Appendix C (PDF)

Fuss & O’Neill Inc.
APPENDIX C
DESCRIPTION OF WETLANDS
93154\A2\EVM1203B.WPD
Corres.


DESCRIPTION OF WETLANDS
LOWER JORDAN BROOK - From the dam at Jordan Mill Park north to Route I-95
JLM1 Jordan Lower Mainstem 1
Location: Between Rope Ferry Road and Pond 2
Area: 37.4 ac
Viewing Location A: Road along the wetland within Jordan Cemetery.
See Photographs.
The stream corridor at this location is a broad stretch of dense shrub swamp dominated by
speckled alder and some red maple saplings. The stream channel was not visible from the
cemetery upland edge, but considerable standing water was noted in the swamp. The wetland is
especially valuable with respect to nutrient and sediment processing, and wildlife habitat. Birds
noted included redwing blackbird, tree sparrow, song sparrow and grackle.
Viewing Location B: South of the Fog Plain Road crossing.
Conductivity: 80 umhos
See Photograph
The wetland in this location passes through a rather densely settled residential neighborhood.
However, the condition of the stream was good. It flowed through riffles and pools into an
undisturbed red maple swamp. The water was clear and stained brown by humic acids.
Freshwater clams have been reported by residents at this location, and rising fish were noted.
Cardinal, song sparrow and mallard were observed on or near the stream and wild turkey has been
seen by residents.
JLM2 Jordan Lower Mainstem 2
Location: Between Pond 2 and Pond 3, west of Yorkshire Drive.
Area: 2.0 ac
Viewing Location: Behind Jordan Brook Terrace Condominiums.
Conductivity: 72 umhos
See Photograph
Stream is about 10 to 12 ft wide and 6 to 10 inches deep, with high banks and a stony bottom.
Some areas of the banks were stabilized with rocks and boulders, and there were remnants of
stone dam at this location. The water was clear and very dark in color. The stream flows
through woodland, and was overhung by tall trees. A well-used trail runs along the western bank.
A vernal pool was perched several feet above the level of the stream.
JLM3 Jordan Lower Mainstem 3
Location: Between Pond 3 and I-95, west of the closed New London-Waterford Airport.
Area: 17.1 ac

Viewing Location: Airport access road beside the stream
Conductivity: 60 umhos.
No Photograph.
The stream in this area runs through a narrow wetland dominated by red maple. The open grassy
fields of the abandoned airport lie to the east of the wetland. Dense shrubs between the stream
and road included speckled alder, multiflora rose, bittersweet and grape. Litter and construction
debris were noted in the wetland on the airport side of the stream. The wetland on the opposite
bank appeared undisturbed. A kestrel was observed flying.
JLT1 Jordan Lower Tributary 1
Location: Tributary between the Jordan Brook mainstem and Boston Post Road.
Area: 18.9 ac
Viewing Location A: Crossing at Ellen Ward Road.
Conductivity: 108 umhos
No Photograph
At the crossing the stream varies in width from about 7 to 15 ft. It flows through red maple
swamp and is bordered by natural shrubby vegetation. However, the neighborhood is well settled,
and there are houses and lawns in close proximity to the stream. There are deposits of sediment
on the bottom, and the bank has been stabilized with rip rap in some areas. The stream appears
to be flashy during periods of high runoff.
Viewing Location B: Stoneheights Road near Boston Post Road
Conductivity: 80 umhos
See Photograph
The stream, about 2 to 3 ft wide, runs along the side of Stoneheights Road through cattail and
dense shrubs. The wetland provides good bird nesting habitat but is narrow, with about 30 ft of
natural vegetation. There is a large condominium complex with lawns and parking lots on the
slopes above the stream. Erosion controls include a stormwater detention basin.
JLS1 Jordan Lower Swamp 1 (Tyack Swamp)
Location: West of the mainstem, south of I-95 and north of Manitock Hill
Area: 93.9 ac
Viewing Location: East and west of the power line right-of-way.
No Photograph
There are few ways to gain access to this wetland. Observations of the north end of the swamp
were made to the east and west of the power line right-of-way. The swamp is dominated by large
red maple with an understory of spice bush. Braided standing water was noted on the forest
floor, interspersed with skunk cabbage, cinnamon fern and occasional clumps of cowslip. The
power line right-of-way bisecting the wetland was dominated by a dense stand of common reed
(Phragmites australis), and by such shrubs as sweet pepperbush, speckled alder, swamp azalea,
steeplebush, highbush blueberry, willow, and red cedar.
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JLP1 Jordan Lower Pond 1
Location: Immediately south of Rope Ferry Road at Mill Lane.
Area: 3.0 ac
Viewing Location: Bridge across the dam
Conductivity: 98 umhos
See Photographs.
The pond is contained by a large dam which precludes the migration of anadromous fish from the
estuary. The pond appears to be of moderate depth. The water was clear and dark brown in
color. A narrow band of shrubs and small trees lies along the west bank between the pond and
Mill Lane. There are residences along the east bank with lawns reaching to the waters edge. A
bridge across the dam provides access to a small park on the east side. Emergent vegetation
consisted of two islands of water willow. Canada goose and swan were observed on the pond.
JLP2 Jordan Lower Pond 2
Location: At the junction of Fog Plain Road and Yorkshire Drive.
Area: 2.1 ac
Viewing Location: Small path off Fog Plain Road to the pond outflow
Conductivity 71 umhos
See Photograph
The pond was once used for skating. However, the dam has been removed, and the pond has
reverted to a marsh dominated by cattail and Phragmites, with large areas of shallow open water.
The wetland would be expected to have excellent filtering capacity for nutrients and sediments.
The outflow water was clear. The banks are naturally vegetated for the most part, but
development is presently taking place along Yorkshire Drive. Fog Plain Road borders the
wetland to the south. Downy woodpecker, tree swallow and Canada goose were noted in or near
the wetland.
JLP3 Jordan Lower Pond 3
Location: West of Yorkshire Drive.
Area: 3.4 ac
Viewing Location: Bank of the pond near the south end.
Conductivity: 74 umhos
See Photograph
The pond has a naturally wooded shoreline, with a dense shrubby border of speckled alder, red
maple, bittersweet and honeysuckle. The water was clear and dark brown in color. The pond
bottom consisted of soft sediment. Fish were seen rising. A phoebe, two mallard drakes and a
red-tailed hawk were noted. Extensive residential development is taking place along Yorkshire
Drive to the east. Erosion controls were in place but sediments have reached the pond during
periods of high runoff.

CENTRAL JORDAN BROOK - Between Routes I-95 and 395
JCM1 Jordan Central Mainstem 1
Location: Between I-95 and the intersection of Cross Road and Route 85
Area: 60.1 ac
Viewing Location A: East of a rear Walmart parking lot off Waterford Parkway North.
See Photograph
The fast running stream flows through a broad undisturbed red maple swamp with hardwood
forest upland edges. The water was clear and light golden brown in color. The moderately dense
understory was mainly spice bush. Skunk cabbage and Indian poke dominated the herb layer.
Braided standing water was noted on the forest floor. Deer tracks were observed and spring
peepers could be heard. Several vernal pools were flagged to the west of the stream bed.
Considerable paper, plastic and other trash had moved into the adjoining upland from the Walmart
parking lot.
Viewing Location B: South of the Cross Road and Route 85 intersection.
Conductivity: 82 umhos
See Photographs
The stream flows through red maple swamp flanked by industrial buildings, parking lots and
Route 85.
JCM2 Jordan Central Mainstem 2
Location: Route 85 and Cross Road Intersection, north to Route 395
Area: 31.4 ac
Viewing Location A: Flood control dike behind the Oakdell Motel west of Route 85
Conductivity: 88 umhos
See Photograph
The stream at this location has been diked along the north and west bank with large rp-rap.
Some growth of Phragmites has resulted. The stream is about 20 ft wide and is shallow, with a
sand and sediment bottom. The water was clear and golden in color but some filamentous green
algae growth was noted. Upstream, the wetland consisted of a shrubby area under the power
lines which provided nesting habitat for numerous redwing blackbirds. The dike and several small
constructed waterfalls indicated possible flood control efforts in the area.
