Pepperell Conservation Commission Approves Revised Sheffield Street Driveway Wetlands Plan

PEPPERELL — February 16, 2021 — Pepperell Conservation Commission approves redesigned driveway plan for 20 Sheffield Street with mandatory turtle exclusion fencing. The commission voted unanimously Tuesday to issue an order of conditions for a notice of intent filed by Kenneth Tully, after the applicant's representative eliminated nearly all driveway grading within the 200-foot riverfront area and incorporated a turtle protection plan reviewed and approved by the state Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. The plan, prepared by Dan Wells of Goddard Consulting, requires silt fencing installed to strict specifications — no gaps, minimum burial depth, and a wooden gate structure at the road entrance — to remain in place through at least the April 15-to-October 15 active turtle season. The commission also heard that the town's hazard mitigation plan, required before Pepperell can pursue a state bridge grant of up to $500,000 to replace two temporary culverts on Lawrence Street, is expected to receive Select Board sign-off on February 22.