HANSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2007
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA 02341
Called to Order at 7:30 PM under M.G.L. Chapter 131, s.40 and the Hanson By-Law 3-13, s.5. by Philip Lindquist, Chairman, in the break room on the lower level at the Town Hall.
Present: Philip R. Lindquist, Chairman
Frank Schellenger, Vice Chairman
John Kemmett, Clerk
David Harris, Member
Ron Grattan, Member (arrived at 8:10 PM)
Also Present: Richard Vacca, Agent
Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Minutes
The minutes of September 25th, 2007 were continued to 10/23/07 for revision.
Motion to approve 9/11/07 Executive Session minutes: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 4-0-0
Motion to approve 9/25/07 Executive Session minutes: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 4-0-0
The agent’s report has been appended to the minutes of 10/9/07.
Discussion
Letter from Massachusetts Electric Co. (MEC)
Mr. Vacca informed the Commission of notification received from the Environmental Resources Management of MEC that they will be conducting an electric utility maintenance project along the distribution pole line off of Whitman Street in Hanson. Some of the existing poles have been damaged and are to be replaced with poles in the same locations within the public utility Right-of-Way. However, to reach one of the poles, it will be necessary to cross Brett’s Brook. MEC contends that because of the current dry conditions, there will be minimal impact to any potential ground surface. Mr. Vacca suggested that additional information is needed, such as having the wetland resource areas depicted on the plans as well as the 200-foot riparian zone. He would also like to see a protocol or a
standard operating procedure and finally, details for erosion control and the crossing structures for Brett’s Brook. Although the project is minor in scope, he feels the Commission needs more information to oversee. He would like to call the contact for MEC tomorrow with the Commission’s approval.
Motion to approve as stated by Mr. Vacca: John Kemmett
Second: Frank Schellenger
Mr. Lindquist questioned where they would access the lines. Mr. Vacca reiterated that it’s important that MEC provide us with this type of information. Mr. Schellenger commented that
they have a statutory exemption to do work there. Mr. Vacca agreed that under the Wetlands Protection Act, they didn’t have to file a Notice of Intent provided that the interests of the Act are protected. However, per the Local Wetlands By-Law, there is an exception for utility companies, that state work can go forward without a Notice of Intent only if a sufficient level of information is received to ensure that Performance Standards are met and written notice if given prior to starting work. Mr. Vacca’s concern was that there was not enough detail in their request.
Vote: 4-0-0
Public Hearings
7:45 PM Request for Determination of Applicability for a proposal to install a 12-inch watermain in Main Street (Route 27) near house 1490 and crossing Poor Meadow Brook within the existing bridge for Hanson Water Department represented by Amory Engineers, P.C., P.O. Box 1768, Duxbury, MA 02331 (New Hearing)
Frank Schellenger read the Public Hearing Notice and the abutters were verified. Brian Giovanoni of Amory Engineers, P.C. made the presentation for the last piece of a loop of the watermain project connecting Brookside Estates to Franklin Street that consists of about 1,400 feet of separation. The original proposal called for directional drilling under Poor Meadow Brook. After discussion with the Water Department, it was decided to install the main within and over the concrete arches on both sides of the bridge, which will save the Town a considerable amount of money. The tie in will be at Franklin Street. A silt fence is proposed around the bridge and on the north and south sides of the road with silt sacks around the catch basins. (*Ron Grattan arrived at 8:10 PM). Mr.
Giovanoni said that the project should take about 2 weeks. Mr. Lindquist asked about the excavation of the soils during the project. Mr. Giovanoni answered that, to maintain open traffic, the soils would be placed into a truck, and worked back into the trench if found to be of suitable materials and if unsuitable, new material would trucked in. They are not allowed to expose more than 30 feet of trench at a time. Mr. Vacca commented that he had reviewed this particular project with the consultant and recommended that the Commission close the hearing and issue a Negative Determination of Applicability with special conditions. No abutters were present.
Motion to close the hearing and issue a Negative Determination with special conditions: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
8:00 PM Continued Notice of Intent for the proposed construction of a single family dwelling with associated driveway, septic system, grading and landscaping within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland at Lot 1, Lakeside Road, Map 88, part of Lots 7 & 8 for RHD Realty Trust, 708 White Pine Tree Road, Venice FL represented by Vautrinot Land Surveying, P.O. Box 144, Plympton, MA (DEP #SE175-0527)
Motion to continue to 10/23/07 at 8:15 PM per request of applicant: Frank Schellenger
Second: David Harris
Mr. Vacca explained that the applicant is still waiting to hear from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program regarding their decision on the turtle sighting. The deadline for a response is prior to the next Conservation meeting at which time the Commission can, presumably, close the Public Hearing and make a decision.
Vote: 5-0-0
Further Discussion
· Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Highway Surveyor
Mr. Vacca reported to the Commission that he had drafted and sent a document (MOA) to Dick Harris, Highway Surveyor regarding routine activities performed by the Highway Department and the various notifications required by the Commission. He suggested that the Commission provide input and take it up at the next meeting.
· New Business
Mr. Grattan reported that he a received a call from a concerned person that Casoli’s (Main Street) was running a scrap metal yard. The metal is not contained by a fence and it was possibly over an aquifer. Mr. Grattan would like the matter to be investigated. Mr. Vacca commented that unless there are wetlands nearby, the Commission doesn’t have jurisdiction. Mr. Lindquist said to check with the Appeals Board. Ms. Nehiley will see if Casoli’s had filed with Conservation previously.
Mr. Grattan also reported that the river at the end of the Pleasant Street Bogs is stagnant. He thought it was called Snake River (in Halifax) and controls the bog area. As it was part of the system that Blue Wave is proposing to flush out, he suggested mentioning it at one of their meetings. Mr. Grattan offered to bring Mr. Vacca out there.
· Consultant Review for Pilot Wetlands Bank
Mr. Lindquist confirmed that the Commission had received money for further consultant review. However, no new drawings have been received from Blue Wave depicting a revised wetland line.
Mr. Lindquist suggested that the hydrology reports are sent to Walter Amory, the hydrology consultant for review.
· Open Space
Mr. Lindquist reported that a bid had been received for the Open Space Plan, someone with very good qualifications. He would like to set up a joint meeting with the Open Space Committee to discuss this issue and invite the consultant in for a presentation.
Public Hearings
8:15 PM Continued Notice of Intent for the proposed construction of a single family dwelling with associated driveway, septic system, grading and landscaping within 10 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland at Lot 2, Lakeside Road, Map 88, parts of Lots 7 & 8 for RHD Realty Trust, 708
White Pine Tree Road, Venice FL represented by Vautrinot Land Surveying, P.O. Box 144, Plympton, MA (DEP #SE175-0526)
Motion to continue to 10/23/07 at 8:20 PM per request of applicant: David Harris
Second: Ron Grattan
Vote: 5-0-0
Orders of Conditions/Determinations of Applicability
· Determination of Applicability to install stockade fencing, perform an exploratory boring at the leaching area, and removal of trash at 712 Monponsett St., Map 7, Lot 1640 for Guy Thompson – signed
· Order of Conditions for the completion of the roadway and drainage construction within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland at Ransom Road, Map 54, Lot 49 & 49-1 for Jon Ridder (DEP #SE175-0535) – signed
Release of Escrow
Release of Escrow to Wade Keene, K B Homes for 89 Holly Ridge Road, Map 111, Lot 115 (DEP #SE175-419) – signed
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:20 PM: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
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