MINUTES
OLD LYME INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
SITE WALK
TUESDAY, APRIL 10TH @ 5:30 PM
PRESENT WERE: Commissioners, Bob DePianta, Bill McNeil, Tom Machnik, Vice Chair, Rachel Gaudio, Chair and WEO Keith Rosenfeld. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.
1. 18-04 – GRAYBILL PROPERTIES – 16 NECK ROAD – (LOT 1) – CONSTRUCT 26 DWELLING UNITS WITHIN 8 BUILDINGS. APPLICANT: HOPE HOUSING,
The group gathered at the property with the applicants, the applicant’s engineers and soil scientist. They first reviewed the plans at the start of the site walk, all orienting themselves to the property lines, the 3 foot wide intermittent watercourse, the wetland area as well as the location of the existing (and formerly used) driveways. Joe Wren, PE explained that the plans called for the development of the first two lots on the eastern side of the ridge line, consisting of 37 units. It was agreed that the project’s engineer would lead the group through the site and describe the development activities, allowing for the soil scientist also identify the existing regulated areas along the way. The commissioners decided to hold off on any questions and/or comments until the continued meeting date at the end of
the month.
First, Mr. Snarski, a certified soil scientist explained to the group the nature of the wetlands located at the edge of the property. He stated that it is a rather small red maple swamp, drying up in the summer, showing no visual signs of it being a vernal pool. He noted it was a poorly drained soil and stated that the main hydrologic function of the wetland is groundwater discharge and surface water transport. He further stated the wildlife habitat value is low and the area would be mitigated in order to increase these processes already functioning here.
Secondly, the group reviewed the location of the existing driveway and their relationship to the adjacent wetlands. Mr. Wren stated there is an existing driveway that goes up to the existing house so they kept that alignment and essentially widening and reconstructing the driveway and replacing the culvert. It was also explained how all new storm water, created by the new impervious surfaces (main roadway, individual driveways, walkways, roofs, etc.) would also be collected in the new basin before entering the wetlands and then leaving the site. The basin would be landscaped with appropriate native wetland species in and adjacent to it and be sized accordingly, designed for a “zero increase in run-off” to all neighboring properties.
Water flowing from this area into the wetlands, currently not treated in any fashion would now be first treated with the addition of a “multi-stage” storm water retention and bio-filter basin before it entered the wetland. He said the work within the 100 ft. review area would be limited to the road and clearing. He also pointed out the storm water quality and management basin on the plan which will discharge over level ground toward the wetland.
As part of this effort, invasive species in the area would also be identified and eliminated as needed, in an environmentally friendly manner. No other discussion took place.
The meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.
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