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Commission presses Riverhawk Environmental to fix erosion after sand moved into fallow cranberry bog; restoration contingent on abutter permission
Summary
Riverhawk Environmental described runoff from golf-course work that deposited a thin layer of sand onto a neighboring fallow cranberry bog and drainage ditch; the firm proposed pond enlargements, outlet controls, riprap and berms to reduce runoff and a sand‑removal restoration plan, but the commission noted restoration on the abutting bog requires that owner’s consent and continued the matter to 06/17 while asking the golf course to improve interim erosion controls.
Riverhawk Environmental’s Bob Rigo updated the commission on stormwater and restoration work after sandy runoff from recent golf‑course disturbance reached a neighboring fallow cranberry bog and drainage ditch. Rigo said the displaced sand covered roughly 4,000 square feet in places with a thin, variable layer and estimated material below 50 cubic yards overall.
The consultant described a two‑part response: immediate erosion controls and stormwater improvements to prevent further runoff (enlarged ponds, outlet-control structures, riprap and gabion baskets, an enhanced swale and a soil berm to divert flow) plus a proposed restoration plan to remove sand from the bog and revegetate it. Rigo said he had sent the commission a restoration plan prepared by ECR and that preliminary hydroseeding on disturbed areas had begun.
Commissioners emphasized that the commission can require improvements to prevent future runoff from the golf course but cannot compel restoration of the abutting bog without the bog owner’s permission. Commissioner Scott Sobey said the work should be treated as two related but separate efforts: one NOI to fix on‑site stormwater controls and another NOI or agreement to repair the bog should the abutter sign off. The commission asked Riverhawk’s representatives to reach out to the abutting property owner and to enhance erosion controls immediately to limit further damage.
The commission voted to continue the matter to 06/17 so the golf course could present additional erosion-control measures and follow up with the bog owner; members discussed enforcement options but directed staff to seek a cooperative resolution before pursuing formal enforcement.
