Groveland Select Board authorizes release of $83,382.68 reclamation bond for Sewell Street quarry

The Groveland Select Board voted June 22 to authorize release of cash escrow held for reclamation of the Sewell Street quarry in the amount of $83,382.68 plus any accrued interest. The request was presented by property owner William Daly, who said the quarry site has been reclaimed and is being built upon.

Board members reviewed the complex chain of prior bonds and owners, including three historic $20,000 cash escrows from the 1980s that have grown with interest to approximately $82,000 and a separate $75,000 performance bond posted more recently. Town staff explained the Select Board’s role: the board may determine whether the original purpose of the cash escrow has been fulfilled and authorize release; the bank — not the town — ultimately disburses the funds to whoever proves successor entitlement.

Several members asked how the town would verify stabilization; staff noted occupied buildings, occupancy permits and visible paving and landscaping as practical evidence, while observing the town does not have a current independent engineering certification in the record. The board moved to determine that reclamation conditions in the earth‑removal permit were met “to the satisfaction of the board” and to authorize release of the cash bond and interest in the stated amount. The motion passed with all present voting in favor (recorded vote: four in favor, one member absent).

Staff noted the release does not guarantee the bank will transfer funds to the requester; Mr. Daly will need to present the board’s vote and supporting deeds and documents to the bank to make his claim.