Canton conservation panel approves stormwater permits, addresses abutter drainage concerns

The Town of Canton Conservation Commission on May 27 unanimously approved stormwater permits for new single‑family homes at 25 Downs Avenue and 12 Bridal Path, after hearing technical presentations and questions from an abutting neighbor about erosion and downstream flooding.

Thomas Ryder, a consultant with Clearwater Environmental, presented the 25 Downs plan and said the design collects roof runoff into a 14‑by‑28‑foot trench with leaching chambers to infiltrate stormwater onsite. "I work for Clearwater Environmental," Ryder said while describing how runoff would be retained and treated on the property. Commissioners noted the lot is currently vacant and that the plan includes erosion‑control measures.

At the hearing for 12 Bridal Path, Samantha Cripps of PMP Consulting said the design accounts for 1 inch of runoff from roof and driveway areas and routes flows into two underground systems with erosion‑control measures and a small retaining wall along the driveway. "We aren't disturbing the high point," Cripps said, describing contours that keep runoff directed to the proposed systems and away from neighboring lots.

Neighbor Gene Turace, who said he owns an adjacent property, asked whether post‑construction runoff could enter his lower‑elevation yard and garage driveway. Cripps and staff explained the plan locates a catch drain at the bottom of the applicant's driveway and routes driveway and roof flows through pipe into the leaching system, and noted sediment controls around the work area during construction.

The commission closed both public hearings and voted to issue the stormwater management permits and complete certificates of compliance where applicable. No letters or other members of the public objected during the hearings. Commissioners said they were satisfied that the applicants' plans included required erosion control, infiltration features and sediment containment.

The approvals were procedural and unanimous; commissioners asked staff to ensure required buffer markers and final plan copies are filed for outstanding items before administrative closeout. The commission will revisit any site inspections or complaints through routine follow‑up.