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Commission ratifies enforcement orders over unpermitted river work at Old Fall River Road parcels
Summary
The Dartmouth Conservation Commission ratified three retroactive enforcement orders (May 29, 2026 issuance date) after staff presented photographs and described unpermitted filling, tree removal, concrete/stone structures in stream channels, and heavy-equipment crossings at 700 Old Fall River Road and adjacent parcels.
The Dartmouth Conservation Commission voted unanimously on June 9 to ratify enforcement orders for multiple parcels tied to extensive unpermitted work on Old Fall River Road.
Staff member Jennifer presented photos and site-history showing progressive site disturbance at 700 Old Fall River Road and adjacent parcels: heavy equipment tracked across a tributary; stacked concrete blocks and poured concrete pads placed in the stream; stone armoring and tree removal on riverbanks; and material placed in the stream that appears to alter channel alignment. Jennifer told the commission the activity "is pretty egregious and I think it's moved to the point where it can't be handled through a notice of violation anymore." She said most of the property is within FEMA flood zones and that prior letters and permit conditions had not been followed.
Because the impacts span multiple parcels and multiple owners, staff served separate enforcement orders for each parcel and recommended the commission ratify them retroactive to the May 29, 2026 issuance date to preserve enforcement options. Commissioners voted to ratify the enforcement orders for 700 Old Fall River Road and related parcels unanimously by roll call. A commissioner noted the three parcels could later be consolidated if the matter proceeds to court; town counsel had already been briefed.
Separately, the commission authorized issuance of a notice of violation for a Hicksville Road property where a landowner installed an unpermitted stone wall along a wetland edge and exceeded the scope of a prior minor planting authorization. Staff recommended that the owner either remove and restore the feature or file an after-the-fact notice (with engineered plans) to allow the commission to determine whether to issue an order of conditions.
Staff said the commission will decide next steps and whether to refer the Old Fall River matter to town counsel for potential legal action. The ratifications record the commission’s formal direction to enforce wetlands protections at the sites.
