A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the stormwater management plan associated with ongoing developments on Bedford Street. The commission scrutinized an existing notice of intent (NOI) submitted by Prime Engineering, which had not undergone a full review since its submission. Concerns arose when contaminated materials were discovered at the site, necessitating a reassessment of the stormwater management strategy. The soil’s sandy composition suggested good drainage, but the presence of contaminants, including heavy metals like copper and zinc, complicated the situation.

The commission highlighted the need for Prime Engineering to confirm whether their original NOI addressed essential remediation measures, such as deep sump catch basins and sediment settling methods, as recommended by Massachusetts stormwater standards. The absence of Prime’s representatives during the meeting left several questions unanswered about the adequacy of the existing plan.

Public concerns further intensified the discussion, particularly regarding the contamination’s extent and its proximity to a nearby pond. A local resident questioned the thoroughness of the soil testing, especially given the site’s previous use as a junkyard. The commission acknowledged the relevance of these concerns and stressed the importance of transparency and clarity in addressing potential environmental impacts.

The dialogue underscored the necessity of implementing stormwater controls to comply with environmental regulations and protect the local water quality. Commission members urged for proactive measures, insisting that the existing conditions described as “sheet flow” with minimal controls were inadequate. The need for regular inspections and maintenance of the proposed deep sump catch basins was also emphasized to prevent sediment buildup and manage contaminants effectively.

The commission then turned its attention to procedural matters, including the issuance of certificates of compliance for projects like the cell tower installation on Elliot Way. While the cell tower project appeared compliant, the wetland bog replication component required further review due to incomplete documentation. The lack of an as-built plan hampered the commission’s ability to verify adherence to original orders and conditions.

Discussions also covered the enforcement action on Bedford Street, with updates provided on soil remediation efforts. Prime Engineering’s representative reported that soil removal had occurred, and they were awaiting documentation on the disposal processes. The commission expressed a desire to continue the enforcement order to gather more information and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Additional agenda items included procedural clarifications for projects like Rocky Woods and Nine Cross Street.