First on the agenda was a stormwater permit application for a residential subdivision on KE Road. The commission decided to continue the hearing as the applicant, AMN State Holdings LLC, was not present to represent the project. This decision was unanimous.

The commission then reviewed a notice of intent filed by NSTAR Electric Company, operating as Eversource Energy, for a new overhead electric transmission line. The project is part of the Acushnet to Fall River reliability plan and involves installing new transmission line structures and improving access roads. Eversource representatives, Chris Newal and Karen Hanich, provided construction details, emphasizing the use of existing rights-of-way and additional access points for large equipment. A notable point of discussion was the potential use of temporary matting in wetland areas to avoid direct crossings over the Acushnet River.

The commission sought clarity on access arrangements, especially since the property was changing ownership. Newal mentioned discussions with the new property owner, who had been notified but had not clearly expressed support for temporary access through their land. Despite this, Eversource believed their existing easement rights, about 200 feet wide, would allow them to proceed. A commission member suggested that any wetland impacts would be minimal and that vegetation would recover swiftly.

The meeting proceeded to another Eversource project involving the replacement of two aging underground transmission lines. Peter Deuso, an environmental specialist from Eversource, outlined plans to use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) under the Acushnet River to minimize environmental disturbances, a significant departure from traditional open trenching methods. This project also required the use of temporary construction mats in bordering vegetated wetlands. Deuso highlighted that the project would utilize previously disturbed areas.

The commission discussed the HDD method and its implications, emphasizing the need for adequate access points and construction mats. Deuso reassured that the construction would adhere to established environmental standards. The commission closed the public hearing on this project after confirming that necessary permits and environmental assessments were being processed, including consultations with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and natural heritage agencies.

Discussions also included best management practices for soil erosion, sediment control, and spill prevention related to a substation project. The project involved temporary wetland impacts, with the use of timber construction mats to safeguard these areas. The commission reviewed the sequence of operations, which included mowing the right-of-way, minimal tree clearing, and the specifics of the HDD operations. Safety concerns were raised about open pits during drilling, prompting assurances of safety measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Public comments addressed property impacts, with one attendee expressing concern about proximity to their property. Clarifications were provided. The commission emphasized adherence to environmental standards, especially concerning freshwater and tidal influences.

The meeting also touched on the delineation of wetlands and responsibilities associated with it. A participant voiced frustration over unclear communication about fees for additional site visits, recommending consulting professionals for accurate delineations. The commission discussed the importance of engineered plans during site visits and stressed the need for accurate information to avoid misrepresenting properties to potential buyers.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on a diesel spill on Wing Street, where approximately 40 to 50 gallons of diesel had been released, necessitating the removal of about 150 cubic yards of soil. Clean Harbors was engaged for remediation, and the commission expressed relief that wetlands were not impacted. Ongoing remediation efforts were discussed, with members acknowledging the substantial cleanup required.

Further topics included the potential remediation of wetlands on Mr. Roman’s property. The commission suggested filing a notice of intent and conducting a wetland delineation as a starting point. Emphasis was placed on cooperation and timely completion of delineation to facilitate necessary restoration during the spring growing season.