Conservation Commission - Minutes - 01/09/2025

MEETING MINUTES
RECEIVED FOR RECORD
Conservation Commission TATERE
January 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m. WATERFORD, CT
Auditorium, Waterford Town Hall 7005 JAN 14 P 3 29
Members Present: Keith Kriet, Tali Maidelis, Ivy Plis, Wade Thomas 7B;
Members Absent: David Lersch (notified), Chairman Richard Muckle (uotition, ree
Renegar (notified)
Alternates Present: Matthew Shea
Alternates Absent: (2 vacancies)
Staff Absent: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by acting chair Tali Maidelis at 6:31 p.m. M. Shea was
seated for D. Lersch.
2. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Motion: Made by K. Kriet seconded by T. Maidelis to approve the November 21, 2024
meeting minutes.
Vote: 3-0-2 [abstained I. Plis, M. Shea]
3. NEW APPLICATIONS
C-25-01; 140, 160R, 228, 238 Rope Ferry Road — Permitted Use Section 4.1.a — Timber
Harvest; temporary wetland crossings. Benajah Farms, LLP — Owner; Eric H. Johnson -
Applicant
Staff explained the request is consistent with a timber harvest 4.1a application approved by
the Commission in 2006 as an “as of right” activity. Commissioners requested staff review
the proposed wetland crossings for discussion at the next meeting.
C-25-02: 441 Boston Post Road - Construct New Fire Station, activity in Upland Review
Area. Town of Waterford — Applicant; Oswegatchie Fire Company #4, Inc. - Owner
Brian Phillips, Professional Engineer from Langan Engineering reviewed details of the
proposed plans. He highlighted the location of wetlands #1 and #2 and their respective 100
ft. upland review areas. The new station will be built adjacent to the old station prior to the
old station being removed so there is no disruption in fire service. The proposed
redevelopment reduces the amount of paved area and two small outbuildings will be
removed.
A propane transformer and diesel generator with double wall construction and a 100%
containment tank are proposed in the back of the building. A new sanitary line will connect
out to Route 1. Lighting will be dark sky compliant. The planting plan proposes a meadow
mix for the rain garden and an evergreen buffer of red cedar and white spruce on the northern
side of the property.

Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2025
Page 2 of 3
B. Phillips reviewed the erosion and sediment control plans for the two-phased project,
including perimeter silt fence and hay bale barrier, and construction fencing around the
separate phases of construction and demolition. Construction trailers and stockpile areas are
identified within the limits. A double barrier silt fence will remain throughout construction.
The proposed drainage design captures run-off from the parking area and building and directs
it to a pretreatment swale, then into a rain garden before discharging towards the northern
wetland. A small portion of the site discharges stormwater to Route 1. The rain garden is
3800 cf. in volume and is designed to retain 100% of the water quality volume (1.3” of run-
off) from the site. Larger volumes will discharge to a level spreader outlet. B. Phillips noted
the design exceeds the CT DEEP stormwater manual requirement of treating 50% of the
water quality volume for re-development projects and decreases directly connected
impervious area by 90%. He stated the receiving portion of Stony Brook south of Rte, 1 is
listed as an impaired water body and the proposed stormwater treatment of the water quality
volume in accordance with the DEEP manual addresses pollutant removal goals.
W. Thomas inquired about hazardous materials abatement during demolition and measures to
control vehicle wash water. B. Phillips said an Environmental Specialist will be overseeing
the demolition and any hazardous materials will be disposed of properly. A separation and
containment tank is proposed inside the structure for hazardous wash water that will be
collected and removed by a professional hauler. An oil/water separator will treat vehicle
wash water prior to discharge to the sewer system
K. Kriet asked if the 90° turn in the drainage swale on the west side is protected from over-
topping or blowout during larger storms. B. Phillips explained only the western parking area
will discharge to the swale, and there is no concern of a blowout.
B. Phillips explained the new building will be built on the current parking area, construction
vehicles will be parked in the back. He noted there will be adequate parking around the
existing building while the new building is constructed. The proposed parking lot will be 50
ft. from the wetland, The current parking lot extends to within 20 ft. of the wetland.
T. Maidelis raised concerns with possible dumping or discharge into the wetlands north of
the site and requested signage be incorporated.
Attorney Nicholas Kepple addressed the Commission noting the project building committee
had a Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental assessment conducted and both reports indicated no
contamination concerns on the property. A licensed environmental professional will be on
site during the demolition.
4, APPLICATION REVIEW
No additional review conducted.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.

Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2025
Page 3 of 3
6.
CORRESPONDENCE
Eastern CT Conservation District 2023-2024 Annual Report
Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions
Webinar Invitation — March 22, 2025
Letter from Clark Lane Residents, 119 Clark Lane dated January 6, 2025
The Commission accepted and reviewed the correspondence. Commissioners noted the
inland wetland permit for the Clark Lane construction allows for site development, including
blasting and material crushing on-site. Staff stated that regular inspections are being
conducted for wetland permit compliance.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Arbor Day Membership Renewal $20.00
Motion: Made by W. Thomas seconded by K. Kriet to pay the membership renewal.
Vote: 5-0
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Made by W. Thomas seconded by K. Kriet to adjourn.
Vote: 5-0 Meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kiw Garell
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary