A significant portion of the meeting concentrated on the potential impacts of tree removal and stormwater management at a property on Brewery Lane. Representatives presented proposals for minor grading and a retaining wall associated with a new single-family home. The proposed construction, while outside the 100-foot buffer zone, involved some grading and an extension of a stone wall within it. Concerns were raised about the removal of trees within the 40-foot buffer zone and its impact on water infiltration and drainage patterns. A participant emphasized the importance of maintaining natural water flow and cautioned that removing trees could diminish the land’s ability to absorb water.

Discussions also centered on regrading the land, which could alter the natural flow of water on the property. A speaker highlighted the potential for new grading to funnel water towards the wetlands, potentially redirecting stormwater flow. There was a suggestion to create a swale to redirect water back towards the wetland area, which was positively received by the Commission. The need for additional grading modifications to ensure water was directed away from neighboring properties was also discussed. The Commission agreed on the necessity for revised plans to address topographic discrepancies and the specific location of soil stockpiling areas during construction.

The Commission ultimately decided to issue a negative three determination, indicating that the project would not negatively impact the resource area, with conditions including a final grading inspection by a designated member. The decision was made with the understanding that a site visit during the final grading process would be essential to assess the actual conditions and ensure compliance with water management goals.

In another significant agenda item, the Commission approved a certificate of compliance for a property on Merrifield Lane, owned by John Townsend, who also serves as the Deputy Town Administrator and Director of Finance. Townsend had requested the certificate for improvements to his backyard that were never initiated due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic. With Townsend in the process of selling his house, the prospective buyers requested the certificate of compliance regarding the outstanding order of conditions. The Commission verified that no work had been initiated and voted unanimously in favor of issuing the certificate, allowing Townsend to proceed with the sale of his property.

Similarly, the Commission granted a certificate of compliance for a property on Indian Ridge Road. The owner’s daughter, Heather Blasberg, attended the meeting and expressed her bittersweet feelings about selling her childhood home. With substantial compliance confirmed for the septic system and the rear yard stable with grass, the Commission clarified the administrative details needed for the issuance of the certificate.

The Commission also addressed beaver management in town forests, with updates indicating that Beaver Solutions would perform maintenance on the town forest flow leveler device. This work, costing approximately $3,000, involves clearing and repairing existing devices and adding an additional device to manage water flow effectively. The funding for this work would be sourced from the trails and forest stewardship funds, as beavers do not fall under the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act.

Attention then turned to the aqueduct design, with discussions on draft Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) plans to identify areas near existing manholes and confirm the precise location and depth of pipe infrastructure. This is important for minimizing the number of crossings during design work and influencing geotechnical testing for the boardwalk design. A formal report from the design team is expected in the coming weeks.

Further updates included a community preservation application submission by the Recreation and Parks Department, aimed at supporting the next phase of parks improvement projects in conjunction with a dam removal project. The request for funding, approximately $100,000, would cover the permitting process and the creation of final construction documents and bid specifications across three parks.

The Commission also discussed the status of the Charles River Dam in South Natick. They are currently in talks with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding potential impacts on the Charles River Natural Valley storage area. Conflicting records from the Army Corps have complicated discussions, with the dam included on a list that does not specify its connection to the natural valley storage areas. If an additional application is needed, it would likely be for a Section 408 finding, anticipated to be a quick process that should not delay the timeline for construction work.

Lastly, concerns were raised regarding water treatment at Fisk Pond and Lake Tuit. It was noted that the company responsible for treatment, Solitude, has mandated notification protocols for waterfront abutters and local postings. However, there was an expressed desire for better communication regarding treatment schedules and details, prompting a suggestion to reach out to the representative from Lakes and Ponds for more regular updates.