The Conservation Commission reviewed corrective work at Kimball Farm on Sept. 9 as the property moves toward resolving several longstanding environmental requirements at 400 Littleton Road.
Representatives from Hancock Associates appeared before the commission seeking certificates of compliance for outstanding orders of conditions associated with the property. Wetland scientist David Cowell told commissioners the effort had been “a long time coming,” with corrective actions completed over the past several months to address requirements that had remained unresolved for years.
The Conservation Commission reviewed the outstanding requirements individually, including restoration work, stormwater infrastructure and a wetland replication area.
One issue involved an old gravel access road near the batting cages that Kimball Farm had previously committed to abandoning and restoring.
The gravel base was removed earlier this summer and the area was planted with a specified seed mixture. By the end of the summer, the restored area had more than 90% uniform vegetative ground cover and appeared healthy, according to Cowell.
The area will no longer be used for vehicle access.
Representatives also reviewed the property’s stormwater infrastructure. Engineers said inspections showed drainage components were functioning and that an underground infiltration system was providing the intended stormwater management.
Another infiltration area had become overgrown with weeds, potentially interfering with its ability to function properly. The area was cleared and reseeded with a native seed mix designed for wet basins. Cowell said the area should be maintained periodically to prevent it from becoming overgrown again.
The commission also heard an update on a wetland replication area required because of previously permitted wetland filling.
Consultants delineated the area to determine whether the required wetland had successfully been established. The replicated wetland met the required surface area, and plantings remained present.
Some invasive plants, including phragmites and purple loosestrife, were found in the wetland. Cowell cautioned that attempting to eliminate them could potentially cause more damage to native vegetation than leaving them in place.
The commission approved certificates of compliance for portions of the work after reviewing the corrective measures.
However, commissioners also discussed a conservation restriction associated with one of the previous approvals. Representatives said paperwork related to the restriction had previously been filed with the state, but additional steps were still necessary to complete the process.
The certificates of compliance close out environmental permitting requirements after the commission determines work was substantially completed in accordance with approved plans.
The Sept. 9 review represented progress toward resolving conditions that representatives said had remained outstanding for an extended period while corrective work was unfinished.
