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Conservation Commission approves dredging at Parker Pond, orders removal of about 4,500 cubic yards
Summary
The Pittsfield Conservation Commission voted Jan. 8 to issue an Order of Conditions allowing dredging at Parker Pond (669 Churchill St.) to remove roughly 4,500 cubic yards of sediment, with staged dewatering, turbidity curtains and required erosion controls.
The Pittsfield Conservation Commission voted Jan. 8 to approve a dredging project at Parker Pond, authorizing removal of approximately 4,500 cubic yards of sediment from the pond at 669 Churchill Street.
Bryan Siter of Foresight Land Services presented the application for MassDEP File #263-1250, describing a summer schedule that will include controlled lowering of the pond, temporary rerouting of the outlet stream to maintain minimum flow, floating turbidity curtains and staged dewatering to minimize downstream sediment transport. Jonathan Lothrop asked specifically about dewatering; Siter said the plan uses a controlled drawdown over several weeks and includes measures to protect downstream flow.
City agent Shannon Poulin reviewed the filing and told the commission the project "is a good project," noting the applicant addressed the dewatering questions. Nearby resident Ned Kirchner, who said he "remembers this pond as a child," spoke in support of the work.
After discussion, Vice Chair Thomas Sakshaug moved to issue an Order of Conditions (conditions 1–33). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Elizabeth Calebaugh and approved unanimously.
The commission’s approval requires the applicant to follow the approved erosion-control and turbidity plans and any conditions specified in the Order of Conditions. The project will proceed under MassDEP oversight and the permit conditions; the applicant or agent is responsible for implementing the staged dewatering and downstream protections.