Viewing Location B: Douglas Road crossing.
Conductivity: 77 umhos
See Photograph
The outflow from a large pond emerges from a culvert under Douglas Road and flows through
shrubby wetland and red maple swamp.
JCT1 - Jordan Central Tributary 1
Location: West of mainstem in the vicinity of Walmart and Caldors Shopping Centers
Area: 16.3 ac
9.

Viewing Location: path crossing the tributary north of Caldors rear parking lot
Conductivity: 51 umhos
See Photographs
This wetland system appears on the USGS topographical map as a stream and three small ponds.
Several large shopping centers have been constructed at this location, together with dikes and
detention basins to control drainage. The outflow from the pond north of Caldors is a small
stream 1 to 2 ft wide, which flows through an open marsh and meadow along the base of a
detention basin. The wetland supports patchy vegetation, including occasional red maple
saplings, various grasses and rushes, cattail and clumps of multiflora rose. The meadow is
bounded to the north by red maple swamp and wooded uplands. A small pond with naturally
vegetated banks is located on the edge of the woodland.
JCT2 - Jordan Central Tributary 2
Location - Stream flows south, crosses under Route 85 at Crystal Mall and enters the
mainstem from the east.
Area: 47.0 ac
Viewing Location A: Path off Silva Lane down slope to the stream.
Conductivity: 60 umhos
See Photograph
This tributary system begins as the outflow from the large shrub swamp (JCS1) located south of
Douglas Lane. The stream, about 2 to 4 ft wide with a sand and silt bottom, meanders through
open forested wetland dominated by oak, red maple and skunk cabbage. The water was clear and
golden brown. This attractive wetland appeared undisturbed and offers excellent wildlife habitat.
Deer tracks were noted, and birds included red-tailed hawk, phoebe and yellow rumped warbler.
The aerial photograph indicates that the stream flows through undisturbed forest south to Route
85
Viewing Location B: North side of Route 85 across from Crystal Mall
Conductivity: 43 umhos
See Photograph
The stream meanders through wooded swamp dominated by red maple, with highbush blueberry
along the banks. The water was clear and coffee colored. Evidence of past farming activity
included an abandoned building and a stone bridge across the stream. Further south, the wetland
along Route 85 was flooded and supported tall red maple but no understory. Some trash was
noted near the highway, but otherwise the wetland appeared undisturbed.
Viewing Location C: West of Route 85
No Photograph
After crossing under Route 85 the stream proceeded northwest through dense shrubby woodland
to discharge into the Jordan Brook mainstem. The high banks of the stream were dominated by
oak and red maple with an understory of bull brier and honeysuckle. The wetland appeared to be
somewhat disturbed by the highway and mall.
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JCT3 Jordan Central Tributary 3
Location: East side of Cross Road south of the Route 85 intersection
Area: 22.7 ac
Viewing Location: Off Cross Road
No Photograph
The wetland was a small wooded swamp on both sides of Cross Road. No stream or culvert
under the road was located. The swamp was dominated by red maple with sweet pepperbush,
highbush blueberry, bullbrier and grape vines in the understory. Standing water was noted in
some areas.
JCT4 Jordan Central Tributary 4
Location: Behind Dunkin Donuts on the west side of Route 85
Area: 7.0 ac
Viewing Location: Where the tributary stream discharges into Jordan Brook
No Photograph
The tributary flows through a small marsh and empties into a curve in the Jordan Brook
mainstem. This open section of wetland was dominated by tussock sedge and alder shrubs. It
appeared to be undisturbed, although it was located quite close to the highway.
JCTS Jordan Central Tributary 5
Location: East of Route 85 just south of the Cross Road intersection.
Area: 12.4 ac .
Viewing Location: Base of the highway embankment
No Photograph
The wetland was a small forested area accepting drainage from the highway embankment. Other
than a few sweet pepperbush shrubs and several skunk cabbage on the rocky forest floor, there
was no wetland vegetation. The wetland may be quite dry in summer.
JCT6 Jordan Central Tributary 6
Location: Between Route 395 and Douglas Lane
Area: 40.4 ac
Viewing Location: Down slope from a pumping station parking lot off Briarwood Drive.
Conductivity: 154 umhos
See Photograph
A small stream, 1 to 2 ft wide at this location, flows through forest dominated by black birch
yellow birch, oak, and beach, with an understory of spice bush and mountain laurel. Skunk
cabbage was the major herb in the wetland. The stream was clear with a sand and silt bottom, and
numerous deposits of sediment. The aerial photograph indicated that the wetland vegetation is
fairly uniform throughout.
-l1-

JCS1 - Jordan Central Swamp 1
Location: East of the mainstem and south of Douglas Lane
Area: 27.1 ac
Viewing Location: Power line right-of-way path off Vauxhall Street Extension
See Photographs
This valuable wetland is a large dense shrub swamp dominated by speckled alder, sweet
pepperbush, swamp azalea and red maple saplings. Cattail, tussock sedge and sphagnum moss
made up the herb layer. This expansive wetland provides excellent wildlife habitat and should
readily attenuate nutrients and sediments. Outflow from the wetland forms the headwaters of
JCT2, a major tributary to Jordan Brook.
JCS2 - Jordan Central Swamp 2
Location: Both sides of Route 85 south of Douglas Road
Area: 26.6 ac
Viewing Location A: East side of Route 85
No Photograph
A large wooded swamp associated with the Jordan Brook mainstem was divided into two sections
by the construction of Route 85. On the east side of the highway, the swamp consists of large
oaks and red maple with a dense understory of sweet pepperbush and swamp azalea. The wetland
accepts drainage from Route 85, and extensive standing water was noted near the low point in the
road. Considerable trash had accumulated along the highway.
Viewing Location B: West side of Route 85
No Photograph
This disturbed wetland is hemmed in by Route 85 to the east, by the Town of Waterford Public
Works Department buildings and parking lots to the west, and by two access roads to the north
and south. Wetland vegetation includes small red maple, skunk cabbage, swamp azalea, sweet
pepperbush and a large patch of common reed, Phragmites australis. The wetland is fed by
runoff from the slopes behind the Town buildings, and by drainage from the parking lots.
JCP1 Jordan Central Pond 1
Location: Immediately south of Route 395 and north of Douglas Lane
Area: 6.0 ac
See Photographs
Viewing Location: Douglas Lane at the pond outflow.
This pond is apparently the result of the sand and gravel quarrying operation to the west. The
pond is surrounded by an access road and grassy field vegetation to the water’s edge. There is no
wetland vegetation along the banks. Waterfowl included domestic duck, mallard and Canada
goose.
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UPPER JORDAN BROOK - North of Route 395
JUM1 Jordan Upper Mainstem 1
Location: From Route 395 north to the vicinity of Lake Konomoc
Area: 45.5 ac
Viewing Location A: Old dam below the Industrial Drive cul-de-sac and gravel operation
Conductivity: 40 umhos
See Photograph
Stream meanders through a red maple swamp with a spice bush understory. The water was clear
and golden in color. Old stone works were noted along the banks of the stream in the vicinity of a
collapsed dam. The wetland above the dam, which now supports a large bed of cowslip, may
have once been a pond. A large gravel operation is very close to the stream. Erosion controls
included combined silt fence and hay bales, a dike and a sedimentation basin.
Viewing Location B: Mainstem near the confluence with a residential pond outflow
Conductivity: 36 umhos
See Photographs
Three small streams flowing through undisturbed open red maple swamp join to form the
headwaters of Jordan Brook in this area. The water in the mainstem brook was clear and light
golden color. The brook was 1 to 4 ft wide with a sand and cobble bottom. Skunk cabbage,
Indian poke and sphagnum moss were the dominant herbs, with tussock sedge in some areas.
JUT1 Jordan Upper Tributary 1
Location: The power line right-of-way west of Vauxhall Road Extension
Area: 9.5 ac
Viewing Location: Path along the right-of-way
No Photograph
This shrubby wetland is fed by seepage from wooded slopes to the east of the right-of-way.
Shrubs in the wetland included willow, spice bush, steeplebush and multiflora rose. The herb layer
included patches of skunk cabbage, cattail and Phragmites.
JUS1 Jordan Upper Swamp 1
Location: The power line right of way north of Route 395
Area: 3.6 ac
Viewing Location: Path along the right-of-way
No Photograph
This disturbed wetland, containing a small pond, appears to have been excavated as part of a sand
pit or borrow pit operation. The open sandy area contains little vegetation other than some
shrubs and red cedar.
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JUP1 Jordan Upper Pond 1
Location: South of Price Waterhouse building off Industrial Drive
Area: 2.2 ac
Viewing Location: North bank of the pond
See Photograph
This impacted pond lies at the base of a steep slope leading up to an industrial park. Route 395
bounds the wetland to the south. The water was clear but dark in color, with some green algal
growth along the shore. The depth is less than 4 ft as evidenced by the growth of water lilies
across much of the surface. Woody vegetation along the shore included oak, red maple, gray
birch, red cedar, mountain laurel and highbush blueberry.
JUP2 Jordan Upper Pond 2
Location: End of a long driveway off Vauxhall Road Extension.
Area: 2.8 ac
Viewing Location: Pond banks near the outflow
Conductivity: 56 umhos
See Photograph
This pond, surrounded by wooded swamp, appeared to have been a farm pond. The bank
vegetation consisted of trees and shrubs, except for one small mowed area. The water was clear,
and no vegetation or algae were visible. A phoebe was noted by the pond.
NEVINS BROOK - Major tributary entering Jordan Brook from the east
NM1 Nevins Mainstem 1
Location: From the confluence with Jordan Brook to Fog Plain Road
Area: 30.3 ac
Viewing Location A: Boston Post Road crossing (Route 1A)
Conductivity: 96 umhos
See Photograph
At the culvert the stream is 6 to 10 ft wide. The water was clear and dark brown in color.
Considerable trash was present on the stream banks. The banks support natural vegetation
dominated by multiflora rose and young red maple. However, the wetland zone is very narrow,
and the vegetation has been cleared close to the banks on both sides of the stream.
Viewing Location B: Steinger Farm Park, stream-side cement property marker
Conductivity: 98 umhos
See Photographs
At this location the stream flows through dense shrubby wetlands, with hedges of multiflora rose
along the banks. The shallow meandering stream is 10 to 20 ft wide, and the water is dark brown
and clear. Wetland herbs included skunk cabbage, Indian poke, cowslip and a variety of
wildflowers.
-14-

Viewing Location C: Fog Plain Road Crossing
Conductivity: 98 umhos
No Photograph
At this location, the stream is 6 to 10 ft wide, with natural banks and a sand and sediment bottom.
The water was clear and golden brown in color. The stream flows along a shrubby vegetation
corridor through a well settled residential neighborhood. A large construction storage facility lies
along the west bank. Although impacted by development, the stream has some value as nesting
habitat; phoebe, cardinal, chickadee and swallow were noted.
NM2 Nevins Mainstem 2
Location: Mainstem between large wooded swamp and I-95
Area: 16.3 ac
Viewing Location A: Farm Road at right angles to Devonshire Drive
Conductivity: 110 umhos
No Photograph
The stream at this location was about 8 to 10 ft wide with a silty bottom. The water was clear and
golden in color. It flows through shrubby swamp and abandoned farmland, then through a culvert
under the farm road and into the large wooded swamp (NS1). A red-tailed hawk was observed.
Viewing Location B: Southwest of the Gilead Road cul de sac
Conductivity 93 umhos
See Photographs
Branched stream beds flow through a red maple and red oak swamp carpeted with tussock sedge,
Indian poke, sphagnum moss, skunk cabbage and ferns. Wildflowers included bloodroot and
violets. The rather open understory was dominated by highbush blueberry and some multiflora
rose. The stream is 1 to 2 ft wide and clear with a heavily silted bottom. To the north of the
swamp is a wide shrubby wet meadow dominated by tussock sedge and patches of cattail.
Red-winged blackbird was common.
NT1 Nevins Tributary 1
Location: Tributary south of Mary Street
Area: 26.8 ac
Viewing Location; Path behind the Twin Haven housing development parking lot.
Conductivity: 110 umhos
See Photographs
The wetland begins as a large flooded swamp with shallow water and very little vegetation.
Numerous peepers were heard. Further south, the swamp becomes a pond contained by a small
dam. A pair of mallards was present in the pond. The outflow stream is about 2 ft wide with
riffles and pools. It flows into an undisturbed swamp dominated by large red maple, oak and
black birch with a spice bush understory. Skunk cabbage, Indian poke and wildflowers dominated
the herb layer. Conductivity was measured in the outflow stream.
-15-

NT2_ Nevins Tributary 2
Location: Tributary flows under I-95 south to the large swamp (NS1)
Area: 6.5 ac
Viewing Location A: Gilead Road crossing
Conductivity: 253 umhos
See Photograph
At the culvert the stream is about 2 ft wide and clear with a silty bottom. A white frothy scum
was noted on the surface and conductivity was extremely high. Downstream the brook flows
through wooded wetland dominated by young red maple, black birch and such vines as grape,
honeysuckle and bullbrier, eventually reaching a small farm pond. Thereafter the stream flows
through forested and post-agricultural land to the large swamp (NS1). A flicker was seen in the
area and raccoon prints were noted near the stream. This is a very scenic post agricultural area.
Viewing Location B: Off Rt.. 85, between Home Depot and Mobile Station parking lots
Conductivity: 255 umhos
See Photographs
The wetland is a small pocket surrounded by on three sides by high filled slopes leading up to
parking lots and Route 85. Vegetation includes red maple, spice bush, multiflora rose and skunk
cabbage. The swamp appeared to be contaminated, with extremely high conductivity and
accumulations of yellow and iridescent bacterial slime on the sediments. The water appeared
black with scum on the surface. The outflow from this wetland is probably a source of
contamination at Location A. Considerable amount of trash has accumulated in this degraded
wetland.
NT3 Nevins Tributary 3
Location: Small tributary entering the mainstem from the west, downstream from I-95
Area: 7.1 ac
Viewing Location: Off the end of Waterford Parkway South
Conductivity: 84 umhos
See Photograph
This very small stream, only 1 to 2 ft wide, meanders through a narrow swamp about 30 ft wide
which slopes up steeply to forested upland. The water was clear and colorless, and the stream
bottom was silty. Considering its proximity to the airport and the Interstate highway, this wetland
is relatively unspoiled. A red-tailed hawk and two kestrel were noted in the area.
NS1 Nevins Swamp 1
Location: North of Fog Plain Road and east of Devonshire Drive
Area: 13.9
Viewing Location: Path parallel to Devonshire Drive
No Photograph
This large wooded swamp lies at the confluence of the Nevins Brook mainstem and two major
tributaries, NT1 and NT2. The vegetation is dominated by large red oak and white oak with
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some red maple and a very dense understory of spice bush, swamp azalea, sweet pepperbush,
highbush blueberry and mountain laurel. Skunk cabbage interspersed with standing water made
up the forest floor. Considerable trash has accumulated in the wetland along the path behind the
residences on Devonshire Drive.
NS2 Nevins Swamp 2
Location: Off Dayton Place
Area: 14.4 ac
Viewing Location A: Small footpath, east of Route 85 and north of Dayton Place
Conductivity: 62 umhos
No Photograph
This is a small red maple swamp with an open shrubby area and patches of cattail and tussock
sedge in ponded water. The water was clear and coffee colored. The outflow is piped under
Route 85 and is presumably routed around or under the Crystal Mall. The wetland is reached by a
small trail which runs parallel to Route 85. Wooded swamp vegetation included sweet
pepperbush and highbush blueberry, together with skunk cabbage. Wildlife included peeper,
red-winged blackbird and yellow-rumped warbler.
