Minutes of the Westmoreland Conservation Commission UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Meeting called to order at
Present: members-Paula Page, Dick Schmidt, Ken Wright, Gary Dermott, John Lukin,
Marshall Patmos, alternate Salena Gallen Guests: Lauren Bressett, Chair Planning Board, Andrew Geffert, SVE, Michael Cersosimo, Cersosimo Industries and Manuel Bosch, abutter to gravel pit
Minutes of the
Old Business:
Conservation Plan update- haven’t yet received the suggested changes from Pete Throop at the Monadnock Conservancy. Still incorporating. Suggest that the resource maps be color coded to incorporate areas of future growth as indicated in the Master Plan.
Zoning articles-still looking at possible suggested changes to current regulations
for submission to planning board for review and consideration.
Partridge Brook Shoreland Protection regulation violations. Selectmen haven’t heard from landowner for some time now. It appears that no work has been done to remediate.
A letter will be sent to the landowner and NH Dept of Environmental Services.
New Business:
The Commission reviewed an application from Cersosimo Industries for a new gravel pit on lot 20 in zone
R-1 along
They reviewed the maps and pointed out the existing boundaries and depths, comparing the proposed new pit to the existing. Asked about a reclamation plan and the final use of the property once the pit was shut down, it was pointed out that there are currently no plans for final use of the property. The life of which depends on the rate of extraction of material. There is in excess of 1.5 million cubic yards at the site. Using the last 7 years as usage it appears a pit life of 13 years is possible and up to 38 depending on demand.
Reclamation will be done once areas have been utilized and in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Natural Resource Conservation Service 2000 handbook “ Vegetating New Hampshire Sand and Gravel Pits,” Technical Note PM-NH-21.
There was concern about the final pit depth and groundwater, how it may impact the aquifer that is located underneath it and in turn water quality. The depth also relates to future use of the land ie.will there be adequate cover for private septic systems should the area be developed for housing or will fill be needed to be imported to meet specs at the time? South area of pit will go from a depth of 346’ to 322’, North area will go from 360’ to 328’ above sea level. Test well about 500 feet away from lowest level of proposed pit found water at 312 and then 319 feet above sea level. Another test drilling more towards the river went to 280 above sea level with no water found. Discussion of further test pits for water quality monitoring. Commission member John Lukin explained the geology of the area, the gravel, soil types and formation and the aquifer. His expertise as a ground water specialist helped to abate our concerns about depth to and impact on the groundwater in the area. There appears to be no problem during the pit operation and after its reclamation.
With soil contamination during operation another concern we were assured that fuels are stored on skids and proper procedures were followed during refueling. Maintenance of equipment was also discussed in relation to this and it was pointed out that no maintenance was done on site other than perhaps changing of a tire or other emergency. Spill kits are on hand and also located in several areas of the site. All other maintenance is done in a shop off site. These points were confirmed by member Ken Wright who is familiar with the operation and the gravel industry in general. Although they seem to be following recommended practices, the Commission gave the representatives a copy of NH Publication WD-DWGB 22-6 “Best Management Practices for Fueling and Refueling of Excavation and Earthmoving Equipment” 2008 and WD-DWGB 22-4 “Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Groundwater Protection” 2009.
After queried about stumps from newly cleared areas, we were told they will be removed to a stump dump off site. It was suggested that perhaps they could be ground up for use in the reclamation.
There was concern about the 2/1 final slope and while it follows state guidelines they should be stabilized as soon as possible. It was pointed out that while no timeline for reclamation has been submitted each area will be reclaimed as soon as possible after work is completed in that section.
This is an item that should be followed up as work progresses.
A brief discussion of the Wallis water line and some of the
issues involving finding, replacing, etc.
A discussion of truck trips show that perhaps 14-16 per day with most
going through
Lauren announced a January 27 joint Planning Board/Zoning Board meeting to review the Cersosimo application.
Commission members read and reviewed a letter from Pam Martens regarding the Cersosimo gravel pit application. The issues were noted and it was voted to include the letter and attachments into the official record of the Conservation Commission meeting.
A discussion of the Cersosimo application and review of the material presented found that the Commission had no unaddressed concerns that come under our purview for water quality and other conservation issues we are charged by statute with overseeing.
Budget:
A discussion of the budget showed that the Commission has a balance of $92.00
that will be turned back the town. It was moved, seconded and voted in the affirmative that a budget request of $500 (same as 2009) be submitted for 2010.This would include $200 for dues to NHACC and $300 for publications, meetings, workshops, training, roadside cleanup, etc
Selena submitted a bill for $18 for copying Con Comm handbook for B Fosher.
Marshall showed a copy of the “Where the Great River Rises” that the Commission purchased for the school.
Next meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2010.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM
Respectfully submitted---Selena Gallen