Concerns over negative impacts from possible future expansion of the Crystal Springs Road solar array operated by New Leaf Energy were aired during the August 12 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission.
Coming before the commission were members of the New Leaf team headed by Brandon Smith, who represented the ANRAD (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation) request.
As noted in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, “The Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation, WPA Form 4A, (ANRAD) serves two purposes under the Wetland Protection Act. First, the ANRAD provides a procedure for an applicant to confirm the delineation of a Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). If an ANRAD is filed for a BVW delineation, confirmation of other resource areas may also be requested provided the other resource area boundaries are identified on the plans which accompany the BVW boundary delineation. The second purpose of the ANRAD is to serve as the application for Simplified Review for projects in the Buffer Zone.”
Several residents questioned what the developer’s future plans might include. However, Chairman Mike King reminded the attendees that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ANRAD, not a construction project.
Others in attendance and via Zoom expressed concerns over impacts on wildlife, which were described as abundant. But in the absence of a fully vetted construction plan, the matter could go no further on this night.
Member David Nicolosi said that gaps in the wetland flagging as noted on plans seemed incomplete, and that would need to be corrected if they “want my vote.” Smith said they would look toward satisfying the commission’s questions, including remediation options. The request was continued to September 9.
In other business, the commission continued a Notice of Intent filed by Michael Harrington, 9 Shore View Avenue, for the construction of a new, single-family home in a velocity (VE) zone. Demolition of an existing structure is also planned.
An NOI filed by Allyson Bradford and the Weglowski Family Trust, 10 Oakland Terrace, for the construction of a family addition and the removal of invasive vegetation was conditioned.
Lot clearing was approved via a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Shore Drive LLC, 0 Shore Drive.
An NOI filed by Lawrence and Charlotte Oliveira, 0 Starboard Way, was conditioned for the construction of a new, single-family home.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, September 9, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell