Medford Conservation Commission Delays MWRA Pipeline Vote, Seeks Stream-Bed Restoration Details

MEDFORD — September 2, 2020 — Medford Conservation Commission unanimously continues MWRA pipeline permit, seeking stream-bed restoration details. The seven-member commission voted 7-0 at its September 2 remote meeting to delay a decision on a Notice of Intent filed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to rehabilitate water transmission pipelines at two Medford locations: a Winterbrook site near Hicks Avenue, where a 1922 cast iron water main on deteriorating wood piles would be replaced and buried underground, and a Malden River crossing off River's Edge Drive, where a 42-inch pipeline would be cleaned and epoxy-lined without full replacement. Commission members said they were not ready to approve the project without written documentation on how the disturbed stream bed at Winterbrook would be restored and protected from scour. "I feel like that's an unknown that I think I feel a little bit as a stretch to approve and then condition," said commission member Lindsay. Engineers from Weston & Sampson, representing the MWRA, agreed to submit a written summary from the project specifications within one week; the hearing continues September 16.