|
NOTICE OF ACTION
Meeting of the
ENFIELD INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2004
PUBLIC HEARING, if applicable - 7:00 P.M.
OR
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 P.M.
*****COUNCIL CHAMBERS*****
********* ENFIELD TOWN HALL *********
*** 820 ENFIELD STREET,***
** ENFIELD, CT 06082 **
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall at 7:04 p.m.
2. Pledge Allegiance to the Flag
3. Roll Call: Present were: Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Poirot, Storey, Tallarita, and Wawer (7:20 p.m.). Upon Agent Wawer's arrival, he was seated as a full voting member for the public hearing. Also present were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
4. Hearings:
IW#413 of Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company for a proposed above-ground parking garage, parking lot expansion, heli-pad and associated grading and drainage improvements within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 100 Brightmeadow Blvd. (Map 35 Lot 220); Zoned BR [Submitted May 12, 2004; Received May 18, 2004; PPE June 1, 2004; MPHCD July 6, 2004].: Susan Hayes of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, Steve O'Neill of VHB, Dean Gustafson, soil scientist, and Carl Szlachetka of Mass Mutual represented the applicant. Agent Storey stated that he has read the minutes of the previous meeting and feels adequately informed to participate and vote on this matter. Ms. Hayes reported that as a result of the ART meeting of June 2, 2004, the applicant has made significant changes to the plans. Mr. O'Neill reviewed major changes. He noted that 33 surface parking spaces and associated drive isle were removed for a reduction of 13,000 square feet of impervious surface within the upland review area. The snow storage areas have been moved and a grading change made to the helistop so that drainage will not affect the escarpment slopes. Also, the fence has been moved away from the tree line and tightened to be closer to the helipad and no longer crosses the intermittent stream. He explained that the applicant needs the fence for the safety of the 2,000+/- employees on the premises from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily as well as due to the type of business being conducted. A vortechnic unit in the area of the 33 parking spaces has been removed from the plans; it will no longer be necessary. The snow storage that had been planned for that same area has been re-located to areas outside of the 100' upland review area, within existing parking areas. The previous plans called for wetland #2 being used for storm water management. Because of Agency members' concerns brought up at the last meeting, the design has been changed. The outlet constrictor has been removed from the wetland and 2 detention basins will be developed as an alternative. The first, basin "A" is 10,840 square feet and will take drainage from the helistop, drive isles, and roof deck of the parking garage and will have a water quality system. It will have an average holding span of 27 hours, long enough for sediments to settle, but not enough for mosquito breeding. Buffer plantings of native shrubs, trees and wetland seed mix will be used on both basin A and basin "B" which will be approximately 1,500 square feet and take drainage from the fire lane. The under-drain shown on the previous plans has been removed due to soil conditions. The long-term maintenance plan (C-2) addresses water quality units and maintenance of the basins, including inspection and cleaning at least once per year. The drainage to the helistop was revised so that all drainage from the pad will go toward the fire land and eventually to detention basin A. The slope will be re-graded to 5:1 and seeded with a wild seed mix for stabilization. The cross section of the parking garage (C-20) shows the placement of the garage has no impact on escarpment soils. It will match current grade before coming upon the escarpment soils. The fertilization and pest management plan has been included in the plans and a memo gives the layout of the different process plans to show a history of how the applicant arrived at the current proposed plans. Mr. Gustafson stated that the existing wetland functions were compared to those after the proposed development. The development would have the most effect on Wetland #2 which is disconnected from the main wetland system (Water Works Brook) on the property mostly due to past development and agricultural uses. He stated that the disturbance, along with human activity detracts from the ecological integrity of this wetland, especially the wildlife habitat value. Because storm water would be treated prior to entering the wetlands, he feels there will be no direct impact on the wetlands, especially #2, which is closest to the development. Also, compensation for the minor indirect impacts will be made by proposed plantings within the basins and along the side slopes of wetland #2 to provide a buffer between the garage and wetland. Mr. Bob LaCasse of VHB stated that velocities of the pipes could be found in the drainage report. Each pipe will have rip rap and a plunge pool to slow the velocity to 2-2 ½' per second. He also explained that the "off line" system will treat the "1st flush" and should adequately clean the particles from the drainage. In response to a question by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall, Mr. Angus stated that the applicant has provided drawings of previously considered plans as exhibit #17. The current plans are revised to June 11, 2004. Exhibit #9 shows that MassMutual is now the owner of the property. Agent Storey asked why the vortechnic unit is not needed. He noted that it had been included in a previously submitted plan. Mr. LaCasse stated that the area it was to be used for has been eliminated, that of the 33 parking spaces. He also added, as response to another question, the original plans called for a basin within wetland #2 and the vortechnic would have treated the water prior to it entering the wetland. The new plans call for a separate detention basin planted with seed mix for a final cleansing after the drainage has gone through the "off line" system. Also, a snow chute will be used to remove snow from the top floor of the parking garage. In answer to another question by Agent Storey regarding use of porous pavement on the helipad, Mr. LaCasse explained that the clay type of soils on the site would not be suitable for this type of pavement. It is better suited for sandy soils. Agent Poirot asked what size rip rap would be used for the plunge pool in wetland 2 and if grouting the rip rap had been considered. Mr. LaCasse responded that frost heaves create a problem for grouting the rip rap and the sizes of the stone are on the plans. Agent Tallarita asked if placing the helipad on a building had been considered. Mr. Szlachetka stated that it is no longer allowed because of previous accidents. Mr. Angus asked if any geotextile fabric could be placed under the check dams. Mr. LaCasse felt the 3'x1' size was not a large enough area to use finer material. Members and the applicant discussed Mr. Angus's comments dated 6/14/04. Ms. Hayes stated that the applicant would try to address them at this time, but has not had a chance to fully review them. Mr. Angus noted that he wanted to make sure that the Agency members are comfortable with the new treatment system which treats only the first flush prior to entering the detention basin. The proposed vortechnic units were on-line and would treat all drainage going through it. Also, he noted that he felt Ms. Hayes' comment that the past plan had no direct impact on the wetlands was incorrect. Using it as storage is a direct impact. Ms. Hayes stated that her comment had been that there would be no adverse effect, not direct impact. Mr. Angus noted a discrepancy regarding the buffer distance. It shows a 30' buffer, not a 130' buffer. He also noted that the center landscaped island will be converted to parking and would discharge into the offline baffle system. No other treatment for this drainage would occur prior to it entering Water Works Brook. He also expressed concern that almost ½ of the drainage of the helipad would still drain toward the escarpment slope and suggested use of a yard drain or some other method to divert the water. Mr. O'Neill stated that the grade will be raised an additional 6" so that the edges are 135.5 on both the southeast and northeast corners. Mr. Angus also stated that the long term maintenance plan must include the responsible parties. Best management practices are not included in the maintenance plan to ensure that use of fertilizers and pesticides have no impact on the wetlands. Also, removal of invasive species previously discussed are not included on the maintenance plan. Also, Appendix E& F should be included on the plans. Mr. O'Neill offered to include all details of E&F on the plans. Mr. Angus also expressed concern that the plans do not show enough detail of the construction process to help the Agency members know what they are being asked to permit. Mr. O'Neill agreed that clarification is needed. He added that stockpiling will be removed from the site. Any storage on site will be outside of the upland review area. Mr. Angus asked that the location be shown on the plans. The plans will show the stripping of topsoil. There will be minimal re-use of the t |