Minutes of the Old Lyme Conservation Commission Meeting held on November 6, 2018 at Town Hall
Call to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members present: Tom Sherer, Chairman, Maureen Plumleigh,
George James
New Business
The extensive report from the Old Lyme Open Space Commission was well received by Conservation Commission members. George James, as former chairman of the Open Space Committee, was impressed by the Open Space Commission’s enthusiasm and was especially impressed by the work of the newly hired trail manager, Peter Norris. George identified two areas of immediate concern, notably the return of the beavers at the Ames property with resulting re-flooding of about 25% of the 200 acres. He also regretted the loss of the services of the newly hired trail manager during the month of November.
George then presented, for discussion and comment, a proposed letter addressed to the Selectmen concerning unresolved issues at the Lord’s Wood development. Discussion followed without a vote being taken.He also noted that the Conservation Commission’s letter to the Water Pollution Control Authority has received no reply from the WPCA. It was recommended that a second letter be sent. The letter asks for a few basic facts about the new pump station, expected volume of septage to be sent to New London’s treatment plant, expected impact on existing wells, and contingency plans, if any, for inadequate well water supply and potential for salt water intrusion on existing wells. The Conservation Commission simply seeks the facts surrounding the new situation with regard to the coming installation of the pump station and the
connection of the other beach communities to the sewer line to New London so that we can answer questions that arise concerning the environmental impact on this part of town and Long Island Sound. George was also encouraged to look up the facts concerning what could be considered a blighted section of Shore Road. Now that the Town has focused renewed attention on Sound View and the beach area with its recent investments and improvements, the Conservation Commission hopes to identify what appear to be blighted areas for review by the Economic Development Commission. With the Town’s new focus on sustainability and the proposed blight ordinance in mind the Conservation Commission would like to explore with the EDC some of the possible options in this part of town.
Maureen Plumleigh has visited the town’s recycling committee and presented to us some of her ideas for the Conservation Commission’s possible role in promoting this vital environmental issue. She made it clear that deciding what goes in the blue or the green bin is anything but simple. At the same time the Town has a major interest in helping people decide what goes where. She also presented her ideas concerning a variety of issues arising at Hain’s Park. It was noted that our sign at the park needs some refurbishing. It was also noted that our plantings at the point are flourishing and doing what they were designed to do: be attractive and keep the geese from entering the park at that point.
Tom Sherer noted that the schools will soon have solar panels mounted on their roofs as yet another step toward sustainability and self-sufficiency. The project should also result in savings on the electric bill. The members thanked Tom for his revision of the end of year report with an excellent photo featuring Three Mile River.
The Conservation Commission welcomes additional members and requests that the Selectmen send out a notice to that effect.
The Commission adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, George James, secretary
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