Commission approves restoration plan for 45 Dartmouth Street wetland violation

The Woburn Conservation Commission on Feb. 22 approved a restoration plan to remedy an enforcement case at 45 Dartmouth Street (DP 348-303).

Consultant Andrew Thibault of Gutter Consulting described the site visit findings: lawn and fill had been placed over wetland soils but the original wetland grade and hydrology remain. Thibault said crews would strip the excess lawn and organic material, remove or relocate the shed, fireplace and garden bed from wetland areas, install erosion controls during construction and plant native shrubs and pollinator species such as silky dogwood, highbush blueberry, boneset, turtlehead and asters to stabilize soils and restore habitat.

Commissioners asked whether the shed slab could be removed and whether any petroleum or pesticides in the shed had been assessed. A homeowner said recent occupants used only electric equipment and that the shed sits on a 9–12 inch concrete platform; no staining was observed. Thibault said the slab and shed would be removed from the wetland area and that erosion controls would be maintained until vegetation was established, then removed after staff inspection.

Commissioner (speaker 4) moved to approve the plan and Commissioner (speaker 11) seconded. The commission voted “Aye” with no opposition or abstentions. Staff was asked to verify erosion-control installation in the spring and to schedule a site walk when controls are in place.

The restoration is expected to begin in the growing season, likely around April, according to the consultant.