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Select board and residents push back on 60‑inch culvert recommendation
Summary
Tinmouth residents and select board members criticized a state consultant's recommendation for a 60‑inch culvert at a local driveway, arguing it would alter driveways and urging smaller sizes and consistent guidance; board members noted stream‑alteration permits are required even for intermittent streams.
A contentious discussion at the June 12 Tinmouth Select Board meeting centered on a proposed culvert replacement where state staff recommended a 60‑inch diameter pipe. Multiple board members and residents called that size excessive for a private driveway and raised concerns about driveway impacts and inconsistent guidance from state staff.
"60 is ridiculous," the select board Chair said during the discussion, echoing a view repeated by other participants who said a 20–30 inch culvert would be adequate in the local context. Residents and board members noted that installing a 60‑inch culvert would widen the driveway approach and change how the roadside slope functions; one resident warned it would effectively alter their driveway and said, "In 60, you're changing their driveway."
Speakers also discussed wetlands determinations and permitting. Board members were told a stream‑alteration permit is required for such work, and that state staff treat intermittent streams as within their authority, meaning the same guidelines and permitting steps apply whether the stream flows year‑round or intermittently. Several board members said they wanted to escalate the matter to the staff supervisor or discuss it with the state agency if guidance remained unclear.
The board did not make a final decision at the meeting; members agreed to follow up with the town road foreman (Eric) and to seek clarification from the state engineer about sizing rationale and consistency across similar sites. The issue will likely return as the board coordinates with the road foreman and, if needed, seeks higher‑level review from state Natural Resources staff.
