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Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Meeting
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, October 19, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency was held on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 in the Council Chambers, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Chairperson
Richard Szewczak (7:01 p.m.)
Frank Poirot
Louis V. Tallarita
Patrick Storey
Michael Mosschetti
MEMBERS ABSENT: David J. Wawer, Alternate
Joseph Jedynak
ALSO PRESENT: Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
REGULAR MEETING
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall at 7:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3. Roll Call:
Present were: Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Poirot, Moschetti, Storey, Szewczak (7:01 p.m.), and Tallarita. Also present were Wetlands Agent Neil Angus and Recording Secretary Susan Berube.
4. Executive Session - Matters regarding specific employees, pending litigation, acquisition of real estate and / or matters exempt from disclosure requirements, as needed. The specific reason should be stated for each session.
There were no items for discussion in Executive Session.
5. Public Participation - Issues of concern not on the agenda:
No one in the audience came forward to speak.
6. Correspondence:
Items of correspondence were as follows:
" letter dated 09/22/04 from Mr. Angus to Robert & Cyrilla Montville regarding Agent review of building permit for addition and deck at 26 Rocket Run;
" notes from workshop at UConn attended by Mr. Angus regarding management of invasive plants;
" September/October, 2004 issue of Connecticut Wildlife;
" Authorized Agent permit dated October 15, 2004 to Francis Dicorleto for placement of a shed at 130 Post Office Road;
" letter from Mr. Angus, dated October 15, 2004 to Lara & David Wallace regarding a building permit for an 18'x36' in ground pool at 2 Autumn Drive;
" letter from Mr. Angus, dated 10/15/04 to Bob Artioli regarding un-permitted clear cutting of vegetation at 809 Enfield Street.
7. Commissioner's Correspondence:
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall reminded members of the upcoming CACIWC annual meeting. Members wishing to attend should let Mr. Angus know as soon as possible.
Also, the Conservation Commission invites those interested to join them on October 23, 2004 with members of the Scantic River Watershed Association for a bio-assessment of the Scantic River.
She also announced that Agent Storey will resign after this meeting. Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall expressed appreciation for Agent Storey's dedication and knowledge that he brought to the Agency.
8. Approval of Minutes -October 5, 2004:
A motion was made by Agent Szewczak and seconded by Agent Tallarita to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 5, 2004 as presented. Vote was 3-0-3(Pfeifer-Hall, Storey, Moschetti).
9. Wetlands Agent Report - October 2 through October 13, 2004:
Mr. Angus reported that he contacted the Department of Public Works regarding the erosion problem on North River Street. He is waiting to hear what the recommended solution is.
He has been performing site inspections, following up on several past applications. Shaker Heights erosion problems are being addressed through the Engineering Department and the developer.
Mr. Angus also noted that he is trying to establish a positive working relationship with Staff from the town of East Longmeadow, MA. They have addressed some drainage problems along Taylor Road that were affecting Crescent Lake.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall, noting a meeting Mr. Angus had with the D.E.P. regarding Bailey Road refuse, stated that the site had been the subject of a major clean-up a few years back, removing numerous appliances and other large items.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked if "Burning Bush" is on the Town's list of invasive species. Mr. Angus was unsure if it is included on the list, but agreed that it is an invasive plant.
10. Old Business:
None.
11. New Business:
DPN 2004-10-12 of Cheryl Janes and Mary Laskowski for the proposed re-construction of a retaining wall involving filling and construction within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 53 Ridge Road (Map 58 Lot 441); Zoned R-33 [Submitted October 12, 2004].
Cheryl Janes, Mary Laskowski, and Atul Dalal, engineer, represented the owners.
Ms. Janes explained that she had installed a retaining wall, after going through the Agency, approximately 10 years ago. It is a two-tiered block wall.
Because of changes in the wall, the existing 2 tiers need to be removed and will be replaced with one wall, located in the same place as the lower level of the old wall.
Mr. Dalal explained that he did a site evaluation and designed the new wall to follow the same footprint. It will be 7 to 7 ½' tall; the existing wall is 4' tall.
He noticed some distress in some of the blocks.
Unless the blocks are damaged, the same ones will be re-used for the new wall.
He expects no impact on the wetlands.
Mr. Angus explained that he saw the wall last year and feels that it was not constructed properly, allowing drainage to impact it.
Mr. Dalal agreed that the drainage needs to be addressed. Filter fabric and stone will be installed and also a footing drain consisting of 4" pipe behind the wall which will exit out the sides at a lower elevation.
Mr. Angus explained the need for erosion and sediment controls. He added that the applicant has submitted information to address erosion and sediment controls and stockpiling. It is up to the Agency to determine if enough information has been given so that a permit is not needed or if a full permit will be needed.
Agent Storey stated his appreciation of the applicant taking care of the wall and noticed that it is located well within the 100' upland review area.
Mr. Angus estimated that it is 20 to 25' from the wetlands.
In response to a question by Agent Storey, Mr. Dalal stated that excavation will be required for installation of the geo-grid plus approximately an additional 10 feet. Excavation will take place below the toe of the lower wall.
Agent Storey asked where the stockpile would be located.
Ms. Janes responded that the soil is being removed from the site. Blocks will be re-used or removed from the site.
Trucks will be parked at the edge of the wall or above the wetlands, in an area by the pool that is level.
In response to questions by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall and Agent Storey, Ms. Janes also stated that the equipment cannot be very large. They will probably begin excavating at the top, and then moving toward the lower wall.
Agent Szewczak asked if the pool will be full.
Ms. Janes responded that it had not been opened this year at all and is at least 2/3 full. It should be no problem. She added that a great deal of work will need to be done by hand.
Agent Poirot asked what the time frame of the project is.
Ms. Janes answered that the landscaper feels that November will be a good time to do the project because it should be drier than spring.
In response to another question by Agent Poirot, Mr. Dalal stated that ¾" stone will be used. It will be 10' wide at the top and 6' wide at the bottom, and approximately 67-70' long, requiring approximately 20 cubic yards of material. Also, stone will be needed for inside the blocks. He added that the design for a single wall is for both economy and the need for useable ground on the side of the pool. The Agency questioned the amount of fill material.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noted that many Inland Wetlands and Watercourses rules have changed since the original installation. She and Agent Storey felt that a permit is needed for this application because of the amount of work being done.
Mr. Angus noted that if a full permit is needed, if the applicant pays the remaining fee, the application could be considered received as of today (IW#427) and potentially receive a decision at the Agency's next meeting.
A motion was made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Poirot that a permit is required and provided that the balance of fees are paid so the application can be considered received as of today, October 19, 2004. Vote was 6-0-0.
A motion was then made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Szewczak to table further discussion on IW #427 until the meeting of November 3, 2004. Vote was 6-0-0.
Mr. Angus noted that the applicants will need to provide, by the next meeting, a schematic of the lot and the buildings/improvements on it, the location of the stockpile and where the vehicles will be maneuvering, the sequence of construction activities, erosion and sediment controls, the storage location of the blocks being re-used and the type of landscaping to be used for stabilization.
DPN 2004-10-12(b) of Edward F. Scanlon for the construction of a 10'x 12' concrete slab and placement of a shed involving filling on escarpment slopes and within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 20 Kelly Drive (Map 70 Lot 58); Zoned R-88 [Submitted October 12, 2004].
Mr. Edward Scanlon represented the applicant.
He explained that the slope on his property has been altered. He had installed a pool and neglected to get a permit for a patio and foundation for a shed.
Upon inspection by Mr. Angus of the site for a permit for a deck for the pool, the shed foundation was discovered.
The foundation, which was poured in June, 2004, is at the top of an escarpment slope and is 10x12' in size.
Mr. Scanlon went on to explain that the contractor made a mistake on the forms and the slab is now approximately 2" out of level. He had arranged that the contractor return to remove the slab and re-pour it correctly.
He was told by Mr. Angus that he should come to the Agency to determine whether the entire foundation should be removed and moved elsewhere on the lot or re-poured in the same spot.
Although he was told no building permit was necessary for the foundation, he was not told that he needed approval from the IWWA for the foundation.
Agency members reviewed the topographical map provided by the applicant. The map shows to approximate scale, the location of the pool, deck and shed.
He also provided a large aerial photo of the lot and home so that Agency members could get an idea of the size of the lot.
He noted that the rear yard has a slight grade. There are no wetlands on the property, however there are some at the base of the slope.
The foundation is at the top of the escarpment slope. The disturbed area surrounding the foundation has been graded and seeded, although Mr. Scanlon was not sure if the grass had sprouted yet, as he gets home after dark. He was unsure of how much fill was installed but felt it was approximately 2'.
