Key Take Aways from Conservation Commission (ConCom), July 25, 2023

Jessica Myler from Mass DOT reported on Route 7 periodic flooding. The cause was traced to clogged pipes and blamed on beaver activity (and maintenance).

5 Wheatleigh Drive has a failed septic system and a challenging lot for replacing it. The 20' x 26' septic field will be placed within the wetlands buffer zone abutting Lily Pond. A site visit will follow. The owner was asked to stake out old and new septic fields and create a replanting document for trees that will be removed.

Sally Underwood-Miller was concerned that any septic failure dumps waste onto the wetlands and into the pond.

Lisa Bozzuto speculated that with climate change, the buffer zones will change and become part of the ponds, lakes and wetlands. She saw completion of the Performance Standards as important and even more important to enforce all Lake and Pond Overlay District regulations to the letter. Buffer zones should be strictly enforced and even widened to 50-100 feet allowing absolutely no building, vegetation removal, or land disturbance within the buffer zone.

With the increased rains, storm water will also be a greater problem. The Performance Standards let the public know the rules.

Selectman Patrick White suggested extending the sewer around the lake might help.

The Housatonic Railroad did not respond to conditions articulated at the last meeting. ConCom will send an enforcement letter. The RR pleads no responsibility since they sold the tracks to Massachusetts. Underwood-Miller wanted David Cameron involved in the creation of the letter. It may be sent to both the Commonwealth and the RR.

Photo: Blue Moon Images/Dana Goedewaagen