Viewing Location B: Driveway to Temple Emanuel off Dayton Place
No Photograph
This remnant wetland has been much reduced and disturbed by filling. The remaining vegetation
consisted of one tree, various vines and stands of Phragmites australis. This is an extensively
disturbed area which offers no distinctive wetland characteristics. |
NP1 Nevins Ponds 1
Location: A series of ponds and vernal pools located in Steinger Farm Park
Area: 2.5 ac
Viewing Location A: Banks of the large southern pond
Conductivity: 33 umhos
See Photographs
This is a very scenic pond in a park-like setting. About 60% of the shoreline consists of natural
shrub and forest vegetation, mainly red maple, willow and oak. The rest of the shoreline is
mowed grass, with large boulders between the pond and the park access road. The water was
clear and very dark brown in color. A cooper’s hawk and a female kestrel were observed
roosting in the vicinity of the pond, and an osprey was seen overhead.
Viewing Location B: A natural pond and two vernal pools
See Photograph
The more northern pond is surrounded by natural woodland, and is somewhat less accessible than
the southern pond. Additionally, two probable vernal pools were noted in woodland areas. The
presence of a woodland pond, a more manicured park pond, two vernal pools and a sizable stream
makes this park an excellent educational resource and wildlife observation area. The Town is
very fortunate to own this property and should make every effort to preserve its unique character.
-|7-

NP2 Nevins Ponds 2
Location: A series of ponds west of McKenzie Drive and south of Fog Plain Road
Area: 3.7 ac
Viewing Location: Southwestern pond off McKenzie Drive
Conductivity: 102 umhos
See Photographs
This residential pond consists of two basins lying behind the houses on McKenzie Drive. The
presence of yellow water lily growing across the surface indicated that the pond is probably less
than 4 ft deep in most areas. The water was slightly murky and scum was noted on the surface.
Some lawns extend to the edge, but for the most part the pond has a naturally vegetated shoreline.
Although the ponds are hedged in by habitations, birds were abundant around the pond and in the
adjoining wooded wetlands. Species included Canada goose, mocking bird, boat-tailed grackle,
red-winged blackbird, chickadee, blue jay and yellow- rumped warbler.
EAST BROOK - Unnamed brook, from the confluence with Jordan Park Pond, north to
Bates Woods Park
EM1 East Mainstem 1
Location: From Jordan Park Pond east to Miner Avenue
Area: 47.3 ac
Viewing Location A: End of Old Great Neck Road
Conductivity: 158 umhos
See Photographs
Stream is 10 to 15 ft wide. The water is clear and dark in color. The stream runs parallel to Rope
Ferry Road through a residential neighborhood. Shrubs including willow, small red maple and
multiflora rose line the banks, but numerous lawns also extend up to the edge of the stream.
Viewing Location B: Miner Road crossing near railroad track
Conductivity: 183 umhos
See Photographs
The stream is several ft wide at this location and appears to have been channeled. The water was
clear and dark brown. There was fill around the culvert, and a stone lined ditch along Miner Road
discharges into the stream near the crossing. The wetland to the west was shrubby and dense
with few trees, whereas the upstream wetland to the east was dominated by common reed,
Phragmites australis. An accumulation of road trash was present in the wetland and stream.
EM2 East Mainstem 2
Location: Extends north from the Miner Street crossing to the vicinity of Terrace Drive
Area: 17.8 ac
Viewing Location: Boston Post Road crossing
Conductivity: 178 umhos
No Photograph
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The stream is 6 to 8 ft wide, channeled with steep sides and buttressed with boulders. The
bottom is rocky and the water appeared clear and light brown. Dense shrubs and small trees
along the banks included willow, staghorn sumac and multiflora rose. This is a commercial area,
and trash was observed in the stream.
EM3 East Mainstem 3
Location: From Terrace Drive north to Bates Woods Park (New London town line)
Area: 39.9 ac
Viewing Location A: Edge of stream east of abandoned drive-in movie, off Clark Lane
Conductivity: 195 umhos
No Photograph
The stream is about 8 ft wide with a stone and pebble bottom and low densely vegetated banks.
