MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Elizabeth Warren, Audrey Delnicki, Philip Forzley, Carol Heffler, Barbara Kelly, Richard Muller and Audrey Wasik
STAFF PRESENT: Jeffrey H. Folger, Environmental
Planner/Conservation Officer
Debbie Reid, Recording Secretary
ITEM: Correspondence & Reports
Commission members discussed two Hartford Courant articles. One was regarding salamanders and the other was regarding Land Group setback.
ITEM: Conservation Commission
Jeff explained he would be mowing the meadow areas at the Wildlife Sanctuary.
ITEM: Wetland Officer’s Report
Jeff stated he would be meeting with the owner of 461 Miller Road on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 regarding the potential wetland violation.
Chairperson Warren told Commission members that she had spoken with Kevin McCann, Chairperson of Planning & Zoning Commission. He felt it would be a good idea for some members from IWA/CC and P & Z to have a joint meeting. He also felt that EDC should be involved in this meeting.
ITEM: Public Hearing
Appl. #03-41W – Environmental Services
Attorney Wayne Gerlt came before the Commission and reviewed all the submissions for this application.
Mr. Tomek Grajewski a Professional Engineer with Zuvic Associates came before the Commission. He explained that revisions had been made to the pipe. The pipe is approximately 17 years old and has sufficient depth for construction equipment to go over.
Mr. Joe Wren, a Consultant for Environmental Services told Commission members that corrosion of the bottom of pipes usually starts at approximately 30 years.
Mr. Grajewski explained that the additional mitigation is proposed along the entire length of the river as proposed to the Commission. Invasive species and old construction materials will be removed from this site. The farm bridge is also proposed to be removed. The vernal pool will be protected by the removal of any type of accessibility to that area and grading will be done to restore the wet area leading to it.
Mr. Wren explained that the drainage for this area will be combined into one biofilter area. An oil separator and 2’ sumps have been added to the plan. Plantings are proposed for the wetland areas and there will be no standing water on the site. The biofilter will be planted with wetland species.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. Tomek explained that during a large storm, the biofilter will hold ¾” of runoff and the overflow into the river.
Jeff had concerns regarding velocities. He felt that soft armoring and matting with vegetation could be used. Mr. Grajewski stated that there is presently stone over the pipe, which will also reduce velocities.
Chairperson Warren wondered if the pipe should be replaced now because work will be done in the area. Mr. Grajewski said that each year the Town can receive a report to tell how the mitigation area is doing and the status of the pipe.
Answering further questions from the Commission, Mr. Grajewski explained that the buses will be relocated up to 41-45 feet away. The runoff from the buses will run to the biofilter via a curb. Forty feet of pavement will be removed from this site. Presently the pavement is 16’ away from the watercourse.
Mr. Derek Mitchell told Commission members that new buses are purchased every three to four years. Buses are not washed on site and are maintained offsite as well. Jeff added that a visual inspection of the area could be a condition of approval. There was 973 cubic yards of fill brought to this site. According to test pits done, clean fill and topsoil have been used on most of the site.
Commissioner Wasik stated she is not comfortable closing the public hearing.
Jeff stated that this site has been severely impacted, stormwater has not been taken care of on this site. This application manages stormwater, mitigation measures are meaningful, the vernal pool has been identified and there are no further impacts to critical areas. A conservation easement could be done. This
application will restore hydrology to this site and Jeff also stated that he feels the biofilter is a better alternative versus the deep sump. The proposal for the
stream bank is adequate. Removal of materials on the bank and invasive species are critical. The Commission needs to decide if the proposed mitigation is adequate for the pipe to remain.
Attorney Gerlt stated that the Commission could condition the stormwater system with Town staff approval. A permanent bond could be placed for erosion subject to review by the Town Engineer. There is a short-term impact, but long term benefit. There are no feasible or prudent alternatives.
There were no public comments.
Commissioner Kelly stated she is unclear what will be disturbed downstream if the pipe is removed. There needs to be more information on specific impacts
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. DeVannie explained that there has to be a spill prevention plan in place for the diesel tank on the site. The tank is double walled with steel. The plan is reviewed and approved by EPA.
Motion to: close the public hearing on appl. #03-41W – Environmental Services, LLC – Brookfield Street – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application to construct a waste transfer station, construct a riparian buffer and allow a culvert to remain on property located easterly of Brookfield Street. General commercial, GC zone.
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: 4 to 2 with Commissioners Kelly, Delnicki, Forzley and Heffler voting in favor of closing the public hearing and Commissioner Wasik and Muller voting against approval to close the public hearing. Chairperson Warren abstained.
Motion to: approve with conditions appl. #03-41W – Environmental Services LLC – Brookfield Street – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application to construct a waste transfer station, construct a riparian buffer, and allow a culvert to remain on property located easterly of Brookfield Street. General Commercial, GC zone.
Was made by Commissioner: Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Forzley
Conditions:
1. One blueprint copy of the entire set of plans and this letter reproduced thereon, must be submitted to this Commission. This must be completed within 65 days of approval prior to any construction activity on the site. Plans submitted to Planning & Zoning Commission shall be considered having met this requirement.
2. The application shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of South Windsor against any liability, which might result from the proposed operation or use.
3. The permit is valid for five years and shall expire on October 15, 2008. It is the landowner(s)/applicant(s) responsibility to track expiration dates and notify the Commission of a renewal request at least 65 days prior to expiration.
4. All approvals required must be obtained and submitted prior to any activity on the site.
5. A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
Applicant should develop and submit a stormwater management plan.
Inspections of the pavement for the presence of any automotive fluids shall be included in the stormwater plan.
Inspections of the condition of the culvert shall be done annually.
Inspections of the catch basins and sediment sumps shall be done bi-annually and cleaned as needed.
The DEP stormwater permit inspections done twice a year should be submitted to the Environmental Planner.
Complete stormwater prevention plan should be submitted to the Environmental Planner for his review and approval.
Metal materials on this site to be removed. The dates that each item is to be removed should be included on the plans.
The IWA/CC application is to be updated to include the amount of surface area proposed to be disturbed and area to be mitigated.
Soil remediation and any permit requirements and activities proposed in the applicants monthly progress reports should be prepared by a Professional Engineer and submitted to the Environmental Planner for his review and approval.
The applicant is to submit a statement of jurisdiction from the Army Corps. Of Engineers concerning the culvert.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $10,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $15,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure installation of the stormwater structures.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $50,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure proper installation and establishment of the mitigation areas.
The Town Engineer and Environmental Planner to established a bond amount for the repair/replacement of the culvert pipe.
The proposed mitigation should be completed prior to construction of the transfer facility.
Motion to: table consideration of appl. #03-41W – Environmental Services – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application to construct a waste transfer station, construct a riparian buffer, and allow a culvert to remain on property located easterly of Brookfield Street. General Commercial, GC zone.
Was made by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: failed ( no second)
Commissioner Wasik stated she feels that this motion covers the Commissions concerns.
Chairperson Warren felt that all proposals will improve this site.
Commissioner Kelly stated she has visited the site twice and has no problem with the general concept of this plan, but does not feel there was enough talk about the pipe and other aspects such as prudent and feasible alternatives, therefore Commissioner Kelly said she is opposed to approving this application.
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: 6 to 1 with Commissioners Warren, Wasik, Delnicki, Muller, Forzley and Heffler voting in favor of approval and Commissioner Kelly voting in opposition of approval
ITEM: New Business
Appl. #03-67P – Mill on the River
Chairperson Warren explained that there was a permit issued five years ago on this parcel and was allowed to lapse. Chairperson Warren stated that she feels the Commission should not hear this application until current violations on the site are corrected.
Jeff explained that the contractor who is responsible for this site was told three weeks ago to maintain or repair the silt fence. This request was ignored. They were allowed to bring material onto the site and stockpile the items.
Mr. Galen Semprebon, Design Professionals came before the Commission to represent this application. He explained that the applicant is trying to get the pavement in place and therefore help stabilize the area.
Jeff stated that he would not approve any pavement until the stormwater structure is fully in and established. This will not be able to be completed this year and therefore the applicant should stabilize the site and complete the project in the Spring and do this project correctly.
Commission members discussed this situation briefly and then decided that this application should be tabled until the next meeting. If the site is not stabilized by the next meeting, this application will be denied and a violation letter will be issued.
ITEM: Old Business
Appl. #03-59P – Mannarino Builders – 727 Chapel Road
Mr. Jay Ursery of J.R. Russo and Associates came before the Commission. He explained the changes made to the subdivision since the last meeting. There were two trees which the Commission had concerns about. Those trees will remain and the house will be shifted towards the road and to the east. The Beech tree will need to be removed. Originally this property had frontage on Long Hill Road, but following a taking by the State of Connecticut for the construction of I-291, the parcel was cut off and left with frontage only on Chapel Road. There have been no other feasible or prudent alternatives found for this application. A retaining wall could be erected 70 to 80 feet long to protect the wetlands.
Mr. George Logan from REMA came before the Commission. He explained that Jeff had found that flag #12 was off approximately 6 to 7 feet. The functional value of the wetlands should not be impacted by this development. A conservation easement will be offered in the front of the development and the rear of the development.
Jeff stated that the planting plan should lend itself to an ornamental value as well as habitat value.
Motion to: extend the meeting past 10:30 p.m. in order to finish agenda items.
Was made by Commissioner Wasik
Seconded by Commissioner Delnicki
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Answering questions from the Commission, the applicant explained that alternatives have been looked at and the plan before the Commission was felt to be the most feasible and prudent. The proposed fence to be erected will be a pressure treated split rail fence.
Jeff stated that the proposed retaining wall along the driveway could be a dangerous aspect and recommended that not be erected.
Motion to: approve with conditions appl. #03-59P – Mannarino Builders – 727 Chapel Road – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application to create a two-lot residential subdivision. RR, RR-O Residential zones.
Conditions:
1. One blueprint copy of the entire set of plans and this letter reproduced thereon, must be submitted to this Commission. This must be completed within 65 days of approval prior to any construction activity on the site. Plans submitted to Planning & Zoning Commission shall be considered having met this requirement.
2. The application shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of South Windsor against any liability, which might result from the proposed operation or use.
3. The permit is valid for five years and shall expire on October 15, 2008. It is the landowner(s)/applicant(s) responsibility to track expiration dates and notify the Commission of a renewal request at least 65 days prior to expiration.
4. All approvals required must be obtained and submitted prior to any activity on the site.
5. A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $5,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures, and installation and establishment of the mitigation area and plantings.
A split rail fence is to be erected at the conservation easement boundary.
A conservation easement to be established at the eastern and northern portions of the site. The easement is to be identified in the field with approved markers.
Construction fence is to be erected near the northern wetland prior to any construction.
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Forzley
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: Adjournment
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Phillips
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully submitted
_________________________________ ___________________
Deborah W. Reid Date Approved
Recording Secretary
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