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Residents press wetlands staff over ongoing dumping at 7 Walnut Hill; DEEP pond treatments discussed
Summary
Neighbors raised complaints about continued dumping and filling at 7 Walnut Hill and asked how to report further activity; the wetlands agent confirmed a notice of violation is in place and advised residents to email the agent. Commissioners and residents also asked about DEEP aquatic pesticide notifications used for pond management.
Several residents used the June 22 public-comment period to press staff about ongoing disturbance at 7 Walnut Hill and to ask whom to contact if activity continued. Jill Anderson of 65 Plum Trees Road asked whether she should continue to report observations to the town; Inland Wetlands Agent Beth Cavagna said the town has issued a notice of violation for the property and urged residents to email her directly when they observe activity.
"7 Walnut Hill has been issued a notice of violation," Beth Cavagna told the meeting, adding that she is coordinating background review with the Department of Agriculture and Town Council on whether certain pond work falls within agricultural exemptions under the state farming statute.
Residents also asked about six Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) aquatic pesticide permit notifications listed to staff. The commission said DEEP typically issues summer treatments to control invasive plants and algae and that the town receives email notifications when treatments are scheduled; the meeting record notes staff will provide the specific DEEP contact information to residents after the meeting.
The agent asked residents to forward any photos, dates, or notes about further activity so staff can track compliance; she said she will conduct further site visits as needed and bring any updates to the commission.
Next steps: Agent will continue enforcement coordination on 7 Walnut Hill, respond to emailed reports from residents, and provide DEEP contact information for questions about pond treatments.
