Conservation Commission - 1083 (05/22/2025)

C~ 45-07
——
\ ALL-POINTS
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 
WETLAND ASSESSMENT
May 1, 2025
Katy Gagnon, Senior Project Manager
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
Long Wharf Maritime Center
555 Long Wharf Drive
New Haven, CT 06511
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Re: 
Waterford Pickleball Courts and Parking 
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real WY at)
51 Daniels Avenue, Waterford, Connecticut 
MAY 092025
APT Job No: CT3611350 
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Planning & 
Development
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Waterford, C
Dear Ms. Gagnon, 
_Town of Waterford, 
C1
All-Points Technology Corporation, P.C. (“APT”) understands that the Town of Waterford is acquiring
+3,.96 acres of a +19.32-acre parcel at 51 Daniels Avenue in Waterford, Connecticut to be utilized for
two pickleball courts, eight (8) associated parking space and a concrete sidewalk to provide pedestrian
access to the proposed courts (the “Project”). This wetland and vernal pool assessment report
supplements other materials submitted under separate cover by others as part of the Waterford
Conservation Commission (“WCC”) Application for Permit (“Application”). This document provides an
assessment of one (1) wetland and embedded vernal pool located proximate to the Project, which
includes a description of the functions and values of the wetland and vernal pool, a discussion of the
Project’s proposed activities located in the upland review area and nearby, and an analysis of potential
resource impacts associated with the proposed regulated activities. The findings of this report are
based on inspections performed of the Project area and nearby wetland/vernal pool resource on
September 24, 2024 and April 12, 2025 and review of project site plans prepared by Langan
Engineering, dated May 1, 2025, for the Application.
The Project area consists of a +3.96-acre area comprised primarily of maintained lawn immediately
east of existing bituminous paved parking and access associated with the vacant school. The eastern
edge of the Project area just encroaches into an upland forest that buffers the nearby wetland. A
single wetland complex, Wetland 1, and imbedded vernal pool, Vernal Pool 1, are mainly off the
eastern property boundary with the majority of the resource located site on abutting parcels. The
proposed Project’s development activities will avoid any direct impact to this resource area.
Wetland Resources
Matthew Gustafson and Emily Perko, Connecticut registered Soil Scientists with APT, performed a
wetland inspection of the subject property on September 24, 2024 to identify and delineate wetland
resources located on and immediately proximate to the subject property. The wetland delineation
methodology was performed in accordance with the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Act. A copy of the Wetland Inspection report, dated October 18, 2024, is enclosed along with
representative photographs of the wetland features
ALL-POINTS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, P.C.
567 VAUXHALL STREET EXTENSION « SUITE 311 
- WATERFORD, CT 06385 
» PHONE 860-663-1697

Wetland 1 was identified on the subject property located along the eastern property boundary with
the majority of the resource located off-property. Imbedded within this system breeding of vernal pool
species was also confirmed during a follow-up investigation performed on April 12, 2025. This area
was surveyed based on the limits of inundation observed during the spring inspection. A detailed
description of wetland and vernal pool resources identified is provided below.
Wetland Description
Wetland 1 is located in the northeastern portion of the subject property, primarily located on the
adjacent parcel, consisting of a forested complex dominated by red maple and black gum, with co-
dominant of swamp white oak. The understory contains sweet pepperbush and highbush blueberry
with multiflora rose along the delineated wetland boundary. The complex is characterized by
seasonally saturated edges with a distinct slope break separation to the abutting upland forest to the
west that is located on the property. A relatively large depressional area located entirely off the subject
property is present within the interior of the wetland generally devoid of vegetation and presents
indicators that a foot or more of inundation is present during peak flooding periods. Indicators include
buttressed roots and moss trim lines. This depressional area was re-evaluated during the April 12,
2025 inspection to verify vernal pool breeding activity, during which time two (2) vernal pool indicator
species spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) were
observed breeding within the flooded extents. Two distinct pockets of breeding within the central and
southern portions of the flooded areas were observed with water depths ranging from 1.5 to 3 feet.
Soil Classification
Soil survey information obtained from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (“NRCS”) did not
identify wetland soil types either within or proximate to the Project area. However, wetlands were
encountered during the wetland investigation along the eastern property boundary near the Project
area. Based on available information collected during the wetland investigation the mapped wetland
soil associated with the wetlands are predominately Ridgebury, Leicester and Whitman soils. Upland
soils were examined along the wetland boundary and more distant upland areas during the site
investigation. Those soils are dominated by the Udorthents-Urban land complex within existing
developed associated with the vacant school and Charlton-Chatfield complex in the undeveloped
areas. Detailed descriptions of wetland and upland soil types are provided below.
Wetland Soils:
Ridgebury, Leicester and Whitman (Soil Unit 3) soils consist of very deep, poorly to very
drained soils formed in coarse-loamy or lodgement till. They are nearly level or gently sloping
soils in depressions, drainageways, and low-lying positions on hills. A perched water table, or
excess seepage water, is at or near the surface much of the year.
Upland Soils:
Charlton-Chatfield Complex (73) consists of very deep, well drained soils formed in loamy
melt-out till. They are moderately deep to bedrock. They are nearly level to very steep soils
on moraines, hills, and ridges.
Udorthents-Urban Land Complex (306) is a miscellaneous land type consisting mostly of
disturbed soils (cutting, filling & grading) such that the original soil profile can no longer be
discerned, buildings, paved roads and parking lots.
2|Page

