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Planning Board Restricts Blasting Operations

Monarch Path developer Ebi Masalehdan of Groton appeared before the Planning Board to request a change on a blasting permit he held for lots 10 and 11, transferring that approval to lot 8 in order to remove 30 feet of rock ledge so he can install a Dbox for a septic system. Monarch Path is located off Gilson Road and features high end homes on the market for well over a million dollars. Masalehdan told the board that he plans to use a high frequency drill that has 'no noise', placing double mats over the blasting area. He estimated that the work could be completed in two to three days.

Planning Board Chairman John Giger reminded Masalehdan that there had been a problem with the blasting in the past that required a Cease and Desist Order from the Planning Board, but that this is now in compliance. He stressed that the actual blasting can occur only between noon and 1 p.m. with no blasting allowed on Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

Masalehdan's permit which was issued Oct. 18, 2010 gave him permission for 20 business days of blasting. The Planning Board, said in granting the requested change, that this would reduce that amount by five days.

According to Masalehdan, there are two other lots - #5 and #6 - that will require some blasting on "two big ledges" in order to install a retention pond and a foundation that will be some 550 feet from one abutter and 750 feet from another abutter.

Land Use Director Michelle Collette said that the town's engineering consultant from Nitsch Engineering evaluated lot 5 and 6 and asked for test pits to determine the exact location of the ledge and determine whether or not it could affect the basin and may need to be reconfigured. She advised that there is no method shown for the rock removal on Masalehdan's request and that the engineer told her, "There is no way you can do this basin without blasting."

Giger expressed concern that the blasting needs to be regulated to minimize "noise at the site. All mechanics are regulated by the Fire Chief. Our job is to manage the noise for the neighbors." Planner Russ Burke reiterated that this is a one hour per day blast limitation and colleague Carolyn Perkins reminded the Board that the "neighbors have put up with a lot of noise."

Masalehdan will have to return to the Board for a new permit once there is clear understanding of what blasting needs to be done for lots 5 and 6 for the retention pond.

The Board voted to authorize the move to lot 8 for the blasting of a five by 30 foot ledge as a field change and that there can be no deviation from the original permit.

Collette reminded the Board that neighbors in both Groton and Littleton will need to be notified of dates and times of the blasting.

Groton Herald

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