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Commission selects Nova Environmental for wetland delineation peer reviews, requires 53G escrow funding
Summary
For multiple pending resource area delineations (Courtland/Williams Road and 2689 C Road), the Dighton Conservation Commission agreed to engage Nova Environmental Consulting at the lower bid and required applicants to fund the reviews via 53G escrow accounts and provide W‑9s before site work proceeds.
The Dighton Conservation Commission voted to contract Nova Environmental Consulting to perform independent peer reviews of wetland and riverfront delineations on two related properties (a Courtland/Williams Street parcel and a property at 2689 C Road). The votes followed staff presentations of two proposals: a higher bid from Weston & Sampson (approx. $6,470) and a lower bid from Nova (reported at $2,650).
Staff explained the role of a peer reviewer is strictly to verify flagged wetland lines on the ground. The commission emphasized the consultant is paid by the applicant and that work will not begin until funds are deposited and a W‑9 is received. Chair noted, "we will give her the go ahead to come in" once the 53G account is funded.
For the Courtland/Williams delineation the commission voted to accept Nova's proposal and required the applicant to deposit the fee into a 53G escrow account. A separate motion to set up the 53G account for the William Street component was similarly approved, with staff asked to confirm receipt of payment and paperwork prior to scheduling a site visit. The commission discussed the typical next steps — an independent botanist will inspect flagged flags in the field and report whether the flagged line is accurate or whether adjustments are warranted.
Next steps: applicants will provide payment (check payable to the town) and a W‑9; once funds are processed staff will schedule the peer‑review site visits and report back to the commission with the consultant's findings and any recommended flag adjustments.
