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Planning board approves Eversource pole replacements with wetland-buffer mitigation and road-restoration requirements
Summary
Keene's Planning Board approved PB-26-15, allowing the replacement of five transmission structures on the L163 line with temporary access that will intrude into a 75-foot surface water buffer at one location; the approval requires federal/state permit documentation, restoration to pre-construction conditions for Old Gilsum Road, invasive-species monitoring, pollinator-friendly seed mixes and contractor coordination with Parks & Recreation.
The Keene Planning Board approved PB-26-15, an application from Normandeau Associates on behalf of Public Service Company of New Hampshire (doing business as Eversource Energy), authorizing one-for-one replacement of five existing transmission structures along the L163 line and temporary access that will cross a portion of a 75-foot surface water buffer.
Applicant representatives said work will access the line primarily from Old Gilsum Road and will employ timber matting and a temporary gravel access route where necessary. Elizabeth Oliver of Normandeau Associates explained that disturbed areas would be restored to vegetative cover following completion and that an environmental monitor will be on site to oversee erosion controls and restoration.
Staff recommended the board accept the application as complete and identified required federal and state permits, including an NHDES statutory permit by notification for utility maintenance activities, an NHDES alteration of terrain permit where applicable, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers review or verification, and the EPA 2022 general construction permit. The conservation commission recommended documenting existing Old Gilsum Road conditions, monitoring for invasive species during construction, use of a pollinator-friendly seed mix for restoration, and coordinated public messaging to trail users via Parks & Recreation.
The board's motion attaches conditions requiring submission of final plan copies and documented permits before final plan signature; a note on the plan that Old Gilsum Road must be returned to pre-construction condition; monitoring for invasive species throughout construction; use of pollinator-friendly seed mixes for restoration work; documentation of existing road conditions in the project area; resetting and surveying any stone walls disturbed during construction with confirmation by the city engineer; and coordination and outreach to Parks & Recreation about any temporary access restrictions.
The board recorded approval of the motion and staff will track submittal of the required federal and state permit documentation and confirm restoration of Old Gilsum Road and any impacted stone walls. The applicant indicated prior coordination with Parks & Recreation and the city engineer, and staff noted Eversource had previously improved portions of Old Gilsum Road for earlier, similar work.
Sources: Applicant presentation by Eversource and Normandeau Associates, staff report by the City of Keene Community Development Department, and Conservation Commission recommendations.