Agent Szewczak stated that he would prefer that the slab not be removed, causing disturbance to the slope again. The slope is already unstable. He added that if the applicant felt strongly about removing the slab because of the contractor's error, he would prefer to see a full permit process. If the applicant were willing to live with a less than level slab, he would be willing to suggest that a DPN would be in order.
Agent Storey agreed and also agreed that the applicant should understand that the slab may eventually lean even more, because of the instability and disturbance of the slope.
Mr. Scanlon stated that he spoke with Max Welti, a Geo-Technical Engineer. Mr. Welti is familiar with the Kelly Drive area and felt that the slope is less than 45 degrees and not a large concern. He would charge approximately $3,500 for a full engineering report of the lot.
Mr. Angus stated that the pool meets the 20' top-of-slope rule. The slab is directly on top of the slope. He believes that approximately 1 ½ to 2' of fill was brought in. Protection of the crest of the hill is most important.
He had suggested to the applicant that if removal of the slab was necessary, he should consider looking elsewhere on his property for the site.
If the shed is to remain there, runoff from the roof will need to be addressed.
Mr. Scanlon explained that most of the shed area is covered by a canopy of trees. Trap-rock will be installed along the sides of the shed to disperse water from the roof.
Mr. Angus explained that the slope is a fairly abrupt drop.
Agent Poirot asked if the weight of the slab and shed is a concern. Mr. Angus agreed that, although it is minor, it still could be a concern from a stability standpoint.
Although Mr. Welti did not feel that the weight would be an issue, it could cause a burden to the slope and cause possible slope failure in the future.
Agent Poirot asked that if the Agency were to require a full permit, would Mr. Scanlon be required to obtain a full engineering report at a cost of approximately $3,500.
Mr. Angus stated that he would not be required to, however, the report is the only way he knows of to ensure that the proper assessment by a qualified individual has been made and the limitations of the site known.
Mr. Scanlon noted that there is a storm drain located at the bottom of the slope and that numerous trees are grown on the slope.
Agent Poirot stated that the trees may fall over when they meet their angle of repose.
Agent Szewczak agreed and mentioned the importance of smaller vegetation and their root systems.
A motion was made by Agent Szewczak that no permit is needed on this application provided that the applicant leaves the existing slab as it is and the applicant should recognize the instability of the slope and if there is a problem, he should return to the IWWA. Seconded by Agent Moschetti. Vote was 6-0-0.
Mr. Angus added that the grass should be allowed to grow and not be mowed, to help control erosion. If the pool is drained, it should be drained toward the road.
IW#410.2 Camerota Truck Parts Request for Modification to include additional paving and drainage improvements within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 245 Shaker Road (Map 95 Lot 7) Zoned: I-2 [Submitted October 13, 2004; Received October 19, 2004; PPE November 2, 2004; MAD December 16, 2004]
Michael and Frank Camerota represented the applicant.
Michael Camerota explained that the modification involves the right of way being paved. It is located east of the building that was reviewed approximately 6 months ago by the IWWA and runs 1,250' north of Shaker Road.
The engineer has recommended several improvements to the roadway.
" crowning;
" new catch basins;
" add 1 new culvert to drain into the existing swale;
" replace 4 catch basins over the existing culvert and then grind the existing asphalt and resurface the roadway.
Agent Storey asked how much additional water would be entering the wetlands than was in the original application, and was this considered in the original drainage calculations.
Michael Camerota stated that the swales will be cleaned and re-seeded.
In answer to Agency member questions, Michael Camerota also stated that a new layer of bituminous concrete will be installed over the same area. The existing pavement is in very poor shape.
Mr. Angus added that the swales will need to be re-stabilized once they are cleaned out. If this is done properly, the swales will allow for stormwater renovation prior to the drainage reaching the wetlands.
The third page of the plans outline the stabilization plans.
Mr. Angus explained the illustration relating to grades and noted that each low point will have a catch basin.
Engineering comments will need to be made.
Agent Storey noted that one existing catch basin has an 8" pipe; the rest have 12" pipes.
A motion was made by Agent Poirot and seconded by Agent Storey that IW#410.2 is not a significant impact and will not require a public hearing and that this item be tabled until the meeting of November 3, 2004. Vote was 6-0-0.
12. Other Business:
None.
" Next regular meeting will be WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2004 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
13. Adjourn:
A motion was made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Tallarita to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
_________________________
Frank Poirot, Secretary
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