Contractor outlines utility pole replacements; commission asks for knotweed-spoil handling and continues hearing

Representatives for a National Grid distribution project presented a wetlands notice of intent for work on Parkerville Road and Lindbrook Road, telling the commission the project involves replacing three roadside poles and installing two new midspan poles. Jim Baldick, senior professional wetland scientist with VHB, said the work is roadside and identified buffer-zone impacts to bordering vegetated wetlands (BBW), buffer-to-possible wetland (BLSF), and the local 20-foot no-disturb zone.

Melissa, the conservation agent, noted the NOI includes erosion-control practices and asked the applicant to explicitly address spoil handling where Japanese knotweed is present. The commission requested that any spoils from the pole replacement around the knotweed be removed from the site and disposed of in a manner that prevents spread (staff suggested bagging and landfill disposal), and asked the applicant to add that text to the NOI narrative.

The applicant confirmed erosion-control BMPs are in the NOI and said staff will revise the narrative. The filing currently lacks a D-file number; the commission voted to continue the public hearing to the next scheduled meeting so the revised NOI and a D-file number can be provided and staff review comments addressed. No substantive special conditions beyond the commission's standard conditions were indicated, though the knotweed-soil handling condition will be added.