0:04At the forefront of the meeting was a request from Steve McDon of Amoresco regarding a fence line discrepancy at the Hampden landfill solar project. During the as-built surveys, it was discovered that the fence had been constructed outside the originally sanctioned location. The original plan required positioning the fence along the landfill cap, but concerns over potential damage to the vegetative layer necessitated a repositioning. McDon explained that the new location, five feet off the landfill cap, avoided the 25-foot wetland buffer zone, maintaining a distance of 42 feet from the wetland at its closest point. This adjustment was made after consultations with the building inspector and a representative from the Department of Environmental Protection.

The expired order related to the project, first approved on August 18, 2021, required the Commission to decide on classifying the change as minor or necessitating an amended order, which would involve legal notices and notifying abutters. To make an informed decision, the Commission agreed to conduct a site visit before the next meeting, continuing the discussion until then.

46:05In another significant agenda item, the Commission deliberated on a violation notice concerning unauthorized clearing activities on South Ridge Road. A neighbor’s report prompted the Commission to evaluate the situation, where the enforcement order had already been issued. The Commission pondered the uncertainty of whether the clearing was conducted by the property owner or a neighbor. They discussed the necessity of a violation notice as a preliminary step, emphasizing the importance of communication and documentation. The conversation highlighted the need to determine the responsibility for maintaining a stormwater basin constructed in the 1990s and whether certificates of compliance had been issued for the affected properties.

0:04Additionally, the Commission reviewed a request from Mr. Basil for an extension on orders of conditions for a property on Scantic Road. The Permit Extension Act allowed for an additional two-year extension, pushing the expiration to 2027. The members discussed the historical context of previous temporary extensions and the importance of clear communication regarding such extensions. A motion to approve this extension passed unanimously, showing a commitment to maintaining accurate records and ensuring regulatory compliance.

21:38The Commission also engaged in a discussion regarding a single-family home project on Wilham Road. The project plans included a driveway and a stormwater management system on a property characterized by several wetlands. The representative from the engineering firm detailed the planned construction of surface infiltration basins and addressed concerns about the isolated vegetated wetlands present on the site. The Commission emphasized compliance with local regulations and the need for an Eastern Box Turtle protection plan as part of the environmental compliance requirements.

In other matters, the Commission addressed a project on Stafford, where a motion to accept a negative determination was approved unanimously. Additionally, the South Road Bridge project, which experienced technical difficulties with remote participation, was discussed. Based on prior presentations, the Commission determined the project met state performance standards, closing the public hearing and issuing an order of conditions.

1:06:27Personnel matters were briefly addressed, discussing the benefits of shared conservation agents among towns to alleviate the challenges of high turnover in part-time positions. A new staff member, an environmental analyst, was introduced, highlighting the Commission’s ongoing efforts to bolster its resources and expertise.