The commission’s primary focus was on the restoration efforts at a site partially controlled by National Grid. The project faced numerous challenges due to unauthorized clearing activities and subsequent legal and ecological implications. This consultant would ensure that all restoration activities comply with regulatory standards and address potential gaps if National Grid fails to secure necessary permits.

Discussions revealed a layered history of disturbances at the site, with substantial clearing having occurred, leading to the growth of invasive species such as Phragmites in a salt marsh area. Chrisoli, a wetland scientist from Goddard Consulting, outlined the site’s resource areas, emphasizing the importance of restoring ecological balance while managing invasive species. The proposed restoration plan included planting native trees and shrubs to stabilize the area and promote regrowth, with a focus on species like pitch pine and black chokeberry.

The commission also explored the legal intricacies of restoration on National Grid’s property, recognizing that without National Grid’s signature on notices of intent, the commission’s authority to enforce conditions was limited. This entanglement underscored the need for negotiated easements and cooperation between the parties involved. The commission was urged to draft a comprehensive restoration plan that could adapt to scenarios where National Grid might not fulfill permit requirements.

In addition to these complex negotiations, the meeting covered a series of notices of intent and requests for determinations of applicability. A notable case involved a project by Liberty Utilities on Jefferson Street, which faced procedural hurdles due to an incomplete application and the absence of required signatures. The commission decided to table the matter, providing the applicant time to resolve the outstanding issues.

Another item involved a request for a certificate of compliance for a project by New England Power Company on Bell Rock Road. The commission confirmed that the project met the necessary criteria for wetland replication, achieving over 75% satisfactory conditions. Consequently, the certificate was issued.

Beyond these discussions, several other projects were tabled due to missing documentation or lack of file numbers from the Department of Environmental Protection. These included proposals for a parking lot on Airport Road and a series of bumper piles at One Shaw Street, both requiring further information before proceeding.