Conservation Commission - 818 (03/07/2024)

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MEETING MINUTES 
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Conservation Commission 
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February 22, 2024 6:30 PM 
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Waterford Town Hall 
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Members Present: 
Keith Kriet, Tali Maidelis, Rich Muckle (Chair) ‘ p 
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Members Absent: 
Matthew Keatley (notified), Dave Lersch (notified), Geneva Renegar,
Wade Thomas (notified)
Alternates Present: 
Matthew Shea, (1 vacancy)
Alternates Absent: 
Ivy Plis (notified)
Staff Present: 
Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary
1. 
CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
The meeting was called to order at 6:31p.m. M. Shea was seated for W. Thomas.
2s 
APPROVAL OF THE February 8, 2024 MEETING MINUTES
Motion: 
Motion T. Maidelis, second by M. Shea to approve the February 8, 2024 meeting
minutes.
Vote: 
4-0
3. 
NEW APPLICATIONS
There were no new applications received.
4. 
APPLICATION REVIEW
C-23-12, 1122-1124 Hartford Turnpike, Construction of a Tree/Lumber Facility, East Lyme
Tree Services — Applicant/Owner, CLA Engineers, Inc - Agent
Ellen Bartlett, P.E. and Bob Russo, Soil Scientist of CLA Engineers, Inc. were present for the application.
E. Bartlett distributed colored renditions of revised plan sheets 1 & 3.
B. Russo reviewed the history of the violation issued for unauthorized clearing of @1/2 acre in the upland
review area. A buffer restoration plan was approved by the Commission and the plantings installed on the
site to restore a 50 ft. vegetated buffer area adjacent to wetlands. As of the end of the past growing
season, the plantings have been successful. A second re-inspection and monitoring report will be
completed this year.
Staff explained that that wood chips that were deposited in the buffer area were removed for the most
part, approximately 3 inches of wood chip cover remain in areas on the forest soil.
E. Bartlett stated that the plan revisions include a concrete block temporary storage area for wood chips.
There will not be chipping conducted on site and wood chips will not be spread out on the site. E. Bartlett
reviewed the site grading plan. The existing residence and garage structure will remain. Millings are
proposed to be placed in the central portion of the site for truck and equipment storage. In response to
concerns raised by the Commission, a paved swale draining to an oil/water separator was added to collect
and contain any surface leaks of oil. A spill clean-up kit will be maintained on the site. The rear portion
of the site will be used for the temporary woodchip storage area and storing of cut timber.
Commissioners questioned the volume of the temporary wood chip storage area and the number of
truckloads it is anticipated to contain. E. Bartlett stated the concrete blocks would be approximately 4 ft.
in height enclosing a 30 x 40 ft. area. She anticipates 10 truckloads could be stored.

Conservation Commission Minutes
February 22, 2024
p. 2 of 3
E. Bartlett stated there will be no maintenance or fueling of equipment on site. The development area is
100 feet away from the stream. A timber rail fence is proposed to delineate the limits of the development.
The water quality basin will be used as a temporary sediment basin during construction. E. Bartlett stated
the basin design exceeds the CT Guidelines for E&S Control and the 2004 Stormwater Manual
recommendations. The basin is designed to hold up to the 25-year storm event before discharging and
stormwater is anticipated to infiltrate in the basin.
B. Russo stated the proposal has no direct impacts to wetlands, the activity is 50 ft. or greater from inland
wetland boundaries. The site plan provides a meaningful vegetated buffer delineated by a wooden rail
fence. He stated the site soils are permeable sand and gravel and there will be no discharge from the
stormwater quality basin up to the 25-year storm event. He referred to the University of New Hampshire
Stormwater Center research demonstrating that capture of the 2-year stormwater run-off volume results in
quite high pollutant removal rates. He noted the plan maintains the hydrology and protects a vegetated
buffer to the eastern wetland and its venal pool habitat. Oil Mill Brook is a perennial cold-water stream
and CTDEEP recommends maintaining a 100 ft. vegetated buffer to the stream to provide shade, organic
matter and habitat. Thermal impacts to the stream are not expected due to the permeable nature of the
soils and stormwater treatment.
B. Russo discussed a potential concern with organic decomposition impacting stream acidity. He noted
the stockpile area is over 100 ft. away from the stream. The organic matter is anticipated to stay in the
soil. He noted he has not seen impacts to wetlands or watercourses from woodchips in other sites.
R. Muckle requested non-encroachment markers be added at intervals along the limit of disturbance.
Staff distributed and reviewed Application Review Comments dated February 22, 2024 and reviewed the
recommended conditions a through f.
K. Kriet requested the site plan identify the vernal pool in the eastern wetland.
Motion: 
Motion made by T. Maidelis, second by K. Kriet to have staff prepare a draft approval
with conditions as discussed and based on the staff report dated February 22, 2024.
Vote: 
4-0
5. 
VIOLATIONS
1122, 1124 Hartford Turnpike: Unauthorized wood chip disposal within upland review area: Notice
issued 12/14/2023.
The Commission concurred this matter has been resolved.
9 Waterview Drive: Unauthorized Deposition of Materials in and Adjacent to Waterbodies: Notice of
Non-Compliance Issued 02/05/2024.
The Commission reviewed the scope of work from the property manager to address the erosion and
downgradient deposition of materials at the property. Staff noted the scope is consistent with required
corrective actions. Due to wet weather conditions, staff recommended the time period for completion of
the restoration work be extended beyond the 30 days. The Commission agreed to extend the time period
for 60 additional days to complete the corrective actions.
Motion: 
Motion made by M. Shea, second by K. Kriet to grant a 60 day continuance for
implementation of the corrective actions.
Vote: 
4-0

Conservation Commission Minutes
February 22, 2024
p. 3 of 3
6. 
OTHER BUSINESS
Draft Plan of Conservation 
& Development — Review Sections 6 & 7
Staff requested the Commission review the draft chapters and provide written comments to her office in
the next 30-45 days.
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion: 
Motion to adjourn made by T. Maidelis, second by K. Kriet to adjourn at 7:29 pm.
Vote: 
4-0
Respectfully Submitted,
LIEU LO
Maureen FitzGerald
Environmental Planner