7:45 p.m., N.O.I. Public Hearing
Amanda Sloan presented green cards, abutter's list, and proposed layout of Phase II Sketch Plan for Memorial Park Beach to the Commission. Amanda stated that the goals of Phase II are to further restore the vegetated buffers, to further reduce the aquatic pollution from sheet erosion and, provide stormwater infiltration, and lake shore amenities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program has been notified of this project. The buffer zones are all marked off as well as the areas where the construction company may store their materials. (These areas are all outside of the wetland buffer zones.) All excavated fill from this project will be re-used. All disturbed areas will be re-seeded to prevent erosion. If the small chunks of old asphalt removed from Old
Beach Road is determined to be hazardous, then they will be hauled off the site. Preference for selecting contractors for this project will be given to wetland restoration contractors. Pervious surface will be used throughout the restoration.
Amanda is considering using a soil stabilizer that is made from a plant by-product for the path. It is a binder that would be mixed with existing aggregate material on the path as well as gravel, and then it would be packed down. The path would be sand color in appearance. An infiltration trench would be installed along the inland side of the path that will be lined with filter fabric and the trench would be graded inward. Boulder steps are proposed. The construction date will commence in early spring. The availability of funds would determine the amount of the native species of trees and shrubs that would be added to the shoreline vegetated buffer zone.
Amanda will hold a meeting with someone that will advise her on how to install the path, and Amanda extended an invitation to the Commission to join her. She will notify the Commission of the meeting date.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing contingent upon receipt of the DEP Number. The Order of Conditions will be as per plan.
Hank moved. Mike seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 5-0-0.
8:15 p.m., Signatures:
The Commission signed: Partial Certificate of Compliance - Old Wolomolopoag Street, Lot# 4 only,
DEP # SE-280-383. Certificate of Compliance - 15 Tracey Lane, Lot # 8 only, DEP # SE-280-295.
The Commission approved - Order of Conditions -Sharon Middle School, DEP # SE-280-426.
8:20 p.m., Parcel S-Quail Ridge Subdivision:
Greg suggested to the Commission that the best way to resolve the issue of parking on that strip of
Conservation Land (Parcel S) at Shaw's Plaza would be for Shaw's to purchase it since they would have to go through the Legislature in any event.
8:25 p.m., Discussion of the retainer fee for consultant services by the Phoenix Environmental Group, 9-9-02 to 10-31-02, for the 40-B Project on Rattlesnake Hill:
Peg called for a motion to accept the signing of the contract for the Consultant Services Proposal pending the clarification of the issue that he attends more than one meeting, (The Zoning Board of Appeals and The Sharon Conservation Commission.)
Mike moved. Hank seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
Page 2 SCC 9/5/02 Minutes
8:30 p.m., Environmental Bond Bill Update:
The Commission discussed the status of the Environmental Bond Bill.
8:35 p.m., Cliff Towner, Water Management Issue Discussion:
Cliff announced to the Commission that Aquatic Control Technologies is arriving next week for the 4th time
this year. They have found additional fanwort and have treated and eliminated it. They have been contracted to do another weed survey and to do a complete survey sample of the lagoon.
Cliff expressed that he's concerned about a barren mud condition at Sucker Brook. The vegetation all around the lake is the same except where Sucker Brook comes out.
Soil testing is being done on the Salvation Army property, Massapoag Ave., Old Farm Rd.
Cliff explained that we've had 3" of rainfall since August 30th and the water level in the lake has dropped 18". Sucker Brook is just drizzle now coming out of one pipe.
Cliff stated that we have a very serious problem in Zone 2 and 3 in Sharon. We pump water out of two aquifers in the center of Town and distribute it to 9 other aquifers and the water never returns. The aquifers that we pump from in the recharge areas are very small. It has caused the water table in all the zones to drop in 15 months. We are losing our recharge areas around Town. We now have vegetation where all of our rain and all of our run-offs used to collect. There are very little wetlands there now.
In Cedar Swamp, two 36-inch pipes used to accommodate the water there and now one pipe has a trickle of water draining from it, and the other pipe is dry.
Cliff stated that Sharon has an average of 42" of rainfall every year. This year, so far, we've had 34". Even though we've had a lot of rain to date, the water table in the lake is down 18". When we get a lot of water, it drains out on the surface, running off, evaporating away, and is taken up by vegetation. A lot of it flows into streams.
At one time, seven streams used to feed Lake Massapoag, now we have one. The rest of the streams are seasonal and the only time they go into the lake is when we have run-off.
Cliff stated that all of the Town's wells have some very serious issues. We need more wells in different aquifers. We need to take the pressure off of the two aquifers in the center of Town.
More piping is not necessary.
Peg mentioned to the Commission that there is a Water Management Meeting on October 3rd. She suggested the SCC should make an effort to attend that meeting and listen to the discussion at 8:45 p.m., after its own business is completed.
9:25 p.m., Approve Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the August 1st Meeting Minutes.
Mike moved. Hank seconded. Voted. 4-0-1.
9:30 p.m., Announcement:
Peg announced to the Commission that on September 3rd, the Selectmen appointed Dr. Stephan Glicken, M.D., to his first term on the SCC. Janet Dunlap, Esq., and Peg Arguimbau were re-appointed to three-year terms on the SCC.
9:35 p.m., Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn. Hank moved. Mike seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
