One of the main agenda items was the Brook Street solar project, which is rapidly progressing toward grid interconnection. A walkthrough inspection conducted prior to this milestone identified several minor electrical issues that needed addressing. These included the installation of a fire department nox box, clearing construction debris, and repairing damaged infrastructure such as perimeter fencing and solar panels. The committee agreed to schedule replanting of damaged vegetation for early March 2025, contingent on weather conditions. Although the grid interconnection is not finalized, there is confidence that the necessary repairs will be completed. Bonds are in place to ensure financial coverage if the contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

During the meeting, attention turned to the installation of the fire department nox box, which had been requested over a year ago. It was clarified that its installation was previously unnecessary due to the project being non-functional. However, with the project nearing activation, the installation of this safety measure is now essential. A final inspection will precede the project’s activation to confirm that fire alarm systems within the battery storage facilities are operational. In the public comments segment, a resident from Pine Street raised concerns about the approval status of the batteries linked to the solar project. It was confirmed that while the batteries had received approval, installation would not proceed until the fire alarm systems were verified as functional. The resident also suggested potential camouflage options for the batteries to minimize visual impact, a topic that will be explored further after reviewing the permit language.

The discussion also touched on an unusual operational incident involving a sump pump following a significant rain event in December. The pump reportedly ran for three days despite the area appearing dry, raising questions about water flow management in the area. This prompted a broader dialogue about stormwater management, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent similar issues in the future.

Another topic was the Blue Wave solar project at Tremont and Middle Streets, which is awaiting feedback from the review process. The Conservation Commission has submitted as-built plans to Weston and Sampson for a certificate of compliance, and the commission noted the importance of coordinating this review with the receipt of the as-built documentation to expedite the process.

A solar project behind the Racine properties is also pending further data on stormwater flow, as the developer has yet to submit the necessary information. The commission is monitoring these developments closely. Meanwhile, the project on Sunny’s Way did not report any new developments, though it was noted that the drainage system is operational. Discussions included the restoration of the backyard to comply with the 25-foot no-touch zone due to the drainage installation.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing Hunter’s Hill development, where a new site supervisor has taken over inspections. Weekly inspections are now documented with a focus on site conditions like spill kits and erosion controls. A request was made for more detailed descriptions of the submitted photos. The condition of Miranda Pond, a basin on the site, was confirmed to be in good shape following hydro-seeding, and visuals were shared for the commission’s review.

A proposal involving Mr. Ferry suggested oversight of certain road-related tasks, though it was clarified that he would not be assuming this role. Despite this, he continues to contribute to discussions about ongoing projects.

The meeting also discussed an unfunded 53G account, a step for future actions, and the need to contact Weston and Sampson regarding the Stonate Landing project. Discussions included the operations funded by Weston and Sampson’s project, with fieldwork such as dry weather testing and assessments of outfalls being essential components of the stormwater management plan. Mr. Ferry provided updates on the progress, including verification of mapping related to water bodies and the removal of certain streets from the original list provided to engineers.

Lastly, the commission is tasked with maintaining comprehensive records for its stormwater management program, with a focus on the new EPA requirements for basin cleaning and street sweeping, which some members deemed excessive. Public comments were encouraged, and communications with local authorities were planned to prevent confusion over field activities.