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06.24.2026_pb_minutes_unapproved.pdf

Document

Town of Mason, NH 
Planning Board 
16 Darling Hill Road, Mason, NH 03048 
 
Meeting Date:  June 24, 2026 
Location: Mason Elementary School, 13 Darling Hill Rd. Mason NH 03048 
Minutes: Unapproved 
Call to Order 
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Dane Rota. 
Attendance 
 
Attending Absent 
Voting 
Dane Rota (Chair) 
X 
 
X 
Katie Boots (Vice Chair) 
X 
 
X 
Chris Jones 
X 
 
X 
Antje Skorupan 
X 
 
X 
Jenny Scholl  
X 
 
X 
Cassie Cashin (NRPC) 
X 
 
N/A 
Sarah Harkonen (alt) 
X 
 
 
 
 
Date of Next Meeting 
The next meeting is Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7 PM at Mason Elementary School. 
Minutes of Previous Meeting 
The Board reviewed minutes of May 27, 2026 for omissions and corrections. Spelling correction of a first 
name made on Line 93. 
Antje made a motion to accept minutes, Katie seconded. 
Motion passed with unanimous vote. 
Communication to the Board 
Submittals received from the applicant.  

Email testimonies received.   
NRPC review of traffic study. 
Public Hearing 
 
Public Hearings:  Hearings on submitted applications and regulatory changes - No hearings will be 
started after 9:00 pm. (Hearings in progress at 9:00 pm will proceed at the Planning Board’s discretion) 
 
MAS PB 2026-01: An application by 1524 Brookline Road, LLC, owner, proposing an 
excavation site plan on Tax Map H Lot 31 (67.01 acres) located on Brookline Road. The 
proposed excavation is designed with 8 phases and is expected to span 8-15 years 
where the applicant will excavate and screen up to 5 acres at a time, with a trucking 
route proposed south along NH Route 13 through Brookline, NH. Zoning District: GRAF. 
 
Representing the project:  
Jeffrey Brem, PE Meisner Corporation 
John Durkin, Onyx Corporation 
Amanda Mirifield, Onyx Corporation 
Mike Tierney of Wadleigh, Starr and Peters PLLC on behalf of Onyx Corporation 
Kim Eric Hazarvartian, Ph.D., P.E., PTOE from TEPP LLC 
 
Dane: 
Primary purpose of the meeting was for allow the Board to deliberate the applicant's final 
submittals in advance of making a decision to approve the application.  Only abutters would be 
allowed to comment prior to the Board's deliberations. Brookline's town officials in attendance 
acknowledged and both Alan Rosenburg and Michele DeCoteau (cc above) did speak on behalf 
Brookline as an abutter.  Also stated that the Board would consider taking public comment, time 
permitting, following deliberations.  
 
Cassie:   
Discussed final submittal and correspondence from the Town of Brookline and remaining issues on the 
checklist.  Discussed third party review of Excavation Plan, Reclamation Plan and Stormwater 
Management Plan.   
Discussed possible traffic study third party review and road degradation and bond.  Baseline pavement 
conditions should be established in MOU.  Review of the traffic assessment by TEPP, LLC by NRPC 
concurs with the conclusion that proposed truck routes can accommodate the increased traffic volume 
anticipated by the project.  NRPC is concerned about road degradation due to heavy vehicles and safety 
during morning and afternoon peak hours.  
Discussed dust monitoring at the eastern edge of the property, outstanding fees and trucking operation 
schedule.  
Discussed Onyx Operation Procedures and trucking schedule and traffic plan.   
Discussed Onyx Emergency Action Plan.  Onyx is proposing this as a condition of approval. 
Discussed Performance Guarantee proposed by Onyx as a condition of approval. 
Ecological Review document submitted to NH DES to be reviewed by the planning Board.  Planning 
Board has not reviewed these yet.  This document was sent to Mason Conservation Commission one 

week ago and Cassie received it today. Jeff Brem stated the Planning Board does not need to review it.  
Discussed two vernal pools and how the process “is a little different.” 
Discussed waivers required by Mason Excavation Regulations Section IX.C. and buffer restoration plan 
for Phase 1B. Need formal approval from Mason BOS in accordance with Mason Planning Ordinance 
Article IV.D.2.f.  Waiver also required Mason Excavation Regulations Section IX.H.   
Discussed Plat changes needed for septic and wells on H-30 and H-31, Notation and tree planting, on-
site fueling plan and engineering specs for concrete slab. 
 
Mike Tierny:  Traffic expert retained by Onyx and this is a collaborative process.  TEPP LLC traffic study 
reviewed discussing crash data, roads, school buses.  “Bottom line roads are adequate for trucks.” 
   
Allen Rosenberg/Brookline:  Has concerns about the environment, roads, and enforcement of any 
agreements.  Discussed drought, water supply, traffic study accuracy and errors, traffic study short 
period of time and extrapolation of this data, adequate geometry, heavy vehicles, and concern that 
Brookline “becomes responsible for the whole Mason Road.” Recommendations include Stormwater 
Management Plan have a third-party review and the Traffic study a third-party review of the report.  
Also requested are road and infrastructure study evaluating long-term impacts of heavy truck traffic by 
NRPC or an Engineer qualified in road structural analysis, draft of AoT with Brookline Conservation 
Commission included as a reviewing authority, realistic on-site fueling plan with a design for all vehicles 
and equipment with an engineered plan for the concrete fueling pad and any third-party reviewers 
should be acceptable to the Mason Planning Board and be NH Certified professionals. 
Michelle Decoteau/Brookline: requested legal counsel. 
 
Dane:  Read NRPC review of traffic assessment, peak travel and potential risks posed by applicant’s 
proposed trucking schedule.  Also mentioned that there should be separate MOU with Brookline 
regarding road repair and maintenance resulting from Onyx heavy vehicle traffic. 
 
Mike Tierny: “Mason Planning Board has no authority to talk about road degradation; the Mason 
Selectmen do.”   
 
Dane:  Announced Mason Planning Board to start deliberations.  Public comments may be allowed 
afterwards, time permitting.  
  
Antje: “The study is difficult to understand.”  Concern for heavy vehicle traffic to be focused and this is 
not done.  May not need a third-party review just need to “crunch the numbers.”   
Chris:  Discussed trucks on weekdays and weekend.  Heavy vehicle definition unclear.  “Difficult to 
review the study.”  
Jen:  Opinion that the traffic assessment from TEPP LLC is incomplete and subjective.   
Heavy vehicle parameters are not defined. “Are you comparing home heating or home propane truck?  
These trucks weigh 33,000-35,000 lbs. fully loaded.  A large 5 axle highway tanker can weigh up to the 
federal limit of 80,000 lbs., local deliveries through Mason roads (winding and hilly terrain) rely on 
smaller single or tandem axle trucks.   
Meaningful omissions in the traffic assessment include Level of Service Analysis of intersection 
performance especially Route 13 and Mason Road.  What is lacking is delay, cue length and road grade.  
There is no Pavement Impact Analysis.  Heavy trucks cause disproportionate road wear.  MA 119/Route 
13 intersection in Townsend is mentioned but no analysis of the impact of truck trips.  Secondary route 
is barely analyzed; no speed measurements, no data, and no crash history.  No turning radius analysis 
especially the intersection of Rt 13 and Mason Road.  Site line analysis is incomplete and uses the 

incorrect vehicle type, passenger car not heavy trucks therefore stopping distances are understated.  
The traffic assessment does not address community concerns, regarding road wear, noise and safety.  
These gaps need supplemental analysis by an independent third party before approval.   
Katie:  Agrees 
Dane:  Speaks of assumptions assessment makes and assuming of dry conditions. Discussed ambiguity of 
road geometry and weight.  Requesting a third-party review.  Discussed concerns including safety on 
major roads vs rural roads. “Mason roads are not like other roads.”  Would like to see mitigation factors 
for speed, weight limits, engine brakes usage. Very concerned about noise.  Truck speeds will be a 
selectmen decision.  Recommends a third-party study.  Discussed operating Monday -Friday only, no 
Saturdays or Sundays or Federal Holidays for trucks.  Need more details regarding site line information.  
“There is consensus for a third-party evaluation.”    
Antje:  Discussed general legal definition of hours of operation of a normal working hours in the United 
States, which is 7A.M-5P.M.  Monday through Friday and no holidays for trucking.   
Chris:  Shares concerns with increased truck traffic when children waiting for the school bus.   
Antje:  Bus routes are set times.   
Chris:  Requests no trucks until children are on the school bus.   
Jen:  Agreed with no trucking on weekends to preserve rural life as in the Master Plan. 
Katie:  Discussed posting roads in spring.  “If a truck coming and the road is posted, where do trucks turn 
around?” Dave Morrison will inform Mason Selectboard and the Selectboard will inform Onyx.   
Amanda Mirifield:  Discussed the 12 pieces of equipment that will be located at the excavation site.   
John Durkin:  Discussed wheeled vehicles and track vehicles.  Discussed Best Management Practices and 
when these are used.   
Dane:  Discussed working together for a commonsense action plan.   
Katie:  Inquired about fueling station.  
John: Durkin:  Informed “will be developed as plan develops in accordance with MSHA .”  
Vehicles/equipment will move w the operation.   
Katie:  Discussed public safety and signage.   
Antje:  Engineered fueling pad.  MHSA approval.   
Chris: “The important thing is the integrity of the pad.”  The need for a Spill Plan and inspection on a 
regular basis.    
Katie:  Questioned the 10-foot tree buffer on Babb Meadow Road.   
Antje: “Meets minimum in regulations.“  
Katie:  Feels 10 feet not enough.  Does noise have to be addressed?  
Antje: “Ordinance requires the vegetative buffer.”   
Chris: “Minimum state standard.”   
Katie:  Is that an appropriate buffer?   
Jeffrey Brem:  50-foot buffer unless it is an approving abutter.  “Tom Moran owns the land next to Babb 
Meadow Road bordering the excavation site and wants the area to be cleared on purpose for solar 
panels.”   
Chris:  Discussed road edge buffer must be 35 feet. Chris wants to make sure it is 35 feet. 
Dane:  Dust control:  Site visit was helpful.  Community oriented dust control.  Onyx agreed to place dust 
detection monitor anchored on concrete pad.   
John Durkin:  Looked at prevailing wind patterns.  The dust monitor is very specialized and expensive. 
Dane:  Requesting more specificity of the dust monitor plan, including not exceeding Federal EPA “2.5” 
standards for dust emissions near site perimeter boundaries. 
John: Durkin: “If we have WIFI, we will be notified of a spike.”  The unit is calibrated by a third party.  
The manufacturer of the dust monitor trains Onyx on how to use it; they provide a certificate yearly.  “I 
can’t make a call from the excavation site, but I have a WIFI repeater.” 

Chris:  Discussed dust monitoring.  Chris reached out to the state of NH and dust monitoring is not a 
requirement.  The state dust monitoring control is visual.  “I think this is a huge step up. “   
Dane:  Discussed dust mitigation with water and use of toxic chemicals such as calcium chloride if water 
is ineffective or unavailable.   
Chris:  Concern for trucking water in. “If this happens, it needs to meet NH drinking water standards.” 
Approximate usage is 4,000-6,000 gallons per day.  No wells will be needed.  Discussed sustainable yield 
estimate.   
Antje:  Phase 3 pond, is it for dust control?  Is it deep enough?   
Jeffrey Brem: States the Phase 3 pond is deep enough. Discussed sustainable yield. 
Chris: “If they run out of water, it is their problem.”  Thinks 4000-6000 gal per day is accurate, with peak 
time, they can’t go above this estimate.   
Dane:  Discussed possible third-party review.  Chris is comfortable with the data to date but “there are 
other topics need to be discussed about the pond.”   
 
Current Public Hearing will go beyond 9 P.M. 
 
Dane:  Is there a subcontractor for trucking?  
John Durkin:  Subcontractors have agreement to upkeep licensure and are all subject to DOT rules.   
Dane: Shared safety concerns with drivers that were taken out of service and inspections. Inquired 
about use of engine brakes.  Such brakes are cause of unacceptable noise in residential areas all along 
proposed trucking route. 
John Durkin:  States he cannot agree not to use truck engine brakes for insurance reasons.  “I have no 
problem with decreased speed limits. “  
Amanda Mirifield:  Discussed limiting the use of engine brakes for noise control.  “Just let us know if 
noise is a problem with braking and we will inform trucker.”   
Dane:  Looking to work with Onyx and supervision of truck drivers, including subcontractors.    
John Durkin: “We won’t allow truckers to misbehave.” 
Dane:  Emphasized this is rural residential community.   
Chris:  We need to give Onyx clear direction. 
Dane: Spoke of lower speed limits.  Specifically recommending selectmen establish heavy truck speed 
limit.  
Chris:  Ponds:  Mason regulation 4 feet above seasonal water.  Two small ponds and the large pond in 
phase 8 should always be above the water table.  Pond in Phase 8 does not meet Mason regulations 
therefore a waiver is needed. Asked if there is need for a third-party review?   
Antje:  In favor of a third-party review.   
Dane:  Sustainable Yield calculation is important. “If we can get the applicants to request an extension 
and get a third-party review for an informed decision.”  
John Durkin:  States he is concerned about length of time a hydrological geological study takes. States he 
is frustrated because it is considered later in the application process.   
Jeffrey Brem: “Borings, k values and to get an engineer to approve it will take many months.”  
Chris: “A review only, not a whole study.  If the water level goes below, then they must shut down. “  
Dane:  Asked if Onyx is ok with an extension?  Onyx replied yes. 
 
The Planning Board discussed remaining issues to be addressed with Onyx and agreed upon the 
following: 
 
Please see Document MAS PB 26-01—1524 Brookline Road Excavation: Remaining Issues 
Checklist (Attachment 1) 

 
Liz Fletcher:  Aquifer protection ordinance needs a conditional use permit.   
Dane: Inquired about perimeter fencing for the site. 
John Durkin:  Recommended no fencing.  This allows anima migration.  Entrance gate will be in place.   
Chris:  Bus schedules to be provided to Onyx.  Onyx may go to the selectboard for exceptions.   
 
Applicants agree for an extension for this Public Hearing to continue July 29, 2026. 
Dane:  Motioned to extend this Public Hearing to July 29,2026 and Antje seconded.    
 
Public Comments:   
Katie Kramarczyk, 6 Mason Road in Brookline: Inquired about ability to speak at next public hearing on 
7/29. 
Michael Groen: “Are they going to open the operation to the general public?”  Dane explained that raw 
materials will be trucked from Mason to Sterling, and that the operation is not open to the public. John 
Durkin confirmed.     
Theresa Horton, Brookline:  Traffic study concerns.  There is more traffic when school is out for the 
summer and when Tevya has summer camp.   
 
Liz Fletcher:  Concerned about handling of more than 55 gallons of fuel and feels as though Onyx will 
need a CUP with a spill plan. Will discuss at the next CC Meeting.   
The public hearing was closed at 10:38pm.  The applicant requested a continuation to July 29th at 
7:10pm. The Planning Board unanimously voted in favor. 
  
Other Business  
• Planning Board recommendation for NRPC Commissioners (vote) 
To defer to July meeting. 
 
• FEMA FIS & FIRM pending updates – in 90-day comment period. 
 
• Regulatory Changes 
To continue the public hearing to July 
 
Adjournment 
Chris made a motion to adjourn at 10:40 P.M., Antje seconded. 
Motion unanimously passed and the meeting adjourned.    
 
Minutes Respectfully submitted by:  
Jenny Scholl, Planning Board Member 
 
 

(Attachment 1)  
MAS PB 26-01 – 1524 Brookline Road Excavation: Remaining Issues Checklist  
 
□ 3rd party engineering review of Excavation Plan, Reclamation Plan, and Stormwater 
Management Plan,  
Water Yield pertaining to the 3 proposed ponds to be excavated for dust suppression water. 
Specifically, the request for a waiver to excavate below the water table, consistent with 
provisions for exceptions section 13 of the regulations.    
This review shall include a review of the information and work product provided by the 
applicant to date. Scope shall not include additional sub-surface explorations at the site. 
Review be limited to the supplied information adherence to the State and Local 
regulations and standard engineering practice.    
 
 
□ Traffic Study – PB to review and decide if 3rd party review is needed 
Independent evaluation of speed restrictions (are the posted speed limits in the primary and 
secondary haul route appropriate for the proposed trucking? Reviewer to consider if additional 
signage is required for safety.   
General safety to Trucking during peak hours.  
Review be limited to the supplied information adherence to the State and Local regulations and 
standard engineering practice. Accuracy of the study, appropriateness of the methodology and 
the data collected. 
 
□ Pavement Degradation – PB to review proposed $50,000 bond by Onyx and decide if legal 
review is needed. Baseline Pavement Condition should be established in MOU. 
 
□ Performance Guarantee – Onyx is proposing this as a condition of approval, and amount not 
less than $60,000 and format deemed acceptable to the Mason BOS. 
 
□ Dust Monitoring – Onyx has proposed condition to install dust monitoring device on eastern 
edge of property and provide quarterly reports to the Mason BOS. Is this sufficient to the PB? 
 
Dust control action plan to be included in the operations plan. Action levels and response to be 
defined for observed dust levels as monitored by the proposed plan. PM 2.5 shall be monitored 
for action at 35 micrograms per cubic meter.  Provide plan on the methodology for monitoring 
by phase.  
 
□ Outstanding fees – John and Jeff missed the email communication and will pay escrow $1434 
overage, as well as cut checks for $4,700 excavation escrow & $5000 escrow for 3rd party 
reviews. 
 
□ Trucking and Operation Schedule 
Monday through Friday normal business hours (7am to 3:30pm) for trucking.   
Trucking to avoid to the extent, possible with Elementary bus schedule. Schedules to be provided 
for consideration to Onyx by the Mason Planning Board.  
Site operations hours as provided.  

 
□ Updated EAP needed – all highlighted areas filled out, reference to Brookline Ambulance 
added. Onyx is proposing this as a condition of approval. 
Update to reflect hours in Milford, NH urgent care. Recommended routes based on care needed. 
 
Waivers 
□ Waiver Required to Mason Exc. Regs. Section IX.C. & buffer restoration plan for Phase 1B. 
Get formal approval from Mason BOS in accordance with Mason Planning Ordinance Article 
IV.D.2.f. - vegetation to remain as a visual barrier as BOS deems necessary. 
 
□ Waiver Required to Mason Excavation Regs. Section IX.H. – A depth of four (4) feet of 
original material shall remain in place above the seasonal high-water level. Proposed ponds are 
to be dug directly into the groundwater table. 
 
Plat Changes Needed 
• 
General locations for septic systems & wells on H-30 and H-31 be shown on the final Plan Set 
(using a cloud figure showing the general areas).” 
• 
Include a notation and location for tree plantings intended to be staggered Eastern White Pine 
trees (scientific name: Pinus Strobus) installed at 10’ – 12’ on center within the disturbed buffer 
of Phase 1B. These trees are native to this area. 
• 
On-site fueling plan and engineering specs for concrete slab, Typical detail to outline for means 
of controlling spillage to environment. Subject to revision based on review from MSHA. 
• 
Note to be added indicating that… No water from external sources to be applied for dust 
suppression at the site.    
• 
Note granted waivers on plan.