Pepperell Conservation Commission Issues South Road Septic Order, Delays Chamberlain Way Vote

PEPPERELL -- January 17, 2023, Pepperell Conservation Commission approves flood-plain septic order, continues a contentious drainage dispute. At the January 17 meeting, the commission voted unanimously to issue an order of conditions for AMP Pet Inc.'s Presby-type septic replacement at 11 South Road, where a revised design reduced flood-plain fill from nearly 12,000 cubic feet to approximately 8,800 cubic feet. In a separate, longer hearing, Commission Chair Bob Elliott challenged engineer Kenneth Laney of Cornerstone Engineering over whether the Chamberlain Way common driveway project meets Massachusetts Stormwater Standard 4's 80 percent total suspended solids removal requirement, with Laney arguing the project is required only to meet standards "to the maximum extent practicable" and claiming 72 percent removal, short of 80 percent. DEP circuit rider Ria McDonald, responding to a written commission inquiry, found that groundwater surface runoff discharges on the site "appear to be untreated discharges" requiring pretreatment. The Chamberlain Way hearing was continued to February 7, with revised plans due from the applicant by 4 p.m. on January 31.