Conservation Commission sets Oct. 30 deadline for 518 South Avenue technical response

WESTON — October 20, 2020 — Weston Conservation Commission narrows 518 South Avenue review to four threshold technical questions. Independent consultant Pat Garner told the commission Oct. 20 that the proposed development's leaching system sits 50 feet from a bordering vegetated wetland but that a 2018 state DEP guideline appears to require 100 feet, calling it a potential "redesign of the project" trigger. Garner also flagged porous pavement setbacks, stormwater infiltration trenches proposed under the building — "I've never seen anyone propose infiltration inside a residential building" — and the absence of any DEP design approval letter. Members voted unanimously to add $4,400 to Garner's budget under MGL Chapter 44 Section 53G, to split a stalled peer-review RFQ into stormwater, wastewater and wetlands segments, and to continue the hearing to Nov. 10. The applicant's comprehensive response is due Oct. 30; residents respond by Nov. 13. In a separate vote, the commission issued a notice of violation to Eversource for wetland rutting and rail-trail damage caused by contractor Lewis Tree Service, returnable Nov. 19.