The Milton Conservation Commission moved swiftly Tuesday night to ratify emergency measures aimed at preventing significant residential flooding near Pine Tree Brook. Following reports of rising water levels on Mingo and Park Streets, the commission confirmed an emergency certification for the sequential breaching of three beaver dams located between the Harland Street culvert and Canton Avenue.

Christopher Durk, a DCR Dam Maintenance Engineer, explained that the downstream dam had reached a hydraulic height of nearly three feet, creating a backlog that threatened nearby infrastructure. Our plan is to slowly breach them to alleviate flooding, Durk told the commission, noting that work began last Friday using hand tools to avoid rapid surges. Conservation Agent Steve Ibvis reported that while water had backed up toward Mingo and Park Streets, it had not yet breached any residences. However, Durk cautioned that the last house on the right on Harland Street gets affected first when the culvert gets clogged with beaver debris.

The discussion highlighted a growing tension between wildlife preservation and public safety. Maura Kananen of the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) urged the town to consider proactive, non-lethal interventions. Beavers are an important part of the ecosystem, Kananen said. We would like to see proactive, non-lethal ways to prevent clogging, such as beaver deceivers or pond levelers. Chair John Kiernan responded that the commission has spent two years weighing those options with experts but found them unfeasible for a dam of this scale. We've searched for non-lethal ways, but we haven't found a viable alternative given the recurring flooding of Harland Street, Kiernan said. Motion Made by J. Kiernan to approve the issuance of the emergency certification for the removal of the beaver dams near the Pine Tree Brook region. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

The commission also addressed long-term infrastructure needs, with resident John Taber questioning if the town is behind the curve on beaver management. Member Thomas Palmer suggested a larger culvert under Harland Street might be the only permanent fix, though Kiernan noted this remains a significant cost issue for the Town Engineer. To address these recurring crises, the commission established a new subcommittee involving residents, state officials, and NepRWA to seek state grants for culvert upgrades.

Public access to the Blue Hills Reservation took center stage during a request for a Certificate of Compliance for the Walcott Woods development at 1672-1726 Canton Avenue. While project engineer Deb Keller noted the residential project was largely complete, Member Wendy Garpow raised concerns that the promised public parking for trail access was not clearly marked. I visited and didn't feel welcome, Garpow noted. Sean Skale of Northland Residential explained that while DCR was supposed to handle the signage, the developer was willing to step in. I can get that professionally made and installed quickly, Skale promised. The commission required a sign reading Public Parking for Blue Hills Reservation Trail Access as a condition of the project's final sign-off. Motion Made by H. van Lingen to issue a Certificate of Compliance with the condition that the public access signage be installed. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

Environmental concerns regarding utility maintenance also sparked debate. National Grid’s proposal for gas main maintenance on Granite Avenue involves installing zinc anodes to prevent pipe corrosion. Member Thomas Palmer questioned the environmental impact of placing these materials near wetlands. I'm not pleased to learn we are deliberately releasing heavy metals into the wetland edge, Palmer said. Consultant Leah Baspains and resident Bob Hannigan argued the industry-standard practice is a necessary trade-off. Zinc is an essential nutrient in small amounts, Hannigan noted, adding it is preferable to a gas leak. Motion Made by T. Palmer to issue a Negative Determination of Applicability with conditions for staked silt socks and no overnight equipment storage. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

The commission also reviewed several restoration projects, including a garden pond at Winter Valley Residences. Tyler Shansky of Beals Associates reported that the pond restoration, which included removing yellow flag iris and sediment, was successful. Member Ingrid Beattie praised a separate restoration plan at 5 Wagon Wheel Drive, where 30 trees are being relocated due to underground boulders. I like the species list; the larches add good diversity, Beattie said. Motion Made by W. Garpow to approve the supplemental planting plan at 5 Wagon Wheel Drive. Motion Passed (7-0-0). Additionally, the commission approved a second-story addition for 1022 Blue Hill Avenue after Member Arthur Doyle, who noted he knows the property well, recommended approval of the grandfathered footprint. Motion Made by A. Doyle to issue a Negative Determination of Applicability for 1022 Blue Hill Avenue. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

Closing the meeting, the board discussed improving coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW). Member Hans van Lingen reported seeing DPW crews performing heavy maintenance right up to the stream edge along Pine Tree Brook. It seems more than vista pruning, van Lingen observed. Kiernan announced plans to discuss PermitEyes software with the Town Administrator to ensure the DPW and Conservation Commission are better aligned on work orders within jurisdictional areas. We need to avoid stepping on toes and ensure communication, Kiernan concluded.