The North and South River Watershed Association (NSRWA) is set to establish a new permanent home at 160 Scusset Street after the Conservation Commission cleared the way for a comprehensive site restoration. The project involves converting the existing building into professional offices and meeting spaces while introducing significant environmental safeguards to the 300-foot North River corridor. Gregory Morse of Morse Engineering, representing the association, detailed a plan that includes a septic system upgrade, ADA-compliant parking, and a sophisticated stormwater management system where none currently exists.

A central feature of the proposal is the installation of a Pea stone diaphragm and two rain gardens designed to catch and treat runoff before it reaches the river. Morse explained that the diaphragm, essentially a crushed stone trench, provides a place to settle out any suspended solids from the parking lot. Board member Nicole Pelladier sought clarity on the timing of the environmental work, asking whether or not the phased approach to vegetation—the potential revegetation species—would have any impact on the treatment of the water that's going to be infiltrating. Morse confirmed that plants would be installed immediately upon the completion of the basin grading to ensure maximum nutrient uptake.

Chair Gino Fellini noted that the project had been pending various outside clearances, stating, The holdup was the DEP number, the North River Commission, and the stormwater management provisions. With those hurdles cleared, the board signaled its endorsement of the headquarters. Motion Made by G. Fellini for order of conditions with two things: comply with the North River Commission and build to plans. Motion Passed 4-0.

The commission also finalized a resource area delineation for a future development site at 660 Washington Street. Kevin Grady of Grady Consulting presented evidence that McFarland Brook, which crosses the property, should be classified as an intermittent stream rather than a perennial river, which carries more stringent 200-foot protective buffers. Grady noted that in line with regulations, we provided evidence of four consecutive days of dry riverbed via photographic evidence and a narrative. Conservation Agent Andrew supported this finding, recalling his own site visit: I was out there in September 2024. We walked that stream bed. It was dry as a bone until you get to that confluence.

The hearing drew input from resident Janet Nhill of Edgewater Drive, who expressed frustration over the timing of abutter notifications. Abutters were receiving notification letters after or very close to meeting dates, Nhill told the board, requesting assurance that future communications would be handled more efficiently. Pelladier emphasized that this specific hearing was limited in scope, explaining that an ANRAD is just acknowledging what resource areas exist on this property. It's not looking at a specific development yet. Motion Made by G. Fellini to issue the ORAD for 660 Washington Street. Motion Passed 4-0.

Protecting the water quality of Great Sandy Bottom Pond was the priority during a review of a failed septic system at 83 Phillips Road. Peter Lyons of Collins Civil Engineering Group presented a plan to relocate the system as far from the shoreline as possible. The 50-foot buffer cuts through the house, Lyons said, noting that the new 1,500-gallon tank and leaching field would be situated entirely outside the 100-foot buffer near Phillips Road. We've done everything we can to shove it as far away from the pond as possible. To prevent potential hazards, Lyons added that the old system will be pumped and filled with clean sand or flowable fill so it doesn't collapse. Motion Made by G. Fellini to issue a Negative -3 Determination, built according to plans. Motion Passed 4-0.

The commission also moved to fill a looming vacancy by interviewing Steven Pat, a resident of Stetson Pond with extensive professional experience in conservation. Pat previously served as the conservation agent for the Town of Hanover and an assistant agent in Taunton before a long career in the private sector. I started getting interested in this work young, Pat said. I understand we are enforcing wetlands protection, but my interest goes beyond that. Board member Bob Kenny, who serves as the President of the Pembroke Watershed Association, spoke highly of the candidate, noting, I have nothing but positive things to say. He is eminently qualified. While the Select Board makes the final appointment, the commission members indicated they would formally vote on a recommendation at their next meeting in January.

In routine business, the board addressed two requests from closing attorneys related to property sales. A project at 60 Prince Way, dating back to 2008, and a 1998 subdivision at 45 Milford Drive were both cleared for certificates of compliance. Motion Made by R. Madden to issue a certificate of compliance for 60 Prince Way. Motion Passed 4-0. Additionally, Motion Made by G. Fellini for a certificate of compliance for 45 Milford Drive. Motion Passed 4-0.