The June 12 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission was one of the easiest meetings this commission has seen in a long time, under 30 minutes. However, that’s not to say it wasn’t important, especially when given that a student sought assistance.
Theo Jacobsen, 11th-grade Advanced Placement Biology student at Old Rochester Regional High School, came forward seeking guidance on how to secure permission for the class to perform invasive-species eradication on freshwater ponds on the school grounds.
Chairman Mike King was delighted, saying that the commission owes a responsibility to assist the public. He said the commission is “passionate” about aiding the community. Jacobsen, whose father John is a commission member, was advised to file a Request for Determination of Applicability. The commission also voted to pay for the posting of the legal advertisement up to $50.
A Negative Box 2 determination for a RDA filed by Rebecca Fealy, 3 Oliver’s Lane, was rendered for a septic repair.
Certificates of Compliance were approved for three requests made by Bart O’Brien for Whitman Homes located on Prince Snow Circle, as was a COC for Jessica Nicolosi, 5 Perkins Lane.
New commission member David Nicolosi inquired about the process and procedures regarding enforcement orders in terms of achieving compliance when such matters were briefly discussed at the end of the meeting.
“Without a (wetlands) bylaw, we depend on the goodwill of the public,” said King, adding that the commission at times has to involve the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to try and gain compliance from violators. The commission, he added, cannot issue fines. Currently, there are six Enforcement Order matters that remain unresolved.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, June 26, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell