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Issue · Amherst, NH

Golden Valley Way Industrial Site Plan

Proposed construction equipment storage and paving facility raises aquifer contamination and wetland buffer loss risks in a protected district.

Overview

Golden Valley Way Holdings LLC seeks approval for a 10,000 sq. ft. paving contractor shop that raises aquifer contamination and brook trout habitat concerns. The planning board accepted the applications on May 20, 2026, after a May 6 continuance, heard mitigation details, and continued review to June 17 pending additional safeguards.

Background

Golden Valley Way Holdings LLC submitted applications for a non-residential site plan and conditional use permit to develop a 10,000 sq. ft. contractor's shop and yard for a paving company at 30 Northern Boulevard.

The planning board first addressed the matter on May 6, 2026, when it granted the applicant's request to continue the review to the next meeting.

On May 20, 2026, the board accepted both applications for review after staff clarification on overlay districts, then heard a presentation from Jason Hill of T.F. Moran detailing phased development, reduced paving, dark-sky lighting, turtle mounds, and specialized catch basins to address wetlands and aquifer concerns.

Board members and residents raised questions about hydrocarbon runoff from paving equipment, vehicle washing residues, soap entering water sources, building placement in the wetland buffer, and the adequacy of proposed mitigation including oil-water separators and a membrane under the slab.

The board continued the applications to June 17, 2026, after requesting additional safeguards and scheduling a site walk for June 4, 2026.

The proposal carries high risk of groundwater contamination in a sensitive aquifer and impacts to brook trout habitat, affecting local residents, environmental advocates, and downstream water users.

On June 17, 2026, the applicant presented revised mitigation measures including enhanced wetland buffers, improved stormwater treatment with oil-water separators, and a five-year groundwater monitoring plan, clarifying the building's use for secure equipment storage. The board expressed significant hesitation over permanent wetland buffer removal and aquifer risks, leading to postponement of the hearing.

How it unfolded
The board granted a continuance request from Golden Valley Way Holdings LLC, moving review of cases PZ20030-040626 and PZ20031-040626 to the May 20 meeting.
2026-05-06Planning Board
The board voted unanimously to accept both the site plan and conditional use permit applications for review, heard the applicant's presentation on environmental mitigation measures, engaged in extensive questioning on runoff and contamination risks, and voted unanimously to continue the applications to June 17 at 7:00 PM with a site walk scheduled for June 4.
2026-05-20Planning Board
The applicant detailed revisions including enhanced wetland buffers, improved stormwater treatment with oil-water separators, and a five-year groundwater monitoring plan. The Board expressed significant concerns regarding permanent removal of wetland buffers, groundwater contamination risks, and wildlife impacts, then postponed the hearing to August 5th.
2026-06-17Planning Board
Arguments in favor
Phased development plan with redesigned layout reduces paving by 10,000 sq. ft. to minimize impacts on wetlands and aquifer protection district.
planning-board 2026-05-20
For
Use of dark-sky LED lighting and wildlife protection measures such as turtle mounds and specialized catch basin openings addresses environmental concerns.
planning-board 2026-05-20
For
Coordination with state agencies supports the mitigation strategies for the paving contractor shop and yard.
planning-board 2026-05-20
For
Enhanced wetland buffers, improved stormwater treatment with oil-water separators, and a five-year groundwater monitoring plan further mitigate environmental impacts.
planning-board 2026-06-17
For
Arguments against
Potential hydrocarbon contamination from paving equipment and residue on vehicles poses risks to the aquifer during rainstorms.
planning-board 2026-05-20
Against
Soap from vehicle washing and residues from paving materials could enter local water sources and affect brook trout habitat.
planning-board 2026-05-20
Against
Building placement within the wetland buffer and adequacy of the landscape plan require further mitigation like oil-water separators and slab membranes.
planning-board 2026-05-20
Against
Permanent removal of a quarter acre of wetland buffer and potential long-term environmental consequences from the development.
planning-board 2026-06-17
Against
Petroleum products are prohibited in the aquifer protection district and the applicant has not demonstrated sufficient avoidance and minimization of impacts.
planning-board 2026-06-17
Against
Key voices
“Presented a site plan and conditional use permit detailing phased development, environmental mitigation strategies for wetlands and aquifers, and coordination with state agencies.”
Jason Hill (T.F. Moran)planning-board 2026-05-20
“Expressed concerns regarding potential disturbance of wildlife and plants and how soap from vehicle washing and residues from paving materials would be prevented from entering local water sources.”
Pamplanning-board 2026-05-20
“Questioned the claim that no maintenance or repairs would occur on-site and raised concerns about potential hydrocarbon leaching into the aquifer and the adequacy of the proposed landscape plan.”
Board memberplanning-board 2026-05-20
“Expressed significant concerns regarding the potential for long-term environmental consequences and the maintenance of the proposed protections.”
Pamplanning-board 2026-06-17
“Raised concerns about the active wildlife, specifically nesting turtles, in the area designated for the paved driveway and stockyard.”
Gloriaplanning-board 2026-06-17
“Clarified that the commission's position is that the applicant has still not demonstrated sufficient avoidance and minimization of environmental impacts and noted that petroleum products are prohibited in the aquifer protection district.”
Lutz (Amherst Conservation Commission)planning-board 2026-06-17
What's next

Hearing postponed to August 5th at 7:00 PM.

Golden Valley Waypaving contractorwetlandaquifer