Conservation Commission

City of Laconia Conservation Commission Wednesday, July 23, 2015 - 6:00 PM City Hall in the Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Draft Minutes 7/23/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER D. Anson calls the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL Dean Anson, Deb Williams, Bob Harrington, Lisa Morin, and Jen Kreitzer are present. 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG 4. RECORDING SECRETARY Grey Draper 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Grey Draper- Conservation Technician 6. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS L. Morin motions to accept the minutes as presented. D. Williams seconds the motion. Unanimous. 6.I. 7.9 Minutes 7. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPLICATIONS 7.I. 141 Harglen Ln Con Com reviews the application. 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.I. Wetland Regulations Con Com continues its review of the Wetlands Conservation and Water Quality Overlay District ordinance. A hard copy of the changes being made is provided to G. Draper by D. Williams. Con Com clarifies that the correct reference is to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil Conservation Service. Members confirm that the NRCS web soil survey includes drainage classes, soil characteristics, and building suitability data. Con Com confirmed that the “Best Management Practices for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting Operations in New Hampshire” published by UNH Extension remains current. Con Com agrees to remove the reference to “mowing and trimming” from the permitted uses section in order to discourage mowing in wetland areas. Con Com suggests replacement language stating: “Activities incidental to ordinary residential use, including the removal of dead or diseased vegetation. Stumps shall remain in place.” The Commission reviewed the current regulation, which requires a 125-foot setback from wetlands for septic systems in porous soils (sand and gravel) and a 75-foot setback in other soil types. Con Com question whether the 75-foot setback is adequate, particularly for clay and silt soils. L. Morin suggests that setbacks should be based on site-specific percolation rates rather than soil type alone.  “mowing and trimming” from the permitted uses section in order to discourage mowing in wetland areas. Con Com suggests replacement language stating: “Activities incidental to ordinary residential use, including the removal of dead or diseased vegetation. Stumps shall remain in place.” The Commission reviewed the current regulation, which requires a 125-foot setback from wetlands for septic systems in porous soils (sand and gravel) and a 75-foot setback in other soil types. Con Com question whether the 75-foot setback is adequate, particularly for clay and silt soils. L. Morin suggests that setbacks should be based on site-specific percolation rates rather than soil type alone. Con Com raises concern about older lakeside properties with small lots, such as those on Leighton Avenue, where wells and septic systems are located in close proximity. While many redevelopment projects trigger septic upgrades, questions remain as to whether complete system replacement is always required. G. Draper confirms that the City does not have language addressing septic upgrades in the Zoning Ordinance and that NH DES only requires septic replacements if it is found to be necessary at the time of inspection, prior the sale of a home. Con Com also discusses modern septic technologies that allow for installation on steep slopes or rocky sites, and they consider composting toilet alternatives. Con Com recommends future-applicants consult with state septic designers, the septic system association, and Laconia Planning Dept. staff for guidance on setback standards and available technologies. G. Draper sites the new NH DES rule, effective September 1, 2024, that requires that waterfront property sales include a licensed septic evaluation. Failed systems must be replaced before a property can be sold. Con Com discussed whether the regulations should address composting toilets, home and yard waste composting, and livestock waste management. L. Morin and D. Williams noted that dumping leaves, clippings, or other yard waste into streams or lakes is problematic and has been an on-going issue. L. Morin clarifies that agricultural operations are already subject to NRCS and Cooperative Extension nutrient management plans under Section F-2. Con Com agreed that it would be helpful to explore a new section specifically addressing composting and nutrient management. G. Draper will confirm whether existing City ordinances already regulate composting and whether additional provisions are advisable. The Commission discussed the definition of “junkyard” in the City code and requested clarification. Commissioners noted the need to distinguish between disposal practices that resemble landfill operations (which are prohibited) and composting or nutrient management activities (which may be permitted with guidelines). 9. NEW BUSINESS 10. LIAISON, SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS 11. OTHER BUSINESS Loon Census Report D. Anson reported on the annual loon census, which was conducted on Saturday morning from Ahern State Park south to the Winnipesaukee River. No loons were observed in the section of Lake Winnisquam. Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) – RFP Update Con Com asks whether the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Natural Resources Inventory has been posted. G. Draper says that he will follow up with Gina in the absence of Tyler to confirm that the RFP has been posted. 12. STAFF REPORT G. Draper shares observations from a recent site visit with Auqulogic’s team performing D.A.S.H. on the northern end of Lake Opechee. He is appreciative for witnessing the environmental work performed by Dom’s team and understanding how city funds are being used. He notes the field day was informative. 13. ADJOURNMENT D. Williams motions to adjourn the meeting. J. Kreitzer seconds the motion. Unanimous. The meeting adjourns at 8:07 PM. D. Williams motions to adjourn the meeting. J. Kreitzer seconds the motion. Unanimous. The meeting adjourns at 8:07 PM.