DES approves restoration plan for 25 Otis Road; 1,800 sq ft of wetlands to be restored and monitored

Staff reported that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services approved a restoration plan for 25 Otis Road. The approval includes a schedule of restorative work and monitoring requirements that the commission will track as the project moves into implementation.

Why it matters: the DES approval obligates the property owner to complete on‑the‑ground restoration and to document success with reports; the work affects local wetland area and the commission said it has interest in receiving monitoring reports because the city has an oversight stake.

Restoration and monitoring schedule described to the commission - By Aug. 1: approximately 1,800 square feet of wetlands shall be restored, monitored and managed in accordance with the approved restoration plan. - Monitoring reports: an initial monitoring report with photographs is to be submitted to DES by Sept. 1. Subsequent monitoring reports are to be submitted on Sept. 1, 2026 and Sept. 1, 2027 to document the success of restoration and to outline remedial actions, if necessary. - Supervision: transcript discussion noted that restoration activities must be supervised on‑site by a qualified wetland scientist pursuant to the project approval and applicable RSA/ENVWT provisions.

Commission follow‑up Staff said they will request copies of monitoring reports from DES so the city can track implementation. The commission noted they have an ongoing interest and that the item will move from plan approval into implementation steps.

Ending The restoration plan is approved and active; the commission will seek monitoring reports and may follow up on implementation details as the August restoration milestone approaches.