Board Members Present: Stephen Sackter, Charles Wentworth, Stephen Mulhall, Whitney Caporaso
Alternate Members Present: Anthony Dorso, Lorraine Dixon
Absent Members: Glenn Gruber
Others Present: William Donovan – Land Use Inspector, Wendy Boroski - Clerk
Chairman Sackter called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was taped. A. Dorso was seated for vacated seat.
Old Business:
#01-2010 - John Ciola, 80 Scott Road appeared before the commission to obtain permission to remove cut trees at the wetlands crossing while the ground is completely frozen. The commission discussed the matter reviewing best management procedures while there is approximately two feet of ice and snow over the proposed wetlands crossing and would have no land impact. Mr. Ciola stated the work would be complete in approximately three days start to finish and that he would have it all done before the next Inland Wetlands Commission meeting on February 14, 2011. Motion by A. Dorso, seconded by S. Mulhall to allow John Ciola, 80 Scott Road, #01-2010, to remove the cut trees at the location of the approved permanent wetlands crossing with all work to be completed by February 14, 2011. 4 votes in favor/1 vote not in favor. Motion Carried.
Discussion on Inland Wetlands written comments to Siting Council regarding petition #980
by BNE Energy for proposed wind turbines at 178 New Haven Road. W. Donovan read a draft he prepared for Linda Roberts, Executive Director, Connecticut Siting Council, to use as a starting point for the commission where they expressed several concerns to be included in this letter to the Siting Council. The points included:
• A copy of Prospect’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, with latest revision date of September 1, 2009, accompany the letter to the Citing Council;
• To inform the Siting Council that this project is located within a public water supply watershed of the Connecticut Water Company’s Long Hill Reservoir, an active public drinking water supply;
• If the project is approved, that during construction, our Inland Wetlands Agent be allowed reasonable access on the property to inspect erosion and sedimentation controls in place that are designed to protect the abutting wetlands. And a list of names and contact information of those individuals responsible for the installation and maintenance of all erosion and sedimentation controls, should an emergency arise his call would receive immediate response by these individuals to inspect the site and take action to restore and improve erosion and sedimentation controls;
• Standpipes should be placed before construction of the concrete pads to monitor ground water movement to ensure the buried pad does not block or divert ground water from channeling into the wetlands;
• Built-in fire extinguishes systems should be placed with the towers;
• No hazardous materials to be stored on site in quantities larger than that of a household;
• Concerns over future impervious expansion: ie: parking and bus turn-arounds, outbuildings, educational center, bathroom facilities, well, septic, etc, with regard to State authority or local authority regarding site development;
• To inform the Siting Council and the Department of Health concerns regarding watershed/water supply area and the possibility of the Connecticut Water Company working with BNE possibly relocating outside of these areas.
Public Participation:
Tim Reilly, 17 Woodcrest Drive, Save Prospect Corp – Mr. Reilly encouraged the Commissioners to attend the site walk and public hearings with Mayor Chatfield to assist with any questions he may have that fall under the Commission’s realm. Mr. Reilly expressed several concerns and implored the Commission to do more research on this matter.
Ken Oberton, 15 Hemlock Road – Mr. Oberton stated that these important matters need to be put on paper because the Inland Wetlands Commission’s voice needs to be heard by the Siting Council.
Motion by S. Mulhall, seconded by C. Wentworth to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Unanimous.
Stephen Sackter, Chairman