OLD LYME ZONING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, January 12, 2015
The Old Lyme Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on Monday, January 12, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of Memorial Town Hall. Those present and voting were: Jane Cable, Chairman, Jane Marsh, Secretary, Gil Soucie, regular member and Stacy Winchell, alternate.
Also present: Keith Rosenfeld, Land Use Coordinator
Chairman Cable called the Public Hearing to order at 7:32 p.m.
1. Special Permit Application to extend the range of services and develop an Institute dedicated to wellness life style education in an existing building, in accordance with Section 13B of the Old Lyme Zoning Regulations, on property located at 10 Lyme Street, Lindsay Eisensmith, Vitality Spa & Wellness, applicant, Warren Hannas, property owner.
Chairman Cable stated that this application was withdrawn.
Ms. Marsh read the legal notice for the evening’s public hearing as published in The New London Day on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 and Tuesday, January 6, 2015.
2. Special Permit Application to permit a Connecticut Water Company Well Station to be located at 216 Mile Creek Road, Connecticut Water Company, applicant.
Ms. Marsh read the List of Exhibits for the record.
Mr. Meder and Mr. Casagrande, Professional Engineering, both from Connecticut Water Company, were present to explain the application. Mr. Meder stated that they would like to construct a well station at 216 Mile Creek Road. He noted that CT Water purchased this property in early 2013 for the purpose of supplying additional service and supplementing their Hartung Facility that is located at 7 Cross Lane. He noted that this station is a primary treatment plant for the area south of Route 1. Mr. Meder explained that well testing in May 2013 showed that this property can yield 25,000 gallons per day to supplement the Hartung Facility.
Mr. Meder explained the site plan, noting that the station is set back 800 feet from the street on a parcel that is a little over 8 acres. He indicated that there is a good, natural buffer of the surrounding properties. Mr. Meder explained that there are currently two structures on the property, one a 25’ x 25’ stone foundation and a 15’ x 15’ two-story shed which will be removed and the foundation filled. He noted that the proposed facility will be smaller and therefore less of a footprint then what is currently on the property. Mr. Meder noted that they plan to add a row of white pines on one side to add a little natural screening from one abutter. He noted that he building is 10’ x 14’ and will be a neutral, earth tone color. Mr. Meder explained that the purpose of the
building is to house controls for the wells. Mr. Casagrande noted that the wells are similar to private wells. Chairman Cable questioned whether there would be a noise problem. Mr. Meder stated that there will be an emergency generator that is exterior to the structure but will be in an enclosure. He noted that there will also be a 500 gallon propane tank.
Mr. Meder explained that there are well circumferences that need to be maintained but because of the size of the property there is no concern that an abutter is too close. Mr. Casagrande explained that the circumferences are all on the parcel.
Ms. Marsh questioned whether they would be treating the water at the site. Mr. Meder explained that there will be iron and magnesium removal at the Hartung site. Chairman Cable questioned the depth of the wells. Mr. Meder stated that the shallowest is about 200’ and the deepest is 400’. He noted that there will be a 7’ chain link security fence around the station and there will be a single LED full cut-off fixture for lighting which will only be used if an operator is there. Mr. Meder stated that the station will be operated as a seasonal source, mostly April through October, with approximately one visit per day.
Chris Whitaker, owner of property two houses away, questioned what might happen to her well. She noted that her well is not shallow but is concerned that it might dry her well. Another neighbor expressed the same concern.
Mr. Meder explained that when they did their testing they monitored the Chadwick community facility at the end of Champlain Drive. He noted that the aquifers run north to south so there is no effect east to west. Mr. Meder stated that there was no effect on the Chadwick facility when they performed their testing. He noted that they cannot say with 100 percent certainty that there will not be any effect, but they will address any problems if they occur. Mr. Casagrande noted that when the Health Department reviews the wells for well approval they look at potential impact on neighboring properties and their supplies. Mr. Casagrande reiterated that they would work to resolve any well issues that arise as a result.
Mr. Meder stated many homes have been granted annual status. He noted that they put additional storage at the Hartung Station in 2007 and since adding that, they don’t feel there will be any problems meeting peak demand. Chairman Cable stated that the Public Hearing will be held open awaiting a decision from the Wetlands Commission.
A motion was made by Jane Marsh, seconded by Gil Soucie and voted unanimously to continue the Public Hearing until the February 9, 2015 Regular Meeting in order to obtain a decision from the Wetlands Commission on the Special Permit Application to permit a Connecticut Water Company Well Station to be located at 216 Mile Creek Road.
Chairman Cable adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett, Recording Secretary
| 
