Commission weighs targeted herbicide pilot after mechanical removal proved impractical at 311 Garfield Road

Rich Kirby of LEC Environmental and project team members briefed the commission on an amended order of conditions for work at 311 Garfield Road. The project proposes shifting the pump house footprint 17 feet east to get outside a 25-foot no-disturb zone and to use helical piles rather than a new excavated foundation because the existing stone-and-mortar foundation is inadequate.

On invasive-species removal, Kirby explained a prior plan to hand-pull porcelain berry did not achieve the intended reduction because root systems are extensive and brittle, leaving fragments that can regrow. He said removing all porcelain berry would likely exceed the commission’s alteration threshold (roughly 5,000 sq ft) and trigger water-quality certification and an Army Corps permit, which in turn would initiate a MEPA review. Given homeowners’ reluctance to bear those costs, Kirby described considering a targeted herbicide application by a certified applicator (wet-glove or other targeted methods) as a pilot over a finite period (the permit life plus an extension if needed).

Commissioners and staff discussed pilot duration, potential collateral effects on native plants, and costs to homeowners. The project team agreed to obtain pricing and, if homeowners approve, return with a recommendation at the Sept. 11 meeting. The commission did not vote on a specific herbicide authorization at this hearing but discussed the option and scheduling for implementation.