Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes December 3, 2020 CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION VIRTUAL/REMOTE MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Morell called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. B. ROLL CALL and SEATING of ALTERNATES: Present: Chairman Richard Morell, Peter Chalecki, Robert McCoy and Swarnjit Singh Bhatia. Absent: Vice Chairman Douglas Lee, David Poore and Brandon Hyde. Also Present: John Wegnell, Pat McLaughlin, Dan Daniska, Assistant City Planner and Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary. C. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Peter Chalecki put forth a motion to APPROVE the November, 2020 regular meeting minutes. Richard Morrell seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. D. COMMUNICATIONS: None. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. F. OLD BUSINESS: 1. IWWCC #20-16 Sherman Street Bridge Application for the proposed project to replace both the existing bridges carrying Sherman Street over the Yantic River (Bridge No. 04047 and 03797) with new structures and reconstruct approximately 525 feet and 510 feet of Asylum Street and Sherman Street, respectively. A total of approximately 19,915 sq. ft. of watercourse and Connecticut wetlands will be impacted during the replacement of the Sherman Street Bridges over the Yantic River. Permanent and temporary impacts are proposed. The entire project is within the Upland Review Area and is estimated to be 54,530 sq. ft. Application and property of The City of Norwich. John Wegnell, WMC Consulting Engineers, stated his firm was hired by the City for design services for the Sherman Street Bridges and presented a PowerPoint presentation detailing the planned work. Mr. Wegnell reported the state project, number #100259, would include two state bridges, numbers #03797 and #04047 and presented an aerial view of the project location and nearby intersections. Mr. Wegnell stated the existing steel, concrete beam bridge #03097 was built in approximately 1920 with reconstruction work occurring in 1964 but noted the superstructure was in serious condition, based off of the most recent DOT inspection report. Mr. Wegnell stated the substructure is in poor condition and although the City did make repairs to the superstructure in 2017, the bridge is currently hydraulically inadequate. Mr. Wegnell reported that the larger steel beam bridge #04047 was built in 1955 with reconstruction completed in 1988. He stated the bridge’s superstructure was in poor condition, the substructure was in satisfactory condition and that the bridge was also hydraulically inadequate. Mr. Wegnell stated the project is located within the FEMA 100-year floodplain that the FEMA discharge is 11,530 CFS. Mr. Wegnell reported the FEMA 100- year elevations at 78 feet upstream of the bridge and 77 feet downstream. Mr. Wegnell explained the floodplain mostly overtops the road in the vicinity of Asylum Street. Mr. Wegnell stated the overall project plan would be to reconstruct approximately 1,030 feet of roadway along with the bridge replacements in the areas showcased on the project map. He stated they are looking to shift the alignment of bridge #04047 slightly to the north to create a better formed T-intersection. Mr. Wegnell discussed proposed construction for bridge #03797 which would include a full replacement of 54 feet of clear span precast concrete arch; the removal of the existing pier to the bedrock (or 1 foot minimum below grade); the increase of out-to-out width from 32 feet 2 inches to 60 feet; the include of two 12 foot lanes along with two 4 foot shoulders and one 5 foot sidewalk; the maintaining of existing channel grades; the reuse of existing natural streambed material; and noted that the bridge will be founded on bedrock so embankment protection would not be necessary. Mr. Wegnell noted it was his understanding that the existing streambed was contaminated so they would likely not be able to reuse the natural streambed material but it is included in the contract for the builder to match the existing bed for replacement. Mr. Wegnell noted that on the elevation and section view diagram that there had been a foundation on the abutment that seemed fairly deep and that it had been altered to remove the footing so the elevation would match that on the opposite side, based on his team’s determination after visiting the scour analysis on site. Mr. Wegnell stated both the pier and abutments would be replaced with streambed material. Mr. Wegnell detailed the other areas of the elevation and section view diagram. Mr. Wegnell discussed proposed construction for bridge #04047 which would include a full replacement of 98 feet of clear span precast Northeast deck bulb; the removal of the existing pier to the bedrock (or 1 foot minimum below grade); the increase of out-to-out width from 33 feet 41 feet; the include of two 12 foot lanes along with two 4 foot shoulders and one 5 foot sidewalk; the maintaining of existing channel grades; the reuse of existing natural streambed material; and noted that the bridge will be founded on bedrock so embankment protection would not be necessary. He noted on the elevation view of bridge #04047 that the water elevation was quite high compared to normal flow and that the water fluctuates quite drastically due to the dam downstream, which causes the bridge to overtop. Mr. Wegnell described the section view of bridge #04097 and how the design would prevent debris backup and improve hydraulics. He reported that the construction staging for both bridges would be two years with the shutdown of Sherman Street occurring in year one along with the installation of water handling cofferdams in the secondary channel; the maintaining of the flow in the main channel; the installation of the bridge and wingwall footings; the installation of bridge #03797 and wingwalls; the installation of utilities and backfill; and the completion of portions of the Sherman Street roadway. Mr. Wegnell continued that during the first year a lot of utility work would need to occur in the Asylum street area and that the plan would be to open up a temporary roadway and reopen the bridges for the winter season. Mr. Wegnell showcased a diagram that detailed the proposed work for the first year which included the cofferdam water handling system up and downstream from the bridges. He stated that a very large water handling system was developed for the temporary design due to the large water fluctuations which would likely be a large superstack of sandbags to prevent water from flooding the site. Mr. Wegnell continued that in the second year the work would begin on bridge #04047 while trying to maintain traffic on the northbound direction of Asylum Road. Mr. Wegnell stated the work in the second year would include the installation of temporary cofferdams at the western abutment; maintaining flow in the main channel and the installation of Abutment number one and associated wingwalls; the installation of water handling cofferdams and the removal of the eastern superstructure and pier; the installation of temporary cofferdams at the eastern abutment; maintaining flow in the main channel and the installation of Abutment number two and associated wingwalls; the installation of bridge’s #04047 superstructure; and completion of the remaining bridge and roadwork. Mr. Wegnell showcased a diagram of stage one of the second year of construction where the entire site would be encircled with a cofferdam system. He noted that the hatched area on the existing bridge #04047 represented the westerly span which would be removed by the contractor and replaced with a debris shield. He stated they are looking to maintain the eastern portion of the bridge so that the contractor has a work platform for heavy machinery. Mr. Wegnell stated the earth retaining systems located at the north and south ends of Asylum would be for access in and out of the site by construction equipment. John Wegnell continued that after that work was complete the second stage in year two would begin with shallow cofferdam to surround the pier which would keep water in the fallway system of the channel. Mr. Wegnell stated the next step would be to put an enclosed cofferdam system around the proposed abutment which would also include the existing abutment which would give the contractor dry space to work within. John Wegnell reported that approximately 20,000 square feet of wetlands would be both permanently and temporarily impacted with the permanent impact occurring along the embankments; which was the blue and orange areas on the wetlands and watercourse impact plan map. Mr. Wegnell stated that the work would disrupt the channel bed and while they would be working to restore the natural portions of the channel it would have a permanent impact on the water course as well as wetlands. He stated they were looking at approximately 4.6 acres of both state and federal wetlands impact. Mr. Wegnell reported that for permits his group anticipated they would need a local IWWCC permit, an Army Core pre-construction notification, a DEEP 401 Water Quality Certification, and a flood management certificate through the CT MOU process. Mr. Wegnell reported the estimated cost of construction is approximately $14.6 million dollars, with 80% federal, 10% state and 10% city funding, they are on track for Spring 2022 construction. Mr. Wegnell the project would take approximately 20 months with a single winter shutdown. Mr. Wegnell stated Pat McLaughlin and Brian Long were city contacts in regards to the project and that himself and Jay Costello were representing the town as consultants on behalf of WMC Engineering. Richard Morrell asked that by widening the channel by about 40 feet if they’re looking to lower the river level at peak. John Wegnell responded that the channel width was not to be increased but the length or the width of the bridge and roadway over the second channel. John Wegnell stated the hydraulic improvements will come from raising the profile of the road and raising the intersection by Asylum and Sherman Street by about 15 inches. John Wegnell continued that flooding may still occur north of the intersection but they are working to prevent the bridge from overtopping. Richard Morrell asked how long will the road be closed for the first year. John Wegnell responded that Sherman Street will likely be closed for eight months, all season, in both directions. John Wegnell stated Asylum Street would be open during that time then at the end of the first year Sherman Street would need to be paved, but they are looking to put in a temporary roadway for the winter time. Richard Morrell asked when they anticipated receiving their remaining permits. John Wegnell responded they had begun meetings with the DOT and Army Core so after receiving the IWWCC permit they would begin applying for the FMC permit. John Wegnell stated they already submitted the FMC permit once but are in the process of responding to comments from the DOT and Army Core on their initial submission, along with their Army Core and DEEP permits. Pete Chalecki asked if it was known what is in the contaminated sediments. John Wegnell responded that he was aware a 210 investigation was conducted where the contractor took soil samples and did boring testing, then returned a list of materials that included heavy metals and other contaminants related to industrial work along the river. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia stated increasing the turning radius in that intersection would be very helpful. Pat McLaughin stated the project had been in the works for a long time and was finally getting closer to construction. Peter Chalecki questioned if the level of disturbance warranted a public hearing. Dan Daniska responded that City and DOT held public information sessions previous to that night and felt the City had covered public outreach but that it was the Commission’s discretion. Peter Chalecki made a motion that the application was not a significant activity and did not require a public hearing. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Peter Chalecki made a motion to APPROVE IWWCC APPLICATION #20-16 with the following conditions: ● That the approval is valid for FIVE YEARS and will expire on 12/03/2025. ● That the required bond, if deemed necessary by the City Engineer, be submitted for Erosion and Sediment Control and Site Restoration. Bonds must be submitted in a form acceptable to the City (check or letter of credit) prior to any land disturbance activities occurring. ● That final revised plans be submitted and reviewed by City Staff. ● That the City’s letter of approval be placed on the final revised plan set (cover page preferred). ● That all site activities shall be conducted in accordance with the plans, specifications  and documents of record. Any deviation from the approved plans or construction sequence shall be cause for enforcement action by the Inland Wetlands, Watercourses and Conservation Commission. ● That the permittee shall notify the Inland Wetlands Agent prior to the commencement of work and upon its completion. ● That all work and all regulated activities conducted pursuant to this authorization shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this approval. Any structures, excavation, fill, obstructions, encroachments or regulated activities not specifically identified and authorized herein shall constitute a violation of this approval and may result in its modification, suspension, or revocation. Upon initiation of the activities authorized herein, the permittee thereby accepts and agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of this approval. ● That no equipment or materials including without limitation fill, construction materials, or debris, shall be deposited, placed, or stored in any wetland or watercourse on or off site unless specifically authorized by this approval. ● That the General Provisions stated in Section 11.9 of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations are applicable to this permit. ● That the permit shall not be assigned or transferred to another entity without the written permission of the Commission. ● That all erosion and sediment control measures shall be in accordance with the Connecticut Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control. Erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed and inspected prior to site disturbance. It is the permittee's responsibility to schedule the inspection with the Norwich Planning Department. Additional erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed if determined to be necessary by the Designated Agent. The permittee shall take such necessary steps consistent with the terms and conditions of the approval, to control stormwater discharges and to prevent erosion and sedimentation and to otherwise prevent pollution of wetlands and watercourses. ● That this permit will be strictly enforced. The Commission may suspend or revoke this permit, may direct the Commission's Agent to issue a cease and desist order or may require the applicant to modify, extend, or revise the site work or restore the area to its original condition if it finds that the applicant has not complied with the conditions set forth in this approval or if the applicant exceeds the scope of this approval as set forth herein or if the intended use or actual use of the general site is not as represented by the application or the plan of record. Robert McCoy seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Receipt of Applications: None Dan Daniska stated a couple administrative approvals went through for septic system replacements. H. OTHER BUSINESS: None I. VIOLATIONS: None. J. ADJOURNMENT: Peter Chalecki made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 PM. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary