Conservation Commission Agenda (linked)

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CLA Engineers, Inc.
Civil * Structural © Survey
317 MAIN STREET ° NORWICH, CT 06360 ° (860) 886-1966 ° (860) 886-9165 FAX
Rev September 25, 2024
Waterford Conservation Commission
Attn: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner
15 Rope Ferry Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
Re: Town of Waterford
234 Bloomingdale Rd
Waterford, CT
CLA #7880
Dear Ms. FitzGerald:
On behalf of the applicant, CLA Engineers has performed a delineation and functional evaluation of
the inland wetlands at the referenced site and assessed the site to provide a basis for determining the
potential for impacts. The inland wetland boundary was delineated by Robert Russo, CSS and Molly
Ahern, MESM on June 24, 2024. The wetland boundary and proposed development are shown on the
plans prepared by CLA Engineers dated DATE. These data were augmented with additional online
information from CTDEEP, USFWS, USGS, and the Town of Waterford.
Site Setting
The site is a 2.41 acre parcel located on the north side of Bloomingdale Rd just east of the
intersection with Millers Pond Rd Currently, the parcel is undeveloped and covered with forest.
The southern and eastern edges of the parcel are forested. Hunts Brook runs southeast across the
north end of the property and later joins the Thames River system. The wetland associated with
Hunts Brook is identified as Wetland 3 on site plans. Additionally, two small wetland areas
(identified as Wetland 1 and Wetland 2 on the plans) are located on the property.
The surrounding neighborhood is zoned residential (R-40) per 2022 update of the Town of
Waterford Zoning Map and consists of low- to medium-density single family residential lots, most
of which are developed.
Soils
The upland and wetland soils mapped by NRCS are listed in the table below. Additional
descriptive details are provided in Appendix A.

Table 1 - Soil Types and Properties at the Bloomingdale Rd Site
Soil Series Parent Material | Drainage Class Texture/Characteristics
Agawam Coarse-loamy Well drained Fine sandy loam
eolian deposits
Rippowam* Coarse-loamy Poorly drained Fine sandy loam
alluvium
Canton and Coarse-loamy Well drained Fine sandy loam
Charlton over sandy melt-
out till
*Hydric (wetland) soil type
The wetland soil unit mapped on this site consists of Rippowam fine sandy loam. The Rippowam
series consists of very deep, well drained soils formed in sandy, water deposited materials. They
are level to steep soils on outwash plains and high stream terraces.
The upland soil units mapped on this parcel are Agawam fine sandy loam and a unit of Canton
and Charlton fine sandy loams. The Agawam series consists of very deep, poorly drained loamy
soils formed in alluvial sediments. They are nearly level soils on flood plains subject to frequent
flooding. The Canton series consists of very deep, well drained soils formed in a loamy mantle
underlain by sandy till. They are on nearly level to very steep moraines, hills, and ridges. The
Charlton series consists of very deep, well drained soils formed in loamy melt-out till. They are
nearly level to very steep soils on moraines, hills, and ridges.
Wetland Characteristics
Classification
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI https ://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/
wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/) shows the onsite wetlands as palustrine forested wetland
(PFO1E). The description of that classification is provided below.
Classification code: PFOIE
System Palustrine (P): The Palustrine System includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees,
shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal
areas where salinity due to ocean-derived salts is below 0.5 ppt. It also includes wetlands lacking
such vegetation, but with all of the following four characteristics: (1) area less than 8 ha (20 acres);
(2) active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline features lacking; (3) water depth in the deepest part
of basin less than 2.5 m (8.2 ft) at low water; and (4) salinity due to ocean-derived salts less than
0.5 ppt.
Class Forested (FO): Characterized by woody vegetation that is 6 m tall or taller.

Subclass Persistent (1): Dominated by species that normally remain standing at least until the
beginning of the next growing season. This subclass is found only in the Estuarine and Palustrine
systems.
Water Regime Seasonally Flooded/Saturated (E): Surface water is present for extended periods
(generally for more than a month) during the growing season, but is absent by the end of the season
in most years. When surface water is absent, the substrate typically remains saturated at or near
the surface.
Wetland hydrology
Because no activities are planned within the 100-foot upland review area associated with Hunt’s
Brook (Wetland 3), the below functional assessment focuses only on the functions provided by
Wetlands 1 and 2. Wetland 1 is a small, highly disturbed depression with seasonal inundation.
Some evidence indicates that Wetland 1 may be a vernal pool (high water marks but no water
present during August site investigation, deep depression, some amphibians present), but
springtime assessment is required to confirm whether this is the case. CLA staff believe it is likely
that Wetland 1 does not provide adequate habitat for spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum)
due to its proximity to the surrounding existing residential development. However, because
Wetland 1 is not far from Hunt’s Brook and its associated riparian forest, it has potential to
function as habitat for wood frogs (Rana sylvatica).Wetland 2 is a small forested swamp
dominated by Acer rubrum in the tree stratum. The wetland is seasonally saturated.
Factors important to functional assessment
The following observations are important to the functional assessment and are listed here to
provide context to the later discussion of functions and values.
1. Connecticut protected species are not known to be present on the site per the June 2024
update of the CTDEEP NDDB. The full NDDB map is included as Appendix B.
2. The stream present on the northern end of the property, Hunts Brook, has a known fish and
macroinvertebrate community per CTDEEP research. Detailed species lists are provided
in Appendix C. No activity is proposed in proximity of Hunts Brook or its associated
wetland (Wetland 3).
3. The local zoning is residential (R-40) per the Town GIS, and the surrounding parcels
appear to be used for single-family residences.
4. The wetlands have coarse-loamy alluvial and eolian soils within per available online
mapping.
5. Wetlands 1 and 2 are not part of a larger watercourse system, but are close to the Thames
River system.
6. The wetlands appear to be highly disturbed but functional.

Principal functions
The functional assessment was conducted using the USCAE Highway Methodology
(https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Portals/74/docs/regulatory/Forms/HighwaySupplement6Apr20
15.pdf). The assessment is included as Appendix C and it revealed that the wetlands have the
following principal functions:
1. Sediment and toxicant retention
2. Nutrient removal
3. Wildlife habitat
Potential for Impacts
\
As shown on the project plans, no regulated activities are planned in any of the three wetlands
identified on site. Additionally, no work is proposed within the 100-foot upland review zone for
Hunt’s Brook (Wetland 3) because that watercourse is deemed to be more valuable than isolated
forested wetlands elsewhere on site, Some of the proposed activities will take place within the
100-foot upland review zone for Wetlands 1 and 2, with the nearest activity taking place 50 feet
from Wetland 1. These activities are as follows:
1. Installation ofa septic system featuring a 1,500-gallon tank and one 12x48’ leaching trench
suitable for the planned 4-bedroom home
2. Clearing of upland vegetation
3. Grading soil for the house and septic system
4. Installation of erosion and sedimentation control measures such as silt fence and hay bales
where appropriate as indicated on plans
Additionally, we propose the restoration of Wetland 1 by means of clearing the wetland of debris
under supervision of a wetland scientist. If Wetland 1 is in fact a vernal pool, this will likely make
the wetland safer and more habitable for reptiles and amphibians which rely on critical vernal
breeding habitat.

The proposed activities outlined above may impact the wetland’s principal functions in the
following ways:
1. Sediment and Toxicant Retention: If Wetland 1 is cleaned and restored to its original
state (i.e. before it became degraded), then it will still be able to effectively perform its
sediment and toxicant retention function, improving water quality.
2. Nutrient Removal: Because poorly drained and very poorly drained soils are known to
exist both in and around the wetland, the wetland will remain able to remove nutrients
after septic system installation.
3. Wildlife Habitat: As long as proper erosion control measures are in place per the
attached site plans, there is no reason for the installation and use of a septic system of
the proposed size to interfere with the wetlands’ ability to serve as a wildlife habitat.
Summary
In short, the installation of a septic system suitable for a four-bedroom home in the upland review
area surrounding Wetlands 1 and 2 is not expected to decrease the wetlands’ functionality in
retaining toxicants, removing nutrients, and serving as a unique wildlife habitat.
Based on our suspicion that Wetland 1 could function as a vernal breeding habitat, we recommend
that the wetland be cleared of debris and restored to its original condition. This process is to be
overseen by a wetland scientist.
Sincerely,
Molly K. Ahern, MESM
Soil Scientist, CLA Engineers
Norwich, CT

