Planning board renews two excavation permits, notes bridge access and reclamation conditions

The Swansea Planning Board voted May 14 to renew two excavation permits held by Cold River Materials (a Eurovia Atlantic Coast LLC affiliate) for pits off Flat Roof Mill Road and the Jennings site, with standard conditions and a five-year renewed term expiring May 14, 2031.

A company representative told the board the pits have been permitted by New Hampshire DES and required five-year progress reporting; the sites have seen no active excavation during the previous permit term but the company wants to retain permitting amid a statewide shortage of sand and gravel. Staff confirmed the town’s existing conditions — including a $40,000 surety bond for reclamation on at least one site — remain in force and will be checked for current validity.

Board members raised access questions about an existing metal bridge that provides entry to one pit and discussed whether the town should add language requiring the bridge be maintained in passable condition; the company said the bridge is long-established and in good shape but welcomed conservation commission review if desired. Staff reminded the board that New Hampshire DES regulates alteration-of-terrain aspects; the town’s renewal focuses on local permit conditions.

Motions to renew both Cold River Materials permits were made and seconded; the board approved both renewals by voice vote. Staff will provide signed copies of the renewed permits for town records and will continue to monitor surety bond status and reclamation planning.