Members of the Andover Conservation Commission are asking why language in a permit was changed after it received unanimous approval.
The permit was part of Gillette’s $1 billion to plan to modernize its facilities in South Boston and Andover, which includes moving 450 jobs to the long vacant P&G Campus in Andover. When the permit was approved, commissioners included a condition preventing the emission of chemicals into wetland areas. At a Dec. 3, commissioners noticed the word “emission” and the phrase “into any wetland resource” were omitted from the special condition regarding the storage, disposal, or emission of PFAs and other hazardous materials.
Commissioner Floyd Greenwood said the commission needed to discuss preventing similar errors in the future and review past decisions to make sure there were no similar errors.
“If we’re not going to discuss reviewing historical cases, then we need to figure out exactly how this happened, because it does call into question everything we’ve ever voted on, every single time we’ve made a change,” Greenwood said
Chairman Donald Cooper acknowledged the error but downplayed its significance, calling the original language he and the other commissioners voted for “a gesture.”
“The question that I’m jumping to is, do we want to do anything that would in effect take a step back and reopen this hearing in any way?” Cooper said. “I don’t think it’s worth it in this case.”
Cooper was also reluctant to review past decisions, saying, “Let’s talk about going forward. I’m not in the mood for forensic discussion regarding years ago.”
The commission concluded the discussion by agreeing to consult with town counsel to see if the change could be made as a simple administrative correction. Commissioners also tabled discussion on preventing future errors and reviewing past decisions until its January meeting.