11:30The meeting commenced with a focused discussion on the Lake Street project, where James Kelley Town’s application for the removal of invasive weeds was under consideration. The applicant, represented by Scott Daget from the Lake Street Improvement Committee, proposed using an eco harvester for the task. After thorough deliberation, the commission unanimously approved the order of conditions, which included several stipulations to ensure environmentally safe procedures. These conditions required operational plans to be on-site during the removal, prohibited work between April 1st and June 15th to protect spawning species, and mandated a two-week prior notice before commencing work. Additionally, there were directives for ongoing monitoring and reporting on the volume of vegetation removed, as well as comprehensive spill response and dewatering processes.

In an effort to engage the local community, Daget announced a community cleanup event scheduled for the upcoming Saturday at the beach picnic tables, encouraging public involvement in environmental stewardship. The public hearing for Lake Street was then closed following a unanimous vote.

13:08The commission then tackled a stormwater application from White Farm Incorporated, which involved the construction of a ground-mounted solar array on Middle Road within the 100-foot buffer zone to bordering vegetated wetlands. The applicant requested to continue the public hearing to a future date, May 28, 2025, a proposal that was accepted by the commission.

20:28Attention then shifted to a complex discussion on a Notice of Intent (NOI) from the Kushner Company concerning a project at Slokum Street. The project is a comprehensive remedial action plan dealing with soil contamination due to elevated levels of metals and petroleum, which poses risks to both human health and the environment. The plan involves excavating approximately 300 cubic yards of contaminated soil, followed by backfilling with clean material and restoring the site with native vegetation. Concerns were raised about the access routes for heavy machinery due to the high groundwater table, prompting suggestions for the use of matting to mitigate impacts. The commission showed satisfaction with the proposed measures, emphasizing the project’s classification as a limited project under the Wetland Protection Act.

43:07During the meeting, there was also an unexpected recusal from a commission member due to a conflict of interest with the Slokum Street project, resulting in a lack of quorum and necessitating a continuation of the discussion to the next meeting. Subsequently, a public hearing on stormwater management at Zero St. was introduced, wherein the applicant proposed constructing a new stormwater outfall into the Acushnet River. Concerns about potential contamination during excavation led to recommendations for pre-construction testing for PCBs and other hazardous materials.

01:31:57Another topic involved a request for determination concerning unauthorized fill removal on Tilly Way within a buffer zone of vegetated wetlands. The applicant, having misunderstood the permit requirements, faced a negative determination after the commission acknowledged that the activities did not encroach into the wetlands, despite being close to the flagged boundaries.

01:50:17The meeting also addressed substantial tree clearing on a property on Cushing Lane, which led to a debate about whether a stormwater management permit was required. The commission planned a site visit to clarify the situation.