Excerpts below from EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper’s 2/14/23 DEIR Scope on the proposed North Airfield Development.

Sec Tepper’s full 30-page DEIR Scope here.

 Key abbreviations:

• EEA: Energy & Environmental Affairs

• ENF: The developers’ Environmental Notification Form, submitted 1/17/23 to Tepper & MEPA

• DEIR: The developers’ Draft Environmental Impact Report, expected completion - Sept 2023

Overview (p. 4, DEIR Scope)

“According data available from MassGIS, the [proposed project] site does not contain wetlands, vernal pools, or prime forestland and is not within any surface water protection areas.”

Land Alteration (p. 4, DEIR Scope)

“Potential environmental impacts of the project include alteration of 23.2 acres of land…”

“The project will add 36.75 acres of impervious area.”, which includes 240 parking spaces. (p. 12)

Rare Species (p. 14, DEIR Scope)

“Most of Hanscom is located within Priority Habitat of rare species mapped by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.  According to [the developers’] ENF, the project will not disturb any rare species habitat….If rare species habitat is located on the project site, the DEIR [Draft Environmental Impact Report, expected completion Sept 2023] should review any potential impacts associated with the project and whether any mitigation measures or permitting pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) is needed.

Trees (p. 12, DEIR Scope)

The forested portion of the site should be described [by the developers in their DEIR] with respect to species composition, and approximate age, size and density.  The DEIR should include site plans that clearly locate and delineate areas proposed for development and areas to be left undisturbed.”

“The DEIR should identify opportunities to increase resilience through enhancement of the site, including retention of mature trees on-site, increased open space and permeable surfaces.”  (p. 16, DEIR Scope)