OLD LYME INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008
PRESENT WERE: Don Willis, Sabine O’Donnell, Janet Bechtel, Robb Linde, Skip DiCamillo and Evan Griswold. Also present were: Tony Hendriks, Dick Webb, John Rhodes, Ann Brown and Kim Groves.
Chairperson Bechtel called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
Bechtel made a motion to amend the agenda to include Item 4. on the revised agenda. Skip DiCamillo seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES OF MEETING DATED MARCH 25, 2008
Janet Bechtel made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Robb Linde seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
KRISTEN LAMBERT – 13 ROGERS LAKE TRAIL – DEMOLISH EXISTING STRUCTURE, RETAIN EXISTING FOUNDATION AND REBUILD YEAR ROUND SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
The commission reviewed the site plan with the applicant, Kristen Lambert. Lambert stated there is currently an existing cottage on the site that was built in 1928, which belonged to her grandparents. Lambert explained she recently obtained ownership of the property. She stated the property has been neglected for the last twenty years and needs some substantial work. Lambert stated the proposal is to take the structure down to the existing foundation and rebuild and take the existing garage and move it back on the property so it will be conforming with the zoning setbacks. She further noted that a new septic system would be installed because the existing one is not functioning properly. Robb Linde asked the applicant to stake out the structure that is located closest to the water
prior to the site visit.
The commission agreed to set a site walk for Thursday, May 1st at 5:0 0 p.m.
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 18 – RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TRACK AND REVISED DRAINAGE
Dick Webb stated this proposal was in front of the commission at their last meeting on a preliminary basis. He noted he has now submitted a formal application to the commission. Webb stated the proposed track would remain in its current location with a slight extension into the hill located on the far side of the existing high school. He stated the part of the application that most specifically concerns wetlands is the construction of the storm drainage that extends from the northeast end of the track across the knoll down to the
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wetlands on the east side of the high school property associated with the Duck River. Webb stated the application quantifies and specifies the impact in this area. He stated the actual, flared in outlet is proposed to be approximately 40 feet from the edge of the wetland (to the west) and there will be a level spreader at the out fall of this pipe that is approximately 10’ from the edge of the wetland. Webb stated the amount of rock to be removed for the installation of the pipe is approximately 425cy, but he noted all of this blasting is outside the limits of the 100’ regulated buffer area. Webb stated as part of the application they have submitted all the alternatives that have been considered in connection with this application to avoid altering inland wetland
and/or watercourses known as “Exhibit C”. He stated he also included with the application a “Material Safety Data Sheet” regarding the track surfacing material and a Storm Water Management Report.
Brown requested that the application address whether the pipe installed at this time will have the capacity to handle further expansions at the high school. Brown further noted there has been historically a drainage problem on Library Lane and requested that their application address what impact it will have on this area.
Sabine O’Donnell asked about the track surface. Webb stated the rubber used on this track surface is a manufactured EPDM rubber not a recycled tire rubber. O’Donnell asked why they were not using the recycled tire rubber. Webb stated the products associated with the track surfacing systems do not include that type of rubber they are 100 percent EPDM rubber. Webb stated the rubber is laid down on top of a bituminous pavement. Webb stated the rubber is porous but because it is bituminous underneath it is treated as a drainage increase.
DiCamillo asked if there would be a special irrigation system installed under the grass field area located in the middle of the track. Webb stated it would be an improved automatic irrigated system. Griswold asked if the water would be supplied by a well. Griswold asked if the water coming off the track could be used to water the field rather than piping it into the wetlands. Webb explained that the volume of water needed for the fields and the time that it is needed is much more than could be trapped in a cistern.
