Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS February 26, 2025 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. This meeting was held both in person and virtually using Zoom. Members Present: Vice Chair Kevin Dillon, Commissioner Perry Downs, Commissioner Stephen Laput, Commissioner Marie Burns, Commissioner Paul Belley Members Absent: Chairman Brad Buitenhuys, Commissioner Roberto Ciccarelli Others Present: Dylan Ricker, Associate Planner CALL TO ORDER B. Buitenhuys called the meeting to order at 7:00pm with a quorum of members present. ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Notice of Intent City of Lowell Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility 451 First Street Boulevard Lowell, MA 01852 DEP #: 206-0840 Project Location: 639 Aiken Avenue, 01850 A Notice of Intent has been filed by the Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility to install a mainline drain conduit to remove large inflow sources from Humphrey’s Brook and the Billings Street wetlands with discharge to the Merrimack River via a new outfall. The proposed work is within the 100-foot buffer zone of the Merrimack River. On Behalf: Evan Walsh, Applicant E. Walsh explained the proposed sewer separation project. E. Walsh explained the phases of the project, and said the project will take 8 years in total. E. Walsh explained proposed erosion controls. E. Walsh said there will be a net benefit for flood storage. E. Walsh said most of the work along Billings Street is in the existing street or sidewalk. E. Walsh said no machinery will be entering the wetland at Billings Street. Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: K. Dillon asked where the basins will be located. E. Walsh said the water will go to the treatment plant or into sewer manholes and back to the treatment plant. K. Dillon asked how long Phase 1 is expected to take. E. Walsh said it would end in 2027 with final paving in 2028. K. Dillon asked for the expected start date. E. Walsh said they hope to start construction late summer or early fall. M. Burns asked about the daily inspections. E. Walsh said CDM will confirm the inspections are done. M. Burns said the total permanent impact on the wetland is 852 sq ft and asked if this was unavoidable. E. Walsh confirmed. P. Downs said the combined sewer overflow is much needed and this will be an improvement. Motion: P. Downs motioned, and S. Laput seconded the motion to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). P. Downs motioned, and S. Laput seconded the motion to approve the project with a City of Lowell Standard Order of Conditions. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). Notice of Intent City of Lowell 375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 DEP #: 206-0841 Project Location: Father Morissette Boulebard and French Street, 01852 A Notice of Intent has been filed by the City of Lowell to complete roadway improvements within the 100-foot buffer zone of the East and Merrimack Canals. On Behalf: Taylor Donovan, Applicant’s Representative T. Donovan said a limited portion of the work falls within the buffer zone. T. Donovan said the project includes resurfacing of existing roadway to include a new sidewalk and dedicated bike lane. T. Donovan said there will be a shared use path along a portion of the street. T. Donovan said there will be no additional impervious surface in the buffer zone. T. Donovan said there is an additional sewer that will tie into the combined sewer. T. Donovan said there are trees they will plant in the buffer zone. Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: K. Dillon said the project is needed and will improve the area. Motion: P. Downs motioned, and S. Laput seconded the motion to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). P. Downs motioned, and S. Laput seconded the motion to approve the project with a City of Lowell Standard Order of Conditions. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). OTHER BUSINESS Election of Officers P. Downs said he supports keeping the same chair and vice chair. P. Belley motioned, and P. Downs seconded the motion to appoint B. Buitenhuys as Chair. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). P. Belley motioned, and P. Downs seconded the motion to appoint K. Dillon as Vice Chair. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). 2/12/2025 Meeting Minutes P. Downs motioned, and M. Burns seconded the motion to approve the meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). ADJOURNMENT P. Downs motioned, and S. Laput seconded the motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously, (5- 0). The time was 7:19pm.