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, Environmental Planner                                    October 28, 2021 
Town of Waterford 
15 Rope Ferry Road 
Waterford, CT 06385 
 
RE: INLAND WETLAND SOILS AND WATERCOURSES INVESTIGATION,  
       AND DELINEATION, 384 & 394 WILLETS AVENUE, EXT. WATERFORD CT  
       PROPOSED CLUB HOUSE LOCATION 
 
Dear Ms. Fitzgerald: 
 
I have reviewed your memo dated October 12, 2021 to the Waterford Wetland 
Commission and have reviewed the revised plans dated !0/25/21 and offer the following 
information particularly addressing item #4 in your memo.  
 
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.    
 
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.  
 
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 “Waterford Woods Site Modification Plans, prepared for Waterford Woods, 
LLC, Overall Development Layout, dated 11/18/20, revised 10/25/21, scale 1”= 60’,sheet 
1 of 4, prepared by Yantic River Consultants, LLC.  
  
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. 
 
The wetland in the northwest portion of the property along wetland flags 34 – 47 is of 
slightly higher value due to its size and in its core, there is great potential for a vernal 
pool to exist. The area is not a traditional vernal pool in the sense of having all the 
features normally associated with a vernal pool, but standing water was observed at the 
time of my visit approximately 50 feet in from the limits of my wetland flags numbered 
41-47. 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. The area is heavily 
vegetated with native species and no invasive species was identified. 
 
The proposed sediment basin will be approximately 190 from this area just mentioned 
above.  
 
The proposed clubhouse location is nestled within an upland area that is relatively flat 
and an existing rock outcropping of ledge will remain to the protect the finger of 
wetlands numbered 79-68. Along wetland flags 79-48 a 50 foot proposed non-
encroachment line will established to protect the wetlands from any disturbance. No 
clearing of vegetation will be allowed in this area.   
 
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 
 
James Sipperly 
Certified Soil Scientist, Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England  
Connecticut Wetland Scientist, Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists