A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the invasive knotweed problem, which has been a concern for the Shutesbury community due to its negative impact on the environment, including erosion, poor water quality, and harm to insects and fish populations. The Shutesbury Knotweed Coalition, represented by Mary Joe Havey, presented a detailed proposal for the application of glyphosate-based herbicide, emphasizing its controlled and limited use. The herbicide, Agrid, was chosen for its lower surfactant content compared to commonly used products like Roundup.

The targeted areas for this herbicide application included parcels on Lake View Road, Lock Pond Road, Town Farm Road, and Coyville Road. The proposal highlighted that these areas were small and located away from water bodies and homes. Steve Sullivan, identified as the experienced individual to conduct the spraying, was expected to renew his certification soon. The Conservation Commission had previously approved the process for a library area.

Mary Joe detailed that the proposal aimed to start small to gauge effectiveness before potentially expanding the effort. Concerns were raised by board members about the lack of a comprehensive management plan, with a preference for a plans outlining the approval process for treatments and contingencies for incidents like spills. The necessity of a hierarchy of mitigation actions, ranging from physical removal to spraying, was also emphasized.

The conversation also touched on the history of knotweed management in Shutesbury, noting that previous spraying efforts had been effective but ultimately failed to prevent regrowth.

Jurisdictional concerns were addressed, clarifying that the select board and highway superintendent have authority over treatments near roads, while the Conservation Commission and Board of Health do not. This was to ensure that any concerns and knowledge from the Conservation Commission were considered in the treatment planning. Questions regarding the availability and restrictions of glyphosate for civilian use were raised, noting conflicting information about its availability at local retailers.

A member of the public, Miriam Defont, voiced concerns about the lack of public engagement in the knotweed management discussion. She emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding potential spraying locations and the overall management strategy. Defont noted that a petition with over a hundred signatures underscored public interest and concern. She also proposed mesh girdling as a viable alternative to chemical treatments, highlighting its potential effectiveness along rugged roadside environments.

Further discussion touched on the legal implications of herbicide use, particularly regarding the Wetlands Protection Act. Defont questioned whether a professional delineation had been conducted for the proposed sites, pointing to the complexities of compliance with environmental regulations. Her inquiries highlighted the need for clarity about sensitive environmental factors and whether the highway department would consult with abutters regarding nearby resource areas.

The meeting also addressed the need for a more detailed management plan and an action plan for pilot programs regarding specific sites identified for treatment. Participants expressed a desire for a plan that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of different town entities involved in the approval process. Questions were raised about a specific site where spraying had supposedly already occurred, with the outcome of that action being uncertain. There was a consensus that further discussion would be necessary, proposing that a more fleshed-out document be presented at the next meeting for consideration.

The meeting concluded with a call for reiteration of the proposed knotweed treatment sites to ensure transparency for attendees and those following the meeting remotely. The Board of Health members echoed sentiments advocating for public right-to-know, with the expectation that additional information would be provided in subsequent meetings.

Other agenda items included the approval of a well destruction permit for an abandoned well on property 032 and a disposal works construction permit for new construction on Wendle Road. A draft order for the demolition of a dilapidated property on Wendle Road was also issued, allowing the owners the right to appeal.