Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-25 Conservation Commission Minutes Approved 04/08/2026 Albert P. Manzi Jr., Chair Bradley S. Mustain John T. Mabon, Vice Chair Marissa Valentino Sean F. McDonoughMatthew Bohenek David F. White Town of North Andover North Andover Conservation Commission March 25, 2026 Members Present: Matthew Bohenek, David F. White, Albert P. Manzi Jr., Chairman, Marissa Valentino, and Bradley S. Mustain Members Absent: Sean F. McDonough, and John T. Mabon, Vice Chairman Staff Members Present: Amy Maxner, Conservation Administrator Meeting came to Order at: 7:01 p.m. Quorum Present. Pledge of Allegiance Newly Revised 12th ed., §4:56 Acceptance of Minutes A motion to accept the minutes of March 11, 2026, as drafted, was made by Mr. Bohenek, seconded by Ms. Valentino. Vote: 40, Unanimous. Small Project NACC# 358, 61 Abbott Street (Sarcia) The Administrator provided an overview of the project to connect the existing dwelling to municipal water existing stub to the house. The work will occur approximately 35 feet from the wetland, entirely within existing lawn, outside the 25-foot NDZ. Excavated soils will be loaded directly into a dump truck with no stockpiling, and excess material will be hauled off site. The work is expected to be completed within one day. The Administrator recommended the Commission find the project qual conditions, including installation of erosion controls prior to construction, a pre-construction meeting, and a post-construction inspection.! The homeowners were present.! A motion to approve the project as a Small Pro by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Ms. Valentino.! Vote: 40, Unanimous. Documents! 61 Abbott Pics 03-19-26, Small Project Application with Supporting Materials 03 19 26 General/New/Old Business Clean Energy Streamline Permitting Presentation (Andrew Shapiro) Andrew Shapiro, Director of Community and Economic Development/Assistant Town Manager, presented an overview of new state clean energy siting and permitting regulations adopted pursuant to the 2024 Climate -zero emissions goals. Mr. Shapiro explained the regulations that distinguish between small and large projects. Small projects include those under 25 megawatts of generation or 100 megawatt-hours of storage, while larger projects exceed those thresholds. Potential local projects could include solar installations, battery energy storage systems, small wind facilities, and related infrastructure. and wind facilities, but does not currently include battery energy storage systems, and may require updates. Mr. Shapiro explained municipalities must offer an expedited permitting option for qualifying small projects using a consolidated application and a 12-month timeline for final action by all boards with jurisdiction. Failure to act within that timeframe could result in constructive approval. Mr. Shapiro stated large projects would be reviewed by the Energy Facilities Siting Board at the state level, with municipalities able to provide input but not final permitting authority. government representative to coordinate the process, and considering potential zoning bylaw updates. The regulations take effect in October, with state guidance expected by July. Mr. Mustain asked whether the regulations override local authority. Mr. Shapiro clarified local boards would still review small projects, but within the required timeline; large projects would be decided by the state. Mr. Manzi asked for clarification on the project thresholds. Mr. Shapiro confirmed the 25 megawatt generation and 100 megawatt-hour storage thresholds. Mr. Mustain asked about local authority over large projects, including within buffer areas. Mr. Shapiro stated local permitting would not apply, though municipalities could provide comments during state review. Ms. Valentino asked whether applicants could request a continuance beyond the 12-month review period. Mr. Shapiro stated he would review the regulations and follow up. Mr. White asked whether the regulations are intended for smaller local projects or larger developers. Mr. Shapiro stated both are possible, noting companies are exploring sites for solar and battery storage projects. Mr. Bohenek commented that the Commission should have input as the consolidated application is developed to ensure it includes the information needed for conservation review, particularly for matters involving RDA versus NOI. He also asked how application fees would be handled. Mr. Manzi asked when the Town would designate the local government representative. Mr. Shapiro stated the Town has begun discussing that designation. The Administrator asked about the implementation timeline. Mr. Shapiro stated the regulations are finalized, with guidance expected by July and required municipal implementation by October. Mr. Manzi asked what action the Commission should take at this time. Mr. Shapiro stated no immediate action is required and additional information will be shared as implementation progresses. No action was taken. Documents Clean Energy Consolidated Permitting - How to prepare - a factsheet v3-6-26, Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Notice of Intent (NOI) NACC #357, 115 Candlestick Road (Comfort) The Commission opened the Notice of Intent for 115 Candlestick Road, noting it is filed under the bylaw only. The Administrator noted the Applicant requested a continuance to April 8 to allow time to determine whether the wetland on the property qualifies as a vernal pool, given the current spring seasonal conditions. A motion to continue to April 08, 2026, was made by Mr. White, seconded by Ms. Valentino. Vote: 40, Unanimous. Documents Maps 115 Candlestick, Narrative 115 Candlestick, NOI Booklet, Stamped Plan - 115 Candlestick Road North Andover - Septic, Wetland Report, Data Sheets Adjournment A motion to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. was made by Mr. Mustain, seconded by Ms. Valentino. Vote: 40, Unanimous. 2026-03-25 Conservation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2