Andover will need to provide more information and possibly conduct a peer review before the state Environmental and Energy Affairs Office signs off on a controversial plan to pave a trail at Haggett’s Pond.
Residents who use the wooded recreational area have opposed the plan to pave a dormant railroad bed, saying it would impact the water supply and diminish the character of the popular hiking spot. And, at least on the environmental argument, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is agreeing with opponents until Andover officials prove otherwise.
According to state comments on Andover’s Notice of Intent for the project, the Town failed to provide testing data, an alternative analysis on the environmental impacts, and plan details to support its claim the culvert replacement work will have no environmental impact. The state recommended Andover submit a peer review of its proposal.
“Without information to the contrary, MassDEP believes at least temporary [environmental] impacts are likely,” the state’s response said.
The Town says the project would “be the first Town-sponseres and Americans With Disabilities Act compliant trail in Andover” and would provide “opportunities for persons of all abilities to enjoy Haggetts Pond.” The pavement, the Town said, would also prevent the trail from being washed away in heavy rainstorms.
A grassroots campaign opposing the asphalt-paved trail at Haggetts Pond has emerged in recent months, with residents posting lawn signs and speaking at public meetings where the project is being considered. Seven residents spoke in opposition of the project during the public comment portion of Dec. 11’s select board meeting. They want the Town to use crushed stone on the trail, saying the paving will force the removal of trees and vegetation and chemicals from the asphalt could leak into the water.
“How could anyone familiar with this great resource make a plan that would destroy what’s so unique and special?” Cuba Street resident Wendy Bossons told the select board. “It’s a suspicious argument to state that the intent of this project is to make the Haggetts Pond rail trail accessible. Haggetts Pond is already wheelchair accessible.”