Specialty Minerals Approved to Restore Protective Berm for Farmland
ADAMS, Mass. — Specialty Minerals Inc. will build a permanent water control system to stop flooding on a piece of property owned by Broadlawn Farm.
The Conservation Commission approved a Notice of Intent from Specialty Minerals on Thursday to correct flooding issues caused by a past project that for years has affected Tim Ziemba's property on the east side of Route 8, along the Hoosic River.
Specialty Minerals has taken responsibility for the majority of the cost to restore a natural berm to protect fields that produce acres of hay and corn each year. The farm itself is located on Walling Road.
"I think this really positive project with unanimous support. The Ziembas would like to have it done and we would like to restore the berm," SMI Environmental Health and Safety Manager Sharon Burke said. "I think overall, we will be improving the appearance and the quality of the riverfront ... and we want to be a good neighbor."
Ecological consultant William Lattrell had few issues with the project and only asked that the mitigation area be slightly increased, a maintenance plan created and a yearly review of the project held for three years.
He added that he is usually is very tough on projects but sees only positive things in this one.
"I commend SMI for working in a very dedicated way and helping their neighbor," he said. "I have been in this business for 30 something years ... and I have never seen a project where the entire community is behind it where a private enterprise wants to help someone out."
Chairman James Fassell echoed Lattrell and said Specialty Minerals took the project on completely on its own.
"They are going out of their way and this is being done on their dime," Fassell said. "This is all volunteer and no one said they had to do this but they want to help the farm out and help Adams out."
Flooding in that area has been an issue for decades but the current problem dates back to around 2000, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wanted Specialty Minerals to build a cooling tower for water being deposited into the Hoosic River.
At the time, the company was recycling the water as an energy generator, Fassell said on Monday, and it was exiting the plant too hot for the river. The estimated cost for a tower was $1 million.
The company had approached the town with the concept of a drainage ditch that would run parallel to the railroad tracks and drain the water into the river after it had had time to cool off. The town, EPA and Ziembas had agreed to the plan, which meant that the dam, or berm, had to be breached but which saved the company money.
The ditch worked well but in heavy rains it would overflow into the fields, costing the farm sometimes up to a quarter of its crop, Fassell said. That became more of an issue after 2011 because of erosion caused by Hurricane Irene.
Around 2007, 2008, the plant stopped using the water for power generation, finding a more efficient replacement. With the water no longer needing to be cooled, the idea of restoring the berm was discussed for several years and the entire permitting process took nine months.
"You wouldn't believe the amount of red tape they had to go through to put it back the way it was," Fassell said. "With help from the [state Department of Environmental Protection], the town, help from the Ziembas, they can recreate the dam and put [the water] back into the Hoosic rather than have it go down the ditch."
"Very seldom does a private enterprise go out to the community and help farmers in their property use," he said. "But Specialty Minerals has provided the research and the money the building of this berm. They just wanted to be a good neighbor. ...
"The town of Adams should support farms. We're very proud to be able to do this."
Selectman Joseph Nowak who attended the meeting said he was happy a longtime issue will be resolved.
"While Specialty Minerals is extracting the Ziemba farm can be manufacturing some grass," Nowak said. "I think it's a good deal and I have a strong belief in farming ... I am glad to see this resolved."
Burke said work could start in a few months.
Tags: conservation commission, farmland, flooding, specialty minerals,
