Conservation Commission - Minutes - 10/06/2022

MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
Special Meeting 3
October 6, 2022 6:30 PM S
Waterford Town Hall
Members Present: Matthew Keatley, Tali Maidelis, Dave Lersch, Rich Muckle,'”
Geneva Renegar, Wade Thomas =
Alternates Present: Ivy Plis ms
Alternates Absent: Bud Bray es
Staff Present: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner a
Leanne Santos, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
The meeting was called to order at 6:33p.m. I. Plis was seated for the vacant seat.
2. PUBLIC HEARING
C-22-10, 184 Boston Post Road, Civic Triangle Pond, Universal Access & Pond Improvements
Town of Waterford, Owner & Applicant, Kent + Frost Landscape Architecture, LLC, Agent
R. Muckle, Chairman opened the public hearing, read the public notice and the list of exhibits 1
through 5.
EXHIBIT | - Application Submittals
la Application Material and Supplemental Narrative (5 pages)
1b Pond Dredging Report, New England Environmