Case Studies

Devens Recycling Center C&D Processing Facility Development

Located on an 11-acre parcel within the former Fort Devens military base, the Devens Recycling Center is one of the largest construction and demolition (C&D) material processing and recycling centers in Massachusetts. ESS was retained to provide site development and permitting services for the facility, which is capable of receiving and shipping materials by both truck and rail, and has a design processing capacity of 1,500 tons per day.

ESS provided the client with all of the environmental related tasks required to take the project from initial concept planning, through state and local permitting, to final construction.

ESS began by reviewing the history, existing conditions, and surrounding area of the site selected by the client for the project: a brownfields site within the former military base. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed along with mapping of environmental resources (wetlands, habitat, water supplies, etc.) and sensitive receptors in the area. ESS also identified the state and local approvals required for the project. Using this information ESS guided the client in site layout strategies, regulatory and community outreach plans, and a permitting timeline with tasks to complete the permitting process.

ESS Civil Engineers designed the overall site layout, grading, and drainage systems including vehicle access roads, scale house, parking areas, and a rail spur off from the existing Guilford rail line that abuts an adjacent property. ESS also completed all civil/site engineering, planning, and design to satisfy the Devens Enterprise Commission’s Unified Permit requirements.

ESS conducted extensive technical studies for the project to assess potential environmental impacts. These studies included detailed evaluations of stormwater management systems, rare species, traffic, air quality, and noise impacts.

ESS assisted the client in a series of planned meetings with key regulators and local residences to introduce the project, discuss measures that would be used to protect public health and the environment, aspects that would benefit the community, and gain support for the project. The success of these efforts was exemplified by all approvals being received within the allotted timeframes and virtually no opposition in the Public Hearings for the project.

ESS prepared the necessary studies and documents to acquire all state and local permits required for the development of the project. Required permits included a Final Environmental Impact Report Certificate under Massachusetts’ MEPA regulations, a Site Suitability determination by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, a Solid Waste Site Assignment by the local Board of Health and Solid Waste Management Facility permitting by MassDEP. ESS provided expert testimony at Solid Waste Site Assignment hearings before the Devens Enterprise Commission.

Once all of the necessary permits were issued, ESS completed final engineering plans and construction specifications for the project. ESS engineers were called upon during construction to review progress and minor changes on behalf of the owner. The project was completed and began operations in September 2007.

Since initial permitting, ESS has worked with Devens Recycling Center to modify the facility’s site assignment approval to allow handling of Municipal Solid Waste. As part of that permitting process, ESS performed a noise measurement survey at the facility to evaluate operational noise levels with respect to the property-line limits established by the Devens Enterprise Commission. ESS evaluated various operating scenarios and provided guidance to facility operators on measure to assure compliance with local noise limits. ESS also addressed concerns regarding potential odors, vectors, and site design/operations to properly handle MSW at the facility. A similar review and approval process was completed to allow the facility to also operate as a solid waste transfer station.