Robb Linde stated he was against scheduling a site walk prior to a public hearing because the public would not be aware of the walk should they want to attend. Brown stated that the public could attend. Linde stated that they are not notified. Bechtel stated the problem with site walks when the commission is under public hearing is that there are many different groups talking and technically all of it is suppose to be on the record and it is impossible to keep all of the conversations on the record and have minutes. Bechtel stated it was easier for commission members to visit the site and ask questions prior to the public hearing and then all of those issues could be discussed at the Public Hearing and then there is no conflict about having the site walk not recorded. She
further stated if there is enough public interest she would not have a problem having another site walk and would be very strict about the code of conduct and would make sure that someone was available to do the minutes. Discussion ensued between members as to their preference for a site walk while under public hearing.
The commission agreed to set a site walk for Thursday, May 1st, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. and open the Public Hearing on May 27, 2008 and if there is a large public body that would like to walk the site concerning issues under this commission’s jurisdiction then another site walk could be scheduled at that time. Linde requested the area of the level spreader be staked prior to the site walk. Bechtel also requested that the 100’ setback line be staked. The commission also agreed to visit Library Lane. Linde also noted the commission would want to know the rate of flow off the site currently versus the rate of flow when the construction is completed because all of that will have an impact on the Duck River.
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PAUL GIANQUINTO – 2 BINNEY ROAD – INSTALLATION OF A NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM
Mr. Gianquinto stated he was having problems with his septic system, which was installed in 1968 with a 5’ diameter drywell. He further stated the existing septic tank itself was pumped four years ago and pumped against last year and is in good condition. He stated the problem is the drywell is not functioning anymore. He stated he spoke with the Building Official last year thinking he had to replace it immediately but that did not happen and he kept an eye on it for about a year and had no problems with it until a month ago. He stated currently there is now water leaching out onto the surface of the lawn. Gianquinto presented a drawing and showed the 50’ buffer on either side of the watercourse and the existing well with a 75’ radius around it. He stated he is
proposing to install the new septic in the area bounded by the garden shed and house. He stated the proposal is to install a precast concrete system in that area. The commission reviewed photographs submitted by the applicant. Brown noted that Mr. Gianquinto had a wetland soil scientist visit the site and found that the area for the proposed septic is not a wetland; that report is part of the application. Brown stated that all the activity shown on the plan is more than 50’ from the watercourse. Brown asked the commission if they would consider authorizing her to issue an administrative permit for this applicant. The commission reviewed the construction of the system. Linde asked if the system has been approved by the town sanitarian. Gianquinto indicated it has not, because the location of the system has to be approved by this commission prior to receiving health approval. Brown stated the proposal does meet
health code.
The commission authorized Ann Brown to issue an administrative permit for this application contingent upon approval by the Health Department and if there are any changes to the proposal the applicant would be required to come back before the commission.
BEDRI BABASULI – 20 GRASSY HILL ROAD – PROPOSED DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION TO PROVIDE OFF ROAD PARKING AND SEPTIC SYSTEM REPAIR
The commission reviewed copies of the new application for 20 Grassy Hill Road. Anthony Hendriks presented the application. He stated he had been before the commission in the past with this particular property. Hendriks stated the commission granted an approval to repair an existing retaining wall along Rogers Lake on this property. He stated that at the submission of the last application to this commission, Mr. Babasuli requested that a driveway be developed from Grassy Hill Road down to the lower portions of the southside of the building to provide access and parking to the house. He stated as a result of that application and the comments and concerns raised by the commission members and Mr. Metcalf, reviewing engineer, the Babasuli family has shifted their plan and incorporated those comments. He stated the current proposal is to tear down the existing shed and build a path. Mr. Hendriks stated we are proposing to get some reasonable off street parking and to repair the
existing septic system. He stated the existing septic system is located too close to the edge of the lake. Mr. Hendriks stated he has discussed this proposal with the Town Sanitarian and believes that a new septic system in conformance with the health code can be constructed up on the side hill. Bechtel indicated the septic system location has not change since the first application. Hendriks indicated that was correct. Bechtel stated one of the commission’s concerns about the proposed septic location is the amount of trees that will need to be removed. Hendriks indicated that there are some trees that need to come down, but this location is the most optimum location for a fully functioning leaching system in conformance with the public health code that can be established. Hendriks also noted this location is within the 100 foot review zone and is located 50 feet away from the lake. Hendriks also noted that this
is a repair. Bechtel clarified that this was a seasonal home. Hendriks indicated that was correct, but the septic system
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needs to be replaced because it is too close to the lake and is not functioning properly. Hendriks indicated the soils are very good at the site. The commission reviewed the soil test data on the plan. Robb Linde asked if there was any difference in the septic capacity for a seasonal home versus a year round home. Hendriks indicated there was not. Bechtel asked if Mr. Hendriks had a statement from the Sanitarin indicating that the present system on the site was not working. Mr. Hendriks indicates he did not. Bechtel asked why he felt it was not functioning properly. Hendriks stated the present system is a hole in the ground (cess pool) and is located too close to the lake. Mr. Hendriks was asked to get information from the Sanitarin as to the current status
of the system and what is being proposed for the site.
