Southborough golf committee told wetland permit, engineered plan needed for irrigation; members to identify engineer

The Town of Southborough golf committee was told that its proposed irrigation work crosses wetland resource areas and will require a formal application under state and local wetlands rules, including an engineered, stamped plan.

Melissa, speaking as conservation staff, said the work is governed by the Wetlands Protection Act and the town’s local wetlands bylaw and “does require an engineered stamped plan” and a Notice of Intent submitted to the conservation commission. She said the irrigation lines cross the stream in several places and the submittal must demonstrate how installation will limit erosion and meet performance standards for work within resource areas.

Committee members asked whether the proposed crossing would be allowed; Melissa said “I believe it’s gonna be allowed” if the plan shows appropriate installation methods and erosion control. The committee agreed it needs a professional engineer to prepare the Notice of Intent and associated plans. The chair said they will contact Bill Harrison and Mark Purple to determine who will arrange and pay for the engineering work and will report back.

Melissa offered to provide an overview and checklist of materials required for a Notice of Intent submission and said the town has previously used several engineering firms (Beals & Thomas and Power Corporation were mentioned as firms that commonly submit to the commission). She noted that the conservation commission’s jurisdiction extends 100 feet from resource area boundaries and that portions of the Porterville Road side and interior property fall within that jurisdiction.

No formal permit decision was made at the meeting; the committee’s next steps are to identify and hire a licensed professional engineer to prepare the application and to submit the Notice of Intent to the conservation commission.