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Commission OKs removal and cleanup after unsafe Mad River bridge was taken down
Summary
The commission approved IWWC25-42, permitting removal of debris and limited tree clearing related to an unsafe bridge removed over the Mad River. Applicant said the bridge was removed for safety and work was done with licensed contractors; the commission asked to be notified when cleanup begins.
The Winchester Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission unanimously approved application IWWC25-42 to allow removal of debris, partial tree clearing in upland review areas and cleanup connected to the dismantling of an unsafe bridge over the Mad River.
John Barbarino, a co-owner and manager representing the site-owner, told the commission the unsafe bridge had already been removed and the site is now "clean and stable." He said the bridge removal followed reports that people were using the structure and that removal was a public-safety step: "we removed it. We did it legitimately. We did it with licensed contractors," he said.
Commissioners discussed the remaining concrete wall and small foundation remnants and emphasized the cleanup should minimize impacts to the riverbank. Staff confirmed they have been in contact with the applicant since the issue was first identified and recommended moving the permit forward so the property can be prepared for future sale or reuse. The commission moved, seconded and voted unanimously to approve the application and directed the applicant to notify staff the day work will start so officials can observe compliance.
The approval recognizes the work was done without prior permits but treats the application as an after-the-fact remediation plan; commissioners advised the applicant to avoid placing machinery in the water and to hand-remove remaining debris where feasible.
