The May 20 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission found the commissioners unanimously voting to lift an Enforcement Order issued against restoration work taking place at The Bogs, a property of the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
After winter storms flooded the project area, resulting in stormwater pouring away from the site into neighboring properties, the commission found it necessary to issue an Enforcement Order that included not only ramping up erosion controls but evaluating whether or not leaching of agricultural chemicals of a hazardous nature onto adjoining parcels had taken place.
The BBC, along with Mattapoisett Conservation Agent Brandon Faneuf, met at the site weekly thereafter, monitoring conditions while all parties waited for a decision from the Select Board on whether or not the town would require further action in the form of chemical testing. Several commission members expressed concern over the movement of chemicals from flowing stormwater and sought to require third-party testing.
At Tuesday’s meeting, it was confirmed that testing would be required.
Conservation Commission Chairman Mike King stated, “…everything is now complete at The Bogs,” and that, “…the Select Board is in agreement with the (Buzzards Bay) Coalition for independent testing.” The Enforcement Order was lifted.
In other business, the commission issued a Negative Determination ruling to Timothy and Carolyn Kelley, 2 Windwood Way, to demolish and reconstruct a shed.
A Notice of Intent filed by Mark Whalen, Birchwood Street, was conditioned contingent on approval from the Board of Health on septic plans. Abutters articulated their concerns over proposed plans for a new home on elevated pilings, but King clarified the commission was only evaluating the project plans as they relate to the Wetlands Protection Act and furthermore was not involved with the aesthetic design of any future building. King told the audience that they had 10 days to appeal the commission’s decision.
Certificates of Compliance were issued to: David Evans, 4 Sagamore Road; Jay Dupont, 12 Old Mattapoisett Neck Road and Alice McGrath trustee, 0 Cove Street.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, June 10, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell