Commission discusses enforcement options for 160 Bedford St after planning withdrawal; agrees to document concerns to DEP

The Lakeville Conservation Commission spent a substantial portion of its Feb. 10 meeting discussing ongoing environmental and compliance concerns at 160 Bedford Street after the property owner withdrew a planning-board application without prejudice.

Commission members said the site still contains equipment and vehicles parked within the wetland buffer and reported historical oil leaks and other fill and disturbance that had prompted prior enforcement orders. Several members noted they had documented multiple site visits and photographic evidence of spills and storage in the buffer zone. Members expressed frustration that previous phone calls to DEP had not produced a visible enforcement response and suggested the commission prepare a formal, well-documented letter to DEP’s enforcement office including photos, site-visit logs and the commission’s history of contact.

The commission also discussed possible next steps with town counsel and whether the select board or planning board responses affect available remedies. Members recommended obtaining a legal opinion and, if appropriate, reissuing or reinstating enforcement orders to require remediation and removal of equipment. Several commissioners said DEP could impose fines or other enforcement actions and that a documented paper trail (copies to DEP and town counsel) would strengthen requests for action.

Next steps: staff and members will compile site photographs, prior enforcement records and peer-review findings, draft a detailed letter to DEP requesting enforcement action and copy town counsel and relevant local boards; commission will seek direction from DEP on enforcement options before pursuing additional local legal steps.