Conservation Commission Minutes 5/8/19
Stratham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Public Session
May 8, 2019
Conservation Commission Members Present: Bill McCarthy, Bob Keating, Ana Egana, Brad Jones; Pat Elwell; Tim Copeland
Meeting Called to order @ 7:02 PM
Seth Hickey – Parks and Recreation:
Barker easement project, finished second of the three bridges. One remaining to complete to bring up to SELT standards which will be completed next week. Trail closures complete. Some may not be received well, one trail closed and another modified, and so far no issues reported.
Kristopher Wilkes – NHDES wetland permit application for Eversource:
27 structures replacements planned in transmission line corridor. One line ends in Portsmouth and another in Stratham. All wooden pole are being replaced with weathered steel but configuration remains the same. Being replaced because over 40 years old. Most are being placed close to original site, but some are being moved as much as 50ft. 5 are being moved out of wetlands. Also, moving structures out of Sanderson conservation land. If the old post is located in upland area, it will be removed. If in wetland it will be cut at ground level to minimize impact with the butt end remaining in thee ground. Will be accessing site through public roads, and building boardwalk with mats to minimize impacts and minimize restoration needed. Project will begin mid-July and take 2-3 months. Being carried out in summer because provides ability to take transmission lines out of service to perform work.
Matting is being used in upland and wetland areas. Restoration assessment and work performed in real time. Work performed by contractor who has performed services for Eversource before.
Stefanie Michaud – Jones and Beach Engineers:
Project at 60 Portsmouth Ave, Porsche building at outer zone of the Gateway district. 15 thousand square feet dealership, easement in the front of the lot. Easement for Market Street in the driveway area. In addition there will be 84 parking spaces, 42 in front, 42 in the back. 1572 square feet have permanent wetland impact with no mitigation. 1879 square feet will have temporary wetland impact. Getting rid of fire pond. 30% of property will not be occupied. Will build guard rails in back and snow will be moved to neighboring Audi site. There will be grease traps and high water alarm system to deal with water run off.
Tim Copeland motion to approve, Brad Jones second; Motion passed unanimously.
Mailbox:
SELT newsletter – SELT everlasting
Permit from NH Agriculture for treatment of Japanese Knotweed at transfer center.
Single use plastics in town offices:
Concern about use of Keurig coffee systems in town office due to amount of waste plastic generated. May be some more environmentally friendly alternatives available. May also include schools, fire dept, police dept, and highway garage as well.
Pat Elwell will send out communication to open discussion about alternatives.
Tim Horphat:
2 Robinglenn Rd
First, use of pesticides in parks. Pointed out that Portsmouth bans pesticide use on public lands and wanted to know what was being done in SHP and schools. CC discussed that organic treatments have been very expensive, but may be a topic of discussion with Park Association at next meeting.
Second, mosquito spraying. Found information that some municipalities use “mosquito barrier” that is a garlic based product that repels mosquitos. Odorless to humans, and helps to kill larvae in ponds. CC was not aware of this option. Currently synthetic pyrethrin’s are used that kill on contact and are short lived. CC discussed that cost could be an issue, and encouraged Tim to contact Dragon mosquito and pesticide division of the Dept of Agricultures for more information.
Town Cleanup Day:
Everything appears to be all set. Bill McCarthy to send reminders out.
8:12PM
Ana Egana moved to adjourn meeting, Pat Elwell second – motion passed unanimously; Meeting adjourned
Next regular meeting scheduled for 7 PM on Wednesday, May 22nd at the Municipal Center.
Respectfully Submitted:
Ana Egana
Serving as Secretary