Mattapoisett to Get Three New Fresh Water Wells

Henri Renauld, Mattapoisett’s water and sewer superintendent, came before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on April 25 for the town’s Notice of Intent application to dig three new 45-foot deep wells off 121 Acushnet Road.

Renauld and his team described the site as entirely within the 100-foot buffer zone of the Mattapoisett River, thus requiring the project to meet regulations not only from Mattapoisett’s Conservation Commission, but also from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.

The first phase of the project, which could start as early as May, will be the abandonment of 26 shallow wells. Another phase will be the removal of trees and other vegetation from several hundred square feet with associated remediation of approximately 760 square feet that will be planted with an herbaceous native seed mix.

Renauld said that a letter from Natural Heritage mandates protection for Eastern box turtles if the project takes place during the active breeding season between May and October.

Chairman Bob Rogers asked Environmental Agent Elizabeth Leidhold to write a detailed order of conditions for the commissioners to review incorporating comments from the DEP and Natural Heritage along with standard conditions from their office. The project received a unanimous Negative 3 determination.

Later in the evening, Leidhold reported that she had been in email contact with Ted Gowdy regarding concerns raised by her and the commission for construction taking place at The Preserve at The Bay Club.

Leidhold displayed updated photographic evidence that, although the site had been “cleaned up a bit,” some concrete had spewed over a vast area when silk bags exploded off the end of long suction hoses. The area in question, she explained, was still far from ideal or in full compliance with the conditions set by the commission.

When discussing the need for a de-watering pit, Leidhold said Gowdy had not wanted to use them due to soil conditions. That prompted commissioner Mike King to express frustration saying, “But if you don’t feel like doing the work because you don’t feel like doing the work…”

Commission member Peter Newton said, “Silk bags have to be checked more often.”

Rogers added, “It’s a situation he needs to police himself,” referring to what Leidhold believes was a lack of oversight on Gowdy’s part.

“I guess we need to keep on eye on it from time to time,” Rogers said while encouraging the commission to visit the site.

On a lighter note, earlier in the evening Paul Cavanagh of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation met with the commissioners for the state’s Request for Determination of applicability for maintenance work needed at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation.

Cavanagh said that public use of the popular recreation area had resulted in unsanctioned trails being cut through various woodlands and marsh areas. He said that the MDCR wished to post signage that would clearly denote trails, install three granite benches, and construct three bog bridges. The project received a Negative 3 approval with standard conditions.

A Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Lori Cotter, 4 David Street, for a new septic system received a Negative 2 determination; and Matthew Gamache, DBA, Mattapoisett Diner, received a Negative 3 for repaving the business’ parking lot.

Due to the upcoming annual town meeting, the next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 23 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

 

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