Wetland Evaluation
There are many methods of evaluating wetlands, all incorporating different parameters to assess these
resources. This study uses methodology recommended by the Corps, 7he Highway Methodology
Workbook Supplement, Wetland Functions and Values: A Descriptive Approach issued by the Corps,
dated September 1999. This evaluation provides a qualitative approach in which wetland functions
can be considered Principal, Secondary, or unlikely to be provided at a significant level. Functions and
values can be Principal if they are an important physical component of a wetland ecosystem (function
only), and/or are considered of special value to society, from a local, regional, and/or national
perspective. The Corps recommends that wetland values and functions be determined through “best
professional judgment” based on a qualitative description of the physical attributes of wetlands and
the functions and values exhibited.
The basis for APT’s determination of this qualitative approach relies on over 35 years of field
experience and extensive knowledge of other scientific methods used for wetland evaluation purposes.
These functions and values can be grouped into four basic categories as follows:
Biological Functions
Fish and Shellfish Habitat — This function considers the effectiveness of seasonal or
permanent waterbodies associated with the wetland in question for fish and shellfish
habitat.
Wildlife Habitat — This function considers the effectiveness of the wetland to provide
habitat for various types and populations of animals typically associated with wetlands
and the wetland edge.
Production Export (Nutrient) — This function relates to the effectiveness of the wetland
to produce food or usable products for humans or other living organisms.
Hydrologic Functions
Floodflow Alteration (Storage & Desynchronization) — This function considers the
effectiveness of the wetland in reducing flood damage by attenuation of floodwaters
for prolonged periods following precipitation events.
Groundwater Recharge/Discharge — This function considers the potential for a
wetland to serve as a groundwater recharge and/or discharge area. Recharge should
relate to the potential for the wetland to contribute water to an aquifer. Discharge
should relate to the potential for the wetland to serve as an area where groundwater
can be discharged to the surface.
Water Quality Functions
Sediment/Toxicant/Pathogen 
Retention — This function 
reduces or 
prevents
degradation of water quality. It relates to the effectiveness of the wetland as a trap
for sediments, toxicants, or pathogens.
Nutrient 
Removal/Retention/Transformation 
— 
This 
function 
relates 
to 
the
effectiveness of the wetland to prevent adverse effects of excess nutrients entering
aquifers or surface waters such as ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, or estuaries.
Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization — This function relates to the effectiveness of a
wetland to stabilize streambanks and shorelines against erosion.
3|Page

Societal Values
Recreation (Consumptive and Non-Consumptive) — This value considers the
effectiveness of the wetland and associated watercourses to provide recreational
opportunities such as canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, and other active or passive
recreational activities. Consumptive activities consume or diminish the plants, animals,
or other resources that are intrinsic to the wetland, whereas non-consumptive
activities do not.
Educational/Scientific Value — This value considers the effectiveness of the wetland
as a site for an “outdoor classroom” or as a location for scientific study or research.
Uniqueness/Heritage — This value relates to the effectiveness of the wetland or its
associated waterbodies to produce certain special values. Special values may include
such things as archaeological sites, unusual aesthetic quality, historical events, or
unique plants, animals, or geologic features.
Visual Quality/Aesthetics — This value relates to the visual and aesthetic qualities of
the wetland.
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat — This value relates to the effectiveness
of the wetland or associated waterbodies to support threatened, endangered or special
concern species.
The degree to which a wetland provides each of these functions is determined by one or more of the
following factors: landscape position, substrate, hydrology, vegetation, history of disturbance, and
size. Each wetland may provide one or more of the listed functions at Principal levels.
The determining factors that affect the level of function provided by a wetland can often be broken
into two categories. The effectiveness of a wetland to provide a specified function is generally
dependent on factors within the wetland whereas the opportunity to provide a function is often
influenced by the wetland’s position in the landscape and adjacent land uses. For example, a
depressed wetland with a restricted outlet may be considered highly effective in trapping sediment
due to the long residence time of runoff water passing through the system. If this wetland is located
in gently sloping woodland, however, there is no significant source of sediment in the runoff therefore
the wetland is considered to have a small opportunity of providing this function.
A summary description of functions and values is provided below.
Biological Functions:
The ecological integrity of Wetland 1 has been compromised due to proximity to developed
areas indicative of the bordering invasive species. Fragmented upland habitat buffering this
wetland has occurred with the existing school development to the west, Daniels Avenue to the
north and residential properties to the east. As a result, wildlife utilization would largely be
used by generalists and species habituated to the high level of human activity that exists both
on the subject property and in the surrounding area. This wetland maintains sufficient
hydrology to support vernal pool breeding habitat throughout the complex but does not
maintain permanent inundation to support finfish habitat. Although the ecological integrity has
been compromised, wildlife habitat function is supported within Wetland 1 at a Principal level
due largely to confirmed breeding by two obligate vernal pool species.
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The wetland consists of a common vegetative class of palustrine forest cover type with shrub
and herbaceous understory. However, there is not a large diversity of wetland cover types so
there is a limited potential to produce food for several different types of wildlife that require
diverse or specific wetland habitats beyond the forest habitat that is present. Therefore, this
wetland is assessed as supporting the production export (nutrient) function at a Secondary
level based on the fruit bearing shrubs observed in the resource.
Hydrologic Functions:
Wetland 1 does not border a perennial watercourse with an active floodplain, floodflow
alteration is only supported at a Secondary level within Wetland 1 due to the potential for this
system to support flood storage from stormwater runoff since it essentially functions as a
confined basin. This wetland receives groundwater discharges from hillside seepage providing
the potential for both water discharge and recharge to the local groundwater. Due to this
factor, the wetland was assessed as supporting the groundwater discharge/recharge function
at a Principal level.
Water Quality:
The developed surrounding environment provides an opportunity for this wetland to provide
sediment/toxicant/pathogen 
retention 
and 
nutrient 
removal/retention/transformation
functions. This wetland currently receives some stormwater flow from the subject property
and adjacent school development through sheet flow. Based on the resource size and location
of Wetland 1 there is a potential to support these water quality functions but the size limits
the 
function 
to 
a 
Secondary 
level. 
Wetland 
1 
does 
not 
have the 
potential 
for
sediment/shoreline stabilization since it does not border on a perennial stream or open water
body that would generate high flow velocities during storm events or wave action.
Societal Values:
Wetland 1, consisting of a forested wetland type that supports vernal pool habitat is easily
accessible by the public, and is associated with a school, supports an opportunity for various
societal values. However, due to a lack of hunting or fishing opportunities, this wetland
supports recreation value at a Secondary level. This wetland supports educational/scientific
value at a Principal level due to the ease of access, proximity to a unique wetland habitat with
breeding by vernal pool species, and future use of the property as a public school. In addition,
this wetland supports visual/aesthetics value at a Secondary level due to the proximity of
development and obstructive intervening vegetation from any publicly viewable areas. The
uniqueness/heritage value of this wetland is diminished by the lack of: archaeological sites;
unusual aesthetic quality; historical events; or unique plants, animals, or geologic features. As
such, Wetland 1 does not support the uniqueness/heritage value at a Principle or Secondary
level.
Urban wetland quality values are supported by Wetland 1 at a Secondary level, since this
wetland is generally surrounded by development but does support some habitat for wildlife
particularly for vernal pool species.
S|Page

Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat:
No State-listed Threatened, Endangered or Special Concern species are known to utilize the
subject property, or its wetlands based on available mapping (December 2024) from the
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) Natural Diversity Data
Base (“NDDB”). The nearest NDDB buffer area is located +0.18 mile to the northeast in nearby
Millstone Brook riparian corridor. As such, consultation with DEEP NDDB is not required for
this project. Due to the relatively small forest patch size, limited size of the wetland resource,
development on the subject property and abutting properties, the potential wildlife habitat
value for rare species would be limited and is not considered to be supported at either a
Principle or Secondary level.
Proposed Activities
The following section summarizes development activities. The WCC regulates activities in wetland and
watercourses and upland areas within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses, known as an upland
review area (“URA”) that are likely to impact wetlands and watercourses and not otherwise deemed
as-of-right or non-regulated activities.
The proposed development will avoid direct impacts to Wetland 1 and Vernal Pool 1. However, the
proposed Project will require temporary disturbances in the URA such as limited vegetation clearing,
grubbing, and grading to accommodate the pickleball courts and parking area. Such activities will
result in £3,870 SF of work within the 100-foot URA with the closest activity +63 feet from the nearest
wetland area. Please note that proposed activities in the URA do not include any impervious surfaces
or stormwater management features and are limited mainly to minor grading activities. Those areas
will be restored with native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants and grasses as discussed in detail in
the mitigation section of this report. In addition, minimal disturbance would result within 100 feet of
the vernal pool edge, also known as the vernal pool envelope (“VPE”). Although there is a slight
encroachment into the VPE, the development would not impact primary migratory corridors of two
identified vernal pool species; this topic is discussed in greater detail in the subsequent section.
Wetland and Vernal Pool Impact Analysis
The fundamental concept of wetland and vernal pool impact analysis is based on the precept that
wetland and vernal pool impacts should first be avoided where possible. Secondly, if practicable
alternatives do not exist to avoid wetland impacts, then impacts should be minimized. Thirdly,
mitigation should be considered for unavoidable wetland impacts, with consideration given to the loss
of wetland functions and values that are important to the local region.
As previously discussed, the pickleball court development will avoid any direct impact to wetland or
vernal pool resources. Areas of proposed activity within the 100-foot URA to Wetland 1 consist of
vegetation clearing, grubbing and regrading needed for the installation of eight (8) parking spaces,
two pickleball courts, and a concrete sidewalk. The parking area, sidewalk, and courts, both impervious
surfaces, are located outside of the 100-foot URA. Upland review areas can serve a number of
important functions that support wetlands and watercourses including water quality protection
(erosion control and sediment, nutrient, biological and toxics removal), hydrologic event modification
and wildlife habitat. While portions of the upland edge forest will be removed to accommodate for the
development, the majority of the development area consists of maintained lawn which experiences
routine disturbance and maintenance, such functions are not being supported in a significant capacity.
6|Page

Construction and operation of the courts would not result in direct physical impact to Vernal Pool 1;
however, minor grading will just encroach within 100 feet of the vernal pool edge, also known as the
vernal pool envelope (“VPE”). It is widely documented that vernal pool dependent amphibians are not
solely reliant upon the actual vernal pool, which is limited to use for breeding and egg/larval
development, and require surrounding upland forest habitat for most of their adult lives. Intact forest
represents the highest value, or optimal, habitat within the VPE and adjacent areas to support breeding
opportunities for the various obligate vernal pool indicator species that rely on forested habitat (e.g.,
wood frog and spotted salamander). The US Army Corps of Engineers New England District’s Verna/
Pool Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) also establish the concept of “directional corridors”
(identified herein as “Migratory Corridors"). Identification of Migratory Corridors allow a project to
evaluate potential impacts to optimal pool-breeding amphibian habitat that focuses on conserving the
most essential habitats which link breeding pools, forested wetlands, and forested uplands. These
interrelated habitats form essential migratory corridors at a landscape scale level. The location of
Migratory Corridors is established through an evaluation of both wetland and terrestrial habitat
structure qualities (e.g., vegetative cover types, width of vegetated buffer, soil surface moisture,
thickness of duff layer, abundance of cover objects, etc.) that determines the locations of “Suitable
Non-Breeding Habitat” and “Non-Habitat” in proximity to the vernal pool. Non-habitat areas such as
developed areas, maintained lawn, and large expanses of impervious surface do not support Migratory
Corridors due to the lack of sufficient vegetative conditions which are often associated with higher
levels of predation and high level of human activity that can result in direct mortality. For the subject
property which is dominated by the existing school development and includes the school building,
relatively large areas of paved parking and access, and regularly maintained athletic fields and lawn,
represents a large area of Non-Habitat located west of Vernal Pool 1. This large area of Non-Habitat
provides no vegetative cover for migratory wood frogs or salamanders, which would expose these
amphibians to desiccation and high levels of predation. This existing development separates the vernal
pool habitat from other forested areas thereby eliminating a potential Migratory Corridor to the west.
Migratory Corridors occur in areas that link vernal pools and Suitable Non-Breeding Habitat, which
consists of both forested wetland and upland habitats. The principal Migratory Corridors associated
with Vernal Pool 1 are located to the south and east of the resource area linking adjacent and
somewhat continuous upland and wetland forested habitats. Although residential properties are
located proximate to these principal Migratory Corridors, there is significantly less landscape-level
anthropogenic changes when compared to the expansive school development, that still maintains a
relatively large forested habitat block to accommodate these Migratory Corridors. The proposed
redevelopment does not intercept this Migratory Corridor.
There is the potential for short term wetland impacts during construction due to the proximity of
wetland resources and proposed site work associated with grading and vegetation removal activities.
The potential for these short-term impacts is mitigated with the implementation and maintenance of
a comprehensive soil erosion and sediment control plan, as detailed on the separately attached project
site plans that were developed in accordance with 2024 Connecticut Guidelines For Soil Erosion and
Sediment Control. The installation of silt fence and employment of additional erosion control Best
Management Practices (“BMPs”) would function as an effective isolation barrier for possible migrating
herpetofauna from encountering construction. Additionally, 
a Wetland and Vernal Pool Protection Plan
will include contractor education and awareness signage of the nearby sensitive wetland resources,
including the vernal pool habitat and associated herpetofauna (i.e., wood frog, salamanders, turtles,
snakes, etc.) that could be encountered.
7|Page

Mitigation
Due to the proposed development located in proximity to Wetland and Vernal Pool 1 and encroaching
into the URA, an upland review area/vernal pool terrestrial enhancement area is proposed. Careful
consideration has been given to devising a mitigation plan that enhances the wetlands functions and
values, particularly wildlife habitat that would most benefit the vernal pool habitat, through enhancing
critical upland. To compensate for the unavoidable temporary URA activities totaling +3,870 SF, a
mitigation plan consisting of planting areas that will be altered with grading activities and associated
vegetation removal is proposed. Enhancement of £8,000 SF of the 100-foot URA and adjacent areas
will consist of planting with various native trees and shrubs that will be under sown with a native
conservation/wildlife seed mix. The proposed planting plan not only improves wildlife habitat functions
it also provides both good erosion control. This mitigation plan will support a variety of wetland
functions and values with a primary focus on improving wildlife habitat and providing wooded
terrestrial habitat to support the vernal pool habitat contained within Wetland 1. The variety of native
shrubs selected for the enhancement area produce flowers that are attractive to pollinator species
(also enhances the aesthetic value) and fruits that provides a wildlife food source. Water quality
functions will also be enhanced in a secondary capacity along with aesthetics value with use of a wide
variety of flowering plants. With the enhancement area supporting important functions and values to
the URA, both Wetland 1 and its associated vernal pool habitat functions and values will be improved.
The URA proposed for enhancement is depicted in the separately attached project site plans. A
summary of the mitigation plan is provided below, including planting schedules, construction
sequencing notes, and construction and long-term post construction monitoring of the mitigation area.
Table 1: Planting Schedule - Upland Review/Vernal Pool Terrestrial Enhancement Area
Quantity 
Botanical Name 
Common Name 
Size 
Spacing 
_
10 
Acer rubra 
Red Maple 
6-8’ 
10-20 feet
20 
Amelanchier canadensis 
— Serviceberry 
3-4’ 
7-10 feet
40 
Cornus racemosa 
Gray Dogwood 
3-4’ 
7-10 feet
40 
Morella pensylvanica 
Bayberry 
3-4’ 
7-10 feet
40 
Photinia melanocarpa 
Black chokeberry 
3-4’ 
7-10 feet
40 
Viburnum lentago 
Nannyberry 
3-4’ 
7-10 feet
Planting Schedule Notes:
1. 
The +8,000 SF enhancement area will consist of planting with select native shrubs and trees
following grading activities and placement of topsoil to establish a dense buffer of woody plants
that will enhance water quality and wildlife habitat functions for the adjacent wetland and vernal
pool habitat.
2. 
Planting stock used in the enhancement area shall be inspected for pests, disease and overall
health to ensure suitable specimens are used. Unsuitable specimens will be rejected and replaced
with suitable specimens. Any planting substitutions must be approved by the Project Wetland
Scientist. All woody plant stock shall be container-grown or burlap balled. Deviations to the planting
plan must be approved by the Project Wetland Scientist. Only plant materials native and indigenous
to Connecticut shall be used. Invasive plant species will not be used in the mitigation area.
3. 
Under sow enhancement area with a New England Conservation/Wildlife Seed Mix (New England
Wetland Plants, Inc., or approved equivalent). Seed mix shall be applied at the manufacturer's
recommended seeding rate and protected with a weec-free straw mulch or hydroseeded with a
8| Page

bonded fiber matrix. Permanent cover of native grasses and forbs will provide both good erosion
control and wildlife habitat value.
4. 
All plant materials installed shall meet or exceed the specifications of the "American Standards for
Nursery Stock" by the American Association of Nurserymen. All plant materials shall be guaranteed
for one year following date of final acceptance. No cultivars of the native plants identified in the
planting schedule shall be used unless approved by the Project Wetland Scientist.
5. 
Tree and shrub spacing is provided for general purposes. Actual locations of plants to be adjusted
in the field based on available space. The Project Wetland Scientist will assist in selecting planting
locations and spacing to simulate nature growth patterns.
6. 
Plant black chokeberry, serviceberry, and bayberry along edge of clearing as species prefer full sun
in order to set heavier fruit. All other trees and shrubs are shade tolerant.
Mitigation Monitoring Success Standards and Reporting Notes:
1. The buffer enhancement area will be assessed using three success standards as described;
Success standard 1: any soils disturbed by enhancement activities are stabilized and no
significant erosion or sediment deposition is observed 2: at least 75% of the aerial surface of
the enhancement areas are established with native species, including 50% aerial cover by
native shrubs and 75% herbaceous species 3: control of non-native invasive woody shrub
species with less than 10% total aerial coverage by the end of the monitoring period.
2. 
A report will be prepared documenting implementation of the upland enhancement plan,
including planting of native species.
3. 
Monitoring of the upland enhancement area will be performed for period of two years starting
the first full growing season following project completion and native planting activities.
Monitoring will occur once each growing season, once in the spring and again in the late
summer/early fall. An annual monitoring report will provide an assessment of the conditions
of the enhanceemnt area, measuring success against the three success standards. The
monitoring report will include representative photogaphs, the percent survival of planted tree
and shrubs and will also include observations of vegetation health and development along with
any wildlife observations. The report will also document corrective actions taken to address
non-compliance with the success standards. If following completion of this two-year
monitoring period not all of the success standards are satisfied, recommendations for
additional monitoring/corrective actions will be included in the final report.
Wetland and Vernal Pool Protection Plan
As a result of the proposed development’s location in the vicinity of wetlands and vernal pool, the
following protection plan is provided to avoid unintentional impact to wetland and vernal pool habitats
and associated herpetofauna during construction activities. Complete details of the recommended
wetland and vernal pool are enclosed with a summary provided below. Upon permit approval, this
protection plan will be incorporated into the construction drawings to ensure the Contractor is fully
aware of the project’s environmentally sensitive setting and the required protection measures.
A wetland scientist from APT experienced in compliance monitoring of construction activities will serve
as the Environmental Monitor for this project to ensure that the following BMPs are implemented
properly. The proposed wetland and vernal pool protection program consists of several components
including: periodic inspection and maintenance of erosion controls and isolation structures; education
of all contractors and sub-contractors prior to initiation of work on the site; protective measures;
wildlife sweeps to remove any wildlife from work areas; and reporting.
9|Page

