Commission approves Negative 3 Determination with conditions for drainage repairs at 137 Hemlock Shore Road

The Lakeville Conservation Commission voted on Feb. 10 to issue a Negative 3 Determination for a drainage repair proposal at 137 Hemlock Shore Road intended to reduce sediment delivery to a nearby pond.

Applicant representative Adam Barlow described concentrated runoff forming a deep channel near the property and proposed two dry wells connected by a perforated corrugated pipe with sock and stone, intended to capture and infiltrate flows before they reach the pond. Commissioners who conducted site visits said the bank incision and sediment transport were substantial and that the proposed work would provide a net benefit to the pond despite temporary construction impacts.

Members discussed technical details including access to an 8-inch culvert from under the road, the perforated 4-inch pipe and how inflow would enter the first dry well. Commissioners suggested adding an inlet at the patio (a short preformed trench drain) to provide a defined entry point for road runoff and recommended double siltation controls on the steep slopes. They also discussed construction staging and dewatering precautions.

The commission’s motion for a Negative 3 Determination passed unanimously, with two specific conditions noted: (1) the applicant must call agent Mark Minton for review of siltation controls prior to work, and (2) disturbed areas must be stabilized with sod following construction. The determination allows the applicant to proceed without a Notice of Intent because the commission concluded the project is within the limited permitting threshold under the Wetlands Protection Act process and that the mitigation will reduce long-term sedimentation.