The Woburn Conservation Commission closed the public hearing for a revised, scaled‑down office building proposal at 8 Presidential Way (DEP file 348-892). Attorney James Mahn and civil engineer Brian Jones presented changes including additional test pits, updated flagging and an amended operation and maintenance plan addressing rodent control for the detention basin.

Mahn told the commission the current proposal reduces a previously approved 60,000-square-foot office building to a 20,000-square-foot project and that the applicant had provided a legal memorandum and the requested field work. Brian Jones of Allen and Major Associates discussed the test-pit program, soil classification and jurisdictional status of an on-site detention basin. Jones said the previous filing had determined the basin to be non-jurisdictional under both the Wetlands Protection Act and the local bylaw and that the applicant updated the operation and maintenance plan to include rodent control.

The nut graf: commissioners focused on stormwater performance and construction sequencing — test pits showed variable fill and native sand/gravel layers, groundwater indicators at the deepest pits, and the applicant explained how the infiltration and detention systems will function during and after construction.

Commissioners questioned infiltration assumptions (soil classification and percolation) and asked about the depth of test pits (some reached nearly 11 feet), seasonal high groundwater indicators at the deepest pits, and the depth and condition of existing corrugated metal pipe (CMP) storm drains. Jones said a licensed soil evaluator classified subsurface material as loamy sand (B soil) under fill and that sand/gravel layers suitable for infiltration were encountered below variable depths of fill (0–36 inches in some locations, up to 84 inches in others). Groundwater or seasonal high water indicators were observed at the deepest pit.

Commissioners also discussed the applicant’s selection of aluminized corrugated metal pipe rather than HDPE for larger diameter drainage, with the applicant noting manufacturer claims of extended life for aluminized pipe and that plastic alternatives are not practical at diameters above about 5 feet. Commissioners asked for city engineer review as required by the special permit; the applicant agreed. The commission also asked for an illicit discharge compliance sign-off from the owner; the applicant agreed that could be added as a condition.

The applicant reported timely cleanup of dumped materials discovered on the site and said the property manager will inspect the site daily once the building is active. The applicant described construction sequencing: partial fill of the existing basin for building placement while maintaining sufficient detention/storage during construction; infiltration systems and timing of paving will be coordinated to protect infiltration material and avoid compaction.

After discussion the commission voted to close the public hearing; the motion passed on a voice vote. The commission emphasized conditions to be satisfied before construction including city engineer review/approval of stormwater, illicit-discharge documentation and continued coordination on sequencing and site inspections.

Ending: The hearing was closed; the commission set pre-construction expectations and will rely on city engineer review and submitted documentation to confirm stormwater systems prior to issuance of an Order of Conditions.