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Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Meeting
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency was held on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
PRESENT: Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Chairperson
Frank Poirot
Kathleen Sarno
E. Patrick Storey
Richard Szewczak
David J. Wawer (7:13 p.m.)
ABSENT: Joseph Jedynak
ALSO PRESENT: Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent
Susan Swiatek, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall at 7:01 p.m.
2. Pledge Allegiance to the Flag:
There was no flag available for the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call:
Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Poirot, Sarno, Storey, Szewczak, and Wawer (7:13 p.m.). Present also were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Swiatek, Recording Secretary.
4. Hearings:
IW#406 of Alford Associates, Inc. for a building addition, parking lot expansion and associated drainage improvements within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 135 Freshwater Boulevard (Map 56 Lot 24) Zoned I-P [Submitted February 11, 2004; Received February 17, 2004; PPE March 2, 2004; MPHCD March 23, 2004].
Wilson Alford, Jr. represented the applicants.
Agents Storey and Szewczak stated that they have reviewed all information and correspondence on this matter and are up to date on this application.
Mr. Alford explained that the subject parcel is located on Freshwater Boulevard. The existing building is 18,288 square feet, existing pavement & walks equals 41,432 square feet for a total coverage of 20.45% of the 6.4 acre site.
Proposed plans will increase the size of the building area to 31,394 square feet and the pavement and walks areas to 110,143 square feet for a lot total coverage of 48.46%.
Mr. Alford went on to say that the topography leaves Freshwater Boulevard as the highest point on the site.
Vegetated areas include lawn and secondary growth from the time of the original construction of the building in the mid 1980's.
Existing roof leaders flow overland to the wetlands. All of the existing storm drains from the warehouse and parking areas go to the storm water ditch without being treated. The wetland ditch is manmade and low quality. They are the only wetlands located on the actual property.
Mr. Kevin Rothschild Shay, architect for the applicant explained that the driveway will be adjusted, and the front landscaping and buffers to the north west will be enhanced. The parking area will include landscaping and an efficient layout to minimize parking as much as possible. 270 to 290 employees are expected to be working there.
Mr. Alford presented drawings of the site after proposed construction. Roof drainage will be collected and piped into a closed storm drain system. Three outlets are located along the eastern section of the site, draining into the proposed water quality basin. Catch basins are proposed to have extra deep sumps and hoods. 4' sumps will be at the end of the line; the remaining catch basins will have 2' sumps.
He also presented a profile drawing of the basin. Water will enter in three areas, build up and flow over a stone berm into the existing swale. It is sized to hold up to 1.6" of rain before exiting into the second berm. Retainage of the water will allow sediment to leave and for the water to be filtered by grasses.
In response to Agent Szewczak's question of whether or not the berm will become less effective over time, Mr. Alford explained the construction and materials of the berm. He stated that the berm has some filtering capabilities, but its' main purpose is to slow the flow of water. Sediment will likely remain around the inlet points in the basin. Most fines are already filtered out when the water reaches the berm. The berm is protected by Mirafi fabric so it will not become clogged. Also, the flow will not be high velocity. Water quality is accomplished by holding and filtering through the grasses.
Mr. Alford briefly reviewed his proposed maintenance schedule for the storm water management system. It includes annual sweeping of the walks and parking areas, monthly inspections and annual clean-out of catch basins and monthly inspection of the swale.
Mr. Alford also briefly reviewed the proposed sequence of construction which included as the first item, installation of a construction entrance, complete with tracking pad. Fencing will then be erected both for erosion control and to delineate limits of construction. The remaining items were listed and presented for the permanent record.
The only direct impact on the wetlands will be at the northeast corner of the site where approximately 200 square feet of wetlands will be disturbed in association with construction of the berm.
Disturbance will take place within the upland review area on the south and east side of the property but at least 40' to 50' away from the wetlands.
Proposed mitigation for these areas will be the construction of the water quality basin, the depth of which will be approximately 4'. This will allow at least the north east area to have a permanently wet bottom which will allow wetland characteristics to develop over time.
Mr. Alford reviewed the planting plan. Proposed plantings include buffer plantings and mitigation plantings along the drainage ditch. Several invasive species existing on the property will be removed.
In response to a question about the roadway by Agent Szewczak, Mr. Alford replied that the owner would like the corporate headquarters to "look nice". The construction of the roadway allows for access to the service area and daycare center.
Mr. Shay explained that a masonry wall will be built to hide the entrance to these areas from the front.
Agent Szewczak asked if the building could be pushed to the north so as to be further away from the wetlands just beyond the southern border.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noted that the applicant has not presented any alternative plans.
Mr. Shay stated that the service area would not have steady traffic.
The offsite wetlands zig zag away from the property line. Moving the building would impact the drainage area and the owner would lose the identity of the building and add more pavement to the project.
In response to another question by Agent Szewczak, Mr. Shay stated that the 155 parking spaces required by the Zoning Ordinances is less than the 254 being provided and less than the 293 actually projected to be needed. Parking shortages will be overcome by staggering shifts and use of carpools.
Because the roadway near the service area was cut from 24' to 13' in width, additional turn-around area is needed.
Mr. Alford offered that the applicant would be willing to install a buffer along the southerly border.
Mr. Shay explained that the dumpster would be enclosed on all 4 sides and because the information processed at the facility is confidential in nature, the use of shredding services will be used. No blowing of paper or other debris is expected.
He also noted that any wildlife in the area is tolerant to traffic due to the disturbance already existing. Agent Szewczak agreed that a buffer enhancement would be a good idea.
Mr. Alford stated that all parking areas will be curbed. There will be no discharge from the parking lots except into the catch basins and drainage ditch. The building will be 1' higher than existing conditions. The property is outside of the floodplain.
In response to a question by Agent Storey, Mr. Alford stated that the water in the drainage ditch should be only 1 ½ to 2' deep.
Snow stockpiling locations were also discussed.
Mr. Alford stated that snow could be stockpiled on the north side along the parking lot so as to melt into the parking lot and drain into the catch basins.
Agent Storey asked if salt and sand would be used in winter.
Mr. Alford stated sand only. The lot is level with 1% grade.
Agent Storey noted that because it is so level, water may not run and salt may be necessary.
In response to Agent Poirot's question regarding the water table level, Mr. Alford stated that it is approximately 4' in mid-winter and could be deeper in the summer.
Mr. Alford deferred to Mr. Shay when questioned on the square footage of the site.
Mr. Shay responded that it is 292,072 square feet or 6.705 acres.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked if the existing ditch between the Stop & Shop plaza site and the subject site would be cleaned out.
Mr. Alford stated that there are no plans to clean it out.
At this point Mr. George Logan, soil scientist from REMA Ecological services arrived. He gave a brief overview of the site. He noted that the ditch on site is manmade and these wetlands are disturbed.
One of the drainage ways is more functional, having a brook and 5" to 6" water in it at times along with some aquatic habitat. There is a fairly large wetlands area off site in the southeast direction, of moderate quality, but unlikely to have vernal pools.
Physical impacts to the wetlands on site are very limited, and due only to construction of the outlet berm of the proposed basin. With proper controls, he sees no high risk of sedimentation or erosion into the wetlands as a short term impact.
The swale has a large enough capacity to hold runoff during construction. He added that the water quality is "good" to "very good".
The proposed system is designed to exceed D.E.P. guidelines and the inclusion of wetland plantings within the basin and upland plantings along the side and outside the basin will give the area a higher functional value than it currently has.
As for indirect impacts, the invasive species will be removed using best management practices recommended by the D.E.P. Use of the site is not as intense as the neighboring Stop & Shop Plaza.
He proposes a buffer to the south and the building itself will screen activity to the adjacent wetlands. He feels the proposed project will be of benefit to the wetlands because of increased treatment of drainage.
In response to a question by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall, Mr. Logan stated that the ditch on the north border could have the invasives removed, but he expressed concern at removing too much so as to cause erosion due to the steepness of the ditch.
He agreed the ditch could use some maintenance, including removal of debris.
Mr. Alford added that the applicant owns the ditch.
In response to a question by Agent Storey, Mr. Logan stated that he does not believe that the wetlands to the south support vernal pool habitat.
Agent Poirot expressed concern that not all snow would fit in the stockpile area offered by Mr. Alford.
Mr. Alford replied that some could be stored in the north west area as well. Some parking spots could also be used, as well as a 20' wide strip along the eastern line - in a grassed area.
Mr. Angus asked what the potential impacts from construction and permanent disturbance for the parking lot and drainage would be to the upland review area and riparian areas, including exposure and encroachment, light pollution, loss of canopy, and loss of organic matter in the wetland areas. He also asked how these items would be offset in the proposed design.
