|
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Meeting
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency was held on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
PRESENT: Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Chairperson
Frank Poirot
E. Patrick Storey
Richard Szewczak (8:24 p.m.)
Louis V. Tallarita
David J. Wawer, Alternate (7:20 p.m.)
ABSENT: Michael Mosschetti
Joseph Jedynak
ALSO PRESENT: Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall at 7:03 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 lane 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 topsoil.
Mr. Gustafson added that the Best Management Practices on use of pesticides and fertilizers near the wetlands and removal of invasives within wetland #2 will be added to the plans.
Mr. Angus asked if the buffer between the driveway and detention basin was the best location for it.
Mr. O'Neill stated that the basin could not be located any further from the wetland because of the topography.
Mr. Angus expressed concern over the outfall of both detention basins and the possibility of erosion beyond the rip rap pad.
Mr. LaCasse answered that the pads reduce the velocities to 2 - 2 ½' per second. Also, the plans require regular inspections and if erosion occurs, it will be taken care of.
Mr. Angus also noted that the erosion and sediment controls are very close to the wetland areas and suggested the agency consider having the applicant relocate the controls closer to the limits of disturbance.
Mr. O'Neill agreed to do so.
It was also noted that only detention basin "A" will be used as a temporary sediment basin.
Members and the applicant briefly discussed Mr. Cabibbo's memo dated 6/15/04.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked Mr. Angus to verify Mr. Cabibbo's knowledge of the vortechnic unit being removed from the plans. It was noted that the velocity of the exiting water from the garage drainage was of concern to Mr. Cabibbo.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked if the catch basin at the northwest corner of the entrance was included in the previous application (IW#412) for cleaning of sediment.
Mr. Angus stated that only the plunge pool areas that had contaminated sediments above acceptable levels were cleaned. No permits for wetland #3 were requested.
In answer to another question by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall, Mr. O'Neill stated that the vortechnic was removed because there will be no parking in that area, according to the latest plans. The existing system is working adequately. The "off line" baffle system proposed is 2 tiered with the drainage going first through the sediment control and then into the detention basin.
In answer to another question by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall, Mr. O'Neill stated that the areas that were disturbed will be planted with a seed mix. The area is currently a meadow type with a few shrub growth areas and is generally not mowed.
After brief discussion, a motion was made by Agent Wawer and seconded by Agent Storey to continue the public hearing until the Agency's next regular meeting, scheduled for July 6, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Enfield Room. Vote was 5-0-0.
A motion was made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Wawer to close the public hearing portion of the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Vote was 5-0-0.
REGULAR MEETING
1. Call to Order:
The regular meeting was called to order by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall at 8:24 p.m.
2. Roll Call:
Present were: Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Poirot, Storey, Tallarita, Szewczak, and Wawer.
Agent Wawer was seated as a full voting member for the regular meeting.
Also present were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
3. 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.
4. Public Participation - Issues of concern not on the agenda.
No one in the audience came forward to speak.
At this time the agenda was amended through a motion by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Szewczak to change the order of the agenda and move to Approval of Minutes (#8). Vote was 6-0-0.
8. Approval of Minutes -- June 1, 2004 Meeting:
After brief review, a motion was made by Agent Szewczak and seconded by Agent Tallarita to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 1, 2004 with the following amendments: page 9, 9th paragraph, remove last word of sentence "Massachusetts" and replace with: "abutting towns and does as a courtesy to Massachusetts"; page 10, 8th paragraph, 2nd sentence, remove "placing the proposed pad adjacent to the existing pad" and insert "it". Vote was 5-0-1(Storey).
At this time, a motion was made by Agent Tallarita and seconded by Agent Poirot to change the order of the agenda and move to Old Business. Vote was 6-0-0.
10. Old Business
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].
A motion was made by Agent Wawer and seconded by Agent Tallarita to table discussion of IW#413 until the meeting of July 6, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Vote was 5-0-1(Szewczak)
IW#414 of Anocoil, Inc. for a proposed mechanical pad involving excavation within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 230 Shaker Road (Map 94 Lot 8); Zoned I-1.[Submitted May 12, 2004; Received May 18, 2004; PPE June 1, 2004; MAD, August 5, 2004]:
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall excused herself from discussion on this application due to a potential conflict of interest.
Agent Storey stated that he has read the minutes of the previous meeting and feels adequately informed to participate and vote on this matter.
Mr. Dana Steele of J.R. Russo and Mr. Alan Seagrave of All Phase Enterprises and Mr. Richard Bombadier, Senior Project Engineer of Anocoil represented the applicant.
Mr. Steele explained that one new alternative is being proposed along with revised plans dated 6/10/2004.
The Agency had asked for consideration of the pad to be placed south of the existing pad. Two options are available.
The first is the same plan as proposed at the last meeting, with some revisions of cutting back the size of the pad and moving the new structure closer to the existing oxidizer and the second is the new alternative.
Mr. Steele explained that the first proposal has been revised to have 10' of the corner of the pad removed and the fence angled to reduce the area of disturbance. The pad was also reduced by 4' on the east side and the fence brought in 5' on the east side.
In the second proposal, the pad is on the south side, making it closer to the wetlands. The size could not be reduced by wrapping it around the existing pad.
He presented a schematic from Anocoil.
Schematic #1 shows the original fence and new limits of the pad and fence. The pad was located 12' from the wetlands and is now 20 to 21'.
Schematic #2 shows that the ductwork from the building would need to be bent to meet the new units, with a gate for access, making it closer to the wetlands.
It would have a pad 100 square feet larger than the 1st plan and only a 1' differential setback from wetlands between plan #1 and plan #2.
Mr. Steele presented a narrative of the alternatives shown plus additional alternatives that had previously been considered, prior to submittal of the application.
Mr. Steele went on to explain that once the new oxidizer is up and running, the older one will be shut down and used only as a back up. One unit must be running at all times.
He added that the feasibility in terms of the operations of Anocoil, finance concerns, and time constraints, Schematic #1 is the superior option for the applicant.
Schematic #2 would be significantly more costly, but the applicant is willing to use this method if necessary.
Mr. Steele presented photos of the existing site and oxidizer for the record.
He added that schematic #2 has areas of overgrown grass and shrubs which would be impacted.
Moving the pad to the west side would involve moving the berm.
In response to questions by Agent Poirot, Mr. Steele stated that the access gate area would be grassed, not paved.
Mr. Bombadier added that the maintenance crew typically goes into the area without a truck unless maintaining the fan, which is very heavy. Need for a fire lane would be a Planning & Zoning issue. Emissions have been reviewed by the Fire Marshal who had no concerns. This fact could be put in writing if the Agency requests it.
Mr. Bombadier went on to briefly explain the workings of the oxidizer. He stated that the emissions start out as air with a small concentration of solvents, mostly alcohol. The emissions are permitted by the D.E.P. 95% of the hydrocarbons and solvents are turned to water vapor and carbon dioxide. The new unit is very efficient. The old unit uses 30 million c.f. of natural gas yearly. The new unit uses no gas and would be 99% efficient. The vapors evaporate. The unit will be delivered in parts, on 3 flatbed trucks plus the fan.
A crane will be used to put the pieces in place. The crane will travel along the access road and rail ROW and under the 17' high duct work.
Schematic #2 would be more difficult to work with, without impacting soft soils and would have a larger impact on the upland review area.
Also this schematic would require extra ductwork, create more friction and create a need for an additional fan motor, creating more noise.
In response to a question from Agent Szewczak, Mr. Steele stated that the stack on schematic #2 is closer to the wetlands than the 1st plan.
Agent Szewczak also noticed that the fence on the north side in the photos is discolored and asked why.
Mr. Bombadier stated it is due to mold. It is a vinyl coated chain link fence. It is not caused by emissions.
He added, in response to a question by Mr. Angus, that the existing gas line will be removed. The new one will tee and continue along the ductwork inside the enclosure.
Mr. Seagrave answered questions from Agent Szewczak. He stated that the slab will be on gravel with no frost wall. The unit weighs 165,000 lbs.
Mr. Steele answered other questions by Agent Szewczak. He stated that approximately 5' outside the proposed fence will be clear. Only one corner will extend into the existing vegetative area. The remainder will be within existing lawn area and no new lawn area will be created.
It was the consensus of the members that a public hearing on this application is not necessary.
It was also the consensus of the members to consider Alternate #1.
A motion was made by Agent Poirot and seconded by Agent Storey to approve IW#414, alternate plan 1A as having the least impact and shows no potential impact on the wetlands, with the standard 10 conditions, in addition to the following:
11. Limits of disturbance must follow the proposed silt fence or hay bales shown on the plan entitled: "Site Plan Anocoil, 230 Shaker Road - Rte. 220, Enfield, CT Assessor's Map 94 Lot 8" dated 5-5-04, revised 6/15/04. No disturbance is authorized any closer than 15 feet from wetlands;
12. The Wetlands Agent must be contacted to inspect and approve the installation and location of the erosion and sediment controls prior to any construction for the pad;
13. No outdoor storage of chemicals and/or lubricants are permitted as part of this permit;
14. With the exception of the additional items stated in these conditions, this application is approved in accordance with Site Plan entitled: "Site Plan Anocoil, 230 Shaker Road - Rte. 220, Enfield, CT Assessor's Map 94 Lot 8" dated 5-5-04, revised 6/15/04. Any changes that would potentially cause greater impact to wetlands or watercourses, such as enlargement or reorientation of structure footprints, from the plans and any denial or changes made by any other regulatory agency or commission shall require the permitee to come before the Enfield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency for a Permit Modification or Determination of Permit Need (Jurisdictional Ruling).
Vote was 5-0-0. Reason for approval was that the applicant has demonstrated that the project will not adversely affect wetlands and watercourses.
At this time, Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall returned to the meeting.
5. Correspondence:
Correspondence was as follows:
" Warning letters from Mr. Angus dated 5/28/04 to Josephine Sheriden, 67 Post Road, Bhanmatie & Narain Bhoj, 65 Post Road, David & Nancy Marryat, 63 Post Road, and Paul Oliver, 61 Post Road, all regarding removal of material within a regulated area;
" compliance letter dated 6/3/04 from Mr. Angus to Richard & Kathleen Ferreira of 10 Strawberry Lane regarding removal of woodchips;
" information on interlocking concrete pavements;
" Road 2000 maintenance plan
" technical design manual on vortechnic units;
" compliance letter from Mr. Angus dated 6/10/04 to Nuger Realty Limited Partnership regarding 841 Enfield Street;
" Authorized Agent wetlands permit dated 6/10/04 to Robert Van Nostrand, 20 Falcon Crest Street for an above ground pool;
" letter from Mr. Angus, dated 6/10/04 to John & Jeanne Rago, 8 Strawberry Lane regarding escarpment soils;
" warning letter from Mr. Angus, dated 6/10/04 to Jacek Muszynski, 16 Clear Street regarding escarpment soil disturbance;
" letter received 6/10/04 from The Connecticut Federation of Lakes requesting volunteers for Secchi Disk Measurements.
Mr. Angus stated that he is working with the Town and Hartford County Soil & Conservation District regarding an informational mailing to property owners with escarpment soils.
6. Commissioner's Correspondence:
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall received a copy of a letter to Agent Moschetti congratulating him on his 4 year appointment to the IWWA.
7. Approval of Minutes -- June 1, 2004 Meeting
(see page 7)
9. Wetlands Agent Report - May 27, 2004 through June 9, 2004:
Most items were covered within the agenda.
Mr. Angus reported that he did follow up on the North Street Erosion & Sediment Control situation and also inspected the parking lot under construction at 6 Niblick Road and the plunge pool replacement of IW#412.
He met with the D.E.P. regarding Autumn Fields and expects a modification of plans for the mitigation of the sand dune tiger beetles.
He also noted that he spoke with two of the Post Road property owners that were sent warning letters.
Mr. Angus will be meeting with the Town's attorney regarding violations of conservation easements and Bush Lane non-compliance.
11. New Business
None
12. Other Business
Legal Procedure review follow-up discussion:
Mr. Angus asked for feedback from the recent meeting with the Town's Attorney.
Agent Tallarita felt it was informative, especially as a new member.
Agent Wawer suggested a meeting be held perhaps every 6 months.
Mr. Angus asked Agency member to forward any legal questions to him. Over time, a list of issues could be developed that could warrant another session.
o Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at 7:30 PM in the Enfield Room.
13. Adjourn:
A motion was made by Agent Wawer and seconded by Agent Tallarita to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Last Updated: Friday, Aug 06, 2004
|