Rochester Conservation Commission — September 15, 2026

The Rochester Conservation Commission met on September 15, 2026, chaired by Chris Gerrier. The commission handled several hearings, continuing notices of intent for John Graham (DEP SE 272-0671) and Walnut Plain Road Solar 1 (DEP SE 272-0668) to October 6, 2026. A public hearing for High Street Solar (DEP SE 272-0665) for Site B off High Street concluded with the commission voting unanimously to issue an order of conditions matching the requirements previously established for Site A, noting that the project had eliminated direct wetland impacts and limited work to the buffer zone.

The commission also granted a negative Determination of Applicability to Kevin Krimme of 32 Gerrish Road for the installation of a hot tub on an 8-by-8-foot deck in the buffer zone. An informal discussion was held regarding Mr. Krimme's request to remove encroaching white pines and ornamental umbrella pines in an adjacent historic cranberry bog wetland, for which the commission advised a separate Request for Determination of Applicability or Notice of Intent would be required.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an ongoing discussion concerning aquatic weed management at Snipatuit Pond. Conservation Agent Merrilee Kelly presented information on herbicide treatments, contrasting Navigate (2,4-D) with Sonar (fluridone), with the commission leaning toward Sonar as recommended in a newly submitted management report. The board agreed to invite key commercial cranberry growers and the herring inspector to the upcoming October 6 meeting before taking further steps. Finally, the commission approved meeting minutes from September 1, 2026, an invoice of $128.50 for FileGuard, and a $1,000 voucher to Water and Wetlands for the Snipatuit Pond management report.

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