Planning Board directs immediate stabilization, referrals after micro-hydro decommissioning work

The Tama Brenda Planning Board on May 5 continued the public hearing and directed expedited actions after reviewing materials submitted by applicant Joel Hern regarding abandonment of a prior micro-hydro installation and associated bank restoration work along a town stream.

Board members and staff expressed concern about recent site disturbance, erosional risk during spring rains, and the lack of full on-site erosion-control measures between spoil piles and the stream. Several members urged immediate stabilization with bio-logs or similar in-stream controls; applicant Joel Hern said he would arrange for Bosberg (a contractor identified in the meeting) to install initial measures this week but acknowledged the work should be coordinated with an independent engineering consultant.

Planning staff recommended and the board directed referral of the project to CPL (the planning board’s engineering consultant) for prioritized review of immediate stabilizing measures and sequencing of work. The board asked CPL to focus on the top-priority step — measures to prevent further turbidity and erosion during the spring rainfall window — and report back quickly so contractor Bosberg can proceed with professional oversight. The board indicated that the applicant would be responsible for consultant inspection fees and that the consultant could coordinate directly with the contractor.

Board members reiterated that some interim stabilization (silt fence, bio-logs where feasible) should be installed immediately; several members said they would like visible erosion controls in place before the next heavy rain. Hern said he would have Bosberg begin work this week and that he would coordinate with Jim and the planning staff and with CPL once retained.

The board continued the public hearing to June 2 and asked staff to notify the building department and to prioritize CPL’s review of the submitted restoration plan. “We would prioritize that and make that happen quickly,” staff said. The board also asked the applicant to submit updated plans showing silt fencing at the stream edge and construction staging and to confirm where riprap and imported material will be staged and placed.