Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

LAST REVISED 5/29/2009 1:57 PM CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION June 4, 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 Douglas Lee Ralph Page Richard Morell Barbara Rothstein Jeremiah Lowney 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 Alternates Brandon Hyde and Arthur Sharron were non- voting. D. Minutes: Upon motion by Ralph Page and second by Doug Lee, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the May 7, 2009 regular meeting. E. Communications: Upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Ralph Page, the Commission voted unanimously to ACCEPT communications. F. Public Hearings: 1. IWWCC#09-01 – Salem Tpke – Application of Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC for the E-1 Natural Gas Pipeline System Groundbed Replacement. Chairman Baribeault opened the Public Hearing. Michael Schaefer entered exhibits “A-J” into the record. The Commission briefly reviewed exhibit “J,” (photo documentation record of the recent E-3/E-4 Groundbed installation.) Michael Schaefer then turned the floor over to the Applicant. Karl Smith of TRC presented and stated the proposed work is part of Algonquin’s ongoing natural gas pipeline maintenance program, which would ensure adequate cathodic protection to the pipeline in accordance with USDOT pipeline safety regulations, and that the proposed system counteracts corrosion. Mr. Smith stated a small tracked excavator would be used to bury the anodes at a depth of 5’ in a 2’ wide trench, and the temporary construction easement is 15’ wide. Mr. Smith explained there would be no overnight stockpiling and would be excavated such that the topsoil is separated to one side of the trench, and the subsoil to the other. Mr. Smith stated a horizontal directional drill would be used for the crossing at Salem Turnpike. Mr. Smith estimated 5 to 8 days for installation and stated slurry from directional drilling is to be vacuumed up LAST REVISED 6/10/2009 12:51 PM as it is produced. Chuck Thomas of Algonquin Gas/Spectra Energy stated the proposed timeline is August to allow for re-growth. Mr. Thomas noted periodic testing would be done from within the existing fence line of facility. Michael Schaefer stated that the applicant had considered several alternatives to the preferred action including; the “no-build” alternative, which was deemed unacceptable because of compliance issues with the USDOT; and “Anode Bed within Existing Pipeline Right-of-Way”, which would not provide the needed protection for compliance with the USDOT. As there were no further questions from the Commission, Chairman Baribeault opened the floor to Public Comment. As there were none wishing to speak in favor or opposition, and upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Doug Lee, Chairman Baribeault closed the Public hearing. G. Old Business: 1. IWWCC#09-01 – Salem Tpke – Application of Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC for the E-1 Natural Gas Pipeline System Groundbed Replacement. Based upon the record of the Public Hearing and upon motion by Doug Lee and second by Richard Morell, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the application subject to the following condition: (1) Applicant is to work with installation sub-contractor to ensure rubber mats etc. are utilized if needed. 2. IW-URA#09-09 – 176 Old Salem Road – Application of Dana & Lorna Caviggia for the construction of a 20’x15’ shed. Michael Schaefer presented the application to the Commission for the construction of a shed in the front lawn area of an existing house, and stated that the land is level and lawn/pavement covered. Michael Schaefer additionally noted that the permit typically would have been granted administratively; however, the applicant, in order to save the publishing costs associated with an administrative approval, opted to have the Commission review the application at a regular meeting. The Commission expressed their wish for additional materials. Upon motion by Ralph Page and second by Richard Morell, the Commission voted unanimously to TABLE discussion for a short period of time in order for the materials to be retrieved. Motion was made by Richard Morell and seconded by Barbara Rothstein to reopen discussion. GIS map and aerial photographs were reviewed. Michael Schaefer stated that should the Commission choose to act favorably, Staff recommends approval of the permit with the condition that the shed be located no closer than 25’ from any wetland or watercourse. Upon motion by Doug Lee and second by Barbara Rothstein, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the application subject to the following condition: 2 LAST REVISED 6/10/2009 12:51 PM (1) Shed be located no closer than 50’ from any wetland or watercourse. H. New Business: None I. New Business items submitted after agenda preparation and prior to the submission deadline: 1. IWWCC#06-07(A) – East of Scotland Rd., North of I395, West of Taftville- Occum Rd. – Byron Brook Country Club, LLC request for Permit Modification. Upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Barbara Rothstein, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the application and TABLE the application to the 7/2/09 regular meeting. 2. Floodplain Referral #09-A – 34-36 West Main Street – Richard Thayer request for conversion of use from assembly to storage located within a Floodplain. The Commission considered the referral. After a brief discussion it was determined that the Commission had no objections as the application would not have any impact on any Inland Wetlands or Watercourses. J. Other Business: NONE K. Violations: NONE L. Adjournment Upon motion by Ralph Page and second by Barbara Rothstein, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:49 pm. Respectfully submitted, Tianne Phoenix Curtis Recording Secretary 3