Residents Invited to Weigh In On Wetland Protection Bylaw Updates

Changes will affect a number of properties in town

If your home is near wetlands, you’re likely aware that the town has a Wetland Protection Bylaw, based on Mass. state law, that dictates what alterations can and can’t be made close to the protected area. In November, Tewks­bury’s conservation agent, Joe Fontaine, along with Con­servation Commission Chair Dan Ronan hosted the first of two public information sessions to gather resident comments on proposed chan­ges to this bylaw. You can learn about that first session here.

The proposed updated Wetland Protection Bylaw is expected to come before Town Meeting in May, so if your property is affected, it’s a good idea to get informed now.

Proposed changes include making application procedures and timeframes more consistent with the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and its associated regulations, tweaks to the language used to describe what waivers are allowed under the Bylaw and placing the governance of “minor exempt activities” within the ComCom’s control. Note that Tewksbury’s bylaw and regulations are in some cases stricter than state law and provide additional protections for our wetlands.

As an example, one change would clarify what factors the ConCom will consider when measuring the potential for adverse impacts to wetlands if a homeowner put a pool or shed on on what was previously a lawn within a buffer zone or riverfront area.

In short, given the number of wetland areas in town, these changes will affect a large number of properties.

Residents can see the current 2013 bylaw, a comparison of the current and proposed bylaws, an explanation of major differences and draft copies of proposed regulations on the town’s website.

Interested residents are advised to take a look at the proposed changes and attend the second virtual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 05:30 – 07:00 p.m. Information and links to access this meeting are here.

Residents can also call Fontaine with any questions.