Stow Property Owners Agree to Penalty, Restoration Work
to Resolve Wetlands Protection Act Violations

The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed Richard and Marilou Bonetti of Stow a $2,500 penalty for violations of the Wetlands Protection Act that occurred at their property on located Taylor Road.

At the request of the Stow Conservation Commission, MassDEP personnel inspected the property and determined that grading and filling had occurred within a Bordering Vegetated Wetland and within the 100-foot Buffer Zone on the property. Inspectors found the activity had resulted in the alteration of a stream bank to an intermittent stream on site. The work was done in violation of an Order of Conditions issued by the Stow Conservation Commission.

As a result of a negotiated settlement with MassDEP, the property owners agreed to establish a schedule for the completion of cleanup actions, and restoration of altered wetland areas as approved by MassDEP. The agreement also requires the property owners maintain adequate erosion controls at the site until all work is completed, and permanently stabilize the disturbed areas.

"An Order of Conditions issued by the local conservation commission outlines the steps necessary to work in or close to wetland resources areas in compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Those conditions must be followed to ensure protection of the natural resources."

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