5/14/2015 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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The Agent stated he met with Mr. Costa several times to go over this project to figure out a way to bring the past Certificates of Compliance into compliance. He said there was some clearing done within the buffer zone and the BVW so the plan notation on the restoration area will bring it back into compliance. He said the mitigation requirements are met and the rest of the plantings are for the purpose of addressing some unauthorized clearing that took place in the past. Another unauthorized activity was establishment of a lawn that doesn't meet the lawn standards and is being mitigated for by replacing it with a conservation seed mix. Mr. Costa said this project will be a net benefit to the property. It will be an environmental benefit to remove the lawn and replace it with lawn that is in compliance with the lawn standards because of the nitrogen loading and that reduced nitrogen is a benefit. Environmentally, the site will be better off when they are done. Mr. Costa referred to the planting plan and reviewed the plantings. The Agent stated said he feels comfortable that the plan meets the mitigation standards. There was a discussion on the placement of the deck and the lawn area. Mr. Costa said they are trying to do their best to make this site better and to clean it up and to follow the regulations and meet the performance standards. The Agent commented on the existing shrubs on the edge of the gravel path in the lawn area and recommended they be moved closer to the BVW and to the buffer zone. This would enhance the bordering vegetated wetland to the greater extent possible. He recommended the conimissioners approve the relocation of those bayberry plantings closer to the BVW. The Agent stated overall the project doesn't adversely affect any performance standards associated with the site. He said that what is being proposed is going to greatly enhance the buffer zone and the bordering vegetated wetland for an exchange that isn't going to cause any adverse impacts to any of the performance standards or to any of the resource areas involved. He recommended a close and issue. Chairman Anderson read a letter into the record from Mr. John Power dated April 22 in opposition to the screen porch. It was noted this letter was related to the zoning issues on this property. No comment from the public. Motion: Mr. Sweet moved to Close and Issue, seconded by Mr. Shaw. Vote unanimous 6-0. 6:09 Brian W. and Maureen H. Smith, 21 Kim Path. Proposed septic system upgrade RDA Resource Area; Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flow 4