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Otis conservation panel grants emergency order after dam failure, conditions wetlands specialist and NOI extension
Summary
The Otis Conservation Commission on May 19, 2025 granted an emergency order for 0 Stebbins Road after a dam failure washed out Stebbins Road twice, authorizing pond drawdown and a pond leveler while requiring the homeowner to file an NOI and to produce proof that the retained wetlands specialist holds a license.
Chair Dave Sarnacki noted the meeting was being recorded and opened the Town of Otis Conservation Commission’s May 19 session at 6:00 p.m.
The commission unanimously granted an emergency order for property at 0 Stebbins Road, owned by Hal Kobrin, after a dam failure that washed out Stebbins Road on two occasions and created an immediate danger to the area. The order authorizes drawdown of the pond and installation of a pond leveler to stabilize conditions while recovery work proceeds. Dave Sarnacki moved the emergency order; Bruce Wall seconded and the vote was unanimous.
The homeowner’s attorney requested an extension to file a Notice of Intent (NOI). The commission approved an extension on the condition that the homeowner submit the NOI. The attorney also informed the commission that Guntlow & Associates had been retained as the wetlands specialist; the commission accepted Guntlow & Associates’ retention contingent on the firm providing proof that it holds a wetlands specialist license.
The emergency order was explicitly granted as a temporary measure to address the immediate hazard and is tied to the requirement that the homeowner move forward with the standard permitting process. The commission’s motion required the owner to submit the NOI with the requested extension and to supply documentation showing that the hired wetlands specialist is licensed before further work proceeds.
Separately, the commission granted an emergency certification to remove two dead trees on Brookman Drive (filed by Peter Miller Jr. on behalf of Peter Papas and William Riley) with the condition that the homeowner submit a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) at the next meeting.
Next steps: the commission must receive the NOI and documentation of the wetlands specialist license before lifting the contingency; staff were directed to track and notify the commission when those materials are filed. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
