Norwood panel issues order of conditions for Pleasant–Dean underground ductbank

The Town of Norwood Conservation Commission voted Jan. 7 to issue an order of conditions for the Norwood Municipal Light Department’s planned underground ductbank along Pleasant Street and Dean Street, a roughly 0.6-mile roadway project that includes manholes, conduit attached above the Deposit River bridge and full curve-to-curve repaving.

The commission’s decision followed a presentation by Dan Kanata of BHB, who described the work as constrained to the existing roadway and explicitly outside the Deposit River channel and the regulatory floodway. Kanata said the conduit would be attached to the bridge structure “above the river” and that no work was proposed below the high-water mark.

Commission staff and members pressed for protections and special conditions. Commissioner Carly (staff representative) proposed requirements including advance notice of any dewatering prior to manhole installation, confirmation that any dewatering discharges be “visibly free of sediment,” continuous monitoring where dewatering occurs inside the 100-foot buffer, secondary containment measures, no washout of fluids to resource areas or the 30-foot buffer, use of clean fill with no reportable contamination, and establishment of landscaping for disturbed areas before project closeout. Dan Kanata and Jason Haber of the light department confirmed erosion controls — compost filter tubes, silt socks and catch-basin protection — and said trenches would be closed at the end of each workday.

An attendee asked how the commission’s conditions would be included in a procurement already in motion. Jason Haber said bidders were advised the conditions were forthcoming and that the town would issue an addendum to incorporate the conditions into contracts as needed.

After clarifications and a motion to issue conditions consistent with Carly’s items (moved by an unnamed meeting participant and seconded by another), the commission recorded a roll-call vote: Kelsey Quinlan — aye; Catherine Walsh — Aye; Queen Elizabeth Goldberg — Aye; John Covalon — Aye. The chair closed the hearing.

Project schedule details presented to the commission noted an anticipated construction start of April 1, an expected 6–8 week active work period, and a contract completion deadline of Sept. 30. The light department described the project as improving reliability by adding feeders to serve South Norwood and nearby areas.

Next steps: the town will incorporate the commission’s special conditions through contract addenda and monitor compliance during construction.