Lakeville conservation commission seeks details from MassDOT on erosion-control materials for Route 79 work

Members of the Town of Lakeville Conservation Commission on March 25 discussed an amended order of conditions from MassDOT related to Route 79 work and expressed concerns about erosion-control materials and protections for local streams.

Commissioners noted language in the state-submitted materials that MassDOT “cannot prohibit the use of hay and straw bales” and that MassDOT may substitute what it called “equivalent materials.” Commissioners said that language left them uncertain which materials MassDOT would use in practice and asked for a clear statement of the erosion-control products and methods to be used, especially where work crosses or drains toward Holloway Brook and McCoy Brook (noted in the meeting as headwater streams that feed local cold-water trout habitat).

The commission discussed a prior exchange on an amended order of conditions and agreed that the commission staff should review minutes and prior edits to confirm whether the commission approved the wording verbatim or had intended rewording. Commissioners asked to invite a MassDOT representative to the next meeting (or request a written response) to describe the planned erosion controls, how they will ensure flow and prevent backups, and how long-term protections for sensitive brook headwaters will be maintained.

No formal vote was recorded to change the order of conditions; the commission directed staff to place the item on the next meeting agenda for additional review and possible amendment before the commission’s office releases an amended order of conditions.