Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

Revised 06/28/2010 12:10 PM CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION June 3, 2010 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, Chairman Brandon Hyde Barbara Rothstein Richard Morell Douglas S. Lee Absent: Jeremiah Lowney Arthur Sharron, Alt. Ralph Page Robert McCoy, Alt. Also Present: Michael Schaefer, City Planner and Darlene Fedus-Papineau, Recording Secretary It was determined there was a quorum. D. Minutes: Upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Raymond Baribeault, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the May 6, 2010 regular meeting. E. Communications: NONE F. Public Hearings: NONE G. Old Business: Mr. Schaefer told the Commission that he has reviewed both files (IWWCC #10-03 and IWWCC #10-02) and in his professional opinion none of the proposed activities would cause a significant or adverse impact on the wetlands. He reminded the Commission that the new criteria for the Commission to consider for the Public Hearings is that the proposed activity is likely to have a significant impact on wetlands or watercourses. 1. IWWCC#10-03- 555-575 Norwich Avenue-Application of HRP Associated, Inc. for excavation, filling and grading within the 100- foot Upland Review Area. Representing the applicant was Darin Lemire, Senior Project Engineer of HRP Associates, Inc., Farmington CT. Mr. Schaefer showed the Commission photos of the South Mill that currently houses Amazing Furniture and Mr. LAST REVISED 6/28/2010 1:54 PM Lemire described in detail the proposed activity as a redevelopment of an environmentally contaminated parking area. He stated that no wetlands would be disturbed during the proposed work, which will be conducted outside the wetland area. The proposed work within the 100-foot upland review area includes excavation, filling, grading and paving. The wetland on the site is at the eastern edge of the property where the Shetucket River is located. He stated that they would provide new underground utilities and a new drainage system. The proposed work will improve drainage at the site. The new drainage and pavement being installed will result in less erosion and sedimentation at the site and decrease mobility of in-site soil contaminants that previously were leaching into the wetlands. The Commission was informed of the procedure that will be used to cap off the Hazardous Materials and a sedimentation and erosion control plan has been prepared and shown as Sheet C-5. The Commission was concerned with the digging of potentially hazardous materials. Mr. Lemire explained the extent of, and manner in which contaminated soils would be managed. Mr. Schaefer informed the Commission that they could condition the approval that a PE is on site and for the record Mr. Ellison, City Engineer has no issues with the proposed work. Upon motion by Chairman Baribeault and second by Brandon Hyde, the Commission voted to APPROVE the application with the condition that the applicants follow proper procedure for the polluted materials, have the PE on site and seeding recommendations be clarified on E & S plan and drainage system O & M plan be submitted. 2. IWWCC#10-02- 50 Town Street-Application of Chelsea Groton Savings Bank for repair/replacement of existing retaining wall behind Chelsea Bank along north side of Yantic River. Mr. Schaefer stated that this application is for the replacement of a 180’ linear feet dilapidated stone retaining wall with the replacement of a stacked-boulder wall. The existing wall is between 7-9’ in height and the proposed wall will be built in the same footprint and not encroach any further into the Yantic River bed. Mr. Schaefer explained that the wall would have a slight back pitch to increase stability. The base and rear of the wall will be bedded in a 12-inch- thick layer of ¾-inch crushed stone, which will be backed by geo-textile. Weep pipes will also be installed above the base course at 12ft intervals. Comments from City Engineer, Barry Ellison were read in support of the proposal were read by Mr. Schaefer. Representing the applicant was Tim May of May Engineering, LLC. He informed the Commission that the other retaining wall blew out 2 years ago and the repairs that were made are inadequate. The wall will be replaced over a period of ten weeks 2 LAST REVISED 6/28/2010 1:54 PM and approximately 10 to 20 feet of wall will be removed and replaced at one time and all work will be done from the uphill side. Mr. Schaefer recommended approval of the application pending that the wall construction will be inspected as needed by May Engineering, LLC to ensure adherence to the approved plans. He noted that the application is in front of DEP for a Stream Channel Encroachment permit. Upon motion by Brandon Hyde and second by Raymond Baribeault, the Commission voted to APPROVE the application. 3. New Business: NONE 4. New Business items submitted after agenda preparation and prior to the submission deadline: IWWCC- #10-04-Newton Street- Application of Norwich Public Utilities for utility trench work for new gravity sewer and new force main on Newton Street, adjacent neighborhoods and Stanton School. On a motion by Douglas Lee and second by Richard Morell it was unanimously voted to TABLE that application until the next regular meeting of the Commission on July 1, 2010. 5.Other Business: Administrative APPROVAL IW-URA-10-03 (A) Route 2 near pole #3092-Appli cation of ATT for installation of a 5’ x 9’ concrete pad and equipment cabinet. (Approved 05/14/10) Mr. Schaefer informed the Commission that the concrete pad and associated equipment cabinet would be located within the 100-ft. Upland Review Area. (Location approximately 40 feet from the wetlands situated along the edge of the pond at 380 Stonington Road) K. Violations: None L. Adjournment Upon motion by Brandon Hyde and second by Douglas Lee, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Darlene Fedus-Papineau, Recording Secretary 3