Appendix A: Soil Map
Adapted from Web Soil Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Soil Map—State of Connecticut, Eastern Part
7880 - 234 Bloomingdale Rd NEW
Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
29B Agawam fine sandy loam, 3 to 9.9 53.0%
8 percent slopes
61C Canton and Charlton fine 2.0 10.8%
sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, very stony
73C Charlton-Chatfield complex, 0 0.2 1.2%
to 15 percent slopes, very
rocky
73E Charlton-Chatfield complex, 15 0.0 0.2%
to 45 percent slopes, very
rocky
103 Rippowam fine sandy loam 6.5 34.8%
Totals for Area of Interest 18.8 100.0%
USD) Natural Resources Web Soil Survey 9/23/2024
Conservation Service
National Cooperative Soil Survey
Page 3 of 3

Appendix B: NDDB Map for Waterford, CT
Updated June 2024

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Appendix C: Fish Surveys
Adapted from CTECO DEEP Community Fisheries Data
Samples collected downstream of the property Hunts Brook
Sample Year 2013
Sample ID 151362013
American Eel 16
Blacknose Dace 2
White Sucker
Sample Year
Sample ID 151361993
Aeshnidae 1
Athericidae
Baetidae
Brachycentridae
Chironomidae
Corydalidae
Elmidae
Glossosomatidae
Gomphidae
Heptageniidae
Hydropsychidae
Isonychiidae
Leptophlebiidae
Leuctridae
Limnephilidae
Perlidae
Philopotamidae
Pyralidae
as | ma ss ice Pie es | ce | ee ee: mes frm ee | ee | ee Jes
Rhyacophilidae

Appendix D: Species List
Plant species found in Wetland 1:
Onoclea sensibilis
Rosa multiflora
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Smilax rotundifolia
Ruba sp.
Plant species found in Wetland 2:
Onoclea sensibilis
Rosa multiflora
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Smilax rotundifolia
Ruba sp.
Acer rubrum
Toxicodendron radicans
Clethra alnifolia
Rubus phoenicolasius
Plant species found in Wetland 3:
Smilax rotundifolia
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum
Quercus bicolor
Acer rubrum
Osmunda regalis
Onoclea sensibilis
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Spartina sp.
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

Human
made?
(VO_
Is
wetland
part
ofa
wildlife
coridor?
No
ora
“habitat
island"?_
WO
d
al
Wetland
Function-Value
Evaluation
Form
Wetland
LD.
1880
-WLL/2.
Latitude
41.4
ot
Longitude772.,
iz]
Prepared
by:.
MA
Date.
g/
LE/
WY
Distance
to
nearest
roadway
or
other
development.
PEO
4
E
Wetland
Impact:
Type_/0,
fez
Area
Contiguous
undeveloped
buffer
zone
present,
ULES
system?
ee
If
not,
where
does
the
wetland
lie
in
the
drainage
basin?
a
the
wetland?
gd
Office
VA
Field
Wildlife
&
vegetation
diversity/abundance
(see
attached
list)
c
i
wetlndldelineaton
‘orps
manual
wetland
deline:
:
Sad
completed?
Y_
N
~~
Suitability
Rationale
Principal
Y/N
(Reference
#)*
Function(s)/Value(s)
Comments
Recharge/Discharge
fot
OS
SOC
ato
W/
WwW
Cher
CONV
GE
smal\
Outen,
NO
workey
Cours
Habitat
unsuitable
ty
f
ch
Retention
Loe,
us
widened
of
pailnon
Foamd
in
WE
wane
3,4,5,1,8,10
poorly
woned
Sole
abyndont
litle
duidence
of
production
Stabilization
no
real
“Shorcling” we
te
WL
vie
345,17,
Sly,
6,10
Y
louie
oF
olper
presence
pyorby
Pare
non-pvbUc
Lond
Value
Mac
sHow
+o
sctho
olS/
jvioc
no
pullic
wetland
actess
Quality/Aesthetics
2,5,
8)12
no
public
access
Habitat
zlelelz|zl\-clelzielelelele
no
Stoe
liste
apecies
found
(NBDB)
®
Refer
to
backup
list
of
numbered
considerations.

Appendix E: Photographs
Collected 9/23/2024 by M. Ahern

And,
Photograph 2: Wetland 2

Wetland 3
Photograph 3