Acushnet Conservation Orders Peer Review of Hunter Street Wetland Violations

ACUSHNET — May 27, 2026 — Acushnet Conservation Commission sends Hunter Street wetland case to peer review after site visit uncovers multiple violations. The commission voted unanimously at its May 27 meeting to authorize conservation agent Julie to contact peer reviewer LEC Environmental Consultants for a cost estimate after a May 22 site visit at 16 Hunter Street found unauthorized fill, altered stream flow, and unpermitted bridge crossings within a bordering vegetated wetland buffer. Neighbors from Bridge Street, including Charles Witch of 6 Bridge Street, presented drone photographs and GIS maps alleging that more than 30 feet of adjacent land was cleared and that fill was dumped even after a verbal cease-and-desist was issued. The commission's chairman warned the property owner that full enforcement — potentially including a costly Notice of Intent filing and mandatory restoration planting — was possible if peer review findings require it, and said the case would appear on every future agenda until resolved. Separately, EPA project manager Chris Kelly presented a draft memorandum of agreement that would require wetland permit applicants to notify the agency before any work within 100 feet of the Acushnet River, mirroring ordinances already in effect in New Bedford and Fairhaven; the commission forwarded the draft to town counsel for review.