Environmental Information - Data, Reports & Plans

This web page provides information such as data, reports or plans that may have direct or indirect impact the town’s environment.  Every effort is taken to ensure that the latest information is presented, however some of the information may be in draft form and not yet fully developed.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Resiliency Plan - Was facilitated and developed by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) for the towns of Ashfield and Conway.  The plan contains the summary of findings from the Community Resilience Building Workshop which was conducted in April of 2018.  The plan was accepted by the state as part of the MVP designation process.  To read the complete plan click on this link.  

Ambient Environmental Sound Measurements in the Ridge Hill Area of Ashfield - A report on existing ambient environmental sound levels and frequency characteristics in the vicinity of Ridge Hill.  The purpose of the measurements is to document the existing acoustical environment in accordance with the acoustical criteria for wind turbine evaluations promulgated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).  The study was conducted by Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Inc. (CTA). The report is found and can be downloaded at this link.

Ashfield Wind Data Report - The data was collected and the report was prepared by the Wind Energy Center (WEC) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  The report is found and can be downloaded at this link.


Ashfield Lake

lake beach

Ashfield Lake Dam Inspection Report - This report details the inspection and evaluation of the Ashfield Lake Dam. The inspection was conducted on October 28, 2020 by Tighe & Bond of Westfield, Massachusetts.  The Ashfield Lake Dam is classified as an Intermediate-size, High (Class I) hazard potential dam.  To read the full report click on this link.

Invasive Weeds Survey Report - Biologist from the firm of SŌLitude Lake Management surveyed Ashfield Lake to locate and quantify growth of nonnative fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) in addition to performing a bathymetry and biovolume survey through the use of ciBiobase. The surveys have been conducted annually since 2014 and if you would like to read/download these reports click on this link.

Hydrology and Hydraulics Analysis - This analysis was performed by the firm of Tighe & Bond on the Ashfield Lake Dam, to assess the dam’s performance during its Spillway Design Flood (SDF).  To read the full analysis report click on this link.