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Conservation Commission rescinds certificate, approves minor driveway modifications at Kapsu Utaro property
Summary
The commission rescinded a recently issued certificate of compliance and approved minor modifications to a driveway and riprap outfall at the Kapsu Utaro property (DEP file 3011393) to address erosion and drainage problems; staff will review final schematic before construction.
The Conservation Commission on Jan. 27 voted to rescind a previously issued Certificate of Compliance for an access and parking project at the Kapsu Utaro property (DEP file 3011393) and approved a minor modification to the driveway and outfall to correct observed erosion and drainage problems.
Michael (engineer working for the applicant) explained the issue: concentrated runoff from a steep access drive was bypassing an intended berm and eroding down a slope toward a downstream fishing pond. The existing buried pipe outlet discharges to a small forebay before the pond; camp staff reported the erosion during a storm event. The applicant proposed a short set of fixes including a vertical bituminous berm along both sides of the driveway, regrading a small triangular asphalt area to improve slope to the inlet, riprap armoring and larger riprap at the existing outlet structure, and an aluminum trash/debris rack on the inlet to prevent leaves and woody debris from entering the pipe.
Conservation staff asked whether an infiltration trench along the slope could be used instead of berms; the engineer replied that steep slopes and shallow soils/ledge make infiltration trenches unlikely to be effective. Staff and commissioners discussed creating a modest riprap “sump” or deeper collection area in front of the outlet structure to allow settling and ease maintenance; the engineer said the structure’s unknown subsurface conditions make replacement complex, but that the applicant could remove some asphalt near the outlet and increase the riprap collection area. The commission and camp staff emphasized minimal pedestrian and camper conflict in the proposed area.
The commission first voted to rescind the Certificate of Compliance (the recorded instrument had not yet been filed at the Registry of Deeds), and then voted to allow the minor modification as sketched at the meeting, with the condition that conservation staff receive a final schematic showing the proposed sump/riprap improvements prior to construction.
Action taken: The commission rescinded the previously issued Certificate of Compliance for DEP file 3011393 and approved a minor modification to the driveway/outfall with the condition that a final schematic showing the riprap/sump be submitted to staff for approval before any work begins.
Why it matters: The changes respond to observed erosion that was sending concentrated runoff downstream; the modification is intended to reduce sediment and debris transport to a downstream pond and to improve long-term stability of the driveway outfall.
What’s next: Applicant to submit a final schematic that incorporates a modest riprap sump/collection area in front of the existing structure for staff review; applicant will reapply for a Certificate of Compliance once the modification work is complete.
