[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6146792,"mediaKeyId","5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c","parentId",5524554,"title","Commission continues review of 250 Turnpike stream restoration and tracks 40B wildlife-crossing changes","audioSeconds",284,"startMs",3572000,"endMs",3856000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c&start=3572&end=3856","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c/thumbnail_3572000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6146792/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Commission-continues-review-of-250-Turnpike-stream-restoration-and-tracks-40B-wildlife-crossing-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146792-962fbe117f5954725396e355b130b646/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442716&Signature=BbJ2RdHbzW0x1-RXidxc-4UQAGZgtZkVVaDTpc6R42CDw0dSnt7bNAyRpnGubKSLrYD-Pl5QROTUBqNGC5HP~mzu8VVIqVS3dQqVVlFdeQJOq0N4n6bFoBPatjaeksgle7SOkcQ7WAcHE5yAqJ4~N1vyLnW5nyvmtfSsJfD7M5BxNaFNKfWbAa1aE2SNCMCvyFCwUnNHh43O8Kgc0N8LC2QEGatrH7rJvgwvW1ajZzLr7d7JqJIyduP9Vs3~VKgsXgNOXlU9cnNnpqCMgD6coARe5c29J4BvFJHS~sn95dAZOYytV5aG4yufdntnhpq6p8Plx3A5WnQ0QRXH3ZghRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Southborough, MA","date","2025-08-02T06:54:47.187Z","article","The Conservation Commission reviewed a proposed stream-restoration plan for 250 Turnpike Road and provided detailed comments, requesting additional engineering details, verification of original wetland flags, higher planting densities, and a survey-based tie to previously approved channel conditions before moving forward. Separately, the developer of the related 40B project agreed at a recent zoning hearing to enlarge a wildlife crossing to a three-by-three culvert; the commission is awaiting revised plans that reflect the change.

A commission reviewer said the submitted restoration narrative described restoring about 60 linear feet of bank but the plan scaled to roughly 80 linear feet of work on the centerline; the reviewer recommended that the applicant provide the source materials used to establish prior channel conditions, a professional-engineered cross-section and grade plan, and that wetland bank flags be located or restored by survey so the commission can compare proposed work to the previously approved channel. The reviewer also asked that planting density be increased (the plan proposed 12 shrubs over the project length, which the reviewer felt was too sparse) and recommended avoiding plastic netting in erosion-control blankets.

The reviewer observed that flows from the restored stream connect to an outstanding resource water that is tributary to a public drinking-water supply and that restoration work may trigger a Section 401 (state water quality certification) or other federal reviews; staff asked the applicant to consult MassDEP about any 401/404 requirements. The applicant's consultants were given the comments and told staff they would respond; the commission continued the matter pending those responses.

On the 250 Turnpike 40B project, the commission received a status update that the developer agreed to enlarge the wildlife crossing to a 3-by-3 culvert and that revised plans were being prepared. Commissioners discussed potential grate openings and other design considerations (light, moisture, and exit geometry) to keep the crossing functioning for wildlife; staff said they would forward a state design recommendation the commission identified and review revised plans when they arrive.

The commission will continue review of both the stream-restoration plans and the revised 40B wildlife-crossing plans at future meetings once the requested engineering, survey, and regulatory consultation materials are filed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conservation Commission 7/31/25","oneSentenceSummary","Commission reviewers requested more detailed engineering and flag verification for a proposed stream restoration at 250 Turnpike Road, and the developer of an associated 40B project agreed to enlarge a wildlife crossing to a 3-by-3 culvert; both matters remain under review.","taxTitle","Town of Southborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",56453,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6146797,"Commission delays Certificate of Compliance for 120 Turnpike Road pending amendment to cover unpermitted sidewalk/concrete work",476,2933000,3409000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c&start=2933&end=3409","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c/thumbnail_2933000.jpg","/articles/6146797/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Commission-delays-Certificate-of-Compliance-for-120-Turnpike-Road-pending-amendment-to-cover-unpermitted-sidewalkconcrete-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146797-e702d98081ab30c62f04095851d65571/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442716&Signature=MqtB-KsHPEHr8H~w6AwP5TlgaVl3yb108BW1tGWG3N5poxUAgw60jlI4XBBRXfOq04BF4kco2kC3ebCuw9iAIAPOWMu~5Mav67UXUXQfUWNKe2LmmxhH4OFk81~LtbRzNwSAHBtFkxhGgeUxxEmDb7rgrbt52oSPTGNHMyLGt4k9nv6XOfXPVRw2-oV4K4kT2YyyYngsxtdPepWdKJOht-6ugPvKcBS-NtNwISDwIfasJxylIKy1AWknW-q66FJY8vp6DzgGu7fREBDuZdkUgQ56-EzP3C9LiTCOKMc9OdIFVqy90-M9OLggkIdeE1KNfT7U-UAC7ZuTP8eHRwom3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southborough Conservation Commission decided not to issue a Certificate of Compliance for DEP file 290-1046 at 120 Turnpike Road on July 17, saying additional permitted documentation is required to address recent sidewalk and concrete work that appears to lie within the buffer zone.

