Conservation Commission Regular Meeting Materials (linked)

Maureen Fitzgerald
From: Baird Welch-Collins <bairdwelchcollins@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 6, 2021 1:46 PM
To: Robert Brule; David Campo; Abby Piersall; Maureen Fitzgerald
Ce: Alexander Kuvalanka; jennifer.kohl@uconn.edu; G&L; Christopher L. Callahan
Subject: Flood and Erosion Control Board Niantic River Road Report
Attachments: NRR Report 2021 (1).pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.
I Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the I
l content is safe. : 7 I
Hi All,
I am sending along a report from the Flood and Erosion Control Board's last meeting. At the direction of the
board members, it is addressed to the Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission.
Sincerely,
Baird Welch-Collins - Chair

Waterford Flood and Erosion Control Board
Niantic River Road Erosion Report
Approved December 1, 2021
To the Waterford Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission:
On October 6, 2021, following the public comment of several concerned residents, the
Flood and Erosion Control Board conducted a site walk along Niantic River Road in the vicinity
of 3rd and 4th Avenues. Our members found the concerns of the residents to be justified as we
documented and observed considerable erosion up to and beneath Niantic River Road.
Consistent with our charge to document and report flooding and erosion issues, we wanted to
advise the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission of our observations and
concerns. |
Attached, you will find the minutes from the site walk as well as relevant photographs |
showing the extent of the erosion. There exists, in some sections of this area, erosion barriers. In
the areas where erosion barriers are absent, there is significant erosion of the embankment
supporting Niantic River Road and evidence of erosion underneath the roadway itself. It appears
that a combination of loose, sandy and rocky soil, extreme rainfall events, and recent storms have
all created an increasingly hazardous situation for this section of roadway.
We strongly recommend that a professional survey of this area be completed to prevent
any risk to the integrity of Niantic River Road. Possible solutions may depend on the
significance of the erosion underneath the road, but will likely require the extension of the
erosion barriers across this section of the embankment.
Respectfully submitted on December 1, 2021 by:
Baird Welch-Collins - Chair
Alexander Kuvalanka - Treasurer
Christopher Callahan
George Harran
Jennifer Kohl
|
Planning & Development |
Town of Waterford, CT |

Waterford Flood & Erosion Control Board Special Meeting Minutes for October 6, 2021
Members Present: Baird Welch-Collins, George Harran, Alex Kuvalanka, Chris Callahan
Residents Present: Susan Perry Luxton, Charlie Perry, Rich Cirillo, Patricia Couture, Richard
Heller, Sandra Ribeiro, Geraldine Kuenkler, Michelle Palmieri, Chad Gentile, Jeannine Kenney,
Terry Kenney
1. Special Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm by Baird Welch-Collins.
2. Site Walk Niantic River Road Erosion
a.
ey
FECB members met with residents to view & discuss their concerns regarding
sedimentation erosion occurring along Niantic River Road in the vicinity of 3 &
th
4” avenues.
The erosion taking place is due in part to the Niantic River eroding the base of
the bank below Niantic River Road & at the base of 5 power poles along the road
in the vicinity of 3 & qth avenues.
The existing erosion control consists of large boulders that were placed along the
beach at the base of the bank. The river flows freely in & around the boulders
eroding the base of the bank. Vegetation is present on the bank however; it is
not of the types that would help to absorb or stabilize any runoff.
Additionally, previous strong storms have produced runoff that flows across the
road & flows down the bank causing further erosion of the bases of the 5 power
poles and the edge of Niantic River Road.
FECB will contact Town Staff to determine the appropriate action to be taken.
3. Special Meeting adjourned at 6:28 pm.
Respectively submitted by Chris Callahan

End of the erosion barrier and the beginning of the eroding bank.

Area of key concern where the erosion is nearing the roadway.
Evidence of erosion underneath the road surface.

Additional area of concern where the embankment has partially collapsed.