APT recommends establishing a wetland and vernal pool protection program consisting of contractor
awareness training prior to initiation of construction activities. The contractor training session would
stress the sensitive nature of the project, what species might be encountered and what to do if they
are present. In addition, the wetland protection program would include an initial inspection of the silt
fence erosion and sedimentation controls that will serve double duty as a restrictive barrier to possible
species dispersal into the construction site from the nearby wetland and vernal pool. Provided the
wetland protection program is properly implemented during construction, it is APT’s opinion that
potential short-term impacts to nearby wetland and vernal pool resources would not occur.
Summary and Conclusion
The proposed pickleball court development will not directly impact wetland or vernal pool resources.
In addition, activities proposed in the 100-foot URA will be limited to minor grading and vegetation
removal activities primarily located in areas immediately adjacent to the existing school development.
A comprehensive suite of erosion and sedimentation control measures in addition to a Wetland and
Vernal Pool Protection Plan will be implemented during construction to prevent direct and indirect
impacts to nearby wetland and vernal pool resources during construction. In addition, to compensate
for the temporary encroachment of +3,870 SF into the 100-foot URA, a comprehensive mitigation
plan that will provide +8,000 SF of an upland review/vernal pool terrestrial enhancement area will
improve functions and values supporting the nearby wetland and vernal pool habitat.
Considering the proposed development activities avoid any direct wetland and vernal pool impact,
work is limited to the outer URA, and extensive protection, conservation, and mitigation measures will
be employed both during and following construction activities, it is our professional opinion that no
likely adverse impact to wetland and vernal pool resources would result.
Based on the findings of this assessment, we respectfully request that the Town of Waterford
Conservation Commission serving as the Inland Wetlands Agency find this project and the various
conservation and mitigation measures are adequately protective of the interests contained in the Town
of Waterford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and issue a wetland permit approving
the proposed regulated activity.
If you have any questions regarding the above-referenced information, please feel free to contact me
by telephone at (860) 552-2033 or at dgustafson@allpointstech.com.
Sincerely,
All-Points Technology Corporation, P.C.
Dean Gustafson
Professional Soil Scientist
Senior Wetland Scientist
Enclosures
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Wetland Inspection Report

/ ae
ALL-POINTS
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 
WETLAND INSPECTION
October 18, 2024 
APT Project No.: CT3611350
Prepared For: 
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
Long Wharf Maritime Center
555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511
Site Address: 
51 Daniels Avenue, Waterford, Connecticut
Date of Investigation: 
9/25/2024
Field Conditions: 
Weather: cloudy, mid 60's
Soil Moisture: dry to moist
Wetland/Watercourse Delineation Methodology 1:
&IConnecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
OiConnecticut Tidal Wetlands
OU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Municipal Upland Review Area: Wetlands: 100 feet 
Watercourses: 100 feet
The wetlands inspection was performed by2:
Matthew Gustafson, Registered Soil Scientist
Enclosures: Wetland Delineation Field Forms & Wetland Inspection Map
This report is provided as a brief summary of findings from APT's wetland investigation of the referenced Study Area
that consists of proposed development activities and areas generally within 200 feet. If applicable, APT is available
to provide a more comprehensive wetland impact analysis upon receipt of site plans depicting the proposed
development activities and surveyed location of identified wetland and watercourse resources.
| Wetlands and watercourses were delineated in accordance with applicable local, state and federal statutes, regulations and guidance.
2 All established wetlands boundary lines are subject to change until officially adopted by local, state, or federal regulatory agencies.
3 APT has relied upon the accuracy of information provided by Langan Engineering and Environmental Services regarding the location and limits
of the Study Area for the purposes of identifying wetlands and watercourses.
ALL-POINTS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, P.C.
567 VAUXHALL STREET EXTENSION « SUITE 311 
- WATERFORD, CT 06385 - PHONE 860-663-1697

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Attachments
Wetland Delineation Field Forms
Wetland Inspection Map

Wetland Delineation Field Form
Wetland I.D.:
Wetland 1
Flag #’s:
WF 1-01 to 1-22
Flag Location Method:
Site Sketch
GPS (sub-meter) located
WETLAND HYDROLOGY:
NONTIDAL
Intermittently Flooded O
Artificially Flooded O
Permanently Flooded O
Semipermanently Flooded O
Seasonally Flooded XI
Temporarily Flooded O
Permanently Saturated 0
Seasonally Saturated/seepage X
Seasonally Saturated/perched 0]
Comments: Wetland 1 consist
a distinct slope break to the abutting upland forest.
of a seasonally flooded interior with bordering saturated edges following
TIDAL O
Subtidal O
Regularly Flooded O
Irregularly Flooded 0
Irregularly Flooded O
Comments: None
WETLAND TYPE:
SYSTEM:
Estuarine O 
Riverine O 
Palustrine
Lacustrine 0 
Marine 0
Comments: None
CLASS:
Emergent 0
Scrub-shrub 1
Forested
Open Water 0
Disturbed 0
Wet Meadow 01
swamp white oak
Comments: Closed canopy hardwood forest consisting of red maple and black gum with co-dominant
WATERCOURSE TYPE:
Perennial O
| Intermittent O
| Tidal 0
Watercourse Name: None
Comments: None
Page 1 of 2