Commission staff said the original Order of Conditions did not authorize the recent sidewalk and concrete work near the north end of the building and that some of the new work lies within the buffer to bordering vegetated wetlands. The applicant's representative said the team will meet with their civil engineer and intends to file an amendment to the original Notice of Intent that includes the work.

Commission staff and the commission's peer reviewer flagged the unpermitted concrete work and suggested the applicant either amend the NOI or otherwise address the area before a COC is issued. The applicant's counsel and representative agreed to prepare the amendment and were reminded the existing permit (290-1046) is extended and valid until Nov. 7, so an amendment can be processed within the current permit timeframe.

Commissioners discussed avoiding the complications the commission experienced in an earlier multi-NOI case (referenced in the meeting) and preferred a clear, single amended filing that documents the recently completed site alterations. The commission did not vote to issue the COC and directed staff to wait for the amended filing before acting further.","The commission declined to issue a final Certificate of Compliance for a previously permitted project at 120 Turnpike Road and asked the applicant to file an amended NOI to cover recent sidewalk and concrete work that falls within the project's buffer-zone jurisdiction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6146802,"New England Power presents pole-replacement plan for ROW; Conservation Commission continues review",1377,1436000,2813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c&start=1436&end=2813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c/thumbnail_1436000.jpg","/articles/6146802/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/New-England-Power-presents-pole-replacement-plan-for-ROW-Conservation-Commission-continues-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146802-898560b4c7c4fca2b572ee263ca6d92a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442716&Signature=DxKdkCwdmVuI5iGPRbhquW6028Dx3iqJZFRjdrBq9ixuowpodW9xJL25ITQ~tfTNprSX9hMFrg-~nZSdtivbhrTZLcpy94r9R2cz5IogVda8vzZ7h3a~JFU6FZGGhWqU5P2Mptz2E6NdsTQogFXHZjdmvqObXQ1OX4IF2a799NPxjBHvkqxwAHQuwLyUsHi7VaJx8OM9KIwhlfhlERLcUh-TEtmbN1Q-jcNWDJEeAARlqICBNR3OWtPCxrRSVn2eNv1NO4ZGZyUUBI9Xg-USnB-X2IiHO6KqYEX-VTEVyG~qiE6CbZquiEAeIwgTpAN0e4~AMTai4assnW9mQBTRNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","New England Power's consultants presented a right-of-way maintenance and asset condition refurbishment project to the Southborough Conservation Commission and the commission voted to continue the matter to a later hearing for additional documentation, including a MassDEP file number and clearer erosion-control and restoration details.

The proposal covers pole replacements, reconductoring and vegetation management along the utility corridor that runs to the Sudbury Reservoir area. The applicant said the work will include short-term access-road improvements, selective grading, and the use of temporary construction mats to protect wetland soils where heavy equipment is required.

Matt Kelly, representing Epsilon Associates on behalf of New England Power, said the project replaces about 43 structures in the commission's jurisdictional area and that most pole replacements are on Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property; the company will seek a temporary access permit from DCR. He estimated work would start in December and be completed by July 2026, and that forestry/vegetation work and access construction are often sequenced together. Andrew (identified in the meeting as an environmental staffer for New England Power) said construction mats would be used to distribute equipment weight and that mats could remain in place for roughly six to seven months; the company will provide post-construction monitoring and in-situ restoration.

Commission members pressed for specifics on erosion- and sediment-control measures, restoration protocols after mats are removed, the sequencing of work during spring thaw, and the presence of an environmental guidance manual cited in the filing (EG303). Staff later confirmed that an EG303 manual was included with the notice of intent submission as an attachment and that more detailed site-by-site erosion-control plans and monitoring commitments would be expected before the commission issues any order of conditions.

Commissioners also requested that the applicant provide detailed restoration commitments for any matted or graded areas, and identified concerns about past tree-removal work in the aqueduct corridor that had left ruts. The applicant said mats, weekly environmental monitoring, and standard BMPs (straw wattles, silt fence, water bars, temporary stone stabilization and mulching/seeding) would be used. The commission voted to continue the hearing to the next meeting to allow the filing of the MassDEP number and to give staff and peer reviewers time to examine the erosion-control and restoration documentation.

The commission recorded the continuance vote as in favor and will schedule the matter again after the DEP file number and requested details are provided.","New England Power described a multi-month program to replace poles and improve access in the right-of-way; commissioners asked for clearer erosion- and restoration-plans and continued the notice of intent until DEP file number and additional detail are provided.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6146807,"Southborough commission finds golf course irrigation work complies with conservation restriction, closes hearing",197,1028000,1225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c&start=1028&end=1225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c/thumbnail_1028000.jpg","/articles/6146807/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Southborough-commission-finds-golf-course-irrigation-work-complies-with-conservation-restriction-closes-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146807-4efbfe134a48f297d4357a2177a9bedd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442716&Signature=IWN5-xyOn~FviVcntqzCraZG4pQ75RWVgHa5gW9QzUXMRJRF~gywGhQ-Nq0Uh5Z6oyyDKR2zYL~gXgG8uOGDVY5AQqJjoRi1jNBlkJe3mSNBI4uKd4~g73Lfu4C4PNw3a42CM5zb8AWCqa5oceo90xUrd18ZTxnuFEo6HTPLUNrYLaXtXr8~uSYZMYgU2tajCpPXonAX6BS~aixvTB8iBVdRNFnA~iV9wqqITqTQxooNotOaePJPP1HbYnUDN-QOkdUTgdBkQBT5kp66CNVfnPkc34FTeJx61grZah0sxlNXxv2eO-Ytapzmogqfww1Xw~Vo7WNKg9LrOHP1MntGGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southborough Conservation Commission voted July 17 to close a continued public hearing and to find that proposed replacement of the underground irrigation system at the golf course is in compliance with the site's conservation restriction, the commission's staff said. The commission also directed erosion controls be placed near the limit of work and asked that the CR compliance finding be recorded in the project's order of conditions.

The finding matters because the golf course crosses areas subject to both the Wetlands Protection Act and a conservation restriction held by Sudbury Valley Trustees, and the CR holder must sign off before some work proceeds. The project replaces an existing irrigation system and will, according to the applicant, be restored to play after temporary disturbance.

Bill Condiff, identified in the meeting as the town's Department of Public Works superintendent, told the commission the project replaces an existing irrigation system and that he had since received a MassDEP file number and comments from the state agency. A consultant for Wilkins Environmental said he walked the site and reported missing or worn wetland flags in some areas and recommended the applicant confirm flood-zone and bank delineations on updated plans. Commission staff and the consultant discussed whether impacts would be temporary because the work replaces an existing system.

Commission members asked whether work would extend into the 20-foot no-disturb setback and whether areas of previous drainage work had changed established mowing limits. Consultations with the CR holder, Sudbury Valley Trustees, were already pending; commission staff said SVT had asked to see the commission's finding on CR compliance and that a positive statement would help SVT move forward. Commissioner Ben (identified in the transcript only by first name) moved that the commission make a formal finding the proposed irrigation work is in compliance with the conservation restriction; commissioners voted in favor and instructed staff to include that finding in the order of conditions.

Commissioners also directed that erosion controls be placed close to the limit of work and that typical best-management practices be used during installation and removal of temporary construction mats. The applicant indicated construction mats will be used to protect wet areas and that National Grid/New England Power environmental guidance (EG303) and standard BMPs will be followed during the work. A representative said mats would likely be in place up to about seven months and that monitoring and post-construction stabilization would be required.