Linde asked how many bedrooms were located in the house currently. Hendriks indicated there were three. Linde asked how many bedrooms would this septic system support. Hendriks indicated he believed it would be three.
Ann Browns asked about the construction of the wall. Hendriks indicated it would be a versa lock laid up wall. Brown asked if the wall construction would be shown on the plan for Mr. Metcalf to review and evaluate. Mr. Hendriks indicated he would provide construction details. The commission asked what the current garage was constructed on. Hendriks indicated it was built on piers. Bechtel stated when she visited the site and looked at the existing garage it was on cedar poles and the entire hillside fell away at a 45 degree angle. Bechtel asked what the retaining wall would be built on. Mr. Hendirks indicated the area would have to be filled. Bechtel requested a complete engineering detail indicating how high the walls would be, how much fill will be brought into the
site, how the walls would be constructed, how they would be held together and what their height would be so all of this information can be reviewed to see if it is sound from an engineering point of view. Bechtel stated she felt the rear poles supporting the garage were 20 to 22 feet high. Hendriks stated he has done a class T-2 topographic survey of site and the existing contours and elevations are shown on the property.
Linde requested a cross section of the proposed driveway/retaining wall. Hendriks reviewed the grade changes shown on the plan. Linde also requested the drainage be shown from that area on the plan.
Brown discussed the fact that the approach to the parking area was difficult; that the car would need to pull in and then back into the space. Hendriks stated they had discussed several alternatives for the site but this appears to be the best alternative to create some off-street parking for the site.
Bechtel also asked Mr. Hendriks to pull the septic information form the original application and put it on the new application as well as the proposed septic information.
Linde questioned the slope and grade of the proposed retaining wall and asked for cross sections showing the proposed parking lot, and the height of the retaining wall. Linde also requested that the line between the house and the retaining wall be staked out.
The commission agreed to set a site walk for Thursday, May 1st at 6:30 p.m.
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OLD BUSINESS
GEORGE BLATCHFORD – 31 BOUGHTON ROAD – CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
Bechtel indicated the commission walked the site. The applicant submitted revised plans to the commission. He indicated the revised plans show the well locations of the adjoining properties. Brown asked if the revised plans show any protection to the site where the new well is being drilled. Brown stated at the site walk the commission agreed they would like to see a buffer area along the lake. Blatchford stated there is currently about 20 ft of grass along the lake edge. Brown asked how the well driller would get down to the new well location. Blatchford stated a ramp would be installed up top, which will enable him to extend the drilling rig down to the area. Blatchford stated there is currently a well on the property for a house across the street, which will
be abandoned, and that is where the new well will be located. Brown indicated at one time the same property owner owned both lots. Brown indicated the new well is about 10 ft from the edge of the lake. Bechtel asked why the well was located so close to the Black Hall Pond. Blatchford stated it was necessary in order to achieve the 75 foot radius from the neighboring wells. The commission asked what would be done with the material created as a result of the well drilling. Blatchford indicated it would be removed from the site. Linde stated he understood there was currently lawn along the lake edge and the applicant would be supportive of a buffer. DiCamillo asked how wide the buffer was at the lake edge. The applicant indicated it was approximately 20 ft. Bechtel expressed concern about a patio being placed on the rear of the house. Linde stated he felt a 15 ft buffer would be appropriate. Bechtel
explained to the applicant that they would expect a buffer to include tall grasses, small shrubs that can pick up any runoff and help stabilize the ground area, and would allow a mowed 4 foot access way to the pond. Bechtel asked the commission what they would like to do about the lack of silt fencing shown around the well. Griswold suggested that the commission stipulate that the silt fence be placed and inspected prior to drilling.
Blatchford stated that the two engineers he spoke with indicated that the best protection is a double layer high of hay bales and the silt fence is place in front of the bales of hay. Linde stated that in addition to the hay bales he would like to get a drilling sequence showing the removal of the silt. Linde stated at the time of the pre-construction meeting he would like to see either the hay bales in place and a description from the driller as to what they are going to do with the sediment from the drilling as they drill it along with the 15’ buffer. The commission also asked that these requests be shown on the plans prior to construction.
Linde asked the commission if they now had a supply of the placards to give property owners that would delineate these buffer areas. Brown indicated the placards would be available soon. Linde suggested that when available, the placards be placed along the lake edge. Blatchford indicated he would be more than willing to put them up on the property.
Robb Linde made a motion to approve the application with the following five conditions:
There is a drawing showing a 15’ buffer from the Black Hall Pond into the property.
A drawing also show the silt fence protection around the proposed new well.
At the pre-construction meeting there be a detailed plan showing the sequence for drilling and removing waste from the well.
That once the placards are available the applicant post a couple of placards at the 15’ buffer edge that will indicated the area is not to be mowed.
That there be a notation in the permit specifically stating that there be a 15’ buffer.
Janet Bechtel seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
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OTHER BUSINESS
REGULATION REWRITE
Bechtel reported that she was still working on getting new regulations completed by the end of this year.
LORDS WOODS SUBDIVISION
Bechtel reported that the commission has received correspondence from Tom Metcalf and Attorney Block. She noted that it was discussed at the March meeting that they were all getting together to do a site walk to discuss the level spreader. Bechtel stated Mr. Metcalf stated in his letter that it was his understanding that B & L Construction will schedule the repair work later in the spring when the weather conditions were more favorable. Bechtel stated this commission still has to address the replanting plan for the site. She asked the commission if they still wanted to have that area replanted and if so were the plants that were specified in Jim Sipperly’s report acceptable. Bechtel asked the commission if they wanted to visit the site to assess the regrowth.
Griswold stated he visited the site and stated there was some stump sprouting but of course the deer had nibbled down the stump sprouts but at least they’re alive and their root systems seem to be holding the soil.
Bechtel stated there were plants proposed at the mouth of the level spreader to be replanted. Bechtel stated it was her hope to get Jim Sipperly, who created the replanting plan, to join us at the site walk. Bechtel stated he is currently out of town but would try to contact him for his availability in hopes he would be able to attend on May 1, 2008. Bechtel also discussed the fact that she had asked him to decided whether he is on this commission or not on this commission.
Griswold asked if the open space committee should be invited to the meeting. Bechtel stated in terms of replanting, the correspondence she has received from Diana Atwood Johnson has indicated that Open Space would defer to this commission as to what is replanted. Bechtel stated Ms. Johnson’s requests had been that the trees stumps by the drainage basin be cut down to ground level. Griswold stated if there is any sprouting they should not be cut down. Griswold asked if the point of cutting them down was aesthetic. Bechtel indicated that was correct. Brown stated that Ms. Johnson requested that they be cut down because she found them unsightly. Bechtel stated she also indicated this was to occur in the vicinity of the drainage basin. Griswold stated that the more times
you go into the area and do something, the greater the disturbance and the less likely the area will be to repair itself.
Bechtel stated she would attempt to coordinate the site walk for Thursday, May 1st with Jim Sipperly and include Ms. Johnson if possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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