Approved 7/22/08
MINUTES
OLD LYME INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING, SITE WALK, JUNE 30, 2008
254-254-1 BOSTON POST ROAD
CONTINUED SHOW CAUSE HEARING
FMTM, Broad Brook Estates, 254 and 254-1 Boston Post Road.
The meeting convened at 5:30 PM. Present were IWWC members Janet Bechtel, Don Willis, Robb Linde, Evan Griswold, Dave McCulloch, Louis DiCamillo, Enforcement Officer Ann Brown, Town Engineer Tom Metcalf, Planning Commission Member Chris Kerr, Applicant’s Surveyor Tony Hendriks, Applicant’s Engineer Lee Rowley, and Applicant’s Excavator Bill Sima. The group waited for the Applicant, Frank Martone, who arrived at 6:07 PM.
The group started at the beginning of the driveway at Boston Post Road, with Tom Metcalf referring to specific comments in his June 23, 2008 letter, and pointing out conditions on the site to which his letter referred. Metcalf pointed out that the grading at the edge of disturbance was not done well, and that there was insufficient topsoil spread onto most disturbed areas. Sima stated that finish grading had not been done; Martone stated that it should have been and he accepts the criticism and will correct these items.
The row of boulders at the edge of the clearing on the east side of the driveway was discussed. Bechtel explained that the approved plan did not include boulders being deposited along the edge of the wetlands, and in some places into the wetlands. She stated that aesthetics are not really the prevue of the IWWC, but any and all activities in wetlands and within 100’ of wetlands, or activities having impact on wetlands certainly are within the IWWC jurisdiction.
There appeared to be rocks and stumps and brush in fill areas along and into the wetlands, with settling and voids already becoming evident. The grading did not appear gradual or stable in many areas. The plan shows gradual grading to meet the undisturbed areas, and this was not done as approved. Linde reminded Martone that an approved plan reflects the Applicant’s agreement to construct a project in that particular way, and that any proposed changes require a formal request to the IWWC and an evaluation and approval by the IWWC.
After discussion, Martone agreed that he would submit a modified plan request to the IWWC showing boulders along the edge of disturbance and showing the removal of any boulders which are in the wetlands, and showing transition to the natural grade at the edge of disturbance.
The group examined the first drainage basins. Metcalf pointed out how the basins were not constructed in compliance with the approved plans; that graded transitions were poorly and inadequately done; that topsoil was not adequately provided; that soil stabilization was not adequate in most areas and not to plan. Although extensive areas of turf matting were called for on the plan, none appeared to be used on site.
The invert of the first drainage basin on the east side of the driveway was not per plan, there were boulders and such used as fill, the transition grading was poorly done and it appeared that work still needed to be done beyond the basin to protect the wetlands. The basin was not constructed per approved plan.
The second basin had exposed pipe, no flared end, no T-berm, poor grading from the driveway to the basin, boulders and such fill, and generally not completed per plan. Hendriks agreed that is was not constructed in compliance with the approved plan. Griswold expressed great concern about what appeared to be grading/filling into the wetlands.
At the top of the first rise the grading was poor and the topsoil inadequate. It was determined that the detailed plans do not require fabric liner under the rip rap swales, although it would have been desirable. No turf mats were installed, either on the downhill side to protect the wetlands directly, or on the uphill side to protect siltation into the swales.
The next plunge pools (at approximately station 6-50) are not constructed as designed; there is rubble fill already showing voids, transition grading is poor. Metcalf recommended that Martone consult his engineer to suggest proper remedies for the deficiencies. The pipe on the west side of the driveway is not in the approved location and is installed approximately 1’ too high. The grade on the roadbed itself is not in compliance with the approved plan. There appears to be grading and possibly a bury hole on the neighboring property in this area. A dangerous tree was left on a ledge; this should be removed. The pipe under the driveway to lot #1 is approximately 12’ long, not the 18’ in the approved design. This needs to be corrected and properly installed.
Grading and proper stabilization are needed in this area.
The conclusion of the Commission was that Martone should have his engineer and surveyor prepare a modified plan showing any changes and/or modifications to the approved plans that Martone wants to make. The modified plan should be submitted to the Commission for evaluation and possible approval. No additional work should be done until the revised plan is evaluated by the Commission and its staff, and a decision on the changes is made. The hearing remains open to be reconvened at the July 22, 2008 IWWC meeting. The order to stop work until lifted by the Commission is in force.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.
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