The meeting’s most pressing topic was the approval of a sewer project designed to enhance the South Main Street Corridor’s infrastructure. Andrew Groa, a project manager with Apex Companies, presented the project, which aims to transition homes from septic systems to a centralized collection system. This change is expected to prevent excessive nutrients from entering local water bodies, thus protecting aquatic life. The project involves installing approximately 15,300 feet of collection system piping, with most excavation occurring within roadway limits to minimize permanent impacts on wetland resource areas.

The commission showed particular interest in the environmental benefits of the project, given the evidence of failed septic systems impacting the Taunton River Watershed. While specific examples of these impacts were not detailed, the project was seen as a necessary step in addressing these issues. The plan includes the installation of two new pump stations, with careful attention to protecting wetlands during construction. There was also a discussion about the potential for a peer review of the project.

In addition to the sewer project, the meeting addressed a request for certification of compliance for the RivRightWay project on South Main Street. The project was reported as complete, with compliance confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The discussion included a minor deviation related to a maintenance pad constructed between the tracks to allow vehicle access without interfering with train operations. The Commission approved a certificate of compliance, noting that this meeting was primarily a formality to confirm adherence to previously established orders.

The commission also deliberated on the implications of a construction project on the flood zone. A representative from Collins Civil Engineering Group presented a septic upgrade plan for a property on Elm Tree Drive, where the existing septic system had failed. The discussion focused on whether compensatory flood storage was necessary, given the historical context of flooding and the minimal fill required for the project. The commission eventually decided to approve the project without requiring compensatory storage, agreeing with the assessment that the project would not exacerbate flooding issues in the area.

Another topic of interest was the proposed land donation on Richmond Road, a landlocked parcel currently under a conservation restriction held by the Wildlands Trust. The commission agreed to continue discussions on the donation, pending the acquisition of necessary documentation and confirmation of trash cleanup efforts to address issues with dirt bikers trespassing on the property.

The meeting also included a discussion on the commission’s budget and potential warrant articles for the upcoming budget season. There was a call for suggestions from commission members, and a review of the status of a restoration project at Milbrook, which was nearing its expiration date. The commission considered holding a Zoom meeting to extend the project deadline due to scheduling conflicts with a potential town meeting.

Enforcement issues were addressed, notably concerning a property on Dr. Bley Road. The commission voted unanimously to issue an enforcement order due to the owner’s lack of response to previous advisements. Additionally, the commission discussed applying for a grant from the Taunton River Stewardship Council to fund proposed plans for a site called “portter pastures.”

The meeting concluded with plans to continue discussions on several ongoing projects at a follow-up meeting scheduled for January 27th at the Freetown Police Station. As they transitioned to the Soil Conservation Board, they reviewed permits and scheduled a site inspection for “cap Cloud Aggregates.”