Acushnet Conservation Commission Tackles Wetland Impact and Stormwater Management
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
03/27/2024
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Recording Published:
03/29/2024
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Duration:
46 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Acushnet
- Meeting Overview:
The Acushnet Conservation Commission recently convened to discuss several environmental concerns, with primary focus on the potential impact of infrastructure maintenance on wetlands and the management of stormwater in development projects. The meeting addressed Eversource’s maintenance project, which involves the replacement of 34 wood monopole structures with steel ones, and the installation of 14 new structures. This project raised concerns due to its potential impact on wetlands in six locations, totaling up to 42 square feet. The commission scrutinized the proposal, inquiring about the project’s timeline, environmental oversight, and the implementation of best management practices to minimize ecological disturbance.
Representatives from Eversource presented the plan, assuring the commission of their commitment to environmental stewardship and the use of best management practices. They offered to supply a copy of their best management practices manual to demonstrate their approach to mitigating the impact on the wetlands. The commission pressed for details on the burden of proof for exemption from regulations and the extent of the impact on wetland reliability and construction length.
Moving on from the Eversource project, the commission reviewed a notice of intent by Kenneth and Jelle C for the construction of a new garage with patio access within the 100-foot buffer zone to a bordering vegetated wetland. Rick Sharon, representing the applicants, provided additional survey data to confirm the wetland line’s delineation and its implications on the proposed construction. The commission’s analysis of the survey data focused on ensuring the alignment of the construction plans with wetland regulations and the accuracy of the wetland’s delineation.
In other business, the commission examined a revised proposal for property modification, which included the construction of a new garage, children’s playroom, and gazebo. The original plan underwent changes to address concerns about disturbance and stormwater management. The commission expressed satisfaction with the revisions and unanimously agreed to issue a positive order of conditions.
Additionally, the commission tackled a request for determination regarding the construction of a shed within the 100-foot buffer zone to a vegetated wetland. The meeting also encompassed a presentation on the management of rainwater, emphasizing the need for accurate data and collaborative engineering efforts to ensure effective planning and execution.
The commission noted efforts to resolve issues with utility poles along Main Street, with plans to contact the relevant companies for updates.
The meeting also touched on ongoing litigation related to Park Drive, although details on the litigation were not discussed in open session, with further review planned in an executive session. Updates on potential solar fields were covered, focusing on delineations for these projects. The commission discussed the importance of designating priority areas for development and conservation in collaboration with the Town Administrator and SED, and the potential hiring of an agent to assist with process navigation.
Finally, the commission outlined plans for future business, including the review and approval process for a proposed bylaw, scheduling future testing for stormwater and water quality, and setting the next meeting date for April 10th, 2024.
James Kelley
Environmental Commission Officials:
Ryan Rezendes, Everett Philla, Eric Debarros, Heidi Pelletier, Douglas Thomas, Christian De Sousa, James Souza, Joann Demello (Senior Clerk)
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
03/27/2024
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Recording Published:
03/29/2024
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Duration:
46 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Acushnet
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