Conservation commission approves after‑the‑fact permits for contractor yard expansion at 0 McCabe Way

WORCESTER — The Worcester Conservation Commission voted Sept. 29 to issue an order of conditions approving after‑the‑fact work that expanded a contractor yard at 0 McCabe Way and the adjacent 1393 Grafton Street, after staff and the applicant described stormwater controls and remediation steps.

The applicant sought retroactive approval after the commission issued an enforcement order for buffer‑zone clearing and grading. Wetland scientist Chris Frattaroli of Goddard Salting told the commission the disturbed area in the 30‑to‑100‑foot buffer measures about 8,300 square feet and that the expanded yard currently directs runoff toward an existing detention basin on the neighboring property. He said the proposal includes a sediment forebay that will capture runoff from the unpaved contractor yard before it flows to the detention basin and then to the wetland.

Commission staff confirmed the matter grew out of last year’s enforcement order and said they reviewed the stormwater report provided by the applicant. Staff noted several deferred‑maintenance actions required for the existing detention basin, including vegetation removal and other work identified in the basin’s operation and maintenance plan. Staff recommended conditions to ensure those items are completed.

During questioning, commissioners asked whether trees had been removed; the applicant said aerials and site inspections suggested several trees had been cut, but a firm count was not available. Commissioners also pressed the applicant to ensure all parcel owners participate in the remediation and noted the commission’s orders are binding regardless of internal ownership disputes.

The commission adopted an order of conditions that includes revised plans showing ground cover types, a stormwater management maintenance condition, a professional engineer certification of stormwater infrastructure, and a requirement that immediate maintenance actions identified in the basin’s operation and maintenance plan be completed within 90 days with engineer verification. The order also includes ongoing maintenance and wetland permitting conditions.

Commissioners voted to issue the order of conditions and — by separate vote — to lift the enforcement order once the order of conditions is recorded at the registry of deeds.

Staff said it will work with the applicant to ensure the maintenance actions and reporting are completed in the timeframe specified in the order.