Conservation Commission Agenda (linked)

RECEIVED
JAN 21 2026 - .. JAMES SIPPERLY
CERTIFIED SOIL SCIENTIST
Planning & Development CONNECTICUT WETLAND SCIENTIST
Town of Waterford, CT 401 SALEM TURPIKE
BOZRAH, CT 06334
860-334-7073
james.sipperly.js@gmail.com
Maureen Fitzgerald, Environmental Planner January 18, 2026
Town of Waterford
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
RE: INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY PERMIT
MODIFICATION FOR CONGREGATION BETH EI, INC. OF NEW LONDON
33 KENYON ROAD, WATERFORD, CT
Dear Ms. Fitzgerald:
On January 25, 2024 the Waterford Conservation Commission approved application C-
23-08 at 33 Kenyon Road to construct a new synagogue and associated site
improvements.
The synagogue leaders for various reasons did not construct the building and have not
performed any work on the site except to periodically mow the site to keep the invasive
mugwort from spreading.
Recently, after considering the previous site layout it was decided that the approved site
design was not the best alternative for the site.
As a result, the project team met with the synagogue leaders and developed an improved
concept design and site plan details. The revised plans were substantially changed to
warrant a permit modification.
The permit modification is for the construction of a 3,720sqft new synagogue, parking
areas, sidewalks, waste and recycling receptacle enclosures, utility services, stormwater
infiltration area, exterior lighting, placement of fill and grading within an inland wetland
100 foot upland review area and placement of fill in and stormwater discharge to an
inland wetland.
The acreage of the site is 2.58 acres. There is approximately 0.21 acres of wetlands on the
site. With this modification it is proposed that 0.01 acres (470sqft) of wetlands will be
altered. Because of the negligible amount of inland wetland alteration, no wetland
mitigation is proposed.

However, in the event that the commission feels that some sort of mitigation is required,
we can propose a mitigation of 1,185sqft as shown on the site pan referenced above.
In addition, the 470sqft of wetland to be filled is part of the wetland created by the
overflow of the existing well. It is proposed to seal and fill the well for safety as well as
eliminate the source of water that creates this wetland area. Also, the wetlands there have
very little value and function. This area is presently being mowed to control the invasive
mugwort throughout the site.
The inland wetlands and watercourses delineation is shown correctly on a site plan
entitled:
“Congregational Bethel EL, 33 Kenyon Road, Waterford CT, dated October 2025, scale
as shown, prepared by Summer Hill, Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, P.C.”
Again, the proposed 470sqft inland wetland filling is needed to provide the access to the
side parking area. This wetland is the result of the existing artesian well near wetland flag
11 that is the groundwater source creating this wetland.
An additional parking area is being considered behind the proposed building to the north.
The edge of the parking lot is relatively close to the existing wetland area demarcated by
flags 24 -34. Because of this, Henry Thomas, a Landscape Architect and I developed an
intense planting plan along the edges of the parking lot. The plants include all native
species of selected shrubs, trees and groundcover. The revised plans depict the locations,
numbers and types of trees and shrubs.
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 and I will be attending the meeting on January 22,
2026.
Very truly yours,
James Sipperly
James Sipperly!
Certified Soil Scientist, Socitty of Soil Scientists of Southern New England
Connecticut Wetland Scientist, Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists