Bridle Crossing Nears Final Approval in Marshfield

MARSHFIELD — The proposed Bridle Crossing subdivision is one step away from full approval, according to updates delivered at the Marshfield Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on April 8.

Engineer Ed Pesce of Pesce Engineering & Associates told board members the developers have recorded their plans, completed Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review, and are awaiting one final environmental permit to proceed.

“They did finish MEPA review and sent me the MEPA certificate, which dated last month,” Pesce said. “They’re down to their last thing that they would need.”

The last remaining approval is a Conservation and Management Permit from the state’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. That permit, Pesce said, is required because of the amount of land being disturbed on the site.

“I understand that the conservation management permit is pending,” he said. “I don’t have a good deal for when that would be released.”

Board Chair Brian Murphy and Vice Chair Heidi Conway expressed interest in being notified once the permit is received. Pesce said he would ensure the board is kept updated.

Groundwater Concerns Addressed

The project’s proximity to the town’s aquifer has prompted concern in local forums, including MarshVegas. In response, Pesce presented a point-by-point rebuttal to several claims, particularly around septic system density and the town’s groundwater analysis.

Challenging a claim that “very few septic systems” are present in the area, Pesce said, “There are over 650 septic systems over this particular aquifer… That equates to 214,500 gallons per day.”

He also clarified the source of a groundwater study referenced online, emphasizing that the Zoning Board did not conduct the analysis.

“The ZBA didn’t run the study,” Pesce said. “The DPW ran the study.”

Pesce explained that earlier interpretations of the study led to public confusion.

“We asked for an additional study… to verify that some of the assumptions were unfortunately a little overzealous and also worst case,” he said. “And in my opinion... made some people in town very concerned and incited a lot of fear and uncertainty.”

Board Response and Next Steps

Murphy thanked Pesce for the thorough explanation and said the board needed time to review the materials.

“I think the information we got tonight... is very interesting and it makes a lot of sense,” Murphy said.

The board voted unanimously to continue the discussion to its next meeting on April 22.

For more Marshfield new, visit South Shore Times' Marshfield homepage.