Southborough conservation staff report cleanup progress under enforcement order at 908 South Bill Road

Conservation staff told the Southborough Conservation Commission on May 1 that the property at 908 South Bill Road has seen substantial cleanup since an enforcement order was issued, though some trash and debris remain across the adjacent railroad right-of-way that must be removed before the enforcement order can be lifted.

Site status: Joe (town reviewer) conducted an April 26 inspection and reported substantial grading is complete and water flow in the restored channel is redirected appropriately. Staff said some debris remains on the far side of the railroad tracks and clarified that prior dumping comprised material placed on neighboring property as well as on the subject parcel. The current homeowners have applied for a building permit and are eager to complete demolition and exterior work but were told that any exterior work that affects riverfront area will likely require conservation permitting and that the enforcement order must be lifted first.

Next steps: Staff and the property owner will coordinate to confirm the remaining areas that must be cleared; staff expects to finalize signatures for restoration agreements and then release the enforcement order so the applicant can proceed with permitted work. Stewardship and other town groups will coordinate on meadow restoration and placement or removal of boulders as part of the phased restoration work.

Why it matters: The site remediation addresses prior illegal dumping and a disturbed stream channel; the commission will withhold final certificate of compliance and restoration until documentation is executed and remaining debris removed.