Abutters press concerns as Commissioners approve culvert replacement with debris‑inspection condition at Pittsfield State Forest

Engineers from Arcadis presented plans April 9, 2026, for culvert replacement and road maintenance in Pittsfield State Forest intended to improve water conveyance and public access. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is the project applicant.

Arcadis representative Steven Perry told the Commission that the proposed box culverts and roadway repaving comply with the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards, include embedded natural channel substrate and increased span widths (proposed widths: 20 feet and 18 feet) to better match the bankfull stream width and reduce scouring and overtopping. The project submittal included Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program review; Arcadis reported NHESP determined the project "will not adversely affect" state-listed wildlife habitat. The presentation and addendum also addressed historical‑resources consultation and dewatering guidance, and Arcadis provided hydrologic analyses showing reduced overtopping velocities compared with the existing culverts.

Abutters voiced concerns about downstream impacts. Resident Dick Bordeau told the Commission, "It will carry debris downstream to clog their culverts, causing flooding," and said his neighborhood culverts are 2- to 2.5-foot pipes about 40 years old. Another abutter, Michael Filpi, said he has called the fire department twice in the past 10 years for flooding and had to install pumps in his cellar. Arcadis responded that the proposed design meets current standards and that the firm "does not expect significant debris," while noting they cannot be responsible for failures if downstream owners do not follow current culvert standards.

The Commission acknowledged the abutters' concerns and incorporated a continuing special condition into its Order of Conditions (MassDEP File #263-1260). The condition requires monthly debris inspection and removal and inspection after every storm event greater than a 2-year recurrence interval, with the cleaning area extending downstream to the property line and 500 feet upstream of the upper culvert. The motion to issue the Order with the special condition passed unanimously (mover: Vice Chair Thomas Sakshaug; seconder: Elizabeth Calebaugh).

Why this matters: replacing undersized stream crossings can reduce scouring, improve fish and wildlife passage and reduce road washouts, but larger openings can change debris transport dynamics. The Commission's special condition places ongoing maintenance responsibility on the project implementer and creates a documented inspection regime intended to reduce downstream clogging risk.

What was not decided: the Commission continued to rely on Natural Heritage and historical‑resource consultations where outstanding responses were noted in the Arcadis addendum; the minutes show the project will return only as required for follow-up or compliance reporting. The Commission did not adopt mechanical debris‑screening devices; discussion noted such devices can block wildlife passage and require maintenance.

Next steps: Arcadis/DCR will implement the approved cross‑section and embedded substrate approach, coordinate dewatering and contractor meetings prior to construction, and document inspection and maintenance records per the continuing condition. Abutters and downstream owners retain the option to raise additional concerns if post-construction impacts occur.