A major focus of the meeting was the substantial flooding problem reported by a resident on Main Street, described as a “river running through his property.” A site visit revealed that the water originated from a stone wall on Main Street, raising concerns about historical land use and the contribution of a nearby solar field to the issue. A member noted that the flooding had persisted for at least 18 years and was likely exacerbated by the site’s past as farmland. Although the solar field may have influenced the situation, it was not deemed the sole cause. To address this, the commission proposed a cease and desist order for activities on Main Street until a peer review could assess water management practices. Collaboration with solar companies and the Department of Public Works was considered to develop potential drainage solutions.

Concerns about illegal dumping of hazardous waste near waterways were also raised, with a particular focus on the dangers of dog waste, classified as hazardous material. This prompted a discussion on public awareness and the necessity of distributing educational materials about responsible waste disposal, as required by the MS4 stormwater law. The commission emphasized the need to reprint these materials and make them accessible to the public, particularly during dog licensing events, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Another topic was the stormwater management issues related to a project by Push LLC. The project involved a redesigned stormwater basin intended to improve water flow, yet concerns remained about the basin’s current water levels and the materials used in its construction. The need for proper elevation management and the effectiveness of drainage systems were discussed, with a suggestion for a peer review to further investigate the hydrology and construction practices. The conversation highlighted the importance of using correct materials and ensuring compliance with hydrology standards to prevent water retention and manage runoff effectively.

The commission also considered a waiver of the 21-day review period for applications, which could alleviate workload pressures by allowing extended review times. The proposal aimed to ensure thorough consideration of projects, particularly those with potential environmental impacts. The waiver would be voluntary, allowing applicants to choose whether to extend their review period. Concerns were voiced about ensuring fairness and consistency in application deadlines, with discussions on potentially setting a standard maximum period of 60 days to facilitate more comprehensive evaluations.

Additional discussions included the illegal clearing of land and stormwater violations. A resident expressed concern about a neighbor’s land-clearing activities, which were clarified as not exceeding the threshold requiring a stormwater permit. The commission emphasized the importance of consulting with them before undertaking projects, particularly near wetlands, to prevent violations and ensure environmental protection. A similar situation was addressed on Cushing Lane, where land clearing raised questions about stormwater compliance. The commission proposed reaching out to the property owner and their engineer for clarification and stressed the need for direct communication to avoid misunderstandings.