The meeting began with an in-depth presentation by Bill Kenny from Prime Engineering regarding environmental assessments on Bedford Street. During the assessment, a series of test pits were excavated, revealing a 16-inch layer of darker material in one test pit. Upon analysis, arsenic was found at a concentration of 20.1 parts per million, slightly exceeding the reportable concentration limit set by the Massachusetts contingency plan (MCP). The MCP allows for limited removal action, enabling the excavation and transportation of up to 20 cubic yards of contaminated material without notifying the Department of Environmental Protection. Kenny suggested options for disposal, including potential landfills in Bourne and Grafton.

The discussion delved into the origins of the arsenic, with speculation about whether it resulted from soil fill or was naturally occurring. It was noted that the absence of other metals typically associated with contamination was curious. Kenny reported that soils around areas where vehicles had been stored were acceptable and free of fill, with recycled pavement present but not significant. Plans for managing the contaminated material involved using a roll-off container lined with plastic sheeting for transport, minimizing handling. There was also a request for documentation to ensure proper disposal of the contaminated soil, which would be detailed in a limited removal action report.

Following this, the commission addressed the proposed time change for its meetings in 2025. The approved motion will shift the meeting start time from 7:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This change aims to accommodate community members with young children and those who need to rise early for work, as meetings had often extended late into the night. The motion passed unanimously.

The session also covered several development projects, including Pine Crest Village and Rocky Woods on Freetown Street. For Pine Crest Village, the commission approved an order of conditions, emphasizing the need for maintenance and inspection protocols due to its proximity to existing drainage issues. The Rocky Woods project was continued to December 10 due to the absence of a peer reviewer.

At 2/4 Bedford Street, the commission discussed recent developments in response to peer review feedback. Issues had been addressed, particularly concerning drainage elements and property lines. While the architectural aspects were still under review by the planning board, the commission agreed to initiate an order of conditions and continue discussions at the next meeting.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the Fox Estates project on the former Lakeville Hospital property. Spanning approximately 492 acres, the project includes a 68-unit age-restricted cottage home development and a 5,000 square foot clubhouse. Plans also involve stormwater improvements and a publicly accessible nature trail. The proposal requires the removal and remediation of a solid waste disposal area, with some impact on nearby wetlands. The project team proposed a wetland replication ratio of 1 to 1.5 to mitigate impacts.

Scott Morrison from VHB provided technical insights, noting more waste than initially anticipated in the landfill area, necessitating a larger remediation effort. The team committed to addressing invasive Japanese knotweed with licensed pesticide applicators. Peer review consultants confirmed that previous concerns had been resolved, and updated documentation was submitted to address wetland restoration queries.

Another major topic was the proposed Route 79 improvements, with a public hearing scheduled for November 26, 2024. The project, presented by representatives from the Beta Group, involves roadway widening, sidewalk construction, and new stormwater management systems. The expansion aims to accommodate bicycle lanes and sidewalks, requiring a widening of the road from 22 to 24 feet to 32 feet. Wetland impacts were a concern, with both temporary and permanent effects acknowledged. Mitigation plans involve restoring and replicating affected areas.

The meeting also touched on resident concerns regarding new sidewalk installations near her property, which she believed could exacerbate existing flooding problems. The commission discussed drainage systems and promised to consult with MassDOT to address her concerns.