Mr. Logan stated that there will be no potential of thermal impacts over loss of canopy at this site.
There will be no canopy immediately adjacent to the brook being removed. Some cherry, red maple, and oak trees will be removed and replaced with similar plants, of higher quality for habitat value.
Any impact would be mitigated by the intensive planting plan.
Mr. Angus asked if there would be any temporary impact due to construction.
Mr. Logan responded that the maintenance plan should address any impacts, such as cleaning the catch basins and sweeping yearly.
Mr. Angus also asked what the quantity of water leaving the site will be, based on the design.
Mr. Logan stated that the source of water to the east is part of an approximately 100 acre watershed and he doesn't feel that the quantity of water from the site will be compromised.
Mr. Angus asked if the impervious surface would contribute excess drainage over what currently leaves the site.
Mr. Logan responded that the drainage basin will trap 90 to 95 % of what falls from the sky. Only a 1 year storm or greater will leave the site.
In response to Agent Storey's question regarding one year verses 10 year storms, Mr. Alford stated that Agent Storey was referring to 10 year storm events in relation to quantity, and Mr. Logan was speaking of water quality. Frequent, small storms don't cause erosion problems, only water quality problems if the water is not retained on site long enough to be filtered before leaving.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall again expressed concern over snow stockpiling and asked if Mr. Logan had any concerns over snow being stockpiled in the grass area between the parking lot and the retention basin.
Mr. Logan stated that if it were piled too close to the basin, it may cause sand to enter the basin but the area is flat and should not require much salt. The typical use is not likely to be high enough to be toxic.
Mr. Angus suggested that this item be addressed in the maintenance plan.
Agent Szewczak suggested that the snow be removed from the site if the piles become too large. Mr. Alford was agreeable to adding this to the plans.
Mr. Angus then suggested that the Agency keep the public hearing open due to the maintenance issues such as the erosion control plan, snow stockpile, sand/salt use, and maintenance plan of the berms, among other items of concern.
Mr. Alford insisted that because the property is flat there is not a lot of erodable soil. Approximately 150' of silt fencing will be installed prior to construction. Any rain that falls during construction will go directly into the ground. There will be no need to maintain a swale during construction.
Mr. Angus stated that with all the questions and discussion regarding construction and maintenance from the Agency members, the applicant should consider putting together a more detailed temporary and permanent maintenance plan, in accordance with best management practices and the CT guidelines for soil erosion and sediment control, to address and alleviate some of the issues discussed during the hearing.
At this time the hearing was opened for public comment. No one in the audience came forward to speak on this application.
A motion was then made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Szewczak to continue IW #406 until the Agency's next regular meeting, March 16, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Vote was 5-0-0.
A motion was made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Sarno to close the public hearing portion of the meeting at 9:12 p.m. Vote was 5-0-0.
A motion was then made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Poirot to hold a brief recess. Vote was 5-0-0.
REGULAR MEETING
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall at 9:17 p.m.
2. Roll Call:
Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Poirot, Sarno, Storey, Szewczak, and Wawer. Present also were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Swiatek, Recording Secretary. Agent Wawer was seated as a voting member for the remainder of the meeting.
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, a motion was made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Sarno to amend the agenda and move to New Business. Vote was 6-0-0.
10. New Business
IW#407 of Dennis Rand/Hull Forest Products for four (4) temporary wetland/watercourse crossings associated with a selective cutting forestry operation. Property located on the south side of Weymouth Road (Map 16 Lot 40); Zoned R-44; [Submitted February 24, 2004; Received March 2, 2004; PPE March 16, 2004].
Dennis Rand of Hull Forest Products represented the owner of the property.
He would like to purchase the standing lumber on the 30+/- acre parcel. This would be a selective harvest of approximately 143 trees, not a clear cut.
The owners would eventually like to build a home on the property.
Mr. Rand is requesting 4 wetland crossings, the longest one being 10' long using a 20-24' two-piece bridge made of 3'x6' oak boards bolted together. A log bridge would also be built so there would be no disturbance when the logs are dragged to the landing area.
Anything exposed would be seeded and mulched.
The project should take 30 days or less and will be done only during frozen or very dry conditions. He stressed his insistence on doing the job "right".
No cutting will take place within the wetlands, although a few trees are marked for removal along the wetlands edge. Care is being taken so that the trees will fall away from the wetlands.
The property has 2 entrances from Weymouth Road. Mr. Rand prefers to split the use of the roadways so as to be less intrusive to the property.
Agent Storey noted that the site has 10 acres of wetlands of which approximately ½ acre of regulated area will be disturbed.
Mr. Rand agreed, stating that it includes the road, crossings, and landings. He hopes to find "forder equipment" that will lessen the impact even more.
He added that the owner has hired a wetland scientist but is only having the wetlands flagged in a 600'x 600' area along the northeastern portion of the property.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noted that without flagging, it is really not known how much actual wetland disturbance there will be.
Mr. Angus stated that he walked the property and determined more wetland crossings than the two originally thought by Mr. Rand. The entire sight is low.
Mr. Angus has spoken with the Forestry Division of the D.E.P. and they will also be visiting the site. This could be considered a gray area between a regulated activity and a use of right.
Mr. Rand noted that there are obvious areas of wetlands, notably with high bush blueberries.
Mr. Angus added that there are pockets throughout the site with obvious physical connections between them.
After discussion, a motion was made by Agent Sarno and seconded by Agent Storey that this application be tabled until the Agency's next regular meeting, scheduled for March 16, 2004. No public hearing is warranted. Vote was 6-0-0.
At this time, the Agency returned to the regular agenda.
5. Correspondence:
Items of correspondence are as follows:
" Warning letter from Mr. Angus to Mr. Steven Provost of 117 Parsons Road dated 2/27/04;
" Building Inspections performed 2/12/04 through 2/25/04;
" letter dated 2/05/04 from Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall to D.E.P. regarding General Permit renewal request D.O.T. Project 48-173. Mr. Angus will follow up on this;
" copy of letter from Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall dated 2/12/04 to Senator Dodd regarding re-authorization of TEA-21;
" copy of letter to the editor in Journal Inquirer, dated 2/17/04;
" memo from Chairman of Planning & Zoning to all commissions regarding upcoming meeting on March 25, 2004 to discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development Update. After discussion of this issue, Mr. Angus offered to draft a progress report of the IWWA relative to the plans and objectives of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
" Updated copy of IWWA member list;
" copy of email dated 2/23/04 from CACIWC regarding recent Avalon Bay decision;
" copy of Authorized Agent Approval Permit, including 10 conditions of approval, to Calvary Presbyterian Church, dated 2/19/04;
" copy of email dated 2/20/04 from Mr. Angus to Mr. Kazmarski regarding bolt replacement project on South Maple Street Bridge;
" copy of Spring, 2004 issue of NEMO Newsletter.
6. Commissioner's Correspondence:
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall reported receipt of a list issued by D.E.P. of hazardous waste sites located in Enfield. The list includes both residential and commercial sites.
7. Approval of Minutes -- February 17, 2004 Meeting:
A motion was made by Agent Poirot and seconded by Agent Sarno to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 17, 2004 as presented. Vote was 4-0-2(Storey & Szewczak)
8. Wetlands Agent Report - February 12, 2004 through February 25, 2004:
The Report was briefly reviewed by Mr. Angus.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noted that large amounts of trash are created by the Big Y shopping center and their plastic shopping bags are found throughout the area.
Mr. Angus will look into the matter and added that debris such as this should be addressed in all future maintenance plans. He added that it is being made clear to property management agencies of the need to properly maintain the properties and trash areas so items are not blown about.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall also noted that erosion on Taylor Road and North Street is still a problem. The drainage ditch is becoming filled in even more.
9. Old Business
IW#405 of Casimir Pawlowski for the re-construction of a house involving excavation, filling and re-grading within 100 feet of a watercourse. Property located at 169 Cottage Road (Map 74 Lot 251) Zoned R-33 [Submitted February 5, 2004; Received February 17, 2004; PPE March 2, 2004; MAD April 22, 2004].
The applicant was not present.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noted that this application could not be acted upon at the last meeting due to filing period requirements.
Mr. Angus reported that the plans have been slightly updated. The house has been pulled 4' further from the lake and increased in width and shortened in length. The porch has also been shortened. The existing garage will remain.
Agent Storey stated that he has reviewed all information and correspondence on this matter and is prepared to make an informed decision.
A motion was made by Agent Poirot and seconded by Agent Wawer to approve IW#405 with the 10 standard conditions in addition to the following numbered 11 through 16:
11. Limits of Disturbance (silt fence) are to be modified to follow the limits of grading to reduce the area of disturbance between the watercourse and proposed development;
12. All disturbed areas must be re-established with a non-invasive vegetative cover to ensure soil stability prior to removal of erosion and sediment controls. Contact the Wetland Agent for inspection prior to removal.
13. The application of fertilizers and pesticides is to be eliminated where possible. In areas where it is required, applications rates must not exceed recommended application rates as per the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (5-3-7) to minimize potential for nutrient overloading in adjacent watercourse areas.
14. All roof drain outlets are to be armored with erosion control splash pads. The Agency encourages the use of rain barrels, rain gardens and/or subsurface drainage;
15. Certification of proper clean-up and disposal oil spill and contaminated soils must be submitted prior to the issuance of a building permit;
16. With the exception of the additional items stated in these conditions, this application is approved in accordance with Plans entitled "Improvement Location Survey, Owner/Applicant Casmir Pawlowski, 169 Cottage Road, Enfield, CT", Sheet 1 of 1, dated 1-14-04; revised through 2/25/04, prepared by L.P Consultants, LLC and Gary LeClair, LLC, Licensed Land Surveyor. 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 5-0-1(Szewczak). Reason for approval was that the applicant has demonstrated that the project will not adversely affect wetlands and watercourses.
IW#384.02 of the Town of Enfield - Request for modification to add a vehicle access road along the eastern shore of Freshwater Pond involving re-grading and filling within 100 feet of a watercourse. Property located adjacent to North Main Street (Map24 Lot 25-7). Zoned R-33 [Submitted February 11, 2004; Received February 17, 2004; PPE March 2, 2004; MAD April 22, 2004].
Mr. Angus represented the applicant.
Agents Storey & Szewczak stated that they have reviewed all information and correspondence on this matter and are prepared to make an informed decision.
After brief review, Mr. Angus, in response to a question by Agent Poirot explained that access from D'Aleo Park was considered but not feasible due to access issues and the fact that the proposed access point is the closest direct access from the road.
A motion was then made by Agent Szewczak and seconded by Agent Sarno to approve IW# 384.02 with the 10 standard and original additional 3 conditions, as well as the following, numbered 14 through 16:
14. The approved surface of the proposed ramp access is crushed stone with stone dust to act as a binding agent. In the event that this surface experiences any visible erosion that directly impacts the watercourse, the applicant shall install waterbars to re-direct drainage into the mulch beds;
15. Safety bollards are also permitted to be installed at the top of slope to prevent unauthorized vehicle access;
16. With the exception of the additional items stated in these conditions, this modification is approved in accordance with Plan SK-7 entitled "Grading and Landscape Plan for Plow Access Road, Freshwater Pond, Enfield, CT" prepared by BEC Project No. 98-0815-G, dated October 21, 2003. 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 6-0-0. Reason for approval was that the applicant has demonstrated that the project will not adversely affect wetlands and watercourses.
IW#406 of Alford Associates, Inc. for a building addition, parking lot expansion and associated drainage improvements within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 135 Freshwater Boulevard (Map 56 Lot 24) Zoned I-P [Submitted February 11, 2004; Received February 17, 2004; PPE March 2, 2004; MPHCD March 23, 2004].
A motion was made by Agent Storey and seconded by Agent Wawer to table discussion on this application until the meeting of March 16, 2004. Vote was 6-0-0.
11. Other Business
Discussion on Proposed Regulation Amendments:
No new information presented. No discussion.
Proposed Acts regarding ethics and IW regulation amendment:
Members received a copy of the proposed bill. Mr. Angus encouraged Agency members to voice their opinions to the State legislators.
Ideas for commemorating Agent Roger Olsen:
Members briefly reviewed suggestions.
One of the suggestions was for a small rock or monument to be placed in a public area, in Mr. Olsen's name. No decision made.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall reported that contributions are being made to the fund set up in his name.
Mr. Angus reported that the next edition of CACIWC will include an article about Mr. Olsen.
o Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers
12. Adjourn:
A motion was made by Agent Poirot and seconded by Agent Storey to adjourn the meeting at 10:43 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________________
Frank Poirot, Secretary
Last Updated: Friday, May 28, 2004
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