Conservation Commission Regular Meeting Materials (linked)

JAMES SIPPERLY 
CERTIFIED SOIL SCIENTIST 
CONNECTICUT WETLAND SCIENTIST 
401 SALEM TURPIKE 
BOZRAH, CT 06334                 
860-334-7073 
james.sipperly.js@gmail.com 
 
 
Maureen Fitzgerald                                    February 5, 2022 
Environmental Planner 
Town of Waterford, CT 
15 Rope Ferry Road 
Waterford, CT 06385 
 
RE: INLAND WETLAND SOILS AND WATERCOURSES INVESTIGATION  
AND DELINEATION AND WETLAND AND WATERCOURSES ASSESSMENT 
AT WILLETS AVENUE, EXT. WATERFORD CT  
 
Dear Ms. Fitzgerald: 
 
In the end of July and the beginning of August I visited the site referenced above to 
delineate the inland wetlands and watercourses that may be on the site. This property is 
on the opposite side of the wetland system associated with Fenger Brook that is off of 
Miner Lane which I delineated back in August of 2018.    
 
I sampled the soil throughout the site using a soil auger to a depth of two to three feet.  
Based on my field observations and using the guidelines established by the National 
Cooperative Soil Survey and as defined by the Connecticut General Statutes I delineated 
the inland wetland soils and watercourses on the property. I delineated the inland 
wetlands and watercourses using pink and blue flagging numbered 1-47 and 48-96 
respectively.  
 
The inland wetland soils on the site are classified as poorly drained and very poorly 
drained Leicester, Ridgebury and Whitman fine sandy loam. These soils are often found 
in depressions and drainageways on glacial till uplands and are mapped together as a 
complex due to their similar physical characteristics, use and management.   
 
The majority of the upland soils on the site are classified as a well drained Charlton-
Hollis fine sandy loam. These soils are well drained soils found on glacial till uplands 
especially where the current proposed construction is anticipated.  
 
There are two areas of inland wetland soils that occur on the property. One area is located 
to the northwest part of the property identified by flag numbers 1-47. This wetland area is 
associated with a much larger wetland system along Fenger Brook which flows in a 

southerly direction. The inland wetland soils along Fenger Brook are classified as a very 
poorly drained Adrian and Palm muck. 
 
The other wetland system is located in the southern part of the property and continues 
along the entire length of the southern property line. This wetland area was delineated by 
flags numbered 48-96.    
 
 
The inland wetlands and watercourses delineation is shown correctly on a site plan 
entitled “Property & Topographic Survey of Nos. 384 &394, Willets Avenue Extension, 
Waterford, CT, dated August 12, 2020, sheets 1 of 2 and sheets 2 of 2, Scale 1’=50’, 
prepared by Franklin Surveys”    
  
All of the wetland areas are classified as a forested wetland general classification. Both 
wetland areas have functions that include: groundwater recharge and discharge, sediment 
stabilization, nutrient removal and transformation, product export, and wildlife diversity. 
The vegetative over-story includes maples, ash, black cherry and poplar. Shrub species 
include, winterberry, spice bush, silky dogwood. The herbaceous layer includes sensitive 
fern, poison ivy, wildly grape, jack in the pulpit and skunk cabbage. 
 
My original report, dated October 28, 2021 stated that “the wetland in the northwest 
portion of the property is of slightly higher value due to its size and in its core, there is 
great potential for a vernal pool to exist. The core and center of this wetland had evidence 
of standing water in August. It has a higher value to provide a more diverse wildlife 
population including reptiles and amphibians due to the evidence of standing water for 
long periods of time in the early spring. While I did not visit the site during optimal times 
to view vernal pools (March/April) my years of experience lead me to this conclusion.” 
 
I would like to redact this former paragraph. On Friday January 28, 2022 (just before the 
blizzard) I visited the site specifically to look at the final phase of the proposed 
development. This area was easily accessible to the lack of vegetation this time of year. 
I focused my investigation in and around wetlands flag 46 and 47. After my visit I have 
concluded that this area has a standing depth of water which is approximately 1-3 inches 
in depth uniformly.  See photo number 1. 
 
At the time of my original visit, I observed standing water which I assumed was deep due 
to the physical characteristics of the surrounding areas. When this area was frozen, I was 
able to get better access and noticed that the surface water level was consistently a few 
inches deep. This depth will not function as a vernal pool and will not support that type of 
habitat. Furthermore, I have also included a clear photo of Fenger Brook traversing the 
rear property line at wetland flag #47.    
 
This wetland has a diverse native vegetation population at the herbaceous, shrub and tree 
layers. No evidence of invasive species was observed. One function, aquatic diversity and 
abundance can be added to the wetlands also because of the flowing water in Fenger 

Brook. Fenger Brook can be described as a perennial watercourse. An abundance of 
wildlife utilizes the brook’s corridor as a source of food, water and shelter. 
 
The proposed development in the upland review area will not be disturbing any wetlands 
and/or watercourses on the site or adjacent to the site. For that reason, the inland wetlands 
will continue to perform their functions as they currently do. 
 
With any proposed project a comprehensive erosion and sedimentation control plan well 
designed and properly installed and maintained is the key to a successful project. Regular 
inspections should occur, especially after storm events of more than 1.5” of rain. 
 
After reviewing the erosion and sedimentation control plans and the storm water design 
features it is my professional opinion that the proposed construction activities will not 
have a significant adverse effect on the adjacent inland wetlands and/or watercourse on or 
off the site.           
 
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at the 
telephone number referenced above. 
 
Very truly yours, 
  
 
James Sipperly 
Certified Soil Scientist, Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England  
Connecticut Wetland Scientist, Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists