Neighborhood Opinion: Tank Process is Flawed - Belmont Citizens Forum
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Belmont Citizens Forum
Neighborhood Opinion: Tank Process is Flawed
Local Residents Challenge Tank Location, Planning
By Judith Ananian Sarno and Lisa Oteri public hearing, an initial hearing was held in
August 2020. At that hearing, both the Select
At a cost of over $500,000, Belmont is launching
Board chair and the DPW director stated that
an initiative to replace two underground storage
underground tanks could no longer be installed
fuel tanks located at the Department of Public
and that all new tanks must be installed above
Works (DPW) yard adjacent to a residential
ground.
neighborhood—but local residents still have
The hearing, which lasted only 10 minutes,
many questions about the tanks’ effect on the
included no specifics about the project and
neighborhood, and whether the tanks should be
allowed for only three questions from the public,
in that location at all.
leaving concerned residents with unanswered
The current tanks, which serve Belmont’s fleet
questions about schematic diagrams, cost-benefit
of vehicles, need to be replaced as they are single
analysis, lighting, security, traffic, and aesthetics.
walled and no longer comply with state regula-
Following the hearing, several residents
tions and are no longer insurable. Town officials
researched the matter and found that below-
have proposed replacing the underground tanks
ground tanks are in fact, allowed, so long as they
with two 6,000-gallon above-ground tanks, one
are double-walled. However, this option is not
for gasoline and one for diesel fuel.
being pursued by the town.
The tanks will be placed in the DPW yard,
approximately
75 feet from the
nearest residential
property. The
current under-
ground fuel tanks
are not visible to
neighbors.
In June 2020,
Town Meeting
approved the
Capital Budget
Committee’s
request to spend
more than half a
million dollars to
replace the existing
storage tanks.
Because changing
the town’s license
from below-ground
to above-ground A photograph from the town’s website showing fuel tanks similar to those
tanks requires a being proposed.
March/April 2021 Preserving Belmont’s Small-Town Atmosphere Vol. 22, No.2
A second and final public hearing was erator site. That site is a
Belmont Citizens Forum scheduled as a 20-minute agenda item at the town property reserved
Select Board’s February 1, 2021, meeting. In for municipal use, and it
Officers preparation for that hearing, on January 28, does not abut a densely
Grant Monahon, President the town and consultant engineers hosted an populated area.
John Dieckmann, Vice President informal neighborhood meeting to review some At this time, our
recently obtained information about the above- national leaders in
Evanthia Malliris, Secretary
ground fuel tanks. At the meeting, it was clear Washington, our state
Radha Iyengar, Treasurer that many details remain elusive including governor and legislature,
any cost-benefit analyses of above- vs. below- town officials, and many
Directors ground tank options, evaluation of alternate community leaders in
Sumner Brown locations (distance from residential properties), Belmont have identified
David Chase and whether lighting could affect neighboring climate change as one
MEG MUCKENHOUPT/ GOOGLE MAPS
Vincent Stanton, Jr. homes. While no one questioned the need and of the greatest threats
urgency of tank replacement, the scale of such to our planet and have
a project and proximity to a densely populated pledged to implement
Newsletter residential neighborhood heightens the need for strategies to mitigate its
Meg Muckenhoupt, Executive Editor a comprehensive and appropriate planning and effects.
Jeffrey North, Managing Editor approval process. Among the local strat-
Sue Bass, Newsletter Committee, Belmont is active in historic and environ- egies to combat climate
Director Emerita mental preservation and engaged in community change is to reduce the
Virginia Jordan, Evanthia Malliris, path and smart-growth initiatives. Our town use of fossil fuels by
Vincent Stanton, Jr.
should be as thoughtful and forward thinking converting the town’s The location of the proposed above-ground tanks, outlined below the
with any infrastructure project that has the fleet to electric vehicles. place marker
potential to raise safety, environmental, and Given that objective, The town should seek forward-thinking and
Belmont Citizens Forum Inc. is a not-for-
property concerns. why would our town officials elect to install two low-impact solutions which reduce, not increase,
profit organization that strives to maintain new 6,000-gallon tanks, at a cost of more than blight and fit within a larger environment- and
the small-town atmosphere of Belmont, Resident Safety and Quality of Life $500,000, for internal combustion vehicles if resident-friendly plan.
Massachusetts, by preserving its natural and Installing two 6,000-gallon above-ground they are likely to be replaced by electric vehicles
historical resources, limiting traffic growth, fuel tanks between two DPW garages, with in coming years? Would it not be wiser to seek Use of Scarce Financial Resources
and enhancing pedestrian safety. We do this bulldozers, heavy equipment, and trucks less expensive alternatives such as smaller, It is not clear that the proposed plan will be
by keeping residents informed about planning entering and exiting at all hours could pose an dual-use (gasoline/diesel) underground tanks, the most cost-effective option. Would the cost
and zoning issues, by participating actively in unnecessary risk for accidents. A truck backing and invest in alternative fuel solutions in antici- to replace the old tanks with new double-walled
public hearings, and by organizing forums. into the above-ground tanks could cause a pation of fleet conversion? below-ground unit(s) be significantly greater?
catastrophic fire or explosion. The existing tanks Are there opportunities for shared resources with
are underground and the space is open and Smart Growth and Development
The BCF Newsletter is published six times a other towns or even private partnerships with
year, in January, March, May, July, September, allows for easy passage, so the current location The proposed tanks will be located adjacent service stations? Belmont’s citizens simply have
does not pose a hazard. to the South Pleasant Street corridor, an area not been provided with enough information to
and November. Published material represents
Any research on the pros and cons of above- frequently pointed to as providing commercial know what is best.
the views of the authors and not necessarily
ground tanks vs. below-ground tanks points out and possibly multi-unit residential development.
those of the Belmont Citizens Forum.
that above-ground tanks should not be sited The tanks would threaten the area’s development Select Board Response
near high traffic areas. In fact, every town neigh- potential and would be inconsistent with Jay Marcotte, Belmont’s Director of Public
Letters to the editor may be sent to boring Belmont has underground fuel tanks, Belmont’s “Town of Homes” image. Works, provided some summary numbers
P. O. Box 609, Belmont MA 02478 or to including Cambridge, Watertown, Waltham, Moreover, the DPW facilities will require concerning the cost difference between above-
bcfprogramdirector@gmail.com Arlington, and Lexington. Above-ground tanks replacement within 10 years. Several ground and below-ground tanks at a February
in Concord are located far from residential areas. Massachusetts communities have redeveloped 1 Select Board meeting. He stated that below-
belmontcitizensforum.org If Belmont officials are unwilling to install their public works facilities with neighborhood- ground tanks would cost about $90,000 more,
© 2021 Belmont Citizens Forum. All rights reserved. underground tanks, then an alternative solution friendly designs for buildings, fencing, and and that the required monthly inspections for
would be to install the above-ground tanks at greenery. By contrast, Belmont seeks to install Belmont’s current underground tanks costs
an alternative location, such as the town’s incin- visible fuel tanks near residents’ homes without $700. He did not offer detailed cost breakdowns
a 10-year plan for the large DPW property.
2 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 3
for the two options and suggested
that such information could only Select Board Candidate Answers BCF Questions
become available after a project was
put out to bid. It is apparent that no Each year, the Belmont Citizens
research was conducted to under- Forum asks Select Board candidates
stand these costs more fully in the questions about issues facing our
five months since the August public town. This year, Mark Paolillo, who is
hearing was conducted. running unopposed, provided answers.
The Select Board, accompanied He was limited to 1,200 words.
JEFFREY NORTH
by several town leaders and two
engineers from the town’s consultant Describe your vision for
on the project, Weston & Sampson, preserving and enhancing
responded to questions raised by Belmont’s quality of living,
The proposed tank location at sunrise.
neighbors and concerned citizens learning, working, and
over the past several months. Environmental Protection mandate. He also connecting.
According to Epstein, locating tanks at the indicated that the entire incinerator site is Preserving and enhancing
incinerator site, where there is no infrastructure close to a wetland area, and therefore would Belmont’s quality of life must
or utilities, would subject police, fire, and likely require permitting from the Belmont begin with making town finances
highway vehicles that need fuel to a four-and- Conservation Commission. stable and sustainable. This will
a-half mile round trip on busy traffic on Mill require a more in-depth approach
Street and possible delays. He also stated that How Are We Planning for the Future? to long-term structural reform.
electric vehicles will not replace police cruisers, Currently, Belmont is facing a $6.4 million Belmont should consider the use
fire trucks, or snow plows anytime soon, so fossil property tax override on the April ballot. The of performance management
fuel will be required for the foreseeable future. town’s financial resources need to be spent budgeting which measures resource
carefully, fairly, and as part of a comprehensive input against the resulting output
COURTESY OF MARK PAOLILLO
Marcotte presented diagrams showing that the
tanks should not be visible above the existing plan. To spend $500,000 on an initiative that of services for each department.
roof lines of the DPW buildings on the site. may not be the best solution makes no sense. That will help us measure the
However some nearby homes are are at a higher At the very least, residents with increasing rate of return Belmont gets on its
elevation than the DPW, a perspective that was property tax burdens have the right to expect investments. Additionally, a serious
not taken into account. Concerns over lighting that the town will consider low-impact devel- 5- to 10-year financial plan must be
from the site leaking onto abutting properties, opment solutions that shield residents from risk, developed.
positioned at a higher elevation than the DPW, blight, noise, and pollution, and promote our These steps will allow us
town’s environmental values. to maintain the level of town Mark Paolillo
will be examined by DPW staff.
Marcotte described the planned above-ground Beyond merely the concerns about two fuel services on which our residents approved it. Belmont will soon submit a 25%
tanks’ safety features. The tanks carry a UL 2085 tanks, does Belmont have the capacity to fully depend, invest in our aging infrastructure design plan to MassDOT. MassDOT final
rating with a two-hour fire rating—meaning realize a comprehensive and equitable future including roads and sidewalks, and increase our approval will allow the 75% and 100% design
that it should take two hours of being engulfed for the town? Do we scrutinize a development investment in our Level One School District. phases to proceed.
in flames before the inner wall of the tank gets in one part of town and rubber stamp another It should even be possible to develop a plan to Proactive work with all stakeholders is needed
hot enough to be damaged. Expansion valves across town because we have lower standards build a new library and skating rink that will be so Phases 1a and 1b of the community path
and fire suppression gear will be installed. They or expectations? A solution that works outside utilized and enjoyed by Belmont residents for project can be approved and funded with the
have been ballistics-tested with rifle fire. No data of Belmont is not necessarily the best fit for generations. hope that construction will begin within the
could be found on the potential blast radius of Belmont. A rigorous and comprehensive next two to three years.
exploding tanks. planning process that inspires public confidence What steps would you take to ensure
Glenn Clancy, Belmont’s Director of is the best investment in Belmont’s future. that the design and construction of the What are your top categories of concern
Community Development, stated at the February community path proceed efficiently? related to climate change, and what steps
1 public hearing that an above-ground tank Lisa Oteri and Judith Ananian Sarno are both After decades of work, the Community should the town take to address those risks?
could be located only within two small areas Precinct 3 Town Meeting members and resident Path Project Committee (CPPC) and Nitsch Climate change is an existential crisis facing
at the incinerator site because the rest of the advocates. Engineering produced the Conceptual Design the planet, country, state, and our town. A
site will be capped to contain landfill material, Report for Phase 1a and Phase 1b of the Belmont Energy Committee (BEC) 2018 report
in accordance with a state Department of community path; the Massachusetts Department provided a roadmap for strategic decarbonization
of Transportation (MassDOT) reviewed and for Belmont that includes an aggressive strategy
4 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 5
meeting future compliance the significant backlog of capital repairs and of traffic-calming methods throughout Belmont
set forth by state and federal replacements. that is also aligned with neighborhood concerns
regulatory agencies? I strongly support this override, even as I and safe routes for our school children is needed.
Federal and state regulators understand that its timing is not ideal. Some
have found that Belmont’s Belmont residents are struggling financially due Do you see any emerging benefits or “silver
discharges into receiving waters to the pandemic, and many seniors are on fixed linings” for Belmont resulting from the
do not improve their quality. incomes. Additional measures are needed to challenges of 2020?
Therefore, Belmont is required support them. Nevertheless, funding is needed 2020 will long be remembered as a most
to correct the leaks in some to prevent dramatic, long-lasting cuts to both difficult and challenging year. The pandemic
77 miles of sewer pipe and town and school services. resulted in the tragic loss of hundreds of
associated sewer laterals plus thousands of lives and untold suffering and
an unknown number of illicit pain for many more. We have seen civil unrest
connections that put home
Belmont is faced with significant and political turmoil. We have witnessed the
sewer water into the town’s structural deficits for fiscal year 2022 sacrifices of frontline health care workers, first
stormwater drains. The remedial and beyond. responders, teachers, educators, and many other
TOWN OF BELMONT
program already developed and citizens have made to provide service to those
put into place by Glenn Clancy, that were most impacted by the scourge of this
Community Cevelopment What changes to transportation infrastructure pandemic.
director, would benefit from would help Belmont move better and more I have seen this level of sacrifice and service in
more aggressive funding. efficiently? our town, in the work of the Health Department,
The remedial plan begins A 2019 town-wide traffic study confirmed the Council on Aging, other town departments,
“Mystery pipes” found under the intersection of Orchard and with water-quality sampling that: schools, nonprofit organizations, and many
Common Streets. to identify sanitary sewers • regional congestion contributes to Belmont citizens. If there is a “silver lining”
lacking structural integrity cut-through traffic in Belmont; for Belmont, it is the knowledge that when the
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by
and dye testing to identify problems with sewer • adjacent towns cause a high percentage of citizens of our town, state, and country are
2050, starting from 2007 levels. Work is needed
laterals or illicit connections. Correction requires cut-through traffic; desperate for help, there will be an outpouring of
to make sure Belmont can achieve Climate
relining sewers and laterals with cure-in-place • peak traffic flow is commuter based; and service and commitment to help them. It gives
Action Plan goals. I intend to work with BEC to
technology that has a 100-year lifetime. • many neighborhoods near congested main me hope that better days are ahead!
provide residents with information about the
roads experience high cut-through traffic
Climate Action Plan and to develop significant
Do you think that a tax rate override, to volumes.
changes so this can happen.
pay for the things Belmont needs, would be
approved by voters considering the recent Increasing traffic
How would you support efforts for resto-
increases in property tax bills? Why or why volumes adversely
ration and maintenance of town open spaces
not? impacts the quality of
and parks, especially given their increased
Financial Task Force I, which I chaired, recom- life for our residents,
popularity and use in 2020?
mended a $4.5 million override in April 2015 to but improvement is
Belmont has a population of around 26,000
address a substantial operating budget structural challenging and complex.
people inhabiting approximately 4.7 square
deficit. The successful override lasted for six The Transportation
miles. It has limited open space including parks
years. Advisory Committee
and playgrounds. Creating a comprehensive
Belmont is faced with significant structural working with the
catalog of all Belmont’s open space should be
deficits for fiscal year 2022 and beyond. As a Office of Community
the first step in designing a long-term plan for
member of Financial Task Force II, I worked Development, established
its use. We must then ensure that open space is
on financial modeling and budget delibera- a Traffic Calming Policy
not developed and that the available open space
tions which have led to the conclusion that a adopted by the Select
is restored and maintained. Operating budget or
$6.4 million-dollar override vote is needed to Board in 2020. This policy
Community Preservation Act funds can be used
address these structural deficits. The additional provides the framework
for this.
tax revenue from this override will dramati- through which Belmont’s
cally increase investment in our schools, provide traffic problems can be
How would you guide the town toward
TIM TODREAS
additional support for our seniors, and address addressed. In addition, a
improvements in stormwater management,
long-term plan resulting
improvements for sewers and drains, and
in the implementation
6 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 7
How to Help Belmont Survive Climate Change Top-Priority Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Actions
by Anne-Marie General Objective Specific Actions Time Frame Owner Expense
Lambert
Flooding caused Replace Trapelo Road
DPW, CD,
the collapse of the culvert 0-1 year $$$$
Waltham
Trapelo Road culvert
over Beaver Brook in Roadway flooding
Culvert replacesments and upgrades
2010, and inundated vulnerability study 1-3 years CD $$$
using climate projection design standards
the train tracks at
the Waverley MBTA
Increase culvert sizes to $$$$
commuter rail station. remove key bottlenecks
Ongoing CD
per culvert
Belmont is expected
to see its share of
Sewer Infrastructure Sewer lining and repair Ongoing CD $$$/yr
future big intense
storms, extreme heat,
and other disasters Decrease potential leaching hazard from
Install a cap 1-3 years DPW, CD $$$$$
former incinerator site
from climate change.
If it’s any comfort, Model the existing
DAVID CHASE
our town now has a Stormwater computer modelling drainage system under 0-1 yr CD $
preparedness plan, climate change scenarios
thanks to a state-
Draft emergency
funded program. The 2010 Beaver Brook flood, as seen from the Beaver Brook bridge. 1-3 years Police, Fire $$
response plan
The Town of Develop a comprehensive emergency
Belmont Hazard Belmont Department of Public Works (DPW) response plan and ongoing
communication program Increase reverse-911 $
Mitigation-Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness and CD coordinating with the town of Waltham 1-3 years Police, Fire
Plan identifies local vulnerabilities to flooding, to replace this culvert leaves it vulnerable. If you registrations
pollution, and traffic jams, and proposes are a commuter driving over the metal plates
mitigating actions, short-term and long-term, to by Mill Street (even with light traffic during the
Improve the resilience of municipal Install backup power in DPW, $$$
help vulnerable populations safely shelter from pandemic), think about what alternative routes 3-5 years
buildings key locations Police, Fire per facility
extreme heat, rain, or snow. you and other commuters would need to find
The cost of not taking these actions is likely to avoid this intersection. Making this repair in
much greater than the cost of funding them. response to an emergency would be much more Legend:
expensive than making it beforehand. The same $ < $10,000
The town’s plan was developed by consul-
$$ $10,000-$100,000
tants Weston & Sampson under the state’s goes for undersized culverts at Concord Avenue/ $$$ $100,000-$250,000
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Wellington Brook, the Clifton Street and Hickory $$$$ $250,000-$500,000
plan (see “Belmont Tackles Climate Vulnerability Lane intersection, the Belmont and Lexington $$$$$ >$500,000
Planning,” BCF Newsletter, May/June 2020) Streets intersection, and other locations. DPW: Department of Public Works CD: Office of Community Development
which awarded Belmont $31,000 toward creating There is a potential quick win at the top of Source: Town of Belmont Hazard Mitigation—Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan, Section 7, Weston &
the plan’s first phase. The town’s Office of the priority list: pay consultants to “model Sampson, May 2020 draft
Community Development (CD) has identified our existing drainage system utilizing updated
alternative sources for funding the rest. rainfall data to evaluate flooding conditions inaccurately modeled the Brighton Street culvert vulnerable to leaching into Beaver Brook and
under projected climate change conditions.” from Clay Pit Pond as a catch basin instead of then into the Charles River during heavy
Climate Adaptation Actions Belmont and Cambridge already have all the a pond flowing into a culvert. Both Cambridge storms. In addition to a cap, the Department of
At the top of the list of high-priority actions necessary data in the same modeling software and Belmont are flying blind until the model is Environmental Protection requires that wetland
in Belmont’s MVP plan is replacing the Trapelo with the same consultant (Stantec) to create a expanded to be more regional. vegetation be utilized to improve water quality at
Road culvert. The Trapelo Road culvert is regional look at flooding risks. Cambridge has Other important actions on the top-priority the site. Moreover, the Select Board has approved
vulnerable to collapsing and flooding in a based its climate change plan on a model that list are two pollution prevention projects: the post-closure uses of Belmont Light Department
heavy storm. Every day that goes by without the stops at its border with Belmont. Hence, they incinerator site and sewer system repairs. Until sustainability projects, such as solar panels at
the former incinerator site is capped, it remains the former incinerator site on Concord Avenue.
8 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 9
priority item. Installing backup power at the when deciding the town’s 2021 annual budget
Chenery School, police station, and data centers priorities.
were all classified as high priority.
General Objective Specific Actions Owner Expense Anne-Marie Lambert is a former director of the
Next Steps Belmont Citizens Forum.
Develop a recurring protocol for examining shelter A tremendous amount of time, energy, and
capacity, functionality, and essential equipment thought went into the Town of Belmont Hazard
Police, Fire $
and goods. Develop a shelter-in-place guide or Mitigation-Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
toolkit for private, multi-unit facilities
Plan. The consultants at Weston & Sampson
Develop a comprehensive Improve emergency preparedness outreach and followed a state-prescribed process to facilitate
emergency response plan education for vulnerable and isolated populations an all-day workshop that included many stake-
and ongoing communication including the aged, youth, people whose first Police, Fire $ holders, from municipal staff to community
program language is not English, people experiencing leaders. Even after the pandemic temporarily
economic hardship, and people who are disabled halted in-person public meetings, more than 100
people participated in an online feedback session
Document emergency flood preparation and DPW, Police, and survey, possibly more than would have
$
emergency response capacity Fire
participated if it had been done in person. I hope
Develop a fire prevention the Office of Community Development tries
FireWise Program to help educate residents on fire
program and purchase more Fire $ again to apply for MVP Action Grant funding
DAVID CHASE
prevention and hazardous materials
equipment this year, and that department heads, members
Improve the resilience of DPW, Council of the Select Board, Warrant Committee, and
Install a generator at the senior center $$ Town Meeting use the MVP plan as a guide
municipal buildings on Aging
Beaver Brook in 2010.
Increase tree maintenance efforts and funding for
DPW $$$
tree maintenance contractor The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program
Tree management Develop a comprehensive tree management
plan which could include planting appropriate
species by taking into consideration local air DPW $$ The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program provides grants for cities and towns
quality, proximity to dense housing and roadways, in Massachusetts to begin the planning process for climate change resiliency and imple-
drought, extreme temperatures, and wind menting priority projects. Communities that complete the MVP program become certified as
an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding and other opportunities.
These projects could help mitigate climate In addition to the top-priority items, the
change and help achieve the goal of a 100% MVP plan identifies some medium-priority Belmont has completed the MVP planning process, identifying several priorities to advance
emission-free electricity supply stated in the items which could be done in the next one to progress towards resilience, and will be eligible for MVP Action Grants and Federal Emergency
Belmont Climate Action Plan of 2009. three years. Thanks to state Representative Dave Management Agency grants. Belmont’s Hazard Mitigation-Municipal Vulnerability Prepared-
The second pollution prevention project is Rogers and Town Administrator Patrice Garvin, ness Plan currently proposes the following:
to line and repair breaks in our sewer system to the town was recently able to take advantage of
prevent sewage from leaking into our waterways, funding at the end of the last state budget cycle • Convening a core team of municipal department heads who provided key input through
especially during heavy rain. Belmont made to address one of these “quick hits”; the town meetings, online surveys, and interviews.
significant progress on sewer lining and repairs now has an additional $50,000 to develop a • Engaging stakeholders through a virtual community resilience-building workshop and the
in 2020 and early 2021 as part of a 2017 consent better tree management plan and to plant more public through a virtual, interactive meeting.
order from the Environmental Protection Agency trees. • Conducting a vulnerability and risk assessment of historic hazards and the potential impact
to address violations of Clean Water Act require- During a big storm or heat wave, communi- of climate change.
ments, but there is still a great deal of sewer cation with our vulnerable populations is an • Documenting the town’s capacity to mitigate and respond to hazards.
repair work to be done. The main bottleneck important element of being prepared. Many • Updating the progress of the previous hazard mitigation plan.
appears to be lack of sufficient municipal staff of the communication-related priorities, such • Developing an action and implementation strategy.
to oversee contractors working on multiple as increasing reverse-911 registrations, would
measurement and repair sites simultaneously (see also have been helpful during the COVID-19 Check out the Belmont MVP overview on Belmont Media.
“Carrots and Sticks Nudge Belmont’s Cleanup,” emergency as a way to improve communications.
BCF Newsletter, November 2020). Finally, installing a generator at the Belmont
Senior Center was identified as a medium-
10 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 11
Belmont’s Invasive Plants: Garlic Mustard sible to eliminate the plant from large
areas of habitat it has already invaded,
but containment and control may be
Allaria petiolata Threatens Local, Regional Biodiversity achievable.
By Jeffrey North
Invasive plant species are disrupting ecosystems nutrients, and space. It also adversely affects The Problem
globally and here in Belmont. Biological the mycorrhizal fungi (fungus which form a Why is garlic mustard a concern? In
invasions are a leading cause of biodiversity loss symbiotic relationship with the roots of a seed short, it is changing the ecosystem of
and even species extinction, and invasive plants plant) that make up important underground New England as it invades and pervades
are permanently altering the ecology of our networks, the “central nervous system” of a new landscapes. This species is changing
forests, fields, and gardens. forest. the character of woodlands as it displaces
This article is the first in a series on invasive native edge and understory plants.
The Invasive Plant Garlic Mustard Garlic mustard, as well as other invasive
plant species found in Belmont and the implica-
tions of their presence, spread, and ecological A visually attractive plant, garlic mustard plants, are leading suspects in the decline
damage potential, as well as hopes for their prefers moist, shaded areas but it can be found of insect populations and thus the decline
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
removal and remediation. in a variety of habitat types, including fields, of sustenance for birds. The impact of
Garlic mustard (Alliara petiolata) is changing upland forests in different stages of growth, invasive plants on native plant biodiversity
the character of the woodlands in the Northeast. floodplain forests and their edges, roadsides, is increasingly seen as a major cause of
It can outcompete native herbaceous species, along trails, and in your backyard and flower insect population collapse among ecolo-
depriving the natives of light, moisture, beds. Because of its shade tolerance, garlic gists, although the idea is still contro-
mustard can dominate a forest understory. versial. No bugs, no birds. The result is First-year garlic mustard leaves.
The plant is a biennial. a loss of biodiversity as garlic mustard
In the first year of growth, outcompetes native plants for water,
it is a basal rosette, when nutrients, sunlight, and space.
its growth is relatively The effects go up and down the food
slow. In its second year, chain as this invasive plant species toxifies
growth is rapid as it the soil in ways that hamper the function
reaches three feet or more of fungi and soil microbes that are critical
during early spring. The for the germination of seedlings and the
plant is capable of cross- growth of trees.
and self-pollination. The Moreover, mycorrhizal fungi are increas-
good news is that the ingly recognized as key to connecting
plant only lives two years. trees and plant networks for many types of
The bad news is that communication for resources, defense, and
each plant can produce kin recognition. Healthy mycorrhizal fungi
thousands of seeds that enhance understory seedling survival and
can live for up to seven growth. Garlic mustard produces a host of
years in the soil. chemicals that retard or halt the growth of
Garlic mustard success- the mycorrhizal fungi that are critical for
fully invades woodlands the health of forests.
and displaces native To compound the injury, garlic mustard
plants due to its ability contains chemical compounds that make
to pollinate itself (a the plant unpalatable to herbaceous insects
single plant can carpet and other creatures that would eat it. In
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
a forest), its high seed short, garlic mustard has been shown to
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
production, and its rapid decrease native plant diversity, reduce
growth during the second native plant growth, decrease insect and
growing season. Because butterfly survival, and alter nutrient
of garlic mustard’s ability cycling.
to colonize understory
Garlic mustard in bloom. habitats, it may be impos- Second-year garlic mustard stems and flowers.
12 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 13
even while avoiding chemicals. Garlic mustard I was pleased to see John Dieckmann’s article
CC BY-SA 3.0, COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/W/INDEX.PHP?CURID =172767
can be treated chemically, but the best method about bikeway projects underway in the area
of removal is to pull it in early spring and Letters to the Editor (“Bikeway Building Booms Beyond Belmont,”
summer before the white blossoms turn to seed To the Editor: BCF Newsletter, January/February 2021), but I’d
pods. Great articles in this issue, as usual. I know like to point out one he missed: the Cochituate
there’s an Earth Day cleanup at Lone Tree Hill, Rail Trail, extending from the commuter rail
Fun Facts but can knowledgeable volunteers help with the station in downtown Natick to the Saxonville
• Garlic mustard was first recorded in the removal of invasives and planting of natives that area of Framingham. Construction is now mostly
United States on Long Island in 1868, but Jeffrey North described? complete.
it was likely introduced by colonial settlers The Cochituate makes connections previ-
for food or medicine much earlier. Art Kreiger ously served only by some of the most bicyclist-
• Sixty-nine insect species consume garlic unfriendly road infrastructure in the region.
mustard in its native range in Europe; none Jeff North responds: The Cochituate has an underpass under the
of those species live in North America. Thank you for your letter, Mr. Kreiger. Watch these Massachusetts Turnpike, remaining from the
• You will know it by its heart-shaped leaves. pages for future announcements of volunteer days abandoned rail line, and there are two impressive
• It smells like garlic when crushed. for invasives removal and restorative planting. The new overpasses at Route 30 and Route 9. The
• You can eat it. stewards of Lone Tree Hill are eager to organize Cochituate provides access from the Natick
volunteers for pulling garlic mustard and other train station and residential areas to Cochituate
Jeffrey North is an ex officio Belmont Conservation restoration work as soon as we can safely gather. State Park and the Framingham shopping malls.
Garlic mustard flowers and seed pods. Commission representative on the Land Look for an initiative following examples such as Bicycling conditions on streets at either end are
Management Committee for Lone Tree Hill, and the Lexington Conservation Stewards’ Stewardship relatively tame, and the Cochituate provides a
In Belmont, garlic mustard is easy to find. It managing editor of the Belmont Citizens Forum Saturday Program. useful link for longer bicycle travels.
appears in early spring along both sides of Mill Newsletter.
Street between McLean Street and Concord
John S. Allen
Avenue. Volunteers in past years have pulled the To the Editor:
plant at Rock Meadow in the area near Lorimer
Garlic Mustard Pesto
Walking in certain areas of Lone Tree Hill, I
and Vernon Roads. At Lone Tree Hill, it will have found wintergreen, a low-growing plant. Thank you for your letter, Mr. Allen. Watch this
spring up near the parking lot, in the meadow I didn’t see anything in the article about
Be sure to harvest wild plants where no newsletter for more articles by John Dieckmann
near Mill Street, and along various paths. That is the wintergreen growing in Lone Tree Hill
chemicals have been sprayed. about our region’s bikeways and rail trails. John
just a sample of invaded spots in Belmont. (“Committee Battles Invasives at Lone Tree Hill,” had to limit the scope of his article due to space
• 3 tbsp. garlic mustard roots, chopped BCF Newsletter, January/February 2021). Will it constraints. He promises to address this omission in
The Solution be affected by the restoring of the native plants
• 4 garlic cloves, minced subsequent issues of the BCF Newsletter.
Pull it. Unlike some other invasive plant at Lone Tree Hill?
• 1 cup wild garlic mustard leaves,
species, hand pulling can be effective in
chopped
removing this shallow-rooted plant, preferably Joan Seaver
• ¾ cup fresh parsley, minced
before it sheds its seeds into the soil.
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, diced
The trick is to pull the plant, with its root, Jeff North responds:
• 2 cups of walnuts, chopped
before the seed pods are ready to open. Grab Thank you for your letter expressing care and concern
• 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
the stem close to the root and gently tug. for the flora at Lone Tree Hill. The planting plan
• ½ cup olive oil
Organizations such as New England university for the restoration area A1 has not been finalized.
