Halifax Conservation Commission Deliberates on Stormwater Management and Environmental Monitoring

The Halifax Conservation Commission’s recent meeting focused heavily on stormwater management and environmental monitoring for properties on Second Street and Palmer Mill Road, as well as the investigation of potential unexploded ordnance on another site.

The commission began with a discussion about the stormwater management plan for a property on Second Street. A representative presented a traffic management plan designed to mitigate construction-related disturbances. This plan included signage along Mon Plon Street and ongoing supervision by staff members to manage traffic flow. There were concerns from the public about the impact of truck traffic and snow storage on the local water table. Bruce Minet, a local resident, voiced worries about exacerbating high water table issues due to the proposed developments and snow storage plans.

The commission also addressed the snow storage plan, which outlined designated areas for snow disposal with specific distances from waterways and wetlands. The representative assured the commission that the basins would manage runoff from melting snow effectively. However, concerns were raised by the public about the potential impacts on local water levels and whether the basins had the capacity to handle additional runoff.

The commission’s dialogue continued with a focus on the environmental implications of the proposed project. Questions arose about the approval status of the septic system by the Board of Health, with one member expressing discomfort in proceeding without this approval. The representative defended the process, noting that the Board of Health had been notified, but approval had not yet been granted.

The conversation then shifted to the proposed project on Palmer Mill Road. The commission highlighted the outstanding review fees and the need for a restoration plan due to wetland disturbances. Representatives from Fosi Construction expressed a preference to continue the hearing rather than have it closed, citing concerns about perceived unfair treatment. The discussion revealed that changes to the project included the addition of a post and rail fence and measures to eradicate invasive species.

The commission sought clarification on the restoration plan, particularly whether it included woody vegetation, which was recommended to enhance the ecological value of the area. The representative from Ecosystem Solutions noted that the plan did not include woody vegetation.

The commission moved on to address the investigation of a site with potential unexploded ordnance. A representative discussed the safety protocols and environmental monitoring required for the site, emphasizing the importance of adherence to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations. The investigation was mandated due to the site’s history with munitions testing during World War II. The representative assured the commission that specialized personnel with advanced equipment would handle the detection process.

Concerns were raised about the presence of box turtles in the area, prompting the development of a turtle protection plan. The commission discussed the need for environmental monitoring throughout the investigation, with a focus on minimizing ground disturbance and ensuring safety. The representative from Weston and Sampson highlighted the need for a variance to allow work within a specific buffer zone, with conditions to protect the resource area and local wildlife.

The commission also deliberated on the procedural requirements for issuing an order of conditions for the properties under discussion. A motion was made to close the hearing for a property on Pon Street, which was seconded and passed. The commission noted that they had 21 days to issue an order of conditions following the closure of the hearing.

In the final part of the meeting, the commission addressed additional agenda items, including the paving postponement on Plymouth Street and the pending inspections of catch basins. They also discussed enforcement orders related to Lot 11 Tom Road and the stormwater management application for a property on Home Street.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Administrator:
Cody Haddad
Environmental Commission Officials:
Kathy Evans, Edward Lane, Kimberley King-Cavicchi, Melanie Martin-Plant

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