Town of Ashland

The committee reviewed 2026 priority projects, including the development of a building best practices sheet and the implementation strategy for the Skip the Stuff initiative, emphasizing the need for restaurant outreach. Discussions also covered the progress of a community solar project at the MBTA parking lot, strategies for achieving Climate Leaders designation through municipal decarbonization, and the ongoing PlugIn campaign under Energize Ashland. Additionally, the committee received updates on sustainability projects, including holiday light recycling and facility weatherization, and briefly addressed concerns regarding the environmental impact of municipal AI usage.

The Board deliberated on the 10-60 Main Street 40B comprehensive permit application, finalizing the decision with specific conditions regarding construction surveys for the Mill Street Dam, protection of the Ocean House barn structures, peer review funding, material reuse, and financial contributions for municipal parking and public safety. The Board also discussed internal administrative matters, including communication methods and the potential appointment of a new Associate Member to the Board.

The Commission discussed the Notice of Intent for the project at 61 Waverly Street, including the timeline for peer review submissions, soil analysis reporting, and the scheduling of future hearings. Members also addressed a recent unauthorized hunting incident at Warren Woods, discussing potential revisions to town bylaws to clarify hunting prohibitions on town-owned properties and reviewing the adequacy of current signage. Additionally, there was a brief discussion regarding a member's intent to attend future meetings remotely.

Key discussion points included updates on the draft MS4 Permit, which remains unapproved by the EPA, noting that the town will face a 90-day window for Notice of Intent submission upon final release. Waushakum Pond was identified as a Water Quality Limited Body for phosphorus impairment, necessitating prioritization of associated storm water structures. A status report detailed current stormwater activities for FY2026, including the cleaning of 600 catch basins (25% completion), ongoing catchment investigations, and the pursuit of a grant through Massachusetts ECO One Stop for potential projects like culvert replacement. The committee discussed the FY2027 budget process, including options drafted by the DPW and the possibility of presenting to the Select Board. Operational planning addressed the draft 10-year capital plan for catch basin replacement in anticipation of the new EPA MS4 Permit. Public education efforts reviewed the planned spring completion of catch basin painting by the AHS environmental club, the collection of surface water samples, and outreach via local advertisements, including potential collaboration with Engineers Without Borders.

Key discussions focused on updates regarding the draft MS4 Permit, which remains unapproved by the EPA, noting that Waushakum Pond is identified as a Water Quality Limited Body for phosphorus impairment, requiring prioritization of surrounding stormwater structures. A status report detailed Year-to-Date stormwater activities, including street sweeping, catch basin cleaning (600 cleaned so far in FY2026), and investigations into deep sump catchbasins. The committee also discussed the budget for FY2027, including the possibility of adding storm water projects and presenting budget options to the Select Board. Operational planning involved reviewing the draft 10-year capital plan for stormwater, which includes estimated costs for catch basin replacement expected under the new MS4 Permit. Public education and outreach efforts were reviewed, covering AHS environmental club activities such as catch basin painting and water collection, school program follow-up, running stormwater advertisements, and potential assistance from Engineers Without Borders.