SALEM — Developers of the Lowe's-Walmart project on Highland Avenue addressed their detractors directly last night by displaying what their engineers called environmental facts in response to pervasive myths.
The site is not home to endangered species, historical sites or objects of archaeological significance, Senior Project Engineer Austin Turner said during his presentation to the Planning Board.
Although Turner gave a detailed drainage plan for the project that would demolish the existing Walmart and replace it with a larger store and a new Lowe's home-improvement store, his presentation also devoted a portion of time debunking what they believed was misinformation.
Union laborers continued to pack the meeting, bringing signs that said "Lowe's Yes" and wearing bright yellow stickers that said "Neighbors Support Lowe's." Fewer opponents seemed to be present.
Robert Jess, a senior site development manager for Lowe's, also listed the ways the Salem building would be environmentally friendly. He said the structure would have features like a highly reflective, "cool roof" design; additional roof insulation; an energy-management system; and the potential for solar power.
"Lowe's does take the environment seriously," Jess told the board. "These are things all above and beyond what's required to the building code."
Board member Helen Sides asked Jess whether Lowe's building would be LEED-certified, an EPA designation that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
"If there's going to be a Lowe's in Salem, at least let us get a good one," she said.
The company isn't committing to the higher standards for green design, in part, because it wasn't as viable, Jess said.
"This will be unique," he said of Salem's proposed building. "If it's economically viable, it makes all the sense to do it."
As for drainage, Austin explained that the plan for the Lowe's and Walmart would include three areas to collect storm water on site, hold it and release it slowly enough to reduce its impact to the surrounding area.
Engineers for the project also significantly expanded their study of the water flow to include portions of Lynn and on the site from 17 acres to 61. Their analysis showed that the project design would actually reduce the rate of runoff to key areas on and around the project.
But the plans did not include upgrades to existing pipes and sewers along Highland Avenue, a point that had board member Nadine Hanscom skeptical.
"I don't understand how if you don't replace it, it's going to work right," she said. "Why aren't we looking at that now?"
Another engineer, Matt Smith, explained that the project must go before MassDOT and the environmental process with the state. The engineers would be inspecting the underground water system when they go before the state.
"I don't think we can hold this developer to the standards of the Hoover Dam," board member Tim Ready said. "Where we had a continuous flooding problem, now we have a multimillion-dollar stormwater management system coming in."
The company also revised its plans by taking out a back access road to one of the camps on the property, Camp Fire. Removing the road creates a larger buffer between the store and its Lynn neighbors.
During the comments portion, Katerina Pangiotakis, a vocal opponent of the project, spoke about the discovery of what she believes are Native American objects from the area.
"This used to be Indian land, and we just don't have any more resources around," she said.
Board members said they needed documents that supported her theory.
"If this really has value, then we need to see something that supports what you're saying," Chairman Chuck Puleo said.
The project is expected to be discussed again at the board's next meeting Oct. 21.
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