Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS February 9, 2022 Note: These minutes are not completed verbatim. For further detail, video recordings are available at the Pollard Library, second floor reference desk or online at www.LTC.org. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was held both in person and virtually using Zoom. Members Present: Chairwoman Varnum (Zoom), Brad Buitenhuys, Perry Downs (Zoom), Weston Standish (Zoom), Stephen Laput (Zoom), William Lovely (Zoom) Members Absent: Kevin Dillon Others Present: Peter Cutrumbes, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Emergency Certificate Rachel McNamara 202 Lawrence Street Lowell, MA 01852 Project Location: 202 Lawrence Street, 01852 The Lowell Department of Public Works has ordered the emergency sewer repair of a collapsed section of 4 inch PVC pipe in the rear of the home within 100 feet of the Concord River. The pipe will be replaced in-kind. On Behalf: None Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: L. Varnum briefly summarized the emergency sewer work and why it warranted an Emergency Certificate. Motion: A motion was made by B. Buitenhuys and seconded by P. Downs to ratify the emergency certificate. The vote was unanimous (6-0). Enforcement Order S & R Corporation 700 – 706 Broadway Street Lowell, MA 01854 Project Location: 706 Broadway Street, 01854 An Enforcement Order has been issued for dumping snow and dirt into the abutting Pawtucket Canal. On Behalf: Steven Ploof, Treasurer of the company, appeared on behalf of the S & R Corporation. He apologized for the company’s error. Mr. Ploof informed the Commission that they had a new employee doing snow removal on the lot. He believed the employee had been sufficiently trained on snow removal procedures, but this was not the case. Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: L. Varnum stated that the snow had already melted into the canal, and could not be rectified. However, she did inquire as to whether anything could be done to remove the fill and dirt that was dumped into the canal. S. Ploof said they can empty the canal and remove the fill. He said S&R has experience with this work, as they repaired the wall of that canal. L. Varnum asked if the work needs to wait until spring. S. Ploof stated that as long as it is warm enough that there is not a crust of ice, they can drain the canal. L. Varnum asked for the Commission to be notified when the work was completed, to which S. Ploof agreed. Motion: A motion was made by P. Downs to ratify the EO, which was seconded by W. Standish. The vote was unanimous (6-0). OTHER BUSINESS A motion was made to continue the acceptance of the 1/26 minutes to the next meeting by B. Buitenhuys, and was seconded by W. Lovely. The vote was unanimous (6-0). ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by B Buitenhuys, and seconded by W. Lovely. The vote was unanimous (6-0). Meeting adjourned.