Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS October 25, 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: Louisa Varnum, Marie Burns, Brad Buitenhuys, Kevin Dillon, Stephen Laput Members Absent: Perry Downs Others Present: Peter Cutrumbes, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER L. Varnum called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS Enforcement Order Sy Dang 258 Varnum Ave Lowell, MA 01854 Project Location: 258.1 Varnum Ave, 01854 Dumping within the 100-year floodplain. On Behalf: None In Favor: None In Opposition: None Discussion: The applicant was not in attendance. L. Varnum said she wanted to continue. K. Dillon asked if the applicant had contacted City Hall. P. Cutrumbes said no. Motions: K. Dillon motioned to continue to the November 8 meeting. B. Buitenhuys seconded. The vote was unanimous (5-0). Notice of Intent Toussak Sokhom 59 Martin Street Lowell, MA 01854 DEP #: 206-0824 Project Location: 59 Martin Street, 01854 A Notice of Intent has been filed by Toussak Sokhom to construct an addition to the existing single-family home at 59 Martin Street. The proposed work is located within the 100-year floodplain. *NOTE* Project has received a MassDEP number 206-0824 On Behalf: Ernst Dorant, the Engineer for the project spoke on behalf. He spoke discussing the storage area and the compensation for the flood loss. He noted he added a flood storage chart to the plan. In Favor: None In Opposition: None Discussion: L. Varnum asked about the smart vent flood storage mechanism. E. Dorante said that it is similar to a crawl space for flood water to pass through. L. Varnum asked if the compensation ends at elevation 68’. E. Dorant said yes. L. Varnum asked about the remaining 1.1 feet of elevation, as they require 1 for 1 compensation for flood storage loss. E. Dorant asked for clarification. B. Buitenhuys clarified this, and said they need to see the compensation for flood storage loss for the remaining 1.1 feet of elevation on the “Compensatory Table” on the Site Plan. He noted he believes they have compensated for the flood storage loss, but wants the calculations added to the table. L. Varnum asked where the flood storage compensation is coming from. E. Dorant said they are pushing the parking back from Rosemont Street. L. Varnum said that storage needs to come from the same elevation, and that there is no storage labeled for the 69’ elevation. B. Buitenhuys asked where the applicant is adding flood storage on each elevation to compensate for the storage loss, as it appears that flood storage is being added in different elevations to compensate for other elevations. L. Varnum said she’d like this explained on the plan in better detail. B. Buitenhuys said that they need something to ensure E. Dorant has done his due diligence so that the ConCom can adhere to the letter of the law. L. Varnum said he may need to use a different material for the foundation, such as pilings. E. Dorant said he has to go back to the drawing board. B. Buitenhuys asked how long to make the changes Motions: K. Dillion motioned to continue to the November 8 meeting. B. Buitenhuys seconded. The vote was unanimous (5-0). NEW BUSINESS Notice of Intent City of Lowell 375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 DEP #: None Project Location: 431 First Street, 01850 A notice of intent has been filed by the City of Lowell to upgrade the existing Duck Island Waste Water Treatment Facility at 431 First Street Boulevard. On Behalf: None In Favor: None In Opposition: None Discussion: L. Varnum said that it appears they are removing some buildings and moving them further back on the lot and that there appears to be replacement of existing. She noted that the sites will be mulched for the winter and then planted. Motions: K. Dillon motioned to continue to the November 8 meeting. B. Buitenhuys seconded. The vote was unanimous (5-0). OTHER BUSINESS Election of Officers L. Varnum noted that P. Downs is absent and does not want to vote on officers when they are not all present. 10/11/2023 meeting minutes K. Dillon motioned to approve. S. Laput. The vote was unanimous (5-0). ADJOURNMENT K. Dillion motioned to adjourn, seconded by B. Buitenhuys. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 PM