Community outraged over environmental disaster and town negligence

In a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding environmental violations were brought to the forefront, highlighting significant issues related to stormwater management and its impact on local ecosystems. A resident recounted witnessing a disturbing incident where a stormwater pipe was opened, resulting in a surge of unfiltered water that led to the death of fish and birds in the area. The resident described the scene as chaotic, with erosion creating a new river under their deck and an alarming oil slick visible in the aftermath.

The resident expressed frustration over the town's actions, stating that they had refused to authorize the discharge of unfiltered stormwater into the harbor, citing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Despite this refusal, the town proceeded with the discharge, prompting the resident to gather photographic evidence of the environmental damage.

In response to these concerns, officials announced plans to initiate an enforcement investigation to determine whether the town acted beyond its legal capacity without the necessary permits. The officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations across Nantucket, regardless of personal opinions about ongoing projects.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of wetland permitting, with officials clarifying that their review process is strictly focused on the potential impacts of proposed projects on resource areas, rather than aesthetic or neighborhood considerations. The meeting concluded with a call for further investigation and a site visit to assess the situation firsthand.