Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by approving a Certificate of Compliance for the completed construction of a single-family home at 15 Cross Road that required work within the buffer zone to a cranberry bog. This vote came quickly after Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly confirmed the project was complete.
Following this approval, the hearing on the Town of Rochester’s Notice of Intent to utilize a harvester to cut and remove aquatic weeds from Snipatuit Pond that had been continued for months as the commission considered alternatives led Tuesday to a discussion with Josh Burnside, a Northeast Technical Specialist of Water Diagnosis and Restoration, who advised the commission on the right path to follow regarding irradiating the water-choking weeds.
At the conclusion of his options list, Burnside advised starting with a chemical treatment, followed by mechanical and diving harvesting next. He said the harvester treatment should not be the first step because the machine will leave behind shreds of the weeds that will take root again and re-grow.
He added, however, that the best start should be creating a comprehensive management plan. Board member Matthew Bache asked for a cost estimate of the chemical treatment option, year one, year two, etc. Burnside answered his company manufactures the chemicals. He could not provide ‘fair’ application costs, he said. What should be the town’s next step? Bache then asked. A comprehensive plan, Burnside concluded.
“Is there a viable plan for a water body that supports cranberry bogs and wells?” a board member then asked. Burnside promised to provide the board with a list of similar water bodies to Snipatuit and the type of chemicals that have been applied successfully in those places.
“Will the point of eradicating the weeds ever be reached?” another board member asked. Burnside said that point would arrive, but boat launches would then need to be monitored. Burnside, lastly, promised he would provide the board with management company recommendations for the town’s next steps.
Next, the board issued an Order of Conditions for the Notice of Intent hearing to construct a four-bedroom single-family home with septic system on Robinson Road across from Lloyd’s Market within a 100-foot wetlands buffer zone.
In other action, the commission continued two Notices of Intent hearings for High Street Solar 1 and 2 at 0 High St. to July 7.
The commission continued to July 7 a Request for Determination of Applicability to town wetlands regulations for renewal of the wetland’s delineation within the vegetative management plan of a Massachusetts Coastal Railroad right of way in Rochester.
The commission continued to July 21 the Notice of Intent hearing on constructing a solar array on Walnut Plain Road.
The commission continued to July 7 the Notice of Intent from John and Stephanie Sullivan of 485 Neck Road to install a metal retractable deck in Snipatuit Pond and an access ramp to the dock from the bank of the pond.
The board continued to July 7 the Notice of Intent for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s ecological restoration project of former cranberry bogs at 0 Wolf Island Road after chair Christopher Gerrior requested a site visit be scheduled.
The commission approved a Notice of Intent to alter an area subject to wetlands protection regulations by cutting trees behind a garage near wetlands at 653 Walnut Plain Road.
The next Conservation Commission meeting will be July 7 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco