Conservation commission orders peer review, issues cease-and-desist after unauthorized clearing at 25 Milk Street

The Town of Blackstone Conservation Commission voted Jan. 15 to require a peer review of the wetland delineation for a proposed house and barn at 25 Milk Street and to issue a cease-and-desist order that bars further regulated activity on the property except for prescribed erosion-control work.

The action followed testimony from the applicant and consultants and sustained questioning from commissioners and an abutter about extensive tree clearing that took place on the parcel before the filing. The applicant submitted a notice of intent and a wetland delineation; the commission agreed to continue the hearing to March 19 while the peer review is completed.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the extent of unpermitted tree clearing and uncertainty about site condition make an independent review necessary before the commission can issue an order of conditions. The enforcement order is intended to prevent further disturbance while peer review and a revised plan address mitigation and stabilization.

Applicant Ashton Gasco and Bruce Wilson,…