The commission’s discussion on the treatment of invasive species revealed concerns about the lack of clear guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MOT) and the town of Littleton. Participants highlighted the absence of specific treatment plans and expressed discomfort with approving a vague plan that lacked criteria such as application rates and treatment locations. The commission stressed the importance of a detailed invasive plant management plan, expecting contractors to provide clear recommendations for treatment areas and execution methods. The urgency of this issue was emphasized due to its potential to delay ongoing projects, particularly the Foster Street reconstruction, where invasive species removal is a critical initial step.

Another focal point was the electrification project by Amazon, which involves the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and related electrical infrastructure. This project is part of a broader initiative to transition Amazon’s delivery fleet to electric vehicles, requiring high-voltage power supplies for DC fast chargers. The commission scrutinized the project’s ecological impact, especially concerning potential light pollution and its effects on local wildlife. Participants sought assurance that no additional lighting would be installed, minimizing visual disturbances. Furthermore, the proposed replanting areas raised concerns about conflicts with existing infrastructure, such as a septic system, necessitating further investigation into the project’s design and its coordination with local utilities.

The commission also addressed the resubmission of an application related to a utility extension project, intertwined with Amazon’s electrification efforts. The project requires tree removal and the installation of electrical infrastructure, with plans to replant native species such as sugar maple, sweet gum, and oak. The commission scrutinized the ecological considerations of the proposed planting locations. Concerns were raised about the feasibility study for the conduit run, with participants questioning the rationale behind the proposed electrical routes and their potential impacts on wetlands and other resource areas.

In addition to these discussions, the commission reviewed enforcement orders, including one for a property on Powers Road, where unpermitted grading and fill in the buffer zone were addressed. Immediate actions were proposed, such as redelineating wetland boundaries and implementing erosion protection measures. The commission also conducted a public hearing on a septic system installation on Toah Hadwan Road, focusing on adherence to environmental standards given the wetland’s proximity.

The meeting further tackled administrative matters, including the community garden’s budget constraints and the potential expansion of the garden at Yap. The commission discussed raising garden plot fees to offset water costs and considered applying for a community grant to cover these expenses. Turtle Walk events and potential property violations were also on the agenda, alongside policy updates and preparations for the town meeting presentation regarding the Neog Hill Orchard lot transfer.