Westport Conservation Commission approves septic upgrade, multiple dock permits and compliance certificates

The Westport Conservation Commission on May 12 approved a series of routine permits and compliance actions, including a Title 5 septic replacement at 752 Driftwood Road and new docks on the West Branch of the Westport River and Saugus Pond, and granted extensions, certificates of compliance and payment authorizations.

The hearing opened with an engineer’s presentation for Charity Katherine Potiger’s property at 752 Driftwood Road. "I'm Matt Pike of Southcoast Engineering on behalf of Charity and Katie Potiger," he said, and described a plan to replace an existing cesspool system with a Title 5 sewage disposal design that consolidates two systems into one. Pike told the commission the proposed leaching area would be approximately 56.4 feet from a bordering vegetated wetland and said crews would install a silt-sock erosion control line to be staked and inspected by the conservation agent prior to construction. Staff recommended a negative Determination #3 and the commission approved the project, noting final health-department clearance would be required.

Why it matters: replacing cesspools with Title 5 systems reduces the risk of untreated wastewater reaching wetlands and groundwater, a typical regulatory priority for the conservation commission.

The commission handled several dock proposals. John and Ellen Foley presented revised plans for a fixed pier, gangway and float at 246 River Road on the West Branch of the Westport River; the applicants removed a previously proposed platform, raised the pier so sections clear marsh vegetation (to elevation 9.4), and avoided nearby cedar trees. Staff recommended approval with standing conditions, including through-flow decking over the salt-marsh section, and the commission approved the permit unanimously.

Timothy Toomey sought approval for a 78-foot fixed pier at 39 East American Legion Highway in Saugus. The revised plan calls for helical piles installed with a handheld backpack unit, Trueflow decking over the wetland portion, and a restriction on heavy equipment in the pond. The commission voted to approve the proposal subject to the conditions specified in the staff report.

One hearing was continued: the Levy dock matter was continued for two weeks so staff can update plans to show flood-zone elevations, delineate coastal bank per policy, adjust retaining walls and limit clearing. The applicant agreed to revise the plan and return for the next scheduled session.

The commission also granted certificates of compliance for completed work after staff inspections: SE82243 for a Levy property (mitigation plantings established) and SE80639 for a Michael Brolanti storage-building project. An additional certificate (SE82-609) for subdivision roadway and stormwater basins on Stacey Lane was released after staff reported stable, seeded basins. The commission approved a three-year extension for beach maintenance work at 166 East Beach Road (SE82-692) with the same conditions and compatible-materials requirement.

In administrative business the commission authorized payment of a $129 advertising invoice and a $566.95 mileage reimbursement for Mr. Pollan covering Jan. 2–April 30, and it voted to approve minutes from the April 28 meeting. The meeting adjourned after unanimous votes on outstanding motions.

Action items and next steps: applicants subject to approvals must obtain any required Board of Health signoffs and comply with the staff conditions included in each permit; the Levy dock application will return to the commission after the applicant submits the requested plan revisions.