Dighton Stormwater Commission Discusses Modifications to Basin Design Amidst Solar Project Concerns

Overview: The Dighton Stormwater Commission met on September 18, 2024, to discuss several issues, including significant modifications to basin designs for the Brook Street solar project, updates on drainage projects, and oversight plans for new development areas. The meeting, held at the Old Town Hall’s upper level meeting room, saw active participation from commission members and project representatives.

Dighton Commission Approves Contingent Motion for Brook Street Solar Project Amid Concerns and Delays

Overview: The Dighton Stormwater Commission held a discussion on the Brook Street solar base project, leading to a contingent motion approval while addressing various concerns and delays impacting project timelines. The meeting also covered updates on other ongoing projects, proposals for stormwater management improvements, and the maintenance responsibilities involved.

Dighton Discusses Solar Projects Amid Stormwater Management Concerns

Overview: In a recent Dighton Stormwater Commission meeting, one notable issue addressed was the intersection of agricultural activities and stormwater management in relation to the Blue Wave Solar project at Treemont and Middle Streets. During the meeting, significant time was dedicated to the discussion of the project’s progress and the challenges ahead. The commission debated the impact of beginning agricultural work, including decompaction and picking rocks in the array rows, while waiting for the final sign-off on the stormwater permit. This highlighted a concern about how these activities might affect the stormwater system, though it was noted that agricultural operations are typically exempt under the stormwater permit.

Dighton Stormwater Commission Approves Waivers

Overview: The Dighton Stormwater Commission recently convened to discuss several matters, the most significant being the approval of various waivers related to stormwater management for ongoing projects, including the debated Elm Street project and solar farms. The waivers granted involve the construction of stormwater basins with greater depths than typically allowed and the introduction of slopes that deviate from standard requirements. Additionally, the Commission addressed modifications to stormwater basins to resolve ponding issues and reviewed a proposal for TSS removal and flow rate concerns. Notably, the meeting evolved into a broader discussion on the future role and focus of the Stormwater Commission itself, with some members advocating for a return to its core responsibilities.

Dighton Commission Addresses Solar Project Drainage Concerns

Overview: The most recent meeting of the Dighton Stormwater Commission focused on issues with the Brook Street solar project, with standing water in basins drawing particular concern. Weston and Sampson Engineering provided a summary of their review, highlighting deviations from the permitted design and suggesting that reconfiguration of the basins may be necessary to address the identified drainage problems. The commission requested further analysis, including soil logs and modeling, to determine the most appropriate solution.