedrock and well drained. Permeability is moderate or moderately rapid in thesolurn and rapid or very rapid in the substratum.This map un it is wel l suited to cultivated crops, hay and pasture. Flooding is a hazard, but is of short duration and usually occurs inthe spring. Tillage operations may be delayed in some years.[jpo rtant farmland classification: Prime (f) Land capability: 1 Vermont Agricultural Value Grouo:1!Vermont Residential Wastewater Disposal - Group and Subgroup:Hg.- This unit is marginally suited as a site for soil-based residential wastewater disposal systems, based on a review by the NaturaResources Conservation Service of criteria set forth in the Vermont 2007 Environmental Protection Rules. The hazard of flooding isthe major limi tation. This uni t is on floodplains and typically includes land in the floodway and the special flood hazard area. Consultflood hazard maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in local town offices for more information.Wastewater systems must be located, designed and constructed in a manner that avoids impairment to the system andcontamination from the system due to flooding.

Soil name

Occum

Depth(In)

PHYS ICAL and CHEMICAL PROPFR11ESTyp icaltextu re Clay(Pot)

0-1010-3636-65

FSL

Soilreaction(pH)Permeability(ln/Hr)

FSLLFS

Organicmatter(Pot) Kw Kf2-12 4.5- 7.3 0.6-6 2.0-6.0 .20 .202-12 4.5-6.5 0.6-6 0.5-3.0 .200-5 4.5 -6.5 6-20 0.0-La .17

3.20.20

WATER FEATURES SOIL FEATURES

h water table I IHydrologic I Depth to seasonal Flooding Ponding HydricSoil name group ( hig Frequency j Duration I Frequency Duration sod? I pth to bedr o(range in inches)Fee t) j jOccum B 4.0->6.0 Frequent Brief None No -LAND USE LIMITATIONS AGRICULTURAL YIELD DATA

Soil name Land use Rating Reason ** Crop name Yield I acreOccum Dwel lings with basements: Very limited Flooding Grass hay 4 TonsOccurn Pond reservoir areas: Very lim ited Seepage Grass-clover 7 AUMAlfalfa hay 4.5 Tons

Grass-legume hay 4 TonsCorn silage 24 Tons

WOODLAND MANAGEMENTManag eme ntSoil name concern Rating Reason Vermont natural communitiesOc cum Harvest equ ip operability: Wel l suited I Silver Maple-Ostrich Fem Riverine FloodplainI Forest,ccurn Road surtability: Poorly sui ted Flooding I Sugar Maple-Ostrich Fern Riverine FloodplainOccur n Erosion hazard (off-road): Slight I Fores t,Successional Floodpla in Forest Variani

Distribution Generation Date: 3/1312008 Pag e 1 of I

- .* t_- 46


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ILegend IL__ VHBPTOB 2010 GuIses IL._. ONOP ORW 2010 VHBP Wetlands 201i i,wesoxaoon ,eo VN0PDelIneatIon 2010 IWoOaed Ijzz: 01-ISP sos, soxtr open waxen I+ Beaver Wood Energ LLCPownal, VermontAerial Imagery1942August 31,20100 laO 250 402 000

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- - VHSP OHW 20Olnve.sgsssn AreaVHSP Stream asset

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Beaver Wood Energy, LLClownal, VermontAerial Imagery

1962August 31, 2010

400 600

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I 0022S. /108 0502-4221 51

19From: Quackenbush AlanTo: Crary, Adam;


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Subject: RE : Pownal Racetrack - Beaver Wood Energy projectDate: Thursday, September 30, 2010 4:36:59 PMAdam,I have visited the Pownal racetrack several times over the past 15 years for variousprojects. Two man-made features (ponds) there were part of a sewage treatmentsystem, even though now are not part of a working system. Under the new rulesnow in effect, they are exempt from the Rules. They are also not consideredwaters of the state. Hope this is what you were looking for. Alan Quackenbush,State Wetlands Coordinator.From: Crary, Adam [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 3:33 PMTo: Quackenbush, AlanCc: Perry, MeddieSubject: Pownal Racetrack - Beaver Wood Energy projectAlan:Im following up with you about the email I sent in early September (below) askingfor your written verification that the man-made ponds at the former Powna lracetrack would not be jurisdictional under the new VT Wetland Rules. I knowyoure very busy, but your confirmation (an email will do very nicely) is needed asBeaver Wood Energy nears a Section 248 filing. Ive attached our delineation mapif it helps. If you need anything else, Alan , please let me know.Thanks - Adam

Adam R. Crary, PWS, PWDSenior Wetland Scientist802.425.7788 x6401www.vhb.comFrom: Crary, AdamSent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 8:51 AMTo: Quackenbush, AlanCc: Scott, Ryan; Pe rry, MeddieSubject: Pownal Racetrack - Beaver Wood Energy project

20

Good Morning, Alan:


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Ive passed along the results of our conversation yesterday fol lowing your VTWetland Rules presentation. Our project manager (Meddie Perry) was happy tohear the news that both constructed pond features at the racetrack in Pownal willnot be Class II or jurisdictional under the new rules. However, my word is notquite what yours is when you can, would you mind passing along a quick emailwe can use for the project file confirming that neither feature would be regulatedunder the VWRs?If you need more information we have plenty of it, but knowing your pastexperience with the site, Im trying to keep it brief.Thanks, in advance, Alan!Adam It Crary, PWS, PWDSenior Wetland ScientistVHB PioneerTransportation I Land Development I Environmental Services7056 us Route 7Post Office Box 120North Ferrisburgh, VT 05473Phone: 802.425.7788 x6401 I Mobile: 802.999.3709 I Fax : 802,425.7799vhb.comwww.vhb.com

This communication is confidential and intended only for the recipient(s). Any other use,dissemination, copying, or disclosure of this communication is strictly prohibited. If youhave received this communication in error, pease notify us and destroy it immediately.Vanasse Hangen Brust lin, Inc. is not responsible for any undetectable alteration, transmissionerror, conversion, media dearadation, software error, or interference with this transmission.Vanasse Hangen Brust lin, Inc. 1101 Walnut St I Watertown, MA 02472 617.924.1770

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BeaverWood Energy Pownal, LLCPownal Biomass SitePownal, VermontStream Buffer Map

Vanasse Ilangen Brustlin, Inc.


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Documents

Beaver Wood Pownal 248 Filing: No. 8E - Pre-Filed Testimony of Adam Crary SD