A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to water supply protection zoning revisions. Kyle Finel presented updates on a grant-funded project aimed at aligning the town’s bylaws with the Mass DEP model bylaw. The revisions were designed to enhance the protection of the town’s water supply by addressing environmental concerns such as hazardous materials and waste management. Finel emphasized the importance of these revisions in safeguarding water resources, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) and town planning consultant Richard Harris.

The board delved into discussions about specific provisions related to the storage and management of petroleum products and solid waste. Finel proposed additional technical assistance from PVPC to perform a GIS analysis of the water supply protection district boundaries. This analysis is intended to clarify the impact of regulations on properties, especially those with only portions falling within the district’s boundaries.

The board also considered the potential for expanding business opportunities within the district by allowing certain uses under special permits with performance standards, rather than outright prohibitions. Concerns about prior business operations being “grandfathered” were addressed, noting that expansions might require special permits or board of appeals findings.

The board acknowledged the need for clarity regarding permitted uses, particularly agricultural activities. A suggestion was made to clearly state that all uses permitted within underlying districts are allowed unless explicitly prohibited by current regulations.

Solar energy regulations were also a key focus. The board discussed amendments to simplify permitting for small and dual-use solar systems while imposing stricter requirements for large commercial systems. This initiative aims to distinguish between categories of solar installations based on kilowatt capacity, with small systems permitted by right and larger systems requiring extensive reviews. Concerns about defining medium systems were noted, with suggestions to incorporate clearer definitions into the zoning bylaw.

Additionally, stormwater management and tree removal for solar projects were discussed. The board emphasized the need for careful planning to manage runoff and proposed limiting tree removal to no more than 20% of a site unless an adequate replacement plan is provided. The conversation also touched on solar panel height restrictions, with a specific case regarding agricultural systems requiring height accommodations for farming equipment.

The necessity for legal review of proposed amendments was underscored. The board also recognized the need for further discussions and refinements to the proposed changes before moving forward with public hearings and town meetings.