Wetland Delineation Field Form (Cont.)
SPECIAL AQUATIC HABITAT:
Vernal Pool Yes O No C) Potential X! 
| Other 0
Vernal Pool Habitat Type: 'Cryptic'
Comments: A large depressional area was identified void of vegetation containing buttressed roots and
moss trim lines indicating inundation is present during month of elevated water levels. This
depressional area did not contain any flooding at the time of inspection. An adult wood frog was
observed within the depressional limits. It is recommended a formal vernal pool investigation be
performed during the spring breeding season to determine the presence of obligate vernal pool
breeding.
SOILS:
| Are field identified soils consistent with NRCS mapped soils? 
Yes 
| 
NoO
DOMINANT PLANTS:
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) 
Sweet Pepperbush (Clethera alnifolia)
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 
Multiflora Rose* (Rosa multiflora)
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) 
Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) 
Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)
* denotes Connecticut Invasive Species Council invasive plant species
GENERAL COMMENTS:
All-Points Technology Corp., P.C. (“APT”) investigated property at 51 Daniels Avenue in Waterford,
Connecticut (“Site”). The +20-acre town-owned parcel is developed with the former Waterford Dual
Language & Arts Magnet Middle School, which is currently vacant, and wireless telecommunications
facility located in the southeast corner of the Site. The vacant school building and associated
infrastructure occupies the northern and central portion of the Site along with open fields that extend
to the western and southern portions of the property. Successional forest and scrub/shrub habitats
are present along the Site’s eastern and western boundaries. APT soil scientists identified and
delineated three (3) wetland systems that are primarily located on adjacent parcels with some
encroachment into the Site.
Wetland 1 is located in the northeastern portion of the Site, primarily located on the adjacent parcel,
consisting of a forested complex dominated by red maple and black gum, with co-dominant of swamp
white oak. The understory contains sweet pepperbush and highbush blueberry with multiflora rose
along the delineated wetland boundary. The complex is characterized by seasonally saturated edges
with a distinct slope break separation to the abutting upland forest to the west that is located on the
Site. A large depressional area is present within the interior of the wetland generally devoid of
vegetation and presents indicators that a foot or more of inundation is present during peak flooding
periods. Indicators include buttressed roots and moss trim lines. This depressional area, which appears
to be entirely located on the adjacent property, has the potential to support breeding habitat for vernal
pool indicator species.
Page 2 of 2

Wetland Delineation Field Form
Wetland I.D.:
Wetland 2
Flag #’s:
WF 2-01 to 2-14
Flag Location Method:
Site Sketch
GPS (sub-meter) located
WETLAND HYDROLOGY:
NONTIDAL &
Intermittently Flooded 0
Artificially Flooded 0
Permanently Flooded O
Semipermanently Flooded O
Seasonally Flooded Xl
Temporarily Flooded 0
Permanently Saturated 0
Seasonally Saturated/seepage XI
Seasonally Saturated/perched 1
Comments: Wetland 2 consists of a seasonally saturated complex with interior seasonal flooding
containing two depressional areas.
TIDAL O
Subtidal 0 
Regularly Flooded 0 
Irregularly Flooded 0
Irregularly Flooded 0
Comments: None
WETLAND TYPE:
SYSTEM:
Estuarine O 
Riverine O 
Palustrine
Lacustrine 0 
Marine 0
Comments: None
CLASS:
Emergent 0
Scrub-shrub 0
Forested
Open Water 0
Disturbed 0
Wet Meadow 0)
Comments: Forested complex dominated by red maple with co-dominant black gum.
WATERCOURSE TYPE:
Perennial 0
[ Intermittent 0
| Tidal 0
Watercourse Name: None
Comments: None
Page | of 2

Wetland Delineation Field Form (Cont.)
SPECIAL AQUATIC HABITAT:
Vernal Pool Yes O No C) Potential X! 
| Other O
Vernal Pool Habitat Type: 'Cryptic'
Comments: Two potential vernal pools were identified within seasonally flooded areas in the northern
and southern limits of the complex. It is recommended that a formal vernal pool investigation be
performed during the spring breeding season to determine the presence of obligate vernal pool
breeding.
SOILS:
Are field identified soils consistent with NRCS mapped soils? 
Yes 
NoO 
|
DOMINANT PLANTS:
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Multiflora Rose* (Rosa multiflora) 
Sweet Pepperbush (Clethera alnifolia)
Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) 
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) 
Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) 
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
* denotes Connecticut Invasive Species Council invasive plant species
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Wetland 2 is located off the southeast corner of the Site on the adjacent property. Similar to Wetland
1, saturated edges border interior seasonally flooded areas. Potential vernal pool habitat was identified
within the northern and southern extents of the system. Portions of the complex have experienced
varying degrees of historic alteration with a stonewall intersecting the system resulting in altering of
the drainage within the southern limits and a dominance of multiflora rose and green briar present.
The overstory was dominated by red maple with inclusions of black gum. The southern and central
wetland extents are characterized by a broad transitional area consisting of a shallow slope break.
Page 2 of 
2

Wetland Delineation Field Form
Wetland I.D.:
Wetland 3
Flag #’s:
WF 3-01 to 3-05
Flag Location Method:
Site Sketch
GPS (sub-meter) located
WETLAND HYDROLOGY:
NONTIDAL &
Intermittently Flooded 0
Artificially Flooded 0
Permanently Flooded 0
Semipermanently Flooded 0
Seasonally Flooded 0
Temporarily Flooded O
Permanently Saturated 0
Seasonally Saturated/seepage
Seasonally Saturated/perched
Comments: Wetland 3 consist:s of a seasonally saturated depressional area at the base of a hillslope.
+
IDAL O
Subtidal O
Regularly Flooded O
Irregularly Flooded O
Irregularly Flooded 0
Comments: None
WETLAND TYPE:
SYSTEM:
Estuarine 0 
Riverine O 
Palustrine
Lacustrine 0 
Marine O
Comments: None
CLASS:
Emergent 0 
Scrub-shrub 0 
Forested
Open Water 0 
Disturbed 0 
Wet Meadow 0
Comments: Wetland 3 is characterized by a closed canopy hardwood forest dominated by red maple.
WATERCOURSE TYPE:
Perennial 0 
Intermittent O 
Tidal O
Watercourse Name: None
Comments: None
Page | of 
2

