PROJECT APPROACH
e Prepare an existing conditions base map in AutoCAD format based on aerial photography, site
mapping and observations, and GIS data. The base map will provide an accurate scaled depiction
of natural and manmade elements that are visible on the site, including pavement, vegetation,
topography, structures, utilities, and wetlands. The map will be suitable for planning purposes.
During the final design phase, a topographic survey and wetland delineation by a New Hampshire
Certified Wetland Scientist will be performed to obtain additional detail.
e Locate underground structures, wires, and utilities in an area anticipated to include the 2.3-acre
open field and 10,000 sf access road using a scanning GPR antenna, electromagnetic pipe locator,
traceable rodder and GPS. Incorporate mapped objects and corresponding GPS points into the
existing conditions base map. Up to 1.5 eight-hour days of field work by a private utility locator
is budgeted, and final area may need to be reduced to what can be surveyed within the allotted
timeframe. The design team will direct the private utility locator in the field. While it is anticipated
that the approximate locations and depths of underground utilities and grounding wires can be
determined by this method, collection of this information is not guaranteed.
e Evaluate site hydrology including mapping drainage patterns and areas of standing water; examine
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for floodplain data and request any known flooding history from
the City to determine the probable frequency and depth of flooding.
e Meet with City Staff to better understand maintenance and management procedures for public
open space. Solicit feedback from City Staff with knowledge of existing dog parks in the City.
e Determine the closest public source of water and
electricity to the site and explore private partnerships
if that seems more economical than connecting to
public utilities.
e Determine what, if any, state and local regulatory
review will be required to build a dog park on this site.
Regulations for permits such as the NHDES Shoreland
permit, wetlands permit, and Alteration of Terrain
permit will be reviewed for applicability to the project.
Approximate regulatory reference lines and buffers
that will impact the parcel will ‘be shown on the
plan. Additionally, the need for locals permits from
the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment
will also be evaluated. Through early preliminary
field investigations and coordination with regulators,
the Consultant Team will maximize the usable area of the site for the dog park. Although the
area around the communications tower appears to be upland, we note that the NHDES Wetlands
Mapper Tool shows prime wetlands extending into the center of the project parcel around the
communications tower. As part of the feasibility study, a NH Certified Wetland Scientist will
investigate whether this area of the site meets the criteria for a prime wetland. If this area does not
appear to be a prime wetland, we will initiate conversations with NHDES and the City of Nashua, as
applicable, to determine whether the Mapping Tool can be updated. These coordination efforts will
inform the permitting path recommended in the feasibility study.
Task 1 Deliverable: Existing Conditions Base Map in PDF format.
