The Springfield Conservation Commission approved a negative determination of applicability for subsurface exploration related to NSTAR Electric Company's transmission-line replacement project, provided the applicant gives advance notice to the commission and abutters before work begins.

Anna (NSTAR representative) told the commission the work consists of one z-cut (20–25 feet deep) and two geotechnical borings (approximately 15 feet deep, 9-inch diameter) at two locations: the Basketball Hall of Fame south parking lot (Boring 6) and adjacent to 720 Wilbraham Road at Lake Lookout (Z Cut 13 and Boring 27). Anna said the activities are temporary, will occur mostly within paved or already altered areas, and would be backfilled and restored to existing grade. She noted the project is planned for winter 2025 into 2026 and that each boring or z-cut would be one-day operations.

Staff advised that while similar subsurface work can be exempt under 310 CMR as a public service, the Springfield ordinance does not automatically exempt the activity; the commission therefore must interpret local applicability. Anna said there would be "no permanent alteration to buffer zone being proposed" and confirmed that work in the roadway would limit disturbance to existing paved areas.

Commissioners asked about traffic closures and whether emergency access to a nearby school would be maintained; Anna said one lane would be closed at a time for the single-day work and the contractor would coordinate with abutters to maintain access. A motion to issue a negative determination was made with the condition that the commission and abutters be notified prior to work; the motion passed by roll-call vote.

The commission recorded the determination subject to the notification condition; the applicant is responsible for scheduling, notifying abutters and the commission, and restoring work areas after borings.