Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

LAST REVISED 4/2/2009 5:05 PM CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION April 2, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes Lower-level Conference Room 23 Union Street Norwich Connecticut Agenda Items A, B & C – Call To Order, Roll Call, Determination Of Quorum: Chairman Baribeault called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Raymond Baribeault Richard Morell Douglas Lee Jeremiah Lowney Barbara Rothstein Ralph Page Arthur Sharron, Alt. Brandon Hyde, Alt. Robert McCoy, Alt Also Present: Michael Schaefer City Planner and Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Recording Secretary A quorum was present and all members were voting. Commissioners Robert McCoy and Jeremiah Lowney arrived at 7:04 and were non- voting. D. Minutes: Upon motion by Ralph Page and second by Brandon Hyde, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the March 5, 2009 regular meeting. E. Communications: NONE F. Public Hearings: NONE G. Old Business: 1. IW-URA#09-03 – 14 Stonyridge Road – Application of Erik & Christie McLeod for the installation of a 21’ aboveground pool. Michael Schaefer presented the application for minor grading in existing lawn area for the installation of a 21’ aboveground pool. Upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Doug Lee, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the application subject to the following condition: 1. No point of the pool may be closer than 50’ to edge of wetland. 2. IW-URA#09-04 – 19 Pilling Street – Application of Gilton Plourde for the installation of a 16’x25’ shed. Michael Schaefer presented the application for a shed, deck and gazebo. Michael Schaefer stated that the shed would be within 15’ of an artificial wetland, located lower than lawn area and dominated by cattails. Michael Schaefer stated that a storm drain empties into said wetland with a controlled outlet. Michael Schaefer noted that a dilapidated shed of comparative size would be removed from a nearby location, with the deck and gazebo built onto LAST REVISED 4/8/2009 10:11 AM the house approximately 35’ from the proposed shed. As there were no further questions from the Commission, and upon motion by Ralph Page and second by Brandon Hyde, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the application. 3. IW-URA#09-05 – 145 Old Salem Road – Application of NPU for the installation of 2 diesel generators inside the existing/abandoned propane facility. Michael Schaefer presented the application and stated the proposed generators would be used to shave peak demand times, and would be placed on existing properties owned by NPU. Michael Schaefer stated that the existing propane tanks are to be removed and the generators will occupy their footprint. Michael Schaefer displayed the plans showing existing conditions and stated that he was of the opinion that the wetlands are considerably more extensive than originally presented by the applicant. Mark Green of NPU explained that during the refueling process the tanks have a fixed connection and special containers at fill point to collect any spillage, and that the overall SOP covers potential spill and cleanup plan at all applicable NPU sites. Mark Green stated response materials will be kept on-site in addition to on and off site audible and visual alerts in the event of a rupture and DEP would be immediately notified of any spill regardless of severity. Tom Solinski of the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) presented photos of the double walled self-contained units, and noted the tank is UL approved, fully welded steel and to be placed on engineered concrete. The Commission questioned the estimated lifespan of tanks. Tom Solinski replied the lifespan could easily exceed 40 years. The Commission questioned if fuel ‘expired’ how would NPU respond. Tom Solinski responded that the oil they purchase is ultra low sulfur and could be treated with fuel additives to treat biofouling. As there were no further questions from the Commission and upon motion by Brandon Hyde and second by Richard Morell, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the application subject to the following conditions: 1. Generator to be relocated into existing footprint. 2. Wetlands be revisited by a soil scientist, and modified as appropriate on final plans. 3. Scale to be corrected. 4. IW-URA#09-06 – 57 Salem Tpke – Application of NPU for the installation of 2 diesel generators inside the existing/abandoned electric substation. Michael Schaefer stated that the wetlands appear to be correctly delineated, and that the existing pad location is separated from the nearest wetland by a berm. Additionally, the nearest wetland is approximately 35 feet from the closest point on the closest generator. Michael Schaefer noted that the self- contained area and operation is similar to previous application. There were no further questions from the Commission. Michael Schaefer stated Staff has no recommendation for conditions of approval. Upon motion by Art Sharron and second by Richard Morell, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE 2 LAST REVISED 4/8/2009 10:11 AM the application as presented. H. New Business: 1. IW-URA#09-07 – 89 Sherman Street – Application of Dr. Jeremiah Lowney and the Haitian Health Foundation for the construction of a ‘Quonset’ structure. Commissioner Jeremiah Lowney recused himself from discussion. Michael Schaefer summarized the site and stated that the application is to be tabled for the mandatory public petition period. Upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Doug Lee, the Commission voted unanimously (Lowney recused) to TABLE the application to the 5/7/09 regular meeting. I. New Business items submitted after agenda preparation and prior to the submission deadline: NONE J. Other Business: Election of Officers Upon motion by Barbara Rothstein and second by Ralph Page, the Commission voted unanimously to keep the slate of officers in the positions currently held. K. Violations: NONE L. Adjournment Upon motion by Art Sharron and second by Richard Morell, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Tianne Phoenix Curtis Recording Secretary 3