TIMELINE: B - Wetland Disturbances

 Purpose:
The photographs in this section document conditions in the development area before and after major grading and driveway work. They are provided so the public and reviewing agencies can compare visible site conditions with later wetland delineations, drainage records, and current conditions. 

Purpose:

This exhibit documents standing water and surface flow in the disturbed area below the raised gravel driveway on Lot 3. The photo shows that, after grading and driveway construction, water continued to collect across the disturbed ground and appeared to move toward the Lot 2 boundary. This photo is included because it helps show the relationship between the raised driveway, disturbed soil, and continuing wet conditions in the development area.

Photo Caption:

This photo shows standing water, muddy soil, tire ruts, disturbed ground, and the raised gravel driveway on Lot 3. The visible water appears to follow the graded surface toward Lot 2. 

Short Summary:

Unlike Photo B-1, which documents the raised driveway itself, this photo documents the wet disturbed area below the driveway. It shows that water remained present after grading and appeared to continue moving across the disturbed ground toward Lot 2.

Purpose:

This photograph shows disturbed ground, excavation activity, trenching, grading, and standing water within the development area on or about October 20, 2009. The visible trenching and grading appear to have captured and concentrated water across the disturbed area.

Carl Hale recalls that water in this area was associated with flow from Lot 3 and/or upslope portions of the development.

This photograph is included because it documents early site disturbance, grading, and water concentration before later wetland issues became focused primarily on Lot 2.

Owner Recollection / Regulatory Context:

Shortly after Carl Hale placed a $17,000 deposit on Lot 2, he recalls Natural Heritage personnel becoming involved with the property in connection with water flow, habitat, and wetland-related concerns.

Hale recalls being advised that identifying the bordering vegetated wetland areas would allow future development planning for Lot 2.

Hale also recalls that restrictions and enforcement-related concerns were later communicated concerning the property. Project Locus is seeking the underlying agency records to establish the exact nature, timing, and legal basis of those actions.

Lot 2 had previously undergone perc testing and had been treated as a potential residential building lot before this later regulatory involvement.

Photo B-4 — Lot 1 Cattail Wetland / Pond Excavation Area

Purpose:

This photograph shows a pond/wetland feature on adjacent Lot 1, not on Lot 2. Carl Hale recalls that the area contained cattails and wetland vegetation before excavation took place.

Hale states that he personally observed cattails being removed from this area during the excavation.

Photo Caption:

The photograph shows the excavated pond area on Lot 1 and the surrounding low ground. Carl Hale recalls that the area had previously supported cattails and other wetland vegetation and that cattails later reestablished in portions of the pond area.

Owner Recollection / Historical Context:

Carl Hale recalls that the excavation created a relatively shallow pond area with a muddy bottom over rock or ledge in places. He also recalls continued water conditions in the area after excavation.

Historical records have described this Lot 1 feature differently at different times, including references to a hand-dug pond and wetland-related conditions. Project Locus is preserving those records and observations for comparison with the broader wetland and drainage history of the development area.

Short Summary:

This photograph is included to document historical excavation, vegetation removal, and continuing wet