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Inland Wetlands Commission sends Monroe Turnpike excavation and remediation proposal to public hearing
Summary
The Monroe Inland Wetland Commission voted to send an application for an excavator contractor facility and a required wetlands remediation plan on Monroe Turnpike to a public hearing, citing potential wetland impacts and public interest; the hearing was scheduled for Feb. 25, 2026.
The Monroe Inland Wetland Commission voted Jan. 14 to send an application for a proposed excavator contractor facility and associated wetlands remediation on Monroe Turnpike (IWC-202601, file 1564603) to a public hearing on Feb. 25, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Donald Smith Jr., a professional engineer representing the applicants, told the commission the application packet includes detailed site development plans, an underground stormwater management system intended to meet the town's MS4 requirements, planting and invasive-plant management strategies, and a wetlands assessment. "It is our professional opinion that the proposed clearing construction activities within the regulated upland review area will not have a significant adverse impact on the limited functions provided by the narrow wetlands as long as the project is developed in accordance with the reviewed plans," Smith said.
Commissioners noted the property carries outstanding wetlands violations dating to 2016–2017 — including filling, equipment storage and unpermitted piping of a watercourse — and reiterated that those violations must be remediated regardless of the zoning or project outcome. Staff said the prior positive referral to planning and zoning included conditions requiring a comprehensive remediation plan, invasive species removal and a monitoring protocol; the commission said it expects those materials to be part of the hearing record.
A motion to move the application to a public hearing was made, seconded and carried. Commissioners discussed notifying abutters (including the adjoining municipality, New Town) and the option to conduct a site visit before the hearing. Because of scheduling and notice requirements commissioners set the hearing for Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., rather than the commission's earlier tentative Feb. 11 date.
Next steps: staff will publish the required public-notice advertisements, mail required abutter notices and assemble materials for the hearing. The commission may require additional site-specific studies (for example, an updated wetland delineation or soil delineation) before taking a final decision.
