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Homeowner seeks commission guidance after wetlands violation, citing cost of professional remediation
Summary
A Monroe resident asked the commission for permission to prepare a remediation plan with staff guidance instead of hiring consultants after a wetlands violation affecting about 4,000 sq ft; commissioners agreed he may present a tentative plan for their review but emphasized certain professional delineations may still be required.
During public comment Jan. 14, Manuelista addressed the commission about a wetlands violation at 186 Pretty Hill Road and said he cannot afford the professional remediation quotes he obtained, which totaled roughly $4,500.
Manuelista described the disturbance as covering about 4,000 square feet (roughly 200 cubic yards of material) and said he was willing to perform the cleanup himself if the commission would allow staff guidance rather than require immediate consultant-prepared stamped drawings. "I will do whatever you tell me to do, I will do it but right now I cannot afford that much," Manuelista said.
Commission staff explained that the commission previously required a professional remediation plan (including soils delineation) in similar cases but said it would accept a tentative remediation plan prepared by the homeowner with staff guidance for review at a future meeting. Commissioners cautioned that in some circumstances a soil scientist or professional delineation may still be required, and that staff needs the full documentation to decide whether to waive more expensive requirements.
The homeowner agreed to meet with staff to assemble photographs and a draft plan and to present that material to the commission at a future meeting. Staff also offered to coordinate with zoning staff about a separate question the homeowner raised regarding donating land to the town.
