The meeting began with a detailed presentation by the Municipal Vulnerability Committee, highlighting the challenges posed by Bloody Brook and Sugarloaf Brook, also known as Blacksmith Brook. The presentation revealed that historical land use practices, such as deforestation and wetland drainage for agricultural purposes, have altered these water bodies, increasing their susceptibility to flooding. The committee also discussed the impact of impervious surfaces, like roads and buildings, which cover 9% of the Bloody Brook Watershed and contribute to heightened flood peaks and runoff pollution.

Undersized infrastructure, particularly culverts and bridges, was identified as a issue. These structures frequently fail to accommodate natural water flow during flood events, causing backwater effects that exacerbate sediment buildup upstream and downstream scouring. One illustrative example was a culvert on Cho Brook, where a sewer line crossing is constraining water flow. Another concern was Pleasant Street, where an elevated stream bed due to excessive riprap installation has led to significant scour pools and debris accumulation.

The committee emphasized the importance of improving culvert and bridge capacities to mitigate flooding. They proposed upgrading outdated infrastructure and incorporating green infrastructure to manage stormwater better. The committee also highlighted the need for watershed management and planning grants to systematically tackle these issues through proactive land use planning and best management practices in forestry and agriculture.

Discussion also touched on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling efforts. These models aim to predict flooding conditions and help prioritize which culverts require immediate attention. The iterative modeling process will provide insights to avoid adverse impacts when making changes, allowing the town to address constrictions strategically.

In response to these ongoing challenges, the Selectboard considered participation in the PL 566 program, which offers federal funding for comprehensive flood mitigation projects. A resident’s excitement about securing a $176,000 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant for a hydrology study underscored the potential of PL 566 funding to support more extensive flood prevention efforts. The study is expected to provide crucial data for future applications to the program.

Concerns were raised about the scope of the hydrology study, with some residents arguing that it should encompass the entire watershed to address broader issues, such as beaver dams and debris blocking water flow. There was a consensus on the need for thorough studies that consider all factors contributing to flooding, alongside community collaboration and investment in long-term solutions.

The meeting also addressed the need for emergency overflow solutions to handle stormwater during heavy rain events. These solutions were deemed more cost-effective than replacing existing infrastructure entirely. The board acknowledged the growing risk of flooding, particularly in downtown areas, and recognized the community’s interest in proactive flood risk management, as evidenced by the town’s MVP grant application.

A motion was made and unanimously supported for the Selectboard to write a letter to the state conservationist, requesting participation in the PL 566 program. The committee also discussed regional collaboration to address flooding, particularly in the Great Swamp area, and explored the potential for developing reservoirs.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the renewal of the bundled Notice of Intent for maintenance work in flood-impacted areas. The board agreed to explore existing NOIs for potential modifications.