Conservation Commission advances stormwater permits for multiple South Wales projects

In a recent virtual meeting of the Southborough Conservation Commission, key discussions centered around two significant projects: an upgrade to a septic system at 45 South Road and a stormwater management permit for a building addition at 48 Main Street. The meeting, held on May 22, 2025, showcased the collaborative efforts of engineers and commission members to address environmental concerns while facilitating development.

The first project, presented by Vito Colona from Cornerstone Engineering, involved upgrading the septic system and constructing an addition. Colona reported that all necessary revisions had been made to the plans, addressing previous comments from the commission. Notably, the team had removed debris from the site, including a canoe and tools, and added silt fencing to manage erosion. With no outstanding issues remaining, the commission unanimously agreed to close the hearing, allowing the project to move forward.

The second project, concerning the FACE School at 48 Main Street, was represented by Chris Adney from Niche Engineering. After several continuations due to outstanding peer review comments, Adney confirmed that all concerns had been addressed, with only a minor addition of a legend to the cut-fill plan pending. The commission members expressed confidence in conditioning the approval based on the current design, despite acknowledging a slight risk of needing future amendments.

As the meeting progressed, the commission also discussed a new project at 26 Meadow Lane, which involves constructing three single-family units and one duplex. While the project appeared promising, the engineering team awaited final comments from peer reviewers before proceeding.

The evening concluded with a sense of accomplishment as the commission moved to close the hearings, paving the way for these developments while ensuring adherence to environmental regulations. The collaborative spirit displayed during the meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Southborough Conservation Commission to balance community growth with ecological stewardship.