Conservation commission orders stabilization after consultant reports five acres of exposed soil

A town-hired site monitor told the Town of Charlton Conservation Commission on May 12 that at least five acres of exposed, unstabilized soils on a large construction site are draining toward a wetland and pose a risk of significant erosion in heavy rain.

Art Allen, contracted by the town to supervise and monitor the site, told commissioners he inspected the property on May 12 and found perimeter silt fence fallen in places, largescale exposed soils and ongoing gully erosion. Allen’s memo said the site’s drafted stormwater and pollution-prevention plans include measures for stabilization but only 일부 of those measures had been implemented; he reported that an EPA NPDES notice of intent had been rejected and a wetlands protection act notice of intent was pending.

Staff told the commission the site has remained largely unstabilized since late last year despite repeated requests, and that the town is obliged by federal requirements to enforce controls for large disturbances. A staff member said the owner’s engineer had asked the commission for an additional 30 days to file required planning- and stormwater-related permit materials, but commissioners expressed concern about imminent heavy rain and runoff.

After discussion, the commission voted to require the property owner to begin temporary stabilization of the exposed soils and to repair the downed silt fence within 14 business days. Staff said failure to act would lead to fines and enforcement proceedings. The motion passed by voice vote.

The commission’s order memorializes the timeline and the staff report and asks the owner to address comments in the town consultant’s memo and to coordinate required permits with planning and, where applicable, EPA review. Staff said they will revisit the site after the next significant rain event or as directed.