The commission's vote was unanimous on the CR finding and to close the hearing; staff said they will convey the commission's compliance statement to Sudbury Valley Trustees and incorporate erosion-control language into the order of conditions.

The commission recorded the votes on the CR-finding motion as: Zulek ' yes; Barrington ' yes; Stig ' yes; Basimata ' yes. The commission closed the hearing and directed staff to include the CR finding in the project's Order of Conditions.","The Conservation Commission closed a continued hearing and voted that replacement of the Southborough Country Club's underground irrigation system is in compliance with a conservation restriction; commissioners also approved issuance of an order of conditions with erosion-control conditions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6146787,"Southborough Conservation staff to assume more residential peer-review work to lower applicant costs",1026,4200000,5226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c&start=4200&end=5226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5524554-43eece2141a6bc6e3696f3c588c03c4c/thumbnail_4200000.jpg","/articles/6146787/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Southborough-Conservation-staff-to-assume-more-residential-peer-review-work-to-lower-applicant-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146787-e6189d0b06d9c3aa41f6fc8a0c8c6c97/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442716&Signature=VuQBeoFz4TlFPtj5wCZsHH2M-yS5h9Sq2kiXdlEBRMMM~naeUvCAj-vqvp64J~SPTr6Ocr-43nwOH6sKwnayIfl-7DBFf9lT7dorDmPzoxLMz9meCZDVLWY9AkEtzdXIRcWSHVOBDgIfGzOvDpS2XHzw9bVMLoebCV~GXHoXlDPxubtP5mClOFYs2~Zij53KEA588Ck~18A7qgCLSCUiJL-CVweyh~1FyJXZJYEx2uUBmUoEW4w2SW2WkeMIjSPbSihKladT7~HRjHERainVkmPRyIo31HutXAyxsAwz~N-oZ~5r0wCgWDnmS3q7k1VBC0VdbFcEUx~K3idA6Sa82g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southborough Conservation Commission agreed July 17 to a policy shift that will reduce reliance on paid peer reviewers for routine residential projects and direct more first-line review work to the town's conservation staff. Commissioners said the change is intended to reduce consultant overages for residents applying for small projects such as decks, pools, garages and septic work.

Staff presented a spreadsheet of peer-review costs through June 2024 and described a proposed scope: conservation staff would perform single-family/residential reviews where work is primarily outside the 0-50-foot wetland buffer (for example, work more than 50 feet from wetland flags), perform site visits and provide a written report and conditions; paid peer review would continue to be required for projects with impacts inside the 0-50-foot zone, for ANR/ANRAD matters, commercial projects and subdivisions, and for any application that requests a wetland confirmation.

Commissioners said they trust staff's technical judgment and supported the change, noting the town had both the in-house experience and recent staffing to handle more of this workload. The commission emphasized that applicants would still be required to cover consultant costs where their application is incomplete or where their submission creates extra review work; staff said they would propose updated fee language and a not-to-exceed range to better align consultant-authorized spending with applicant expectations.

Commissioners asked staff to draft updated regulations and a fee schedule that would: clarify when staff-only review is permitted, define thresholds for mandatory peer review (for example, work within 0-50 feet of wetlands, ANRADs, commercial projects), and set clearer not-to-exceed consultant commitments and pre-authorization notifications. Staff said they will prepare a draft revision for future commission review.","The commission agreed to shift many routine residential application peer-review tasks from outside consultants to the conservation agent, aiming to reduce consultant overages on small projects and reserve paid peer review for 0-50-foot impacts, ANRADs and large commercial/subdivision applications.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission continues review of 250 Turnpike stream restoration and tracks 40B wildlife-crossing changes

Commission delays Certificate of Compliance for 120 Turnpike Road pending amendment to cover unpermitted sidewalk/concrete work

New England Power presents pole-replacement plan for ROW; Conservation Commission continues review

Southborough commission finds golf course irrigation work complies with conservation restriction, closes hearing

Southborough Conservation staff to assume more residential peer-review work to lower applicant costs