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Planning Board raises testing, soil-disposal concerns for Barry Orchard subdivision
Summary
At its May 19 meeting, the Temple Planning Board said soil testing for the Barry Orchard subdivision was limited to areas near planned homes and that excavated soil appeared to have been dumped elsewhere on the lot; the board agreed to research how other towns handle orchard soils and consider changes to subdivision regulations.
Chair Russ Huntley told the Temple Planning Board on May 19 that soil testing for the proposed Barry Orchard subdivision focused only on locations near planned homes and that excavated soil had been moved to other parts of the property. He used the Woodmont Subdivision in Hollis as an example to illustrate the board’s concerns.
Board members said the testing pattern raised questions about whether contamination could be missed on orchard parcels where historic use may have left residues in the soil. The board agreed to research how other towns and states have handled orchard soils and to consider whether Temple’s subdivision regulations should be revised to require more extensive testing or controls on soil handling.
Matt Cabana suggested the board look at Bolton, Massachusetts, for precedents. Christine Robidoux recommended contacting an organization referenced in the meeting (transcript: “NHOPD”) that she said would know who has completed similar testing in New Hampshire.
No formal action or vote was taken on regulatory changes during the meeting. The board directed members to research municipal approaches and report back at a future meeting, leaving the matter open for further review.
