Bridgewater Conservation Approves Trail and Subdivision Lots, Disputes State Agency Over Soil Testing

BRIDGEWATER — July 9, 2026 — Bridgewater Conservation Commission clashed with state DCAM officials over soil testing requirements for an unauthorized stockpile near Bridgewater State University's Burnell Hall. At the July 9 meeting, chaired by Marilyn McDonald, the commission heard from Ryan Moore, First Deputy General Counsel for the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, who presented a remediation plan for between 700 and 800 cubic yards of fill placed without authorization along Great Hill Drive, encroaching approximately 10 feet into the 100-foot wetland buffer zone. Conservation Agent Dan Levesque demanded RCS1 Tier 1 soil testing, saying "I know a lot about soil. I really like to see the testing," while Moore pushed back, arguing commission jurisdiction stops at the buffer zone. The body directed DCAM to return with a request for determination of applicability filing. Separately, the commission unanimously approved notices of intent for two Ducksboro Estates lots at 21 and 26 Hewittson Way and issued negative determinations on failed-septic upgrades at 339 Auburn Street and 65 Alignment Place, while continuing the Old State Farm Trail notice of intent to July 23 pending a supplemental replication plan following Levesque's completion of a full solo site walk.