Conservation agent reports silt-control work at Pinecrest Village, questions remain on tracking pad and signage

Town conservation staff reported Feb. 11 that they have inspected Pinecrest Village following resident complaints about on-site clearing and insufficient erosion controls.

Mark Minton, the conservation agent, said the planning department alerted the commission Feb. 3 after residents complained about active work at the site. Minton and the commission chair inspected the site Feb. 6; he said trees had been cleared and that initial siltation barriers were being installed. Minton included photos in his update showing installation of silt socks and other sediment controls; he said some downstream controls need a second look to confirm another small tail is captured.

Minton told the commission the developer (identified in the meeting as Greg Maroney) said his crew planned additional controls the following day. Minton said the developer also reported that frozen ground prevented construction of the required tracking (stabilized) pad at the site entrance, which the developer said is needed before bringing heavy equipment on site. Minton also noted that DEP signage required by the permit was not yet posted.

The commission agreed staff should follow up with additional site visits once the tracking pad is installed and before major construction proceeds, and that the agent will continue to monitor complaints and coordinate with planning staff. The agent said if sedimentation basins or other controls appear incomplete, the commission may request additional documentation or require corrective actions.

No formal enforcement action was taken at the Feb. 11 meeting; the agent said he will continue monitoring and will ask the developer to notify the commission before heavy construction resumes.