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Planning board delays wetlands/tree‑removal case after engineers report shallow bedrock and detention plan
Summary
At a July 1 work session, applicant representatives said test pits show shallow bedrock (1–3 ft) and proposed four detention tanks sized for a 50‑year storm; the board requested updated engineering memos, as‑built surveys, and town‑engineer signoff and scheduled a July 17 work session and targeted an August public hearing.
The Planning Board on July 1 continued its review of PB case 2,324 (Lian Chang), a wetlands/watercourse clearance and tree‑removal request, and asked the applicant to provide additional engineering documentation before scheduling a public hearing.
Heartland Engineering’s project representative, Viguela Sofias, said the team performed three test pits showing shallow bedrock ranging from about 1.5 to 3 feet and proposed four detention tanks with an outlet control to slowly release stormwater; the design uses a 50‑year storm standard (staff noted the town guideline is 25 years but members had requested 50). Sofias said the proposal directs treated stormwater to a watercourse at the property line and that geotechnical constraints preclude an infiltration system.
Board members and several engineers on the panel focused on two issues: (1) where the discharge ultimately goes and whether concentrated flow will create downstream problems for the street and watercourse, and (2) tree preservation and alternative building layouts to avoid tree removal. Members asked whether the town catch basin network accepts the proposed discharge and requested a definitive routing of watercourse flows. The applicant said the town engineer has reviewed the revised design but the planning board asked for a written acceptance from the town engineer and an updated stormwater report.
The board also requested an updated swift/site report and an as‑built or updated plan documenting existing site conditions, then set a follow‑up work session for July 17 and said it would consider an August 7 public hearing date if all materials and the town‑engineer sign‑off are provided in time.
No formal approvals were granted; the board held the matter for additional engineering review.
