Army Corps authorizes Otter River Dam rehab; commission notified of two MASCEP release notices
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Summary
Staff told the commission the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorized its portion of the Otter River Dam rehabilitation (file 3040399) under Massachusetts general permits 2 and 24; staff also reported two MASCEP notices of responsibility for a hydraulic oil release (notice 20052661) and an asphalt binder release (notice 20052588).
Town staff reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved its portion of the Otter River Dam rehabilitation project (file 3040399) and added that approval to the project record.
According to the Corps’ letter read by staff, “based on the information that you have provided, we verify that the activity is authorized under general permit number 2 and number 24 of the 06/02/2023 federal permit known as the Massachusetts general permits.” Staff said the Corps’ approval and a previously issued water-quality certificate will be kept on file so the project can move forward administratively.
Staff also reported two notices of responsibility issued by the Massachusetts Clean Energy/Environmental program MASCEP of Worcester. Notice 20052661 was issued to Waste Management of Massachusetts for an Oct. 29, 2025 hydraulic oil release in the buffer zone at 236 North Main Street; the commission previously issued an emergency certificate for that incident. Notice 20052588 was issued to PJ Keating Company for an Oct. 15, 2025 asphalt binder release on Route 2 at Exit 79; PJ Keating is listed as responsible for cleanup. Staff provided the notice numbers and said they were emailed to commissioners for full review.
No further enforcement actions or new permit conditions were announced at the meeting; staff said they are tracking document filings and will inform the commission of further developments.