Commission issues Rice Road wetland order over objection

In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources

What happened

The commission voted 4-1 with one abstention to issue an Order of Resource Area Delineation for 26 Rice Road accepting a consultant's delineation finding no wetland near the culvert, against Conservation Administrator Linda Hansen's objection supporting the 2018 delineation. A separate enforcement order on the property remains open. The commission continued the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail hearing to November 10, with resident Tom Sciacca raising climate concerns about the railroad causeway and its effects on flooding.

Key decisions

• 📋 Order of Resource Area Delineation issued. The commission voted 4-1 with one abstention to issue an Order of Resource Area Delineation for 26 Rice Road confirming the applicant's consultant delineation that no wetland or stream exists near the culvert, rejecting Conservation Administrator Linda Hansen's position that a 2018 delineation should be sustained. A separate enforcement order on the property remains open and will proceed separately. (Vote For: 4, Against: 1, Abstain: 1). Read case details
• 📋 Notice of Intent hearing continued. The commission continued the Notice of Intent hearing to November 10 after 6:30 p.m., unanimously, pending concurrence from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program on the overlook location. The applicant agreed to circulate the hydrology and hydraulic study to commission members. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Nov. 10, after 6:30 p.m.). Read case details
• 📋 Hearing continued for water infrastructure. The commission continued the hearing to November 10 after 6:30 p.m., unanimously, at the applicant's request for the Department of Public Works filing covering MWRA water system connection, pump station, water treatment facility, and water main replacement. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Nov. 10, after 6:30 p.m.). Read case details
• 📋 Tree removal permit approved. The commission approved a negative determination and a Chapter 194 permit for removal of five white pines within the 200-foot Riverfront Area at 40 Loker Street, contingent on Conservation Administrator Linda Hansen receiving a satisfactory planting plan from the homeowner. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 📋 Stormwater and land disturbance approved. The commission approved the stormwater and land disturbance project at 55 Woodridge Road under Chapter 193, including revisions to the pavers driveway extension, drywell, cistern, and infiltration trench. Property owner Desiree Walters stated her intention to replant trees removed for septic system work. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 📋 Notice of Intent continued pending DEP file number. The commission continued the Notice of Intent hearing for the beaver pond leveler pipe system to November 10, unanimously, because the applicant has not yet received a DEP file number. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Nov. 10). Read case details
• 📋 Stormwater review continued without vote. The commission continued the stormwater review for 80 Oxbow Road to November 10 without taking a vote, as the applicant needed additional time to respond to peer review comments. (Next: Nov. 10). Read case details

Next dates

• Nov. 10: MWRA, rail trail, and other hearings continue

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