Commission issues enforcement order and approves administrative amendment for 250 Turnpike Road

The Southborough Conservation Commission issued an enforcement order addressing unauthorized alterations to a stream channel behind 250 Turnpike Road and approved a related administrative amendment to the property’s existing permit to move a building footprint farther from resource areas.

Staff reported that work clearing brush and debris at the rear of the property had altered a stream channel and deposited fill within the resource area. Joe (inspector) said the channel had been realigned but required stabilization and restoration to restore original flow conditions and prevent erosion. He recommended wattles and silt fencing to slow flows in the short term and a formal stream-restoration plan for longer-term stabilization.

The property’s representative described a concurrent request for an administrative amendment to shift the building location away from the resource area and reduce impervious area; commission staff and members concluded the building move produced no change to hydraulic calculations and was appropriate as an administrative amendment rather than an amended Notice of Intent.

The commission voted to: (1) issue an enforcement order requiring the owner to submit and obtain commission approval of a detailed stream-restoration plan and to implement required stabilization measures; and (2) approve the administrative amendment moving the building footprint as proposed. Staff may require interim stabilization measures if inspections show active erosion prior to final restoration.

The commission recorded motions and required that the restoration plan be submitted and approved prior to full implementation.