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Uxbridge issues positive determination for utility fence near riverfront; commission urges wildlife passages
Summary
The commission determined the utility company's newly installed fence falls under the Wetlands Protection Act due to potential impacts on wildlife movement; the panel urged the applicant to consider lower-impact alterations (elevated gaps, culvert crossings or designated passages) and voted to issue a positive determination of applicability.
The Uxbridge Conservation Commission issued a positive determination of applicability on Sept. 2 for fencing installed by Massachusetts Electric Company/New England Power at 48 Depot Street, concluding the Wetlands Protection Act applies because of potential impacts on riverfront wildlife habitat.
Theresa Bortante of BSC Group, appearing for MECO and NEP, presented a memo summarizing a post‑site-visit review and facilities’ rationale for a security fence (reports of break‑ins). Bortante said the property is a degraded riverfront corridor and that the memo focused on likely impacts to white‑tailed deer movement. "Following the site visit, we provided a memo further discussing the potential impacts to wildlife movement ... the effect of wildlife movement ... is limited to white tailed deer," Bortante said.
Commissioners pressed the applicant about the fence’s extent and installation method, noting long runs of fence installed down to the ground on both sides of a long drive and barbed wire in places. Several commissioners said that, as installed, the fence could block access between the river and adjacent upland habitat. The panel discussed lower‑impact alternatives, including raising the bottom wire in aligned gaps to allow passage for small animals, deliberately sited openings, or a culvert/wildlife passage under the roadway. The commission asked the applicant to consult with facilities about adding aligned gaps and other design options.
Chair said the commission would issue a positive determination of applicability "based on the current plan" and that the Wetlands Protection Act applies in reference to wildlife habitat; the commission voted unanimously in favor of the determination. Bortante said she would confer with facilities about adding gaps or other mitigations.
Next steps: The positive determination places the fence squarely under the commission’s jurisdiction; the applicant may withdraw and submit a revised RDA or file a Notice of Intent if future work requires an Order of Conditions.
