5/2/1991 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Conservation Commission May 2, 1991 Page 3. 7:15 GAIL G. RIDBINSON, for the construction and maintenance of a new single family residence and appurtenances at 11 Bowsprit Point. Michael McGrath presenting with ifs Robinson. Abutter Receipts were provided. He listed the resources as Popponesset Creek, salt marsh, bordering vegetated wetland, flood plain and coastal bank. The major point is the area of phragnites adjacent to the salt marsh. PhragMites varies in elevation so he has performed soil elev- ations to clarify soil types. 1n two areas they were indicative of dredged. materials. The water table was higher under the phragMites than the coarse sand. They filed for a variance from the Board of Health setback, 107 feet between, only feet to the leach pit; 70 feet reserve to the Phragmites. Purpose of the setback is to provide dissolution. A map of soil profiles was shown. Mr. Sherman stated from the Wetlands Act, presumption is Title v meets performance standards. Mr. McGrath stated the Commission is entitled to that information; the Board of-Health will not grant the variance until. the Order of conditions is issued. Mr. Sherman was asked to verify the edge of the wetland, Phrag ites is a wetland plant. He cannot sign off that the distance -is accurate because stades were not there. Mr. McGrath stated if Phrag tes is a wetland plant under the act, he does not believe it has the same value of the salt marsh. Ms Behxan pointed out, as an absorber of nutrients, it is. Mr. Sherman stated the coastal bank issue is the most significant. Mr. McGrath believes this is a coastal bank- up until above the flood plain. Mrs. Simmons stated this should be marked on the plan. Mr. Sherman advised under 10.36 there would be a problem of addressing "no adverse effects". The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove there would be n adverse effects on -the coastal bank. Mr. McGrath stated the applicant is allowed to disturb the bank as Long as the coastal bank is the same after. The property is far up Popponesset Bay, inside the creek flood plain and-has no significant wave action. He is of the opi mi On that any standard type of landscaping in the disturbed areas can provide the same type of resistance to any storms that would. exceed the elevation of the Phragraites. They have a vertical retaining wall and the house is leaning on the coastal bank, it is true they are performing work on the coastal bank but construction can be conditioned. Ms Behrmn pointed out the storm surge factor is enhanced by the creek rather than mitigated by it. r. McGrath stated with storm surge there would be n significant wage action in Popponesset Creek. Mr. Coffey asked to ghat extent the construction of the house is in the flood plain? Mr. McGrath stated it is to the building code; the neap shows elevations. Mr. Homeyer asked if blowout walls are proposed?