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Conservation commission approves Order of Conditions to extend Milk Street access for solar interconnection
Summary
After reviewing project history and replication monitoring, the Commission unanimously issued an Order of Conditions allowing a 200‑foot, 18‑foot driveway extension and associated culvert work so National Grid can interconnect the Milk Street solar facility, with conditions on replication monitoring and submission of documentation.
The Commission reviewed a multi-year history of the Milk Street solar project and approved an Order of Conditions to allow a 200‑foot driveway extension to serve the existing solar site and meet National Grid’s interconnection requirements. Engineer Nick Fassendola (Level Design Group) explained the original solar site was permitted in 2018–2019 and built but is not yet connected to the grid. National Grid required improved driveway access for trucks and a turnaround; the current application seeks to widen and extend an existing cart path to an 18‑foot minimum with a small turnaround, install a 12‑inch culvert and perform about 950–1,100 square feet of wetland fill with compensatory replication.
Fassendola said a replication area has been installed and monitored and that the engineering team proposed 1,100 square feet of wetland replication for about 950 square feet of wetland fill. Commissioners asked for replication monitoring reports, structural details for the taller portions of a retaining element, and data on peak‑flow impacts; the applicant agreed to provide certification and reports. After discussion, Commissioner Speaker 3 moved to issue an Order of Conditions to allow the driveway extension and associated work to proceed; the motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote.
The Commission recorded conditions: submission of replication monitoring reports and any outstanding compliance paperwork, provision of structural details or engineer certification for wall sections where applicable, and coordination with the agent on final contacts and record submittal. The applicant was told to notify the Commission for any site inspections and to provide the requested documents prior to additional disturbance.
