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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 responded to appropriately in due course.

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.   See the Conservation Commission page for the updated meeting dates and filing deadlines.  If you have any questions, please contact our office at (978)623-8630 or Conservation@andoverma.gov

6. When are the Conservation Meetings held?

Conservation Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. The meetings currently being held virtually via Webex with the Agenda posted prior to the meeting.  If any member of the public or abutter to a project wishes to participate in the virtual meetings, please email Conservation Staff at Conservation@andoverma.gov and include your name, the project address and your email address.  The recordings of the Conservation meetings are made available on the Town of Andover website after the meeting.

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 paper copies of various DEP application forms. Our most common applications, such as Applications for Determinations of Applicability, Notice of Intent, Certificate of Compliance and Satisfactory Completion of Work Certificates can also be found on our webpage. 

 The Town uses the State DEP Forms. At the time you file, you should submit 9 copies of the application form including the “plan”, together with the appropriate legal ad fee made payable to the Town of Andover and payment of the By-Law fee, if applicable, all as stated on the Instruction Sheets.  If you are unsure which application to file for your project, please contact the Conservation Department.

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.