Harwich conservation panel presses DPW on reservoir runoff
Conservation · Meeting of September 16, 2026
Harwich conservation panel presses DPW on West Reservoir runoff, backs septic wall over objection. Resident Alan Hall told the Conservation Commission stormwater has poured untreated off Bells Neck Road into West Reservoir for years, calling it "number one priority" given the pond's cyanobacteria risk; the commission agreed to send a formal letter to the DPW and Select Board liaison Mark Kelleher and authorized emergency erosion controls. Commissioners also voted 6-0-1 to amend an order of conditions allowing a stone retaining wall to protect a septic system at 11 River Bend Road, over West Harwich resident Noreen Cahalan's objection that it conflicted with a no-wall flood condition.
The board separately backed a $25,000 Harwich Conservation Trust grant request toward a $125,000 accessible boardwalk at Herring River Marsh View, authorized up to $6,000 for a Center for Coastal Studies salt marsh study, and approved 7-0 votes replacing the Herring River boat ramp and dredging Saquatucket Harbor Marina.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,440 words
Source: the Conservation meeting of September 16, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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