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1. How do I get in touch with the Conservation Commission to make my concerns known or ask questions?

Comments can be submitted in writing to the Conservation Commission at any time prior to the closing of the public hearing by emailing them to CONSERVATION@ANDOVERMA.GOV or mailed to the attention of the Conservation Commission at the Town Offices. Copies will be provided to the Conservation Commissioners, Conservation Staff and placed in the public file. As with all testimony, it is most helpful to raise concerns early in the permitting process.

2. Why didn't the Conservation Commission respond to my email or letter?

The Conservation Department is subject to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. c30A, sec.18-25). If members of the Conservation Commission respond to a communication outside of a public hearing, it could be a violation of the Open Meeting Law. All communications will be discussed and responded to during the public hearings.

3. Where is the Conservation Division located and what are your hours?

First floor of the Town Offices, located at 36 Bartlet Street.
Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm.

4. What is the difference between a wetland and conservation land?

Conservation land is property owned by the Conservation Commission or under the care and custody of the Conservation Commission. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.

5. When does the Conservation Commission meet and what are the filing deadlines?

The Conservation Commission meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month with a filing deadline of 2 weeks prior to the regularly scheduled meeting. Below is a schedule of meetings and the deadlines: January 15, 2019 - filing deadline December 31, 2019 February 5, 2019 - filing deadline January 22, 2019 February 19, 2019 - filing deadline February 5, 2019 March 5, 2019 - filing deadline February 19, 2019 March 19, 2019 - filing deadline March 5, 2019 April 2, 2019 -filing deadline March 19, 2019 April 16, 2019 -filing deadline April 2, 2019 May 7, 2019 - filing deadline April 23, 2019 May 21, 2019 -filing deadline May 7, 2019 June 4, 2019 -filing deadline May 21, 2019 June 18, 2019 - filing deadline June 4, 2019 July 2, 2019 - filing deadline June 18, 2019 July 16, 2019 -filing deadline July 2, 2019 August 6, 2019 -filing deadline July 23, 2019 August 20, 2019 -filing deadline August 6, 2019 September 3, 2019 -filing deadline August 20, 2019

6. When are the Conservation Meetings held?

Conservation Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. The meetings are generally held in the Town Offices Building at 36 Bartlet Street. Specific dates, times and locations of meetings can be obtained by contacting the Conservation Division at 978-623-8630 during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

7. If I am requesting to do work in the 100-Foot Buffer Zone, how do I obtain a permit from Conservation?

For small projects located entirely or partially in the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone (but not within 200 feet of a perennially running stream or river) you may submit a Request for Determination of Applicability with a plan sketch or other description of the work to be done, showing any measures you plan to take to protect nearby wetlands from alteration. If the project is determined to have no wetland impact, you will be given permission to proceed as soon as a 10-day appeal period passes.

8. What type of form is used to apply for a conservation permit?

Andover Conservation Division in the Town Offices has copies of various DEP application forms on file. The Town uses the State DEP Forms. At the time you file, you should submit 9 copies of the application form including the “plan.” You should also check with the Conservation Division to obtain filing fees.

Permit application kits may be viewed and downloaded from the State Website linked below, or obtained from either the nearest DEP Regional Service Center or DEP Info Line (617-338-2255 in the Boston area or 800-462-0444 for outside of Massachusetts or from area codes 413 and 508).

Mass Department of Environmental Protection

9. I am looking at a house for sale. Can you tell me if there are any wetlands?

The Conservation Division has wetlands maps in their department that are available for your review. In addition we can research our files to see if we have had a previous filing which may have a more updated “Plot Plan” with Wetland Delineations.” Our office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm, or you can contact our office at (978)623-8630 with any questions.

10. How can I obtain copies of DEP regulations and/or the Local Wetland By-Law?

Many, but not all, may be viewed and downloaded from the DEP’s Publications Page linked below. They also may be purchased from the Massachusetts State Bookstore, with branches at the State House in Boston (617-727-2834) and State House West in Springfield (413-784-1376). The Andover Local Wetlands Protection By-Law Regulations can be viewed online in the Town’s “Code of By-Laws,” Article XIV Wetlands Protection By-Law. The Conservation Division also has copies available. Mass DEP Publications Page

11. Is the permit issued by the Conservation Commission the same as a building permit?

No, they are two separate permits. Once you have received a permit from the Conservation Commission, you must apply for any other permits required.