The Conservation Commission at its meeting Tuesday night voted to release building permits for the Elmwood Farms III subdivision off Blueberry Lane, now called Newbury Glen, after hearing that the wetlands replication work is virtually complete.

Rich Kirby from LEC Environmental Consultants represented Toll Brothers, the applicant. The company was hired to oversee and monitor the wetland replication area work that the commission previously approved for a 7,800-square-foot expansion of an isolated wetland at the southern part of the site.

He explained that the plan was “modified slightly to preserve some large trees” that were not included on the previous plan. Kirby notified former conservation administrator Kim Ciaramicoli, of the change. She has been advising the commission while her successor, Judy Day, transitions into the role.

There now is about 8,500 square feet of wetlands replication due to the preservation of five trees, Kirby explained. Soils from the wetland alteration area were used for the wetlands replication area, as the commission had required. Because it amounted to a “thin veneer” of topsoil, an excavator was ineffective. Topsoil from the site was mixed with leaf compost to create the new, thicker soil covering.

The only item remaining before building permits could be issued was to plant the wetland seed and stabilize the area with straw for the winter. The seed was received on the day of the meeting and was expected to be installed Wednesday.

Because the work has been substantially completed, the board voted 6-0 to allow the building permits to be issued with the understanding that the wetlands replication work had not yet been completed. Photographs of the final work must be provided for the commission’s records. Chair Melissa Recos said the site will be monitored in the spring to ensure that plantings survived the winter.

DPW Granite Street request for boring installation approved

The commission voted 6-0 to issue a negative determination of applicability for the Department of Public Works’ request to install exploratory geotechnical borings at the Granite Street right of way between 4 Granite Street and 2 Deer Run.

Luke Fromm from environmental consulting firm Tighe & Bond represented the DPW. He explained that the request involved the installation of two geotechnical borings in advance of project planning for a proposed culvert replacement. Four proposed locations were marked on the plan, from which the best two will be chosen based on site conditions.

The exemption was sought because the work proposed is temporary, he added. Cold patch asphalt will be used to fill the locations on the same day.

The peer review conducted by Lucas Environmental pointed out concerns about the wash generated from the proposed work. Fromm said the wash will be pumped into the surrounding wetland areas for disposal outside the wetlands resource area.

Recos noted that the water would have to be pumped “a little bit of a ways,” but Fromm indicated that the town was supportive of the decision because it is for a town project. Also, the water generated would be “relatively minor” and could be somewhat absorbed with straw wattle to prevent erosion and discharge into the wetland areas.

Alternatively, Fromm said that the DPW’s vac truck could be used, which Ciaramicoli said was a good alternative. Recos agreed and said if the vac truck is not used, the commission should be notified of the use of another method in advance of the work.

Ciaramicoli revealed that the project will be funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of the improvement of stream crossing standards.

Hopkinton Stone & Garden hearing continued; 12 North Mill Street discussion rescheduled

The hearing regarding the notice of intent for Hopkinton Stone & Garden at 28 Lumber Street was continued until Nov. 26. Also rescheduled was an informal discussion with Wall Street Development on 12 North Mill Street that now will take place Dec. 17.