NAHANT — Concerns about construction impacts, site management, and environmental safeguards dominated a recent discussion by the Nahant Conservation Commission, as members reviewed ongoing work tied to the Northern Strand Bikeway near the Nahant Causeway.
The issue from the previous meeting was the contractors’ staging, or “lay down,” area at the end of the Nahant Causeway, where materials have been stored during construction.
Commissioners noted that while conditions have improved slightly, questions remain about safety, environmental protection, and long-term site restoration.
“It does seem that they’ve cleaned it up a little bit,” Member Mark Patek said, before raising concerns that certain safeguards, such as a silt screen, had still not been installed.
Amy Lynch, a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), addressed the Commission and outlined steps already taken.
She explained that the contractor had been directed to “pull it back” and condense stored materials to remain within the pathway limits, aiming to improve both the appearance and safety of the site.
Officials said additional measures are planned in response to earlier feedback. These include more visible signage, improved trash removal, and relocation of fuel storage outside the flood-prone area.
A flood contingency plan will also be required, given the site’s location within a coastal storm flood zone.
“There’s a lot of parties involved in this,” Lynch said, noting that the land is owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), while MassDOT manages the construction contract.
The overlap in responsibilities contributed to earlier missteps. “Some of these precautions weren’t taken ahead of time… It’s a bit of a complicated project with so many stakeholders,” she added.
Despite the complications, it was emphasized that the project remains on schedule. Construction of the path segment through Nahant is expected to take place around July, with the full contract slated for completion by November.
By mid-summer, the staging area is expected to transition into an active construction zone and eventually into the finished pathway.
“There’s no reason we see that they won’t be completed this fall,” Lynch said, while acknowledging that unforeseen issues could potentially extend work into the spring.
Commission members pressed for clarity on what would happen to the staging area once the Nahant portion is finished.
While some materials may temporarily remain due to the project’s two-town scope, stretching from Lynn into Nahant, the area would not persist in its current form.
“Not to the extent that’s there now, because it’ll be a pathway,” Lynch indicated.
Still, concerns were raised about the transfer and storage of materials originating in neighboring communities, as well as the growing size of stockpiles. “The pile grows every day,” Member Tom Famulari questioned whether some of the material would be reused or removed.
Other questions focused on enforcement and accountability. Commissioners emphasized the importance of tying contractor payments to proper site restoration.
In response, Lynch confirmed that while she does not directly authorize payments, construction staff work closely to ensure compliance.
“You’re 100% right, money talks,” she said, adding that contractors are typically required to meet cleanup standards before final payment.
Environmental concerns also surfaced, particularly regarding dust control and soil conditions.
With recreational fields nearby, commissioners asked whether measures such as watering down piles would be used to limit airborne dust.
Lynch said she would confirm whether such controls are included, but noted that spraying water is a common practice.
Looking ahead, commissioners discussed potential impacts on planned landscaping, including tree planting. Questions were raised about soil compaction and contamination, especially given prior fuel handling and concrete storage on site.
Lynch also said that topsoil and planting specifications should address most concerns, and that any failed plantings would be replaced under contract guarantees.
“We have contingencies for one year for any planting,” Lynch said. “If it doesn’t work, then they have to replace it.”
Despite lingering concerns, commissioners expressed cautious optimism. “It sounds like we’re close to resolution,” Conservation Commission Agent Kristin Kent said, noting that the staging area should be eliminated within a few months.
The Commission ultimately indicated a willingness to allow continued use of the area in the interim, provided that MassDOT and the contractor adhere to improved maintenance and monitoring practices.
