May 20, 2008
Ms. Maria Faria, Asst. Director of Housing
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: 212-222 Stuart St
Dear Ms. Faria:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Project Notification Form for 212-222 Stuart Street. The Boston Groundwater Trust was established by the Boston City Council to monitor groundwater levels in sections of the City where the integrity of building foundations is threatened by low groundwater levels and to make recommendations for solving the problem.
As acknowledged in the PNF, the project is located in the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District. I am pleased that the proponent has committed both in the PNF and in the scoping session to meet the recharge requirements of Article 32. I am pleased, as well, that the proponent committed in the scoping session to installing a waterproof slab under the portion of the project that will include a basement and to eliminate the use of underdrains which can be a source of groundwater drawdown on both the project site and adjacent lots.
The project plans to utilize geothermal wells for its HVAC system. It is critical that these systems be installed in such a way that they cannot impact groundwater levels by creating a path through the impervious organic layer that underlies the aquifer that is critical to preservation of wood pilings. I appreciate the proponent’s commitment to do so, as well as his agreement to provide the Trust with the specifications for the wells prior to bidding. We will review them with our Technical Advisory Committee to help assure that these standards are met.
I look forward to continuing to work with the proponent, his consultants, and the Authority to assure that the project can only have a positive impact on groundwater levels in the Bay Village area.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Kathleen Pederson, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
