Redevelopment commission authorizes second‑season wetlands delineation at Westport site
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Summary
The commission authorized Soil Solutions to return in June or July to conduct a second‑season wetland delineation on the Westport property — work to be done within the existing contract and forwarded to the Army Corps for review if the footprint changes.
The Redevelopment Commission voted to authorize Soil Solutions to perform additional field observations in June or July to refine the wetland delineation on the northern portion of the Westport property.
Staff said a site visit in October showed more upland species in the northern section than earlier reports indicated; a second growing‑season observation could narrow the wetland footprint without increasing the existing contract amount. Staff also reported the Army Corps of Engineers indicated it would accept a revised delineation if the additional field work shows a different outcome.
Commission discussion focused on timing, interim land management to limit wetland expansion (options such as cover crops or limited tilling were raised), and the legal limits on disturbing federally regulated wetlands. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with technical guidance on interim actions that would not jeopardize Army Corps review.
The motion to authorize Soil Solutions' second‑season delineation carried on a roll call with one commissioner abstaining.
What happens next Staff will ask Soil Solutions to schedule field work for June or July, expect a report by August, and, if warranted, submit paperwork to the Army Corps for review. Staff will also investigate interim, non‑invasive management options for non‑delineated portions of the northern field.