Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission flags long‑running stormwater maintenance gaps at 195 South Main and HOA basins
Summary
Commission members told the Uxbridge Conservation Commission they found missing maintenance records, silted basins and altered outlet configurations at basins tied to a housing development (including 195 South Main), discussed obtaining as‑builts and issuing notices of violation, and asked staff to pursue engineering review and records from the homeowners association and DPW.
Commissioners reported on Sept. 15 that multiple stormwater basins tied to a housing development, including areas at or near 195 South Main Street, appear to be functioning poorly and lack required maintenance documentation.
During a site visit, commissioners described finding some basins with standing water and cattails while others were dry and mowed. One commissioner summarized the gap in documentation bluntly: “We haven’t had one single maintenance report since ever,” noting permit conditions required quarterly maintenance reports. Commissioners said that over 20–25 years silt accumulation and mowing practices can change basin depth and function and that absent regular maintenance the basins’ performance may be impaired.
Members discussed enforcement pathways. Staff and commissioners said locating original as‑built plans and certificates of compliance (COCs) would let an engineer compare the intended design to current conditions. If the basins substantially differ from approved plans or required maintenance records are missing, the commission could pursue a notice of violation of the orders of condition. Commissioners also noted that neighbors’ complaints and the involvement of attorneys can add external pressure for remediation.
The commission asked staff to seek the original design/permit materials (as‑builts and COCs) and to request the last three years of maintenance records from the homeowners association. Commissioners also discussed hiring or directing an engineer to perform an as‑built assessment and to document whether basins are discharging onto neighboring properties in a way that contravenes the original approvals.
No formal enforcement motion was carried at the meeting; members directed staff to collect records, obtain available plans, and pursue engineering review as needed.
