07:41The most pressing topic of the meeting was the situation on Long Meadow Road, where an enforcement order had been issued due to ongoing issues with fill material removal and inadequate erosion control measures. The site inspection revealed several problems, including failing erosion control barriers and damage to trees from heavy machinery. The commission members expressed frustration over the property owner’s lack of responsiveness and adherence to agreed-upon measures. There was a strong emphasis on the need for improved communication and coordination, as well as the importance of holding the property owner accountable to prevent further environmental damage. The commission considered involving the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) due to the severity of the issues and the potential for significant water damage. Discussions pointed towards the need for immediate action, such as installing a silt fence with a 12-inch waddle to better control erosion.

41:37Following this, the meeting addressed the property on Turner Street, where the committee reviewed a request for an amended Order of Conditions. The request involved revisions to the previously approved development plans to reduce the impact on wetlands and buffer zones. The proposal suggested a significant reduction in altered buffer areas, with specific attention on minimizing the driveway’s impact over an existing culvert. The committee debated the practicality of the revised plans, considering the site’s wet conditions and the need for soil stability assessments. Concerns were raised about the construction’s potential impact on drainage and the necessity for additional measures to prevent environmental degradation.

The meeting also touched on the importance of drilling a well on the Turner Street property before further development. The depth of potential wells, typically ranging from 400 to 500 feet depending on geological conditions, was discussed as a critical factor in securing water access. The committee unanimously agreed to proceed with the amended order of conditions after confirming the well details.

01:23:16In addition to these discussions, the committee reviewed the progress on King Phillip Trail, where recent inspections showed satisfactory vegetative cover and erosion control efforts. The committee approved the motion to rescind the enforcement order, allowing the homeowners to remove erosion controls and let the area stabilize naturally.

01:26:34Financial matters were also on the agenda, with discussions about fees collected by the registry of deeds and ongoing management of a leach from an old landfill now covered with solar panels. Plans for the installation of an aeration system in Comey Pond were outlined, with the committee awaiting one more proposal before moving forward. The scheduled posting of the request for proposals (RFP) was noted as a key step in the process.

01:29:10The committee also prepared for the upcoming town meeting, focusing on the cleanup of Mirror Lake. Concerns were expressed about the availability of sufficient information for the town meeting vote, especially regarding pilot holes and sediment sampling needed before potential dredging. The financial implications of sampling and cleanup efforts were acknowledged, with the understanding that further financial requests may arise if contamination is found.