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Charlton ratifies enforcement orders after staff documents six‑acre clearing and sediment runoff into wetlands
Summary
Conservation staff reported approximately six acres of clearing at an industrial‑park parcel and showed video evidence of sediment reaching bordering wetlands; the commission ratified enforcement orders issued Dec. 5 and Jan. 6 and staff said the property owner has appealed the fines.
The Town of Charlton Conservation Commission ratified two enforcement actions after staff presented evidence that land‑clearing and stormwater controls were not in place at a property in the industrial park, allowing sediment to reach wetlands during thawing events.
Conservation staff said they were notified of possible violations on Sept. 29 and issued a cease‑and‑desist; site work continued, and an on‑site inspection on Oct. 7 led staff to request a bordering vegetated wetland (BVW) delineation and stabilization plan. After repeated noncompliance, staff issued enforcement orders. Staff reported that EPA conducted an inspection on Nov. 19 and that, during a Jan. 6 snow‑melt event, sedimentation from the site entered adjacent wetlands.
Staff summarized the scope and impact: “The disturbance was over 6 acres,” said the presenting staff member, and video evidence shown to the commission documented runoff and accumulated sediment up to nearly 100 feet into wetlands in places, according to an EPA note staff referenced. Staff also said they had issued three fines for permitless disturbance and continuing violations; the property owner has appealed.
Why it matters: staff warned that lack of stabilization before the spring thaw risks repeated runoff and further sedimentation of downstream resource areas. Staff contrasted this case with a separate large cleared site that had been stabilized with hydroseed and temporary measures and called for immediate stabilization and a remediation plan.
Action taken: the commission voted to ratify both enforcement orders (the Dec. 5 order and a Jan. 6 order associated with runoff) and directed staff to coordinate remediation reporting and next steps with EPA and other agencies as necessary. Staff said the matter may proceed to court if fines are appealed and not resolved.
Next step: staff will await the owner’s remediation plan and will continue monitoring site stabilization efforts; the commission asked for follow‑up at future meetings.
