Ashland panel issues stormwater permit for Ballard/Highland subdivision with amended conditions

The Ashland Conservation Commission voted unanimously on May 18 to issue a Stormwater Management Permit (SMP2026‑1) for the proposed Ballard Road and Highland Road subdivision, after the applicant and staff reached agreement on amended permit language governing clearing, impervious surfaces and phased surety releases.

Permitting counsel Michael Panos told the Commission that the applicant (Depietri Group, LLC) had incorporated DPW comments and revised Condition 27. The applicant and project engineer explained Phase I of work will limit clearing to stumping, grubbing and installation of erosion‑control measures necessary to install temporary sedimentation basins and swales; internal erosion controls and temporary basins will be used to avoid opening the entire site at once.

The applicant presented proposed surety estimates totaling $213,473 (Highland phase $90,050; Ballard phase $123,423). Commissioners and DPW staff noted that the estimate did not include prevailing‑wage assumptions and recommended adding a contingency; the applicant agreed to work with staff to finalize the mechanics and permitting bond amounts prior to construction. The permit language was amended to clarify impervious‑surface definitions (for example, decks not enclosed or roofed would not be counted as impervious surface so long as the deck underside is not paved) and to allow phased partial releases of surety as construction phases are completed.

Commissioner William Moulton moved to issue the Stormwater Management Permit as amended; the motion was seconded by Preston Crow and passed 7–0‑0. The permit will require final surety calculations, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and coordination with town staff before construction begins.