Wetland Delineation Field Form (Cont.)
SPECIAL AQUATIC HABITAT:
Vernal Pool Yes O No & Potential O 
| Other 0
Vernal Pool Habitat Type: None
Comments: None
SOILS:
[ Are field identified soils consistent with NRCS mapped soils? 
[Yes 
No O
DOMINANT PLANTS:
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Multiflora Rose* (Rosa multiflora) 
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
* denotes Connecticut Invasive Species Council invasive plant species
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Wetland 3 is located off the southwest corner of the Site on the adjacent property. This wetland feature
is located at the base of a hillslope within a depressional area with a distinct slope break and rocky
poorly drained soils. This isolated feature is dominated by red maple with spicebush and highbush
blueberry within the understory. Small areas of shallow seasonal flooding were observed within the
depression, which are unlikely support vernal pool breeding habitat due to their apparent shallow
flooding and anticipate short-duration hydroperiod.
Page 2 of 
2

Legend
O sie 
Approximate Parcel Boundary
@ 
Welland Flag
— 100" Upland Review Area
—— Delineated Wetland Boundary
() Approximate Wetland Area
urce: 2019 CT Aerial Imagery (CTECO)
inch = 200 feet
sptembor 2024
Wetland Inspection Map
51 Daniels Avenue
\Waterford, Connecticut
LANGAN
/, 
OINTS
TECHNOLOGY CORFORATION

Wetland and Vernal Pool
Protection Program

ENVIRONMENTAL NOTES - RESOURCES PROTECTION PROGRAM
WETLAND AND VERNAL POOL PROTECTION MEASURES
As a result of the project's location in the vicinity of sensitive habitats including wetland resources
and vernal pool habitat, the following Protection Program shall be implemented by the Contractor to
avoid unintentional impacts to proximate wetland and vernal pool resources during construction
activities. Details of protection measures to be implemented in association with construction and
maintenance of the facility are provided below.
It is of the utmost importance that the Contractor complies with the requirement for the installation
of protective measures and the education of its employees and subcontractors performing work
on the project site. The protection measures shall be implemented and maintained throughout the
duration of construction activities until permanent stabilization of site soils has occurred.
All-Points Technology Corporation, P.C. (“APT”) will serve as the Environmental Monitor for this
project to ensure that these protection measures are implemented properly and will provide an
education session on the project's proximity to sensitive wetlands prior to the start of construction
activities. The Contractor shall contact Dean Gustafson, Senior Wetland Scientist at APT, at least
5 business days prior to the pre-construction meeting. Mr. Gustafson can be reached by phone
at (860) 552-2033 or via email at dgustafson@allpointstech.com.
This resources protection program consists of several components including: education of all
contractors and sub-contractors prior to initiation of work on the site; installation of erosion controls;
petroleum materials storage and spill prevention; protective measures; wetland and vernal pool
protection measures; herbicide, pesticide, and salt restrictions; and reporting.
1. 
Contractor Education:
a. 
Prior to work on site, the Contractor shall attend an educational session at the pre-
construction meeting with APT. This orientation and educational session will consist
of an introductory meeting with APT to emphasize the environmentally sensitive
nature of the project, the various wetland and vernal pool resources, and the
requirement to diligently follow the Protective Measures as described in sections
below. Workers will also be provided information regarding the identification of
turtles, snakes, and common herpetofauna that could be encountered. The meeting
will further emphasize the non-aggressive nature of these species, the absence of
need to destroy such animals and the need to follow Protective Measures as
described in following sections.
b. The Town of Waterford Environmental Planner will be notified a minimum of 72
hours in advance of the pre-construction meeting with an invitation to attend.
c. 
The Contractor will designate a member of its crew as the Project Monitor to be
responsible for the periodic “sweeps” for turtles and other herpetofauna within the
construction zone each morning and for any ground disturbance work. This
individual will receive more intense training from APT on the identification and
protection of herpetofauna in order to perform sweeps. Any herpetofauna

d.
discovered would be translocated outside the work zone in the general direction
the animal was oriented.
The Contractor's Project Monitor will be provided with cell phone and email contacts
for APT personnel. Educational poster materials will be provided by APT and
displayed on the job site to maintain worker awareness as the project progresses.
APT will also post Caution Signs throughout the project site for the duration of the
construction project providing notice of the environmentally sensitive nature of the
work area, the potential for encountering various amphibians and reptiles and
precautions to be taken to avoid injury to or mortality of these animals.
If any rare species are encountered, the Contractor shall immediately cease all
work, avoid any disturbance to the species, and contact APT.
2. 
Erosion and Sedimentation Controls/Isolation Barriers
a.
Plastic netting used in a variety of erosion control products (i.e., erosion control
blankets, fiber rolls [wattles], reinforced silt fence) has been found to entangle
wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals. No permanent
erosion control products or reinforced silt fence will be used on the project.
Temporary erosion control products that will be exposed at the ground surface and
represent a potential for wildlife entanglement will use either erosion control
blankets and fiber rolls com