Select Board grants stormwater and land-disturbance permit for middle/high school renovation

Architects, civil engineers and the construction manager presented the proposed middle/high school renovation and addition and the stormwater-management systems the project will use to mitigate runoff from about one acre of new impervious area. Michelle Callahan, project civil engineer, said the design includes four bioretention basins, subsurface infiltration systems sized to infiltrate the 100-year storm, dry wells for portions of roof runoff and water-quality treatment targeting 90% total suspended solids removal and 85% total phosphorus removal.

"These infiltration systems are sized to infiltrate the hundred year storm," Callahan said, describing separation distances from estimated seasonal high groundwater and an emergency overflow to existing swales. The project team said they performed 11 test pits and found sandy, gravelly soils favorable for infiltration in most parts of the site.

Adam Gordon, construction manager with Fontaine Brothers, described phasing that begins with mobilization in April 2027 and includes interior and exterior phases through summer 2029, with portions of the existing wing removed after the addition opens. The applicants provided an erosion-control plan, perimeter silt fence and stabilized construction entrances; they also included an operation-and-maintenance plan for the proposed BMPs.

After questions from board members, the Select Board voted to grant the land-disturbance and stormwater management permit as presented; the vote passed by unanimous voice vote.