Consultant reports progress on forensic wetland study at 516 Mountain Road; site walk scheduled

At the Sept. 9 meeting the commission received an enforcement update on 516 Mountain Road from environmental consultant Clinton Webb. Webb said task onesurvey, topographic mapping and a wetland delineationhas largely been completed and that a site walk with staff and soil scientists was scheduled for the next morning to confirm the mapping.

Webb described the next steps as a historical overlay analysis: collecting older aerial photos and wetlands maps, comparing elevations where recent fill or grading has changed site conditions, and assembling a graphic-based analysis that will support restoration recommendations. He said the landowner is cooperating and that the team expects to use the overlays to identify where restoration is appropriate and then bring a formal restoration application and recommendations to the commission.

The consultant and staff also noted they are using LIDAR tied to survey control to improve accuracy for the existing-conditions plan. Webb characterized the investigation as a forensic wetland disturbance analysis and said the team has experience in deep test pits and historical sequencing where required. The commission asked staff to continue coordination and to present findings and any restoration proposals in a subsequent meeting once the final overlay analysis and site-walk confirmations are complete.