The most significant topic of the meeting was the enforcement order concerning the Sledge landfill. A complaint about erosion issues was lodged with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on September 5, leading to a site inspection by Tom Rua on September 19. The inspection revealed outdated photographs, a collapsed silk fence, and sediment deposition in a wetland area. Erosion was observed behind stone dikes in a swale channeling water into the wetland. The DPW had already begun cleanup efforts, including removing old stone dams, installing new ones, and erecting a new silk fence.

A commission member questioned the regularity of inspections, noting they typically occurred monthly or after significant rainfall. Concerns were expressed about the recurring nature of these erosion problems, prompting a discussion on whether recent mitigative measures would provide a permanent solution. It was agreed that ongoing inspections and maintenance would be necessary, especially in light of current dry conditions.

The conversation also addressed the discharge monitoring reports related to the landfill and the potential presence of dioxins. A member raised alarm about a dioxin leak in the sanitary landfill, with monitoring wells showing contamination patterns. The member emphasized the importance of testing for dioxins at the outfall pipe near the wetland and called for expanded testing to better understand the sources and extent of contamination. The commission decided to keep the enforcement order open for further research on proposed excavation work.

Shifting focus, the commission discussed a joint public hearing under the Wetlands Protection Act regarding a self-storage building project at Manor Drive. Representatives from McCard Engineering presented revisions to a previous proposal. Initially, the plan involved individual storage containers, but in response to feedback, it was revised to include permanent storage buildings. The new layout aimed to minimize riverfront area impacts and comply with buffer zone regulations.

The transition from temporary storage units on crushed stone pads to permanent structures on slab foundations meant the previous drainage method was no longer feasible. A surface basin was included in the design, supplemented by an underground basin at the lower end of the development. A key issue was the placement of a culvert and outfall spillway in a no-build zone. The ordinance’s language was debated regarding whether the use of an HDPE pipe culvert constituted a structural element, with suggestions to explore engineering alternatives to avoid using a pipe in the no-build zone.

Further into the meeting, the commission reviewed a proposal to lift an enforcement order for a property on Mill Street. The previous owner had filled in designated wetland areas, but the current owners had complied with restoration requests. The commission was satisfied with the restoration work and voted favorably to remove the enforcement order and allow construction to proceed.

Another notable discussion involved a project on Mill Street, which involved construction within a riverfront area. The commission evaluated three potential paths forward: structural repair, engineered breach or partial removal, or full removal and restoration of the stream. Concerns about ecological damage and liability were significant, prompting plans to involve the city solicitor to clarify ownership issues before the December meeting.

In new business, the commission addressed a trail project, discussing potential erosion issues due to recent heavy rains and the need for additional erosion controls. There was also an update on a fence along the trail, with materials gathered but not yet installed. Concerns were raised about a site on West Street where silt fencing had been in place for an extended period without activity, prompting the commission to follow up on the matter.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various administrative tasks, including approving previous meeting minutes and addressing the Kimer solar project, which required resigning a lost document to ensure the applicant received a permit extension.