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Power company seeks amended order after pole size change increases wetland impact
Summary
A BHB representative said New England Power Company requested an amended order after larger poles increased wetland impact from roughly 282 sq ft to 351 sq ft; the applicant proposed expanded mitigation and a Natural Heritage condition requires habitat enhancement via targeted herbicide application.
Kip Callahan of BHB, representing New England Power Company, asked the Town of Charlton conservation commission to amend a previously issued order of conditions for the U173 W123 asset condition refurbishment project.
Callahan said engineering changes increased pole diameters and raised the estimated wetland impact from about 282 square feet to approximately 351 square feet. He told the commission the applicant prepared an updated mitigation plan, expanding the proposed mitigation area to compensate for the additional impact.
Callahan also noted a condition from the Natural Heritage program for habitat enhancements related to rare species found in the right‑of‑way, including a requirement for targeted herbicide application within identified habitat areas as part of a conservation management permit. Commissioners asked clarifying questions and, hearing that peer‑review and plan updates were in process, voted to issue the amended order of conditions as requested.
The applicant said it would provide any remaining documentation to staff and expected to coordinate follow‑up on mitigation details with the commission and peer reviewers.
