ATHOL — An abutter to one of the two potential sites near Secret Lake for commercial solar array fields gave an informational presentation to the Conservation Commission last week on the ANRAD (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation) application and hearing process as it relates to the projects proposed by Lyons Hill Solar LLC and Hurlburth Solar LLC. The areas are for 94 acres of land near 884 Petersham Rd., and 128 acres of land split between two adjacent parcels near 160 Mystery Lane.
Karen Chenausky had questioned at the March 26 Conservation Commission meeting why she received two separate letters that went to abutters when it was represented as one site in a legal notice placed in the Athol Daily News. Wetlands specialist Ward Smith said at the time that he would look into the matter.
Chenausky wanted to know how the ANRAD (also known as Form 4A) application process bears out in regard to the two projects. “I don’t believe they’re in place,” she said.
She displayed a copy of Public Hearing Condition (CMR 310 10.5 (5)) for Conservation Commissions which includes submittal requirements. “If one document says this, and in the ad it says something different, or adds a piece, they have no idea if the proper people were notified,” she said. Smith said that in the first meeting the committee voted that there was no valid hearing because in the filing the addresses were incorrect.
Chenausky asked how a hearing could be held without meeting the terms in the ANRAD and also when it was reported by the consultant in March that the Hurlburth project wasn’t completely delineated when they did their initial review. Smith said it was filed initially as though it was complete, but then they went out and found a couple of problems, making the delineation incomplete.
Chenausky pointed out a map showing the parcel near the Phillipston town line. Smith explained that it is an area of interest that doesn’t include the process. If the developers do any work within 100 feet they have to file, and they have a right to ask for an ANRAD because it’s within the area.
Smith said he would give Chenausky a copy of the February filing to review, and recommended a continuance to determine whether the Hurlburth project has a valid filing. Smith was going to check with the Department of Environmental Protection to see if it was done correctly and committee chair Bob Muzzy confirmed Monday that it was.
In other business, Ed Berry asked for a continuance on his Notice of Intent to develop a 14-lot subdivision off Jeanne Drive. He did a delineation and found additional wetlands went over it. He would also like to revisit the drainage and storm water aspects so he can come up with a better design.
Kevin Killay of the New England Mountain Bike Association told the commission they would like to use Bearsden trails for non-motorized biking. He said they would be willing to help maintain trails and that they could be “the eyes and ears” to find solutions and help with erosion control. The commission will meet with him again for further discussion.
The next Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for May 28.