Conservation Commission - Minutes - 06/22/2023

RECEIVED FOR RECORD
WATERFORD, CT
MEETING MINUTES 2023 JUN 2b: A Ul: Ou
Conservation Commission
June 22, 2023 6:30 PM _. ©} a
Appleby Conference Room, Waterford Town Hall “TTEST: 9 Lous
Members Present: Dave Lersch, Rich Muckle, Wade Thomas,
Members Absent: Matthew Keatley (notified), Tali Maidelis (notified),
Geneva Renegar (notified), (1 vacancy)
Alternates Present: -
Alternates Absent: Ivy Plis (notified), (2 vacancies)
Staff Present: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner
Ls CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. Record notes the meeting lacks a quorum, no actions will be
taken.
2. APPROVAL OF THE June 8, 2023 MEETING MINUTES - Action tabled
3. APPLICATION REVIEW — No pending applications reviewed
4, NEW APPLICATIONS
C-23-03: Clearing & Maintenance of Town Sewer Easements, Manhole Maintenance and Repair;
Applicant/Owner — Waterford Utility Commission
James Bartelli, Director and Jill Stevens, Assistant Director of the Utility Commission presented the
application. The requested regulated activity is to clear vegetation and authorize vehicle access within
sewer easements for inspection and maintenance as part of the sewer system evaluation survey. Sections
of the easements contain inland wetlands. The work would begin with the main sewer interceptor,
Contract 1, which extends from the New London town line to Great Neck Road and Rte 1 and
subsequently continue along the other sewer easements. Activities include manhole inspection and repair,
and inspection of the pipe for infiltration and grit build-up.
J. Stevens noted the Commission has issued permits #09-16 and #C17-04 to the Utility Commission for
clearing and vehicle access through wetlands within the sewer easements. The current application
requests a cleared width of 20 feet and encompasses the entire sewer system in Waterford. The activity is
temporary and allows the utility to assess where repairs are needed. The work is conducted in phases.
Staff noted subsequent applications for regulated activity may be required if fill is determined to be
needed to access the sewer and complete repairs.
D. Lersch questioned if the wetlands were delineated. J. Stevens replied the area of impact was
determined from GIS topographic mapping, aerial photographs and knowledge of the easement areas.
Staff noted the clearing and access will allow for future delineation of wetland limits where needed. The
areas where the sewer crosses through wetlands, the wetland extends beyond the limit of the easement.