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Wetland scientist outlines 2:1 mitigation plan for 181 West Main; commission sets planting deadline
Summary
At a Norton Conservation Commission meeting, a consultant presented a revised mitigation plan for a wetlands violation at 181 West Main calling for a 2:1 mitigation area of about 14,364 sq ft with 35 trees and 110 shrubs; commissioners asked for plan notes for contractor bidding and set a planting target before July 1 (weather permitting).
Sophie, a wetland scientist representing property owner Hikish Patel, told the Norton Conservation Commission on April 13 that the revised mitigation plan for the violation at 181 West Main remains a 2:1 mitigation ratio and covers roughly 14,364 square feet. "The mitigation overall is still 2:1 — it's about 14,364 square ft in total," Sophie said, and described proposed plantings including about 35 trees (flowering dogwood, red oak and others) and roughly 110 shrubs and a New England conservation seed mix.
Sophie said test pits conducted April 6 improved siting of a potential septic/leaching field and the mitigation plantings were spaced to avoid disturbance from future septic work. Commissioners pressed the project team to put contractor-level planting specifications and notes on the plans so bidders would have a clear scope to price. Sophie agreed to add the planting notes to the plan set and submit them to the commission prior to planting.
Commission members discussed contingency language for unavailable species and asked for a secondary plant list to allow suitable, equivalent substitutions without delaying work. Sophie said the mitigation write-up already included a substitute-species provision and that she would work with the applicant and landscaper to organize ordering and scheduling.
On timing, commissioners asked for a deadline for installation. The commission discussed raising the issue again if extreme heat affected survivability; staff and the presenter noted that weather and availability can affect planting windows. The commission set a target that the plantings be installed by July 1 when feasible, with staff and the project team agreeing to provide an update at the next hearing.
The presentation also referenced removal of debris found along the riverfront area as part of the mitigation and noted that the contractor must follow the plan notes for bidding and implementation. Sophie said she would report back on progress at the next meeting.
Next steps: Sophie will add contractor-level notes and a secondary plant list to the mitigation plan, submit those documents to the conservation commission portal, and provide an update on plantings at the next scheduled hearing.
