Inland Wetlands Commission asks resident to resubmit remediation plan after 2020 deadline lapsed

Staff told the commission that a remediation plan approved Jan. 20, 2020 included a May 31, 2020 completion date that was never met and is therefore expired. Robert C. Sabin, the property owner, told the commission he faced severe personal hardships — including caring for an ill family member and his own health problems — that prevented completion, and said the remediation cost was approximately $35,000.

Commission members discussed options and consistency with the regulations. Staff said the prior approval is null and void, and commissioners concluded the appropriate next step is to treat the matter as a new application. Commissioners indicated they would likely accept much of the prior documentation (survey, delineation, existing planting plans) to avoid redundant expense for the applicant, but they asked Sabin to resubmit a full application and to include a realistic phased schedule and any proposed reductions in plantings to lower upfront cost.

Members suggested the commission could consider a phased completion schedule and potential assistance on cost‑effective planting options, but also emphasized they need enforceable milestones and a firm completion date rather than an open‑ended timeline. The commission moved and voted to ask IWR‑20‑02 (file 129048, 48 Cold Spring Road) to submit a new, full application with proposed changes; staff will work with the applicant on resubmission requirements and advise on timing.