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Andover commission to review DPW general permit renewal after members raise oversight concerns
Summary
The commission accepted a renewal application for the DPW's general permit for routine regulated-area work but tabled final action and requested DPW representation, citing turnover and questions about whether prior town activities were sufficiently reviewed.
The Andover Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission accepted for the record a renewal application (IWWC25-16) from the town Department of Public Works for its general permit (IWWC23‑1), but commissioners tabled final action until DPW staff can attend and answer questions about past activity and the appropriate term length for a renewal.
Staff said the general permit covers routine work in and around regulated areas and expires March 6, 2026. Commissioners said they had seen few DPW submittals in recent years and raised examples—Bear Swamp and Shotty Mill Road—where they wanted clearer follow‑up and documentation of whether promised maintenance or remediation occurred.
Members debated whether to extend the general permit for a short term or for multiple years; staff noted a permit may be extended for up to 10 years cumulatively, and commissioners asked staff to bring the DPW director and examples of recent permit activity to the next meeting so the commission can decide an appropriate term and any conditions.
The commission accepted the application for the record and will re‑visit final approval at its next meeting after inviting DPW representation and reviewing recent site outcomes and oversight arrangements.
