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Commission asks for clarified impacts and flow confirmations for two wetland‑adjacent proposals
Summary
The Commission recommended design clarifications for a proposed classroom/shooting position at 233 Exeter Road and for a Sig Sauer maintenance facility, pressing for clearer delineation of temporary versus permanent wetland buffer impacts and confirmation of pond outflows; both recommendations passed 4–0.
Members of the Conservation Commission recommended design clarifications on June 17 for two projects that encroach on wetland buffers: a proposed two‑story classroom/shooting position at 233 Exeter Road and a maintenance facility associated with Sig Sauer.
At 233 Exeter Road, Jones & Beach Engineers (Nick Lorenz) said the site is surrounded by wetlands and existing man‑made ponds and that the proposal would add about 1,000 square feet of impervious surface after removing an existing wooden shooting structure. Commissioners pressed the applicant to requantify the footprints of temporary and permanent wetland buffer impacts based on existing and proposed ground surfaces and to confirm whether outflows from man‑made ponds connect to natural wetlands. The Commission approved, by amendment, a recommendation that those clarifications be made before further Town action.
Commissioners also reviewed a proposed maintenance facility that would be served by underground electric and natural gas. Because the site lies within an Outstanding Resource Water watershed, the design includes a state‑required stormwater pond; because Sig Sauer has previously developed more than 150,000 square feet, an Alteration of Terrain permit is required. Chair Liz Wilson asked about an interior floor drain shown on the plan; the design team confirmed the building will use a holding tank instead of a floor drain. The Commission voted 4–0 to recommend the maintenance facility design with specific exceptions: removal of the floor drain/outlet from the building plans and a 15‑foot no‑disturb buffer from wetlands except for the permitted outflow.
Engineers said some ponds on the site may be connected via culverts and that past site work may have altered flows; members asked for confirmation of actual flow paths to ensure there is no unintended leaching or connection to natural wetlands. Applicants agreed to provide updated plans and to report back to the Commission prior to the July meeting.
The Commission’s recommendations are advisory to Town permitting processes and to the Select Board as applicable; engineers will return with revised drawings and documentation to address the requested clarifications.
