Conservation Commission Unanimously Clears National Grid Soil Boring Work in Wetlands Corridor

PEPPERELL -- March 21, 2023, Pepperell Conservation Commission unanimously approved a National Grid request to conduct geotechnical soil borings along a transmission corridor crossing town wetlands and riverfront area. Steve Herzog of VHB, representing New England Power Company, an operating unit of National Grid, told the commission the borings, reaching up to 30 feet deep, are needed to plan future replacement of support structures along the NEPO 42-5 right-of-way running from a Groton Street substation into Dunstable. The commission issued a negative determination of applicability, finding the work exempt under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the local bylaw. Timber construction mats will protect wetland and farmed-soil surfaces during equipment access, with roughly 2,000 square feet of temporary impact per boring location and no permanent ground disturbance. National Grid will provide its Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program operation and maintenance plan, which includes turtle sweep protocols, to conservation staff before work begins, anticipated as early as May 2023.