Commission declines to confirm railroad wetland boundaries, asks applicant to appear

At its June 18 meeting, the Town of Yarmouth Conservation Commission decided it could not confirm wetland boundary mapping submitted by TEC Associates on behalf of Mass Coastal Railroad and issued a positive 2B determination (boundaries not confirmed) requiring the applicant to return with clearer field delineation and a representative present.

Staff summarized the applicant’s submission and said the railroad’s vegetation management plan was in renewal; TEC requested the commission confirm wetland boundaries using their mapping program. Commissioners criticized the submitted maps as “terrible” and “convoluted,” saying the maps did not clearly depict buffer zones and that the commission lacks field verification to confirm boundaries from maps alone.

Members also raised community concerns about herbicide use in the right of way and whether homeowners near treatment zones receive notice. Staff said the filing included the herbicide products and planned concentrations but noted that the town typically receives only a municipal notification rather than individual homeowner notice. Several commissioners urged staff to prepare a comment letter requesting clearer maps and stronger buffer explanations and to press for better outreach.

Because the applicant had not provided a representative to answer questions, commissioners voted to issue a positive 2B determination rather than confirm boundaries. Staff advised that a 2B would prompt the applicant to file a new RDA and appear in person with clearer delineation, giving the commission an opportunity to comment on buffer widths and treatment plans.

The commission also discussed that the work is largely exempt under state wetlands rules for routine railroad maintenance, but said local confirmation of mapping remains within the commission’s review scope. The commission asked staff to draft a comment letter for later review.