The Conservation Commission reviewed a proposed stream-restoration plan for 250 Turnpike Road and provided detailed comments, requesting additional engineering details, verification of original wetland flags, higher planting densities, and a survey-based tie to previously approved channel conditions before moving forward. Separately, the developer of the related 40B project agreed at a recent zoning hearing to enlarge a wildlife crossing to a three-by-three culvert; the commission is awaiting revised plans that reflect the change.

A commission reviewer said the submitted restoration narrative described restoring about 60 linear feet of bank but the plan scaled to roughly 80 linear feet of work on the centerline; the reviewer recommended that the applicant provide the source materials used to establish prior channel conditions, a professional-engineered cross-section and grade plan, and that wetland bank flags be located or restored by survey so the commission can compare proposed work to the previously approved channel. The reviewer also asked that planting density be increased (the plan proposed 12 shrubs over the project length, which the reviewer felt was too sparse) and recommended avoiding plastic netting in erosion-control blankets.

The reviewer observed that flows from the restored stream connect to an outstanding resource water that is tributary to a public drinking-water supply and that restoration work may trigger a Section 401 (state water quality certification) or other federal reviews; staff asked the applicant to consult MassDEP about any 401/404 requirements. The applicant's consultants were given the comments and told staff they would respond; the commission continued the matter pending those responses.

On the 250 Turnpike 40B project, the commission received a status update that the developer agreed to enlarge the wildlife crossing to a 3-by-3 culvert and that revised plans were being prepared. Commissioners discussed potential grate openings and other design considerations (light, moisture, and exit geometry) to keep the crossing functioning for wildlife; staff said they would forward a state design recommendation the commission identified and review revised plans when they arrive.

The commission will continue review of both the stream-restoration plans and the revised 40B wildlife-crossing plans at future meetings once the requested engineering, survey, and regulatory consultation materials are filed.