The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of a stormwater basin and outfall pipe construction project on Markart Drive, presented by South Coast Engineering. Spanning approximately 16 acres, the project proposed developing a 22-foot-wide paved roadway to replace an existing gravel path, with the stormwater flow path terminating at a wetland area. The engineering representative assured the commission that the project would comply with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection standards, achieving an 80% reduction in total suspended solids and managing runoff for all storm events. However, the project had faced opposition from the town’s planning board, which initially voted unanimously against it. Despite this, legal standards under subdivision control law allowed the project to proceed with certain waivers granted, a point that raised procedural concerns among commission members. The project had also sparked community dissent, with 150 residents reportedly attending a previous meeting in opposition.

Despite these tensions, the commission approved the stormwater infiltration basin and outlet pipe with standard conditions, emphasizing that the basin must be constructed early in the development and stabilized before stormwater discharge. The decision highlighted the challenges of balancing legal obligations with community sentiment in environmental management projects.

In other business, the Commission considered several septic system proposals. A septic system upgrade was approved for Santos LLC on West Beach Road, which involved eliminating an existing cesspool. The system had been operational since 2015 and was confirmed to continue serving the four-bedroom house adequately. The representative from Westport Environmental Design assured the commission that the work would not affect the flood area, and the proposal was unanimously approved with a negative box 2 determination.

A similar septic system request for Susan Aronowski on Cadman’s Neck Road was also approved. The existing cesspool would be decommissioned and replaced with a new septic tank and leaching field. The commission emphasized adherence to Title 5 regulations, although the system would not fully comply due to its proximity to a coastal bank. The representative argued that no other feasible options existed, and the commission approved the project pending board of health approval.

Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposal from Thomas Hannah to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above a garage on Cherry and Web Lane. This project included upgrading the septic system to meet Title 5 standards and incorporating mitigation plantings. The commission noted the project’s compliance with coastal area regulations and approved the proposal, subject to board of health approval.

The meeting also addressed a notice of intent for David Mora’s project on Cherry and Web Lane, involving the construction of an elevated dune staircase and walkway. Procedural issues regarding notification cards delayed the discussion, requiring further review to ensure proper documentation.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on a proposed development known as Pine Ridge Estates, which involved a Chapter 40B proposal off Westport Lakes Road. Concerns about stormwater management were prominent, particularly the choice between a detention basin and an infiltration basin. The commission agreed to draft comments for the Zoning Board of Appeals to ensure stormwater management was addressed adequately in the final plan.