The Marshfield Conservation Commission has greenlit a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 180 Sawyers Lane, though the approval comes with strict mandates for dry wells and enhanced erosion control to protect neighboring properties. During the Wednesday night meeting, Vice Chair Sam Malafronte led a reduced three-member quorum through several pending projects, focusing heavily on how new construction impacts Marshfield’s sensitive resource areas and existing residential drainage patterns.

The 180 Sawyers Lane project, presented by representative Rick Savant, involves a 36x24 ADU and a new septic system designed to replace a bedroom in the main house to comply with Board of Health regulations. While much of the work sits outside the 100-foot wetland buffer, the site is encumbered by a 200-foot riparian zone. Member Corey Miles raised concerns about density, noting I guess there was a comment from the Board of Health because they have this rule about not having more than one bedroom per 10,000 square feet in the water resource protection district. Savant clarified that the total bedroom count on the property would remain at four to meet those standards.

Neighbor Colin West voiced significant opposition, detailing existing runoff issues that he claimed were damaging his property at 190 Sawyers Lane. I want to make sure that this new dwelling is not going to cause problems on my property, West told the commission, describing a growing hole and exposed tree roots. This building should not be approved if the potential is going to cause damage to our property. Applicant Gina Marian countered that the neighborhood has a history of sinkholes caused by buried tree stumps from original construction, stating, I don't know if I would call this erosion or a sinkhole.

Conservation Administrator Mike Seele recommended a double layer of protection for the site’s steep slope, noting the staked silt sock partnered with the siltation fence would definitely be ample. To address the neighbor's concerns, the commission added a requirement for roof drainage to be diverted into a dry well. Motion Made by E. Lake to close the hearing and issue an order of conditions including the special conditions noted by Mr. Seele and the dry well condition. Motion Passed (3-0-0)

The commission also cleared the way for site work at 13 Water Street after Savant detailed safety modifications to a proposed retaining wall. The wall will now be sloped to meet the grade rather than ending in a vertical drop, and the project now includes 50 new plantings and three additional trees. Savant also confirmed that the fire department approved the placement of new bollards to protect a nearby hydrant. Motion Made by C. Miles to close this hearing and issue the order of conditions. Motion Passed (3-0-0)

In Green Harbor, the Beaches Administrator requested permission to relocate approximately 300 cubic yards of sand that has accreted near the jetty. The goal is to move the material to the end of the Mobi-mat walkway to bridge a significant height gap for beachgoers and prevent sand from spilling into the navigation channel. In the past, we did it with just permission from the conservation agent, the administrator noted, but Vice Chair Malafronte insisted on modernizing the process. I don't have an issue with this, but I will say for something like this, I would think the filing of at least an RDA [Request for Determination of Applicability] would be required, Malafronte said. Seele agreed, advising the town to file the proper paperwork for the next meeting.

The commission also addressed long-term maintenance at Fairways Edge Pond. While issuing a Certificate of Compliance for past work, the board insisted on ongoing conditions to manage algae blooms. Golf courses are known for putting off a lot of spare nutrients, Seele explained, recommending the continued use of the chemical Sonar. Malafronte added a stipulation that the commission must be notified 30 days before any chemical application. Motion Made by S. Malafronte to issue a Certificate of Compliance with ongoing conditions for DEP 2795, requiring 30-day notification to the Conservation Administrator prior to chemical treatment. Motion Passed (3-0-0)

Finally, the board granted a three-year extension for a permit held by Highland Street Realty Trust. Motion Made by S. Malafronte to issue a 3-year extension for DEP 2659. Motion Passed (3-0-0) Member Elizabeth Lake also checked on administrative filings for the night's hearings, asking Mike, can you confirm... all administrative requirements have been met? Seele confirmed the filings were in order before the commission moved to continue several other hearings, including projects on Grand View Avenue and Johnson Terrace, to later dates in March and April.