The Rochester Conservation Commission on December 15 approved the wetlands line for 0 New Bedford Road/268 Mattapoisett Road, the site of a proposed solar farm by the junction of the two roads.
The hearing, which was continued from December 1, wrapped up rather swiftly after the commission was satisfied that post peer-review plans were changed to reflect the discovery of a potential vernal pool at the location, as well as the location of a line of wetlands flags that Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon contested were accurate. After another site walk, the lines were adjusted.
“So you’re happy with the line,” Conservation Commission Chairman Rosemary Smith suggested to Farinon.
“Yes, it’s a good line,” replied Farinon.
Also during the meeting, the board issued an Order of Conditions for development of an existing car path to a proposed new single-family home at an unspecified property off Vaughan Hill Road. The car path runs between wetlands roughly 4 feet away on both sides of the drive.
The commission approved the work, but stipulated that siltation barriers be used on both sides of the car path, which should be partially paved at one section as opposed to gravel to offer more control of the car path surface material during rainfall.
As far as the water quality control, said Farinon, there was minimal, if any, impact.
“It’s not an issue,” said Farinon. “In this particular case I’d rather see it paved … with the wetlands so tight here.”
The commission ordered an inspection of the silt filtration barriers before starting the work.
In other matters, the commission granted an Order of Conditions for Daniel and Deborah Carr Clark of 272 Mary’s Pond Road after continuing the hearing from December 1 in order to consult with town counsel.
The concern was over whether the commission would have to wait to issue the OOC until the Planning Board was first able to approve the subdivision, which splits one lot to create an additional adjacent lot with a proposed single-family home.
“The answer was no,” said Farinon. “We do not. And it’s perfectly acceptable to render a decision tonight.”
There was one noteworthy change to the original plan pertaining to a retention area that was pulled back from the wetlands from a 32-foot distance to 42 feet. Grading was also pulled away from the edge of the wetlands.
“Yeah, I like that,” said commission member Kevin Cassidy.
Farinon called the project “pretty straightforward” and the OOC was issued.
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for January 5 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
By Jean Perry
