Planning board will forward materials to MassDEP on Hubbardston pond project but takes no formal position

Gardner City Planning Board voted to have staff prepare and forward a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) listing the documents the city received about a pond expansion project in neighboring Hubbardston.

Planning staff said the packet initially identified "Templeton" in error and that the correct location for the MassDEP referral is Hubbardston. The applicant (representing Christopher Environmental Associates) provided new documents comparing distances to Snake Pond 2 and asked that Gardner City note whether the board objected to converting an open detention basin to a closed system. Staff and several board members said they had reviewed the materials and would be comfortable sending MassDEP a letter that lists the submitted documentation and notes the project was discussed at two public meetings, but they declined to render any formal opinion about potential effects on Gardner City's water supply because that is outside the board's scope.

A motion to have staff draft and forward the letter was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote. The applicant said they will include the Gardner City materials in filings they submit to Hubbardston's conservation and planning commissions and to MassDEP.

Next steps: staff will draft the letter listing provided documents and the two public meetings; the applicant will include the city materials in their filings to Hubbardston officials and MassDEP. The board did not record a roll-call showing individual votes in the transcript.