• ½ cup yellow miso (if unavailable, add
extension programs and others advise that hand For the next growing season (maybe the next two),
salt to taste)
pulling is most effective in March through the priority will be to get the invasive plants under
mid-May and again in September into October. control, so only a ground cover planting is intended
Pulse all ingredients in a food processor
Once the plants are pulled, they should be in the near term. When replanting commences, the
until the mixture is finely ground. Serve as
bagged and sent to the landfill. Composting is a Land Management Committee for Lone Tree Hill
a spread for crackers or bread or as a pasta
bad idea as it would just spread the seeds. Even will add wintergreen to the planting plan. In the
topping.
burning the plants might not kill the seeds. meantime, you might very well find some along the
JOHN DIECKMANN
While complete eradication of the species forested area near the Coal Road as wintergreen is a
Adapted from K. A. Holbrook, National
from large parcels of land might be very forest plant found near natives like mountain laurel
Park Service.
ambitious, containment at sites the size of infes- in moist, acidic soils.
tations found in Belmont should be achievable, To the Editor:
14 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 15
repeated buzzy, loud PEEENT call. As that Mass
Letters to the Editor Belmont Roots Audubon blogger writes:
“Keep an ear out for a woodcock’s sharp, nasal
To the Editor: Environmental News, Notes, and Events “peent!” from sunset to half an hour afterwards.
I read your article in the Belmont Citizens The woodcock will take off after a few calls,
Forum Jan/Feb 2021 Newsletter (“Building By Meg Muckenhoupt wheeling and diving in the sky as their wings
Booms on Belmont’s Border”) with interest. Like So much is still produce their signature twitter. Then, the bird
many Belmont residents, we experience gridlock uncertain. Organizations dives steeply, its wings continuing to whistle as it
traffic at rush hours and wonder about the causes that normally form the falls to the ground to start over.”
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
and solutions to this problem. bulk of the Belmont In real life, observing a woodcock during
I noted that your article did not mention the Citizens Forum’s event its evening flight feels like sitting in an IMAX
Opportunity Zone that was created in West listings are quiet online, movie theater while the projector is testing the
Cambridge bounded approximately by Linear leaving their web pages surround-sound speakers. You can hear fluttering
Park, Route 2, Cedar Street, and the Fitchburg blank and their calendars empty. No one trusts in a circle with a vast diameter as it spirals up
line railroad tracks and can be seen at this link (through a privately-created Opportunity Fund) the future to allow us to meet, to learn, to pause into the sky, but actually seeing the bird is
www.mass.gov/service-details/opportunity-zone- into economic activities in the area.” to observe the natural world—or grieve the unlikely.
map. This Opportunity Zone overlaps with the B The summary is that investors who invest in activists who are gone. The Belmont Historical If you’d rather test your own system, Mass
Triangle shown on the upper right of the zoning an Opportunity Zone will have past and future Society, Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation, the Audubon is offering an online course titled “The
map in your article. capital gains taxes reduced dramatically. This Charles River Watershed Association, the Native American Woodcock,” Thursday, March 11, 7–8
Opportunity Zones are described on the www. financial incentive leads to a lot of building in Plant Trust; if they have anything listed, it’s for a PM (Mass Audubon members $15, nonmembers
mass.gov website as follows: these Opportunity Zones. The good news for Zoom video. We are all tired of Zoom videos. $20.) As Audubon’s anonymous catalog author
“The U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 created towns and cities with Opportunity Zones is that Here is what I know for certain about what writes, “This presentation will introduce you to
the Opportunity Zone Program to provide incen- they will get a lot of incoming investment going will happen in and around Belmont in the the woodcock, its unique adaptations and life
tives for investment in low income commu- into areas that have not yet been favored by coming months. cycle, and the courtship dance they’re famous
nities throughout the country. An Opportunity investors. for. How are woodcock populations doing in
Zone is a designated geographic area, in which A few questions for towns like Cambridge Woodcocks Will Peent Massachusetts and the northeast, and how can
individuals can gain favorable tax treatment arise: (a) Do these areas in Cambridge need an In early to mid March, the woodcocks will we best protect them? Discover when and where
on their capital gains, by investing those funds Opportunity Zone to supercharge investment, begin their nuptial flights over open grassy areas. to look for woodcocks on your own or through
and (b) Did Cambridge or surrounding towns In Belmont, they’ll
like Belmont consider the impact on traffic of be appearing in Rock
Write for the BCF! the federal action to create this Opportunity Meadow and the Alewife
Zone? Reservation. This Mass
The Belmont Citizens Forum is looking I look forward to reading more about this Audubon article (bit.ly/
for authors to write about issues that topic in future editions of the Belmont Citizens BCF-Woodcocks)will tell
affect Belmont’s quality of life, and artists, Forum. you where to look … or,
graphic designers, and photographers to
rather listen. Woodcocks
show our readers how these issues affect Mark Carthy are mottled brown birds
our town. Town Meeting Member, Precinct 1 slightly larger than
robins, and only begin
There are no age, education, or work The editor replies: their mating flights at
requirements. If you’re willing to research The city of Cambridge reports in its 2019 Alewife dusk, making them even
a topic or create visual content we’d love District Plan that 82% of the traffic at Alewife is harder to see. Although
to talk with you. generated by “through trips” that begin and end one videographer
outside Cambridge. We’ll keep talking about traffic managed to capture
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
If you care about the environment, historic —but it looks like we’re going to need regional images of a woodcock
preservation, traffic, zoning, planning, solutions involving all modes of transportation—the at Rock Meadow(bit.ly/
climate change, stormwater, community T, commuter rail, buses, bike lanes, and pedestrian BCF-Rock-Woodcock),
paths, or the environment, we’d love to access as well as cars—to keep everyone moving. the most obvious sign
talk with you. Email bcfprogramdirector@
of a woodcock during
gmail.com with your ideas today.
mating season is a
An American woodcock (Scolopax minor).
