An NOI is a state application form to obtain an Order of Conditions (OOC), which is wetland permit issued by the Ipswich Conservation Commission under both the MA Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and the Ipswich Wetlands Protection Bylaw. The WPA and Bylaw establish the Conservation Commission’s jurisdiction over any activity that will disturb the soil or vegetation within 100’ of a wetland, 200’ of a perennial stream/river, or 150’ from an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (elevation 10’ in certain coastal areas). The Commission, in concert with the Planning Board, also reviews proposed stormwater management at the site to ensure state and local requirements are met.
The NOI is available for review by the public during normal business hours. Copies of the NOI and related plans are available for a fee ($0.05 per 8 ½ x 11” page, and $7.00 per 24” x 36” plan sheet). NOTE: electronic copies of documents and plans are free of change, and may be obtained by emailing Conservation and Planning Assistant, Gail Surpitski, at Gails@ipswich-ma.gov.
The first public hearing for the 59 Turnpike Road NOI filing will be Wednesday, February 1, 2017, in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room (Room A). The public is welcome to attend. Meetings begin at 7:00pm, but new NOIs are scheduled to be heard starting at 8:00pm. The NOI for 59 Turnpike Road is the second new NOI, and may be heard later than 8:00pm depending on the hearings before it, but will not be heard earlier than that time. Conservation Commission meetings are also broadcast on ICAM.
Please be aware: economic development, town character, public safety, traffic, and zoning issues are not within the purview of the Conservation Commission. The Commission’s legal mission is to protect the eight interests of the Wetlands Protection Act and the Ipswich Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Those interests are:
- Protection of public and private water supply
- Protection of groundwater supply
- Flood control
- Storm damage prevention
- Prevention of pollution
- Protection of land containing shellfish
- Protection of fisheries
- Protection of wildlife habitat
At their hearings, the Commission will not hear citizens’ concerns over matters beyond their purview. As such, all comments at the hearing should be limited to matters pertaining to the above interests.
