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Keolis seeks boundary confirmation for MBTA right‑of‑way vegetation plan; commission delays pending photos
Summary
Keolis/Benesch submitted a five‑year RDA to confirm resource area boundaries and request negative determinations for vegetation management along the MBTA commuter rail right‑of‑way; the commission requested additional photographs and will continue the hearing to Oct. 2 for staff review.
Keolis Commuter Services, represented by Benesch consultant Matt Donovan, sought a request for determination of applicability Sept. 11 to confirm wetland boundaries and obtain determinations for vegetation management along the MBTA commuter rail right‑of‑way. The work supports recurring five‑year vegetation plans required by state regulation.
Donovan explained the maps define areas for two annual chemical applications (a late‑spring treatment focused on the roadbed and a late‑summer brush treatment) and delineate zones where chemical use is restricted. He said applicators operate from certified spray trucks accompanied by an environmental monitor and can shut off shoulder nozzles when approaches cross sensitive buffer areas. Donovan also described a pattern of mechanical controls in the yellow zones where shoulder applications are excluded.
Commission staff asked for additional photos and field confirmation for a few close or ambiguous areas. The agent explained an RDA approval would confirm boundaries; because the commission cannot later rescind a boundary confirmation, staff requested photographic substantiation before accepting the maps. Donovan agreed to provide photos early the following week; the commission continued the hearing to Oct. 2 to allow staff to review the images and finalize a determination.
No public comment was received. The commission agreed that, contingent on satisfactory photographic evidence and minor map adjustments as needed, staff could be empowered to issue the negative determinations and boundary confirmation without re‑opening a full hearing.
The commission continued the matter to Oct. 2 and asked Benesch/Keolis to supply the requested photographs and to work with the conservation agent to resolve close boundary questions before that meeting.