16 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 17
next morning, you can The grass will grow again
find salamander egg masses Perhaps, though, grass isn’t the only thing
Thank you to our contributors
attached to branches in that should be growing in your lawn. The Native
the pool and a few shy Plant Trust is offering a “live webinar” called
salamanders scurrying WRITERS
“Diversify Your Lawn.” The catalog states, “Who
under submerged leaves. Anne-Marie Lambert • Jeffrey North • Lisa
says lawns need to be monocultures or only
The adults depart over the Oteri • Judith Ananian Sarno
made of grasses? Enrich the traditional lawn
next few weeks; the young with other complementary plants that bloom at
will hatch and leave before different times and add intrigue. Learn how to
the vernal pool dries up to PHOTOS/GRAPHICS
identify the plants that already grow in the lawn
David Chase • John Dieckmann • Jeffrey
BY SIDDHARTH PATIL - OWN WORK, CC0, HTTPS://COMMONS.
become summer dirt. as ‘weeds,’ and to incorporate new plants that
Mass Audubon is North • Tim Todreas
create a rich, wildlife-friendly tapestry.” Catch it
offering an online class Tuesday, March 23, 6:30–7:30 PM. Register at the
titled “Spring’s ‘Big Night’” COPY EDITORS
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Native Plant Trust site at hbit.ly/BCF-Lawn-Class.
on Friday, March 26, Sue Bass • Virginia Jordan • Evanthia
Cost is $12 members, $15 nonmembers.
7–8:30 PM (Members $20, Malliris
nonmembers $24. Register
at bit.ly/BCF-Big-Night). NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Attendees will learn to Sue Bass • Virginia Jordan • Evanthia
identify vernal pools,hear Malliris • Vincent Stanton, Jr.
Blue spotted salamander. about an innovative conser-
a Mass Audubon sanctuary to witness their vation and education project to restore and MAILING MAESTRO
displays this spring.” create vernal pools, and learn about what Mass Ken Stalberg
Audubon is doing to make vernal pools more
Salamanders Will Slink resilient in the midst of habitat loss and climate
Every year, spotted and blue-spotted change.
Habitat also offers courses on ducks and water-
salamanders and wood frogs return to local
vernal pools to mate. Although these creatures birds, frogs, nature writing, and birding by ear. Thank you for your continued support.
tend to trickle in over the course of a few weeks,
Legislators will listen to lobbyists Your contribution makes a difference!
there is usually a “big night” around the date
of the spring equinox (Saturday, March 20, this This year, one of those lobbyists could be you.
year.) It will be a night when it’s raining steadily, The Massachusetts River Alliance is sponsoring a Each BCF Newsletter issue costs about o Check here if your employer has a
if lightly, and the temperature is over 40°F. The virtual “Lobby for the Rivers Day” on Thursday, $4,000 to publish. Thank you for your matching gift program.
March 18, where you can connect with legis- support! o Check here if you would like to learn
lators, water conservation organizations, and more about volunteering.
fellow river enthusiasts. Meetings will be from o $50 o $100 o $150 o $250
15 to 30 minutes to discuss your top concerns Make checks payable to Belmont Citizens
regarding rivers and our environment and Forum and mail to:
Name _______________________________
natural resources. Register by March 5 at bit.ly/ PO Box 609, Belmont, MA 02478
BCF-River-Lobby. New citizen-lobbyists should ____________________________________
also attend the “Pre-Lobby Day Workshop” on Or give securely online:
Tuesday, March 16, at 7 PM. Registration is free. Address _____________________________ belmontcitizensforum.org
There will be trash at Lone Tree Hill ____________________________________ Contact us:
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Unfortunately, the Belmont Citizens Forum info@belmontcitizensforum.org
____________________________________
will not be able to sponsor a Lone Tree Hill
cleanup day on Earth Day (April 22) in 2021. We Phone_______________________________ The Belmont Citizens Forum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
encourage you to go out and celebrate the Earth organization. Your donation is deductible from
by picking up garbage at Lone Tree Hill on Earth Email _______________________________ federal taxes to the full extent provided by law.
Day, and every other day of the year.
Wood frog.
18 belmontcitizensforum.org March/April 2021 19Belmont Citizens Forum
Nonprofit Org.
P.O. Box 609 US Postage PAID
Belmont MA 02478 Boston MA
Permit No. 56393
Address Service Requested
March/April 2021
Flawed Fuel Tank Planning Process . . . . . 1
Select Board Candidate Questions . . . . . . 5
Belmont and Climate Change . . . . . . . 8
Garlic Mustard’s Threat . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Belmont Roots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Please visit our website for updates and to read this issue in color: belmontcitizensforum.org
March/April 2021 Preserving Belmont’s Small-Town Atmosphere Vol. 22, No.2You can also read
