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ZBA approves Eversource pole replacements near Swansea rail trail with winter window to protect vernal pools
Summary
The Swansea Zoning Board granted a special exception to Eversource to replace utility poles along the rail trail, approving a seasonal work window, use of timber mats in wetlands and monitoring for turtle overwintering after residents raised concerns about past wetland damage and contractor communication.
The Swansea Zoning Board granted Eversource’s special-exception application to replace existing utility poles along the town’s rail trail, approving measures the company said are intended to avoid impacts to vernal pools and potential turtle overwintering habitat.
Eversource representative Adam Shikemas and Normandeau Associates consultant Bill McCloy told the board they have coordinated with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the state permitting process and prefer to schedule construction “between October 15th October 16th and April 14th,” to avoid spring vernal-pool activity. McCloy said work in wetlands will be done from temporary timber mats and monitored by Normandeau staff.
The nut graph: residents pressed the company on past on‑site damage and contractor communication, and the board required clarifications on restoration and oversight before approving the special exception. The decision allows Eversource to proceed subject to the environmental protections and monitoring the company described.
Board members asked whether Eversource had coordinated with the Trails Bureau and state rail‑trail repairs; McCloy said the project team had been in contact and would work with the Trails Bureau to avoid duplicating work. On materials and longevity, the board heard that the existing wooden poles had lasted roughly 50–60 years and the new weathering‑steel poles are expected to last about 80–100 years.
During public comment, Cynthia Cordis of the Swansea Rail Trail Committee said contractors in an earlier project damaged wetlands and that the damage “was never repaired.” Eversource said project work in wetlands will use timber mats to protect soils, that disturbed areas will be seeded and mulched after work, and that Normandeau will perform monitoring for revegetation and wildlife. The company also acknowledged it employs subcontractors for civil work and said the project team will provide weekly inspection reports to the state and the company.
The board considered standard special‑exception criteria and, after questions and the public hearing, a motion to grant ZBA 26‑003 passed by voice vote. The board also noted recusal by some members for certain parts of the hearing and used an alternate seat to ensure a full panel.
What happens next: the project proceeds under the state wetland permit process; Normandeau and Eversource will monitor restoration and abide by the seasonal work window they cited. The board and several residents said they expect follow‑up if monitoring shows inadequate restoration.
Representative quote: Bill McCloy, Normandeau Associates, said the team “would prefer work to be completed between October 15th October 16th and April 14th,” and Cynthia Cordis said of a prior episode, “one of your piece of your equipment got stuck in there and that damage was never repaired.”
The board closed the public hearing after the vote; several members encouraged residents to apply as alternates to the zoning board.
