Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS July 12, 2023 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: Brad Buitenhuys, Perry Downs, Stephen Laput, Marie Burns Members Absent: Chairwoman Varnum, Kevin Dillon Others Present: Francesca Cigliano, Senior Planner CALL TO ORDER A quorum of members was present, and B. Buintenhuys called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Request for Determination of Applicability Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility 451 First Street Boulevard Lowell MA 01854 Project Location: Lowell Flood Damage Reduction System – Rosemont and Lakeview Sections 01854 The Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility has requested approval to conduct routine maitenance at the Rosemont section of Beaver Brook and the Lakeview section on the Merrimack River. The proposed work includes correcting minor erosion by restoring to existing grades, vegetation clearing, and herbicide treatment. The work will take place within the 100-foot buffer zone to the Merrimack River. On Behalf: Evan Walsh, Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: B. Buintehuys asked about invasive species removal. Would they be using glyphosate? The applicant said that they would be using two different herbicides – one for the top growth and one for the root growth. B. Buitenhuys advised to spray as little glyphosate as possible and recommended to use the “cut and blot” method when removing bittersweet. Motion: P. Downs motioned and M. Burns seconded the motion to issue a Negative III determination. The motion passed unanimously, (4-0). Request for Determination of Applicability Kevin Block UMass Lowell 600 Suffolk 4th Floor Project Location: 111 Pawtucket Street to 450 Aiken Street – Riverwalk 01854 UMass Lowell is seeking approval to remove invasive species, remove overgrowth, and prune trees blocking lighting along the Riverwalk. The proposed work is within 100-ft. of the riverfront. On Behalf: Kevin Block, UML Terance McCarthy, UML Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: B. Buitenhuys asked about property lines. T. McCarthy said that UML is acquiring the land below the Riverwalk. K. Block noted that they would be doing a lot of handwork with chainsaws. They have two certified arborists on staff. No herbicides are planned to be used. S. Laput, P. Downs, and M. Burns added that they do not have any concerns about the proposal. Motion: P. Downs motioned and S. Laput seconded the motion to issue a Negative III Determination. The motion passed unanimously, (4-0). OTHER BUSINESS 6/28/2023 Meeting Minutes P. Downs motioned and S. Laput seconded the motion to APPROVE the 6/28/23 meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). ADJOURNMENT P. Downs motioned and S. Laput seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 7:15 PM.