Special Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
February 24, 2010, 7:30 pm
Members: Ted Crosby (ex-officio representing Gateway Commission)
Taffy Holland
George James
Linda Krulikowski
David McCulloch
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Attending: Taffy Holland, George James, David McCulloch
Guests: Laurie Lewis, Monica Buccheri, Arnette McCulloch
(This is a special meeting with a single task: select priorities for action in 2010.)
- Approve Minutes of February 3, 2010
The group approved the minutes of February 3.
- Priorities for 2010 Action Items
- Pesticides and IPM - Highest priority
- Lawn Chemicals - Highest priority
- Clear Cutting – - Relatively High Priority
- George said we need to resolve the zoning regulations, improve road crowning to slow runoff, improve drainage - these are changes to Best Management Practices (BMP). David said Inland Wetlands always recommends improving drainage. George mentioned rain gardens, and berms to prevent runoff into lakes. David said after the zoning presentation on low impact development they might find permeable cement more acceptable. George said it costs more, but there's a tradeoff against drainage construction.
- Rogers Lake – **
- George said they plan an experimental test of the new machine, focusing on the Haines Point area. They are hoping to get Wetlands and the Conservation Commission together to discuss geese and other problems. The geese produce 40 tons of fertilizer per year. Merve Roberts' study of the impact of fish farming on the St. John's river concluded that it would increase algal bloom in the river.
- Air Quality – **
- This includes idling, diesel exhaust, and outside wood furnaces. Nancy Alderman sends frequent updates and sites to take action.
- Lighting - **
- Light pollution is another BMP item. We always discuss lighting and provide information to developers.
- Docks - **
- David said the town accepted the Harbor Commission’s new regulations at the town meeting on Jan 25th. He will get a copy of the ordinance.
- Gateway Commission regulations – Delete from list
Old Lyme has accepted some regulations. The commission is concerned about clear-cutting along the river banks, building along the ridge line, and lack of buffers to prevent runoff of lawn chemicals. There's great resistance to changing the regulations.
Encouraging bicycling - **
George said the State is pressing for more biking. We need to change the street margis - 156 by the Marina is especially dangerous. Laurie Lewis said her son bikes to school, and there is one bike rack at the high-school with room for several bikes.
Farms – **
Not discussed at this meeting. We believe more farms, of all varieties, should be encouraged.
Soil Base development - **
David said the town has a soils map showing what's suitable for development. This is usually ignored except as it relates to water and proper drainage.
Stream Improvement - **
George is most concerned about Four Mile River. The head of the river is at Stone's Ranch - relatively clean - , then through a large subdivision with three large ponds where alewifes could reproduce but migration is prevented by a small dam. The owner has agreed to a fish ladder if the someone funds it. We could discuss this with Steve Gephard. Also the 8 inch drop in the Black Hall River under I95 could be lowered.
Recycling - **
There isn't much to improve. We could publicize where to dispose of the low-energy light bulbs - maybe on Earth Day April 22)? Also the Town might consider collecting electronics and trucking it to the HHW facility. The would save the $35 per car charged to the town.
Bus Barn – **
George said it should be monitored for noise, pollution, speeding, and lighting. Monica said she lives nearby and will report to us. She described speeding problems in the area. David said maybe we could as the police to monitor speeds.
Disaster Plans - **
The commission can comment and ask some questions. George said the town has made an effort to have a real plan - they can then get funding. An 18 to 20 ' storm surge will contaminate wells near the shore. Water tanks will provide some water. The flood zones have changed, which will affect insurance rates.
Affordable and Senior Housing - **
George said we should urge pursue this - the town is very short on it. We have 47 units in all. The 2000 POCD called for establishing a board. George will investigate it. Also there may be funding available .
Planned Residential Conservation Development (PRCD) - **
There is no incentive for developers. The recent open space plan is a big improvement. It is on the back burner, but could be revived.
Open Space regulations changes - **
George said not all open space can be wetlands. A pond is not open space. Subdivision must give 15% to Open Space. 50% or less may be wetlands. Homeowners Associations sometimes don’t act responsibly. Open space should be owned/managed by the town or a conservation trust, not the homeowners association.
Town leaf and chip composting site - **
George said we need a composting site. Most surrounding towns have them. The provide compost to the town and dispose of leaves that are often just raked onto the roads. Laurie said adding compost helps with lawn health.
- Fire ponds/wells - Low Priority- Delete from list
We could check them on our own.
- Tidal Wetland Regulations- **
- David said Inland Wetlands is increasing the area around vernal pools. Tidal Wetlands isn't interested. George said septic systems don't take out the nitrates - they go into the water and are consumed (??) by microorganisms.
Energy saving – **
We should promote solar for current and new houses, geothermal for new buildings.
Junk car removal - Low Priority
This is a Zoning issue.
- Cell Towers - Delete from list
George said there is some resistance in East Lyme. Anna Silberberg is speaking against them in Old Lyme.
Sewer Avoidance –**
We have had an ordinance since 1997. There are only 20 out of 4,690 homes. Ordinance requires septic systems to be pumped and inspected every 5 years - a good system.
Point O’Woods now has sewer system. New London sewage system dumps 450 pounds of nitrates into the Sound daily. Old Lyme almost never has to close beaches after a big storm.
2010 Plan of Conservation Development (POCD) - Highest Priority
Radon - **
The danger level has been lowered to 10% of the original - it's now 0.4% instead of 4%.
Old Lyme has big increase in breast cancer cases. No compulsory testing. Also, well water should be tested when a house is sold.
- Green School Products - Delete from list
This is now being managed at the state level. We support it.
- Control of Wood Burning Furnaces - Delete from list
This is being managed at the state level. We could send a support letter.
Dam Safety - **
Not discussed at this meeting
Animal Habitat - **
We should look at the WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program) standards (see www.nrcs.usda.gov/Programs/whip) . David will ask Judy Preston for information.
Protection of vernal pools - **
Not discussed except as part of Tidal Wetlands section.
- Trails Day is June 5th – submit application by Feb 15th and pick a trail. George will lead a walk. Laurie: How about on Old Lyme Hills?
Salt Marsh Preservation - **
Not discussed at this meeting.
We need to publicize more than we have in the past. George would like to assign people specific tasks to learn and write about. LymeLine might be a good place to start. We could invite Olwen Logan to our next meeting.
Laurie said publishing our list of priorities would be a good place to start. We might attract new members if they're inspired to work on items in the list.
George said the Old Lyme Conservation Trust has a very good website.
- Assignments
- David will get a copy of the Harbor Commission's dock ordinance.
- David will ask Judy Preston for information about WHIP standards.
- Someone will invite Olwen Logan to our next meeting.
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