Commission issues positive determination for interim water treatment plant at 1719 Plymouth Street

Danielle Gallant, an environmental scientist with Apex, presented the town‑proposed interim water treatment plant at 1719 Plymouth Street to address PFAS, iron and manganese in the town drinking water. Gallant said the majority of treatment facilities, access road and most tanks are outside resource areas but that a small corner of the building footprint and a generator pad would encroach slightly into the 100‑foot buffer. She said the temporary impacts (piping and work areas) will be restored to preexisting conditions after installation.

Agent Dan Levesque told the commission staff had performed a site visit; erosion‑control lines and access improvements had been implemented and the planning board requested a hydrant relocation letter from the fire department, which was provided. Commissioners expressed concern about verifying flagged wetlands in the field and flagged potential interactions with an adjacent berm on the Bridgewater Random Sand and Stone property that may affect where a proposed lagoon could be placed.

Public commenter Janet Hansen (Pleasant Street) urged the commission to protect wetlands and avoid long‑term damage while acknowledging the urgency of delivering safe drinking water. The commission voted for a positive determination (concluding the RDA requires a Notice of Intent) and closed the RDA; staff and the applicant were asked to return with an NOI that details mitigation and restoration measures.