A panel of commissioners voted unanimously to accept an amendment to an existing order of conditions that authorizes replacement of a damaged drainage pipe serving a redevelopment site in Springfield, project representatives said.

The amendment, tied to DEP file 2940633 and the order of conditions issued Nov. 24, covers removal and replacement of an existing corrugated metal pipe with a 12-inch smooth‑interior pipe and installation of an inlet debris screen from the Southeast Wetlands to the eastern embankment of the former Lasting Pond at the Mill Park redevelopment.

Mark Ploski, representing Park Corporation, told commissioners the project replaces a buried, partially clogged or collapsed 12‑inch section and reinstalls about 260 feet of 12‑inch pipe from an on‑site structure to a discovered discharge point. "The replacement of this drainage pipe and the drainage pipe system is highly recommended," Ploski said, and added the work is intended to restore the stormwater management system's performance and reduce repeated erosion events.

Ploski said the city requested a pipe‑video inspection after heavy precipitation in late May and June produced a significant washout and renewed concern about future erosion. The contractor on site retained a specialized firm, JL Corporation Construction (video inspection subcontractor), which found debris, standing water and limited downstream access in the existing pipe run. Ploski described two outlet pipes in the parking lot area and said an older 24‑inch corrugated section is highly corroded and likely contributed to the failure.

Project plans submitted for the amendment show no new point discharges; the proposal retains existing drainage structures where possible, removes some sections for alignment, installs the new 12‑inch smooth‑interior pipe and adds a debris screen at the inlet to reduce clogging from large branches and similar material. Ploski said some temporary, minor impacts to the Southeast Wetlands and the former pond area are expected during construction.

During the public hearing, commissioners asked for clarification about the degraded southeast embankment and the timing of the erosion event; the transcript shows the erosion prompted the city's request for the contractor to investigate and propose the replacement. The commission first moved to close the public hearing and then moved to accept the proposed amendment.

A motion to accept the amendment passed with all participating commissioners recorded as voting yes. The transcript does not specify an effective date for the amendment or details about contractor start dates or funding sources.

The amendment authorizes the project team to proceed with detailed construction design and installation under the revised order of conditions tied to DEP file 2940633; the record does not show additional conditions, a timeline for completion, or a guaranteed start date.