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Easton Conservation Commission revokes permit after unauthorized clearing, demands new remediation plan
Summary
The commission voted unanimously on April 14 to revoke Permit #24‑686 for a two‑lot division and home construction after finding unauthorized tree removal and inadequate erosion controls; it required a new soil‑scientist plan and a cash bond for remediation.
The Easton Conservation Commission voted unanimously at its April 14 meeting to revoke Permit #24‑686, which had authorized a two‑lot division and two homes, after finding that clearing and stumping near regulated wetlands exceeded what had been permitted.
Chair Dori Wollen summarized evidence from site visits showing improperly installed silt fencing, large piles of wood chips near remaining trees and machinery parked close to the upland review area. Engineer Paul Bombero and property owners Fransica Hodges and Stephon Wynter attended to answer questions and submit partial remediation materials; the logging company invoice for $18,000 was provided but did not list the number or sizes of trees removed.
The commission set specific remedial steps that had been discussed with the applicants: reinstallation of the current silt fence, installation of a second silt fence at the 100‑foot limit of disturbance, removal of wood chip piles from around remaining trees, relocation of equipment, and engagement of an independent soil scientist or landscape architect to prepare a new planting and remediation plan. Commissioners discussed requiring a cash bond to ensure the plan is implemented.
Commissioner Dave Logie moved to revoke Permit #24‑686 under the inland/wetlands regulation cited in the record; the motion was seconded by Cathy Alfandre and carried on a unanimous voice vote. The revocation preserves the existing Cease & Desist order and requires the property owners to provide a revised remediation plan and the requested technical reports before any further work is approved on the site.
The commission also instructed its Wetlands Enforcement Officer (WEO) to monitor compliance and to report when the required planting and remediation documentation have been submitted. No timetable for receipt of the new plan was specified at the meeting.