The water was clear and light brown. It flowed through patches of skunk cabbage and oak
forested uplands overgrown with bullbrier.
Viewing Location B: Footpath behind the New London dog pound at Bates Woods Park
Conductivity: 144 umhos
See Photograph
This wetland is located both in New London and Waterford. Several small streams meander
through the forested swamp dominated by red oak, white oak, scarlet oak, and red maple. . The
understory consisted of highbush blueberry, arrowwood and multiflora rose, underlain by a carpet
of skunk cabbage and Indian poke. A dense stand of Japanese knotweed grew on both sides of
the footpath. Trash has accumulated along the path, and several benches have been vandalized.
Severe erosion in various locations has resulted in deposits of sand and gravel in the streams.
This wetland area would benefit from restoration efforts.
ET1 East Tributary 1
Location: Stream and wetland along the east side of Great Neck Road (Route 213)
Area’ 14.3 ac
Viewing Location: Driveway crossing, off Great Neck Road, south of the railroad track
Conductivity: 87 umhos
See Photographs
This narrow swamp and intermittent stream runs along the base of the Great Neck Road
embankment to a confluence with East Brook north of the railroad track. The wetland is a red
maple swamp with some birch, hickory and oak. The herb layer included skunk cabbage, horse
tail, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and ferns. The stream is 2 to 3 ft wide with a sand and cobble bottom.
The water was clear with some scum around the culvert under the driveway.
ES1 East Swamp 1
Location: East of Miner Road and north of the railroad tracks
Area: 27.5 ac
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Viewing Location: Off CL&P parking lots and off the railroad embankment
See Photograph
This large open wetland supports a variety of vegetation, including patches of shrub wetland,
areas of wooded swamp and expanses of common reed Phragmites. Standing water, skunk
cabbage and tussock sedge were noted. Woody vegetation included red maple, cottonwood and
dense hedges of honeysuckle. Heavy sand and sediment deposits were noted in the area of a
culvert outflow and, typically, considerable trash has accumulated along the railroad embankment.
ES2 East Swamp 2
Location: From the end of Pine Street east to the New London Town Line
Area: 34.9 ac
Viewing Location: The elevated Pine Street cul-de-sac
See Photograph
The wetland is a very large open swamp dominated by oak and red maple with a dense shrub
understory. Standing water, skunk cabbage and tussock sedge were noted on the wetland floor.
Trash had been deposited in the wetland near the cul-de-sac, but otherwise the wetland appeared
undisturbed.
EP1 East Pond 1
Location: Rope Ferry Commons Condominiums off Rope Ferry Road
Area: 0.8 ac
Viewing Location: Pond edge from condominium access road
No Photograph
This condominium pond was surrounded by mowed lawn to the edge of the water. Some
slumping of the banks was noted. The water appeared murky and some green algae had collected
along the edges. A Chemlawn truck was noted on the grounds, indicating that heavy fertilization
takes place near the pond. Fencing had been placed along the banks to deter geese.
EP2 East Pond 2
Location: Off Rope Ferry Road, east of the public library
Area: 1.2 ac
Viewing Location: Bridge across the outflow
Conductivity: 80 umhos
See Photograph
This small pond in a heavily trafficked public park supports a large population of waterfowl.
About 80 to 100 birds were present during the site visit, including herring gull, ring-billed gull,
Canada goose, domestic goose and mallard. About half of the shoreline is stone lined and the rest
is grassy banks with occasional red maple or willow trees. The water was murky, but considering
the number of birds present, the conductivity was not extremely high.
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Town of Waterford
WETLANDS SUMMARY
WETLAND VALUES
[My VERY HIGH
(ly HIGH
ll} AVERAGE
[iy Low
/\/ MAJOR ROADWAYS
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ae 7-Rt. 1
WwW E Y/
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SCALE: 1 INCH = 4000 FT
4000 0 4000 Feet
Miner Lane
io) FUSS & O'NEILL INC. consulting Engineers \— Great Neck Road
GIS\931 54\PROJECTS\SPECIALWET.APR

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