Utility firm gets negative determination for undergrounding project on Hobert and Willard streets; commissioner recuses

The Nantucket Conservation Commission voted Sept. 4 to issue a Negative Determination 2 for a Massachusetts Electric Company (MECo) project to convert existing overhead distribution lines to underground conduit along Hobert Avenue and Willard Street, with limited maintenance work on Henry Street. Epsilon Associates' Maya Pope presented the project, which confines work to previously developed roadway right‑of‑way and includes four construction stages: handhole installation, trenching and ductbank installation, cable pulling/splicing/testing, and pavement/vegetation restoration.

Pope told the commission that sediment and erosion controls would be installed where needed and that disturbed areas would be restored with asphalt or seeding and mulch. The applicant noted the project lies within the FEMA‑mapped floodplain (land subject to coastal storm flowage) but said no other wetland resource areas would be affected. Commission staff recommended a Negative 2 determination. Commissioners approved the RDA by roll call; the vote carried 5–0 with Commissioner Linda Williams recused. Chair Seth Engelborg announced the motion and roll call indicating the recommendation had been accepted.

The Negative 2 means the commission determined the work described is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or bylaw but may proceed with the proposed mitigation and conditions recommended by staff; the applicant must follow the erosion control and restoration measures presented at the hearing. No further local permits were issued at the meeting on this item.