Wayland conservation panel prohibits CCA-treated wood for Sherman’s Bridge rehab, continues review

The Wayland Conservation Commission on May 27 voted unanimously to direct project representatives not to use chromated copper arsenate (CCA)‑treated wood in the rehabilitation of Sherman’s Bridge, and continued the public hearing to June 17, 2026.

Representatives from TEC, including Mike Riccardi and Peter Engle, and Paul Piccoli of the Town’s Department of Public Works described a project intended to replace decaying decking and repair structural elements on the bridge that spans the Sudbury River. TEC reported the work would displace about 555 cubic feet of flood storage and be located within riverfront and wetland buffer zones; filings were submitted to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program under MESA and staff said Fish and Wildlife issued a “No Take” determination for state‑listed species. The team said no in‑water work is proposed in Wayland; limited in‑water measures in Sudbury may be required for a single pile.

Commission members pressed the design team on stormwater management, habitat impacts and the toxicology and lifespan of preservative alternatives. Riccardi described three preservative classes under consideration—CCA, DCOI and CuNap—and said CuNap is "highly water insoluble" and offers a balance of durability and lower water solubility compared with older preservatives. Commissioners and staff noted constraints from existing abutments and right‑of‑way limits that influenced stormwater options and the removal of a previously proposed asphalt wearing surface.

L. Hansen (staff) raised concerns about ongoing runoff to bridge approaches on the Wayland side and asked whether stormwater or sediment‑control measures could be added; the project team said the timber decking with gaps mirrors existing conditions and that adding stormwater infrastructure could require discharge onto adjacent federal property, complicating permitting.

Commissioner Luke Legere moved—and the Commission approved by roll call vote—to direct the applicant to avoid CCA in construction of the project. Members cited the potential for toxic material to enter the river in a worst‑case failure and said alternatives such as CuNap would be preferable. The Commission also voted to continue the hearing to June 17 to allow more detailed technical review and to account for fabrication lead times noted by the applicant.

The next public hearing date for Sherman’s Bridge is set for the Commission’s June 17 meeting; staff and the project team are expected to provide updated plans, peer‑review responses and additional information on preservative selection and stormwater measures.