The Rochester Conservation Commission began the varied actions at its meeting Tuesday by approving a Certificate of Compliance to JPF Development LLC for successful completion of the project to build a storage facility at 25 Cranberry Highway in substantial completion of the commission’s Order of Conditions.
The board then hesitated with its next Certificate of Compliance application for the Order of Conditions to install a metal retractable deck in Snipatuit Pond and an access ramp to the dock from the bank of the pond at 485 Neck Road. Chair Christopher Gerrior questioned whether this project was a “done deal” as it still requires a DEP Chapter 91 license that is still in process. The board agreed to sign a letter to the DEP that it has no objections to the project obtaining this license and said the Compliance certificate will not be issued until the installation is complete and inspected.
Next, the commission continued to August 18 its Notice of Intent filed by the Town of Rochester to use a harvester to cut and remove invasive aquatic weeds in Snipatuit Pond after sharing an update on its search for alternative ways to eliminate the water-choking non-native species. Rochester Water Commission member Rick Charron presented the board a letter from the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Authority expressing concern over the town’s possible plan to use chemicals to eradicate the weeds, and the authority requested it should be given advance notice should that method be used.
Gerrior said advance notice will definitely come before such a method is used. He said the town is still awaiting feedback from companies that can advise them on the proper solution. The town is still awaiting word on a $250,000 grant award that it could use for pond treatment, not just specifically acquiring a harvesting machine. This hearing was then continued to August 18.
Herring Inspector David Watling later noted the invasive weeds are seriously affecting the lives of local fish. He told the commission that the weeds are blocking the herring run route and impacts their food production. Commission members concluded the selectmen should be made acutely aware of the serious ecological problem these weeds create for the town.
In other action, the commission continued to its next meeting two Notices of Intents for High Street Solar, which proposes work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone for a massive ground-mounted solar array.
The board delayed action on the Notice of Intent hearing to permit removing trees within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 192 Pierce St. after property owner David Jones argued “I’m not changing any elevation. I am just removing stumps. I am not here to ruin the area.”
The Commission argued that it needs certified wetland lines to know close to those lines he is closing. Jones said his documentation should be enough and left the meeting room before a continuance could be decided on.
The board continued to August 4 its Notice of Intent hearing for Walnut Plain Road Solar, Walnut Plain Road.
The commission continued to August 18 the Notice of Intent hearing for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s seven-acre ecological restoration project of former cranberry bogs at 0 Wolf Island Road upon the applicant’s request.
The board continued to August 4 its Notice of Intent for work at 527 High St., specifically the construction of a garage, shed, stone retaining wall, fence and 12-foot-wide gravel driveway and gate near wetlands.
The next Conservation Commission meeting will be on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco