Salmon Brook dam removal proceeds; commission approves remediation language after out-of-sequence work disturbed a stone crossing

The Salmon Brook dam removal project is moving quickly, and Brookfield Conservation Commission members on Nov. 19 praised contractor coordination while approving remediation language after workers disturbed a stone culvert crossing ahead of the planned sequence.

Commissioners who attended a pre-construction meeting with the project team — described in meeting materials as Ty and Bond, Mass Wildlife and contractor representatives — said the project’s erosion-control approach largely matches the plans but that one stone culvert crossing was altered prematurely. The engineering team notified the commission, and the contractor agreed to stabilize the disturbed soils and to follow the restoration plan.

The commission reviewed recommended remediation language prepared with input from the project engineers: stabilize disturbed soils within 20 feet of the bank on both sides of Salmon Brook, apply a mix of 50% wetland seed and 50% dry-site restoration seed and cover with 100% biodegradable erosion-control blankets. The commission voted to approve that remediation language for inclusion in project materials; commissioners noted the full restoration work is expected in spring and that the contractor will reset stones to allow fish passage and pedestrian crossing where appropriate.

Commissioners encouraged colleagues and members of the public to visit the site on weekends when crews are not working to see the restoration in progress; they also noted the project team’s responsiveness in notifying the commission about the out-of-sequence disturbance.