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A small positive step:
Update
on the recent determination by
Worcester
Department of Environmental Protection.
Following a site visit to the Duquette quarry on November 5, the
DEP issued a decision the next day to require that the landowner submit
a full Notice of Intent to the Athol Conservation Commission.
Such a Notice of Intent will entail a much more detailed analysis
of the environmental impacts of the proposed quarry operation,
specifically the impacts that the proposed project will have on the
adjacent wetland. Mr.
Duquette has only a few days in which to appeal this determination.
If he does not do so, he will be required to submit the NOI
within a specified time period. The
group discussed various points that should be brought to the attention
of the Conservation Commission when it considers the NOI, and the
conditions on the quarrying that should be recommended.
These conditions include: 1) the need to specify a timeline for
extraction; 2) the need to specify the quantity of material to be
extracted; 3) the need to calculate amount of run-off from the work area
into the wetland and to develop a stormwater management plan; 4) the
need to specify an accurate finish grade (to minimize erosion into the
wetland; 5) the need for plantings to stabilize the slope nearest the
wetland; and 6) the need for regular monitoring to ensure compliance.
The group agreed that an engineer could bring a lot of essential
expertise to reviewing the NOI when it is submitted and in advising on
any other conditions that should be ordered.
The Conservation Commission can also request an independent
assessment of wetland impacts by an engineer, the costs of which must be
borne by the applicant. |
