Conservation commission approves amended order for 65 River Street roadway work after wetland re‑delineation

The Middleborough Conservation Commission on Jan. 16 approved an amended order of conditions for 65 River Street (DEP SE220‑1601) to permit existing roadway improvements, grading, culvert installation and wetland replication to compensate for up to 5,000 square feet of disturbance within 100 feet of a bordering vegetated wetland.

Sean Leach of Northeast Engineers told the commission the team performed additional soil borings and cross sections during the past season and identified more hydric soils and wetland area than shown on earlier plans. To reduce impacts the revised plan re‑routes and slightly widens the cart path around newly identified wetland areas, and locates two culverts at low spots to improve drainage.

Why it matters: The applicant’s revised delineation and plan reduced disturbance to just under the 5,000‑square‑foot regulatory threshold that would trigger a larger permitting requirement. The commission had previously faced a state appeal questioning whether the site included a regulated stream crossing; the amended submittal clarified resource boundaries and avoided a stream crossing design standard.

Leach said the updated plan shows a comprehensive wetland line based on flagged indicators and the new borings. Commission members who visited the site said the new flagging and stakes made the proposed limit of work clearer.

Commissioner John moved to close the hearing and to approve the amended order of conditions; the commission voted by roll call to approve the amended order (motion by John; second by Cam). The applicant’s representative was thanked and told the commission staff would notify when the permit document was ready.

Next steps: The commission staff will finalize and issue the amended order and the applicant will proceed under the amended conditions. Any future work outside the approved limit of work will require a separate filing for additional review.