Inland and Wetlands
October 22, 2001
Board Members Present: Chairman Arnold Koehler, John Kaufman, David Holley,
Brian Doody
Alternates Present: Steven Skrebutenas
Absent Members: Lawrence Gomez, Harold Bernier (Alt.)
Others Present: Bill Donovan, Land Use Inspector
Chairman Koehler called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Steven Skrebutenas was seated
for Lawrence Gomez.
Approval of Minutes: No action was taken on the minutes of September 24, 2001 meeting
because there wasn't a quorum present of those who attended that meeting.
Communications:
- Connecticut Federation of Lakes Incorporated - 2001 Fifth Annual Conference.
- International Erosion Control Association - Notice of Conference Oct. 23 - 25,
2001.
- Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc. -
24th Annual Meeting.
- The Nature Conservancy Connecticut Chapter - Autumn 2001.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Enforcement Hearings: None
Chairman Koehler recessed the meeting at 7:10 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:16 p.m.
and the Commissioners discussed setting meeting dates for 2002. Chairman Koehler proposed
the following dates for 2002:
January 14 & 28; February 25; March 11 & 25; April 8; May 13; June 10 & 24; July 8; August
12; September 9 & 23; October 28; November 25; and December 9. Motion by S. Skrebutenas,
seconded by J. Kaufman to approve the 2002 meeting dates as read by Chairman Koehler.
Unanimous.
Land Use Inspector's Report: Bill Donovan informed the Commissioners of the remediation
work being conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency at the U.S. Cap property on
New Haven Road. Bill explained that because the property is located within a Connecticut
water supply watershed area, any future use of the land should be restricted to ensure
there is no repeat of contamination. The property is currently zoned Industrial.
Public Hearings:
a. Prospect Sportsdome, LLC, 155 Union City Road. Application #19-2000 for a Sports
Complex with Septic, Detention Pond and Building within a Regulated Area and a Stream
Crossing and Site Work within a Watercourse and Wetland Area. Chairman Koehler reopened
the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. and read a letter dated October 22, 2001 from Robert B.
Oley and Christopher P. Allan of Land-Tech Consultants, Inc., regarding their review of
the revised set of plans and calculations submitted by the applicant's engineer. Stephen
Giudice of Harry E. Cole & Son represented the applicant and detailed the revisions made and
discussed comments contained in Land-Tech's October 22nd letter. Modifications have been
made to the septic system and Chesprocott has set a maximum water usage limit of 660 gallons
per day that will be monitored by Chesprocott. Written approval from Chesprocott has not
been received to date. Mr. Giudice spoke about the close proximity of the septic system
to the downgradient wetlands and Land-Tech's concern with the consequent potential of
partially treated effluent having an adverse impact on water quality. Accordingly, Mr.
Giudice proposes a clay berm be placed between the septic system and wetlands to restrict
and slow the movement of effluents downgradient and also to retain an outbreak should one
occur. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the detention basin's capacity and capability
to allow soil particles (fines) to settle out prior to being discharged downstream. Mr.
Giudice explained the calculation methods utilized in designing the storm water system,
including the detention basin are accepted as appropriate in the "Connecticut Guidelines
for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control" developed by the Connecticut Council on Soil and
Water Conservation. He did not feel he could state precisely how much time is needed to
settle out various sized fines and soil particles in the basin because of the many variables
involved. Mr. Giudice stated the basin would be inspected at least twice a year and
maintained/cleaned out accordingly. Maintenance vehicles would access via the existing
driveway and cross over the watercourse. The Commission raised the concern of needing
to stabilize this accessway to prevent erosion and sedimentation from entering into the
watercourse consequent of any vehicular traffic. The public was invited to comment.
Beryl Montville, 165 Union City Road, stated she would not be in favor of everyday use
of this original right of way and asked that the Commissioners use caution if this access
is going to remain open to allow for semi-annual maintenance of the detention pond. There
were no other comments from the public. B. Doody requested a permanent barrier be placed
along the southerly side of the parking area to prevent overflow traffic from parking
closer to the wetlands and to ensure the parking area itself does not gradually expand
in that direction. D. Holley asked whether water running off the dome itself, which
would be clear of soil particles, could by-pass the grit separator and flow directly
into the detention basin. Mr. Giudice related this can be done, and further stated he
could relocate or add a grit separator at the parking area that would aid in the capture
of fines. Mr. Giudice presented a letter signed by the applicant consenting to a 45-day
extension to complete the hearing. Chairman Koehler continued the Public Hearing to
November 26, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. and requested Mr. Giudice propose at the public hearing
revisions to the basin to allow more time for settling and also address access to the
detention basin. A letter from Chesprocott stating their approval of the septic system,
what they will allow as a maximum daily water usage and confirmation of their intent to
monitor that usage shall also be submitted.
Public Participation: None
Motion by S. Skrebutenas, seconded by B. Doody to adjourn at 9:11 p.m. Unanimous.
Arnold Koehler, Chairman