2nd Solar Project Completes ConCom Review

Blue Wave LLC’s Aidan Foley finally heard what he has been waiting for: The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission will condition the Crystal Spring site for the development of a commercial solar farm, clearing the way for further local boards’ review. Foley hopes that this will help steer the ZBA into approving the project during their July 17 hearing.

It has been an uphill battle for Blue Wave throughout the ConCom process, given the site location and water drainage issues. At the July 15 meeting those questions arose again. Was the storm water system sufficient? Would seasonal soil dynamics negatively impact site stabilization? Would turtle sweeps on such a large site be completed in time for a summer 2014 construction start? Has Natural Heritage chimed in with their list of conditions and restrictions? During the course of more than an hour of debate and discussion, all these questions were addressed to the satisfaction of the commission. And time is of the essence for this for profit venture. If Blue Wave can begin construction now, the financial impact is better for them in terms of tax relief.

On the question of when construction should start, the lack of feedback at this point from Natural Heritage seemed concerning to the commission. Foley said they preferred to wait until local review and plan modifications stemming from that review were completed to fully engage this agency. He said, “…they are going to give us extensive requirements…” Therefore, having a fully vetted plan would make that process go more smoothly.

Foley also said that Natural Heritage would be looking for remediation planning and that Blue Wave hoped to secure a local site for conservation purposes versus paying into a state remediation fund. This was viewed favorably by the commission.

As in previous public hearings, neighbors expressed their concerns about the ability of the storm water management system to handle run-off. Foley agreed that on-site peer review could and would be paid for by Blue Wave to help ensure that construction methods met plans and that erosion control systems were put in place as conditioned by ConCom. Chairman Peter Newton said that he didn’t want a bunch of angry neighbors faced with problems from erosion and storm water drainage problems, noting that the neighbors would end up being the watchdogs for the project. However, Foley said that monitoring of the site would be ongoing, especially during the sensitive deforestation phases before grasses and shrubs could be planted.

Abutter Peter Wolski inquired if the surrounding acreage outside the site would continue to be forested. Newton responded that that would be between the landowner and the state, not between Blue Wave and the town or the landowner and the town. Wolski pressed Newton further to take ownership on behalf of the town, but Newton said this fell outside ConCom’s jurisdictional duties and Blue Wave’s responsibilities.

The commission closed the public hearing section of the application and voted to issue an order of conditions that would be researched and outlined by the conservation agent in concert with the commission members over the next two weeks, and then be presented at the next ConCom meeting. The ZBA will be informed of their decision.

In other business, William Hall received a negative finding regarding his request to perform vista pruning of trees on his property. The commission conditioned that the agent will visit the site and that the trees to be trimmed will be tagged to ensure that only those agreed upon with the agent will be cut.

Susan Fine of Waterman Street received a negative finding. She can move forward with the repair of steps on her home, which is situated in a flood velocity zone.

Mark Roberts, 163 Brandt Island Road, received a negative finding for the razing of the house on the lot and the construction of a new home with conditioning.

Randall Gasper, 26 Brandt Island Road, received a negative finding for the construction of an above-ground pool.

Jason Braz, 1 Nantucket Drive, requested and received a certificate of compliance.

The board signed a Property Management Plan for conservation lands known as Brandt Island Road Parcel. This is part of a larger conservation project the town is partnering in with the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Brian Grady of GAF Engineering came before the commission to share that planning and review continues for storm water drainage system issues on Appaloosa Lane, noting that he had recently met with the Planning Board and was following their requests for repairs to the drainage system and soil investigations.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is July 28 at 6:30 pm.

By Marilou Newell

MTcc071714

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