Commission:

Conservation Commission

70 Tapley Street

Public Liaison:

Kevin Chaffee, Natural Resources Manager

(413) 787-6234

Email:  kchaffee@springfieldcityhall.com

Office Hours:

8:15 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Meeting Schedule:

2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 5:00 pm, 70 Tapley Street

Members:

Chris Collins, Chair

Juanita Martinez, Vice Chair

Peter Alminas

Clarence Jones

Fred Miller

Karyn Bienia

Description of Commission:                                 

The Conservation Commission protects water resources including public and private water supplies, ground water, fisheries, endangered species, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. The commission holds hearings on development and other activities that may affect these natural resources for granting or withholding permission for these activities. It also maintains detailed maps of wetlands and flood plains within the city. The commission consists of a chairman and six members; all Springfield residents appointed by the Mayor.

Permits Issued:

Request for Determination of Applicability

Notice of Intent                    

Notice of Resource Delineation 

Request for Extensions

Request for Amended Order of Conditions

Process for Obtaining Permit(s):

If a project will occur within 100 feet of any water resources, contact the Office of Planning & Economic Development to determine the appropriate permit required or if an exemption exists.  Most projects require the submission of a detailed site/work plan, a project site visit with members of the Commission, and a public hearing to present the scope of the work to be done.  The Commission will then make a determination following the closing of the public hearing and issue the appropriate documentation. 

Advertising Requirements:

A Legal notice may be required to be published at least 5 business days prior to a hearing and sent to all abutters within 100 feet of proposed project. Responsibility for advertising requirement is assumed by the applicant.

Time Frame for Public Hearing:

A hearing will be scheduled at the next meeting after completion of the application.

Time Frame for Decision:

Twenty-one days after the close of the public hearing for Notice of Intent.  Decisions must be rendered within 21 days of submission for Requests for Determination of Applicability.

Appeal Process:

Appeals may be made by applicant, landowner, any aggrieved person, abutter, group of 10 citizens, or Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and must be submitted to DEP within ten days after permit review outcome.

Fee Schedule:

See table on following page. 

Applicable Local, State, Federal Statutes

M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40;

MA. Wetlands Protection Act & Rivers Protection Act