Natural Resources Commission approves third‑party peer review of hydraulic analysis for Spencer Brook boardwalk project

The Concord Natural Resources Commission voted to authorize a third‑party peer review of a hydraulic analysis prepared for the proposed boardwalk across the Spencer Brook floodway, saying the review is needed before the building commissioner, acting as floodplain manager, can issue a no‑rise determination.

Staff told the commission that the Department of Environmental Protection had asked the applicant to show the proposed construction would not raise floodway elevations. Beals Associates prepared the hydraulic analysis and staff recommended hiring an outside reviewer to evaluate the work. The review was presented as a MGL c.44 §53G peer review, with the $12,500 fee to be paid by the applicant, named in the hearing materials as the Concord Land Conservation Trust.

A commissioner moved to approve the peer review and the motion was seconded. The commission voted in favor, authorizing the review so the floodplain manager can determine whether the proposed boardwalk would result in a rise in floodway elevation.

The commission also continued the related hearing to May 13 to allow the review and additional materials to be completed. The review’s scope and the identity of the selected peer reviewer were not finalized at the meeting; staff said those details and any resulting report would be posted to the project file once available.

Why it matters: The peer review is a procedural but critical step for projects proposed within regulated floodway areas. A no‑rise determination is required to ensure construction will not increase downstream flood risk or violate Wetlands Protection Act requirements, and an independent review is intended to give the municipal floodplain manager confidence in the technical analysis.

Next steps: Staff will post the review contract and any peer‑review report when available. The commission scheduled the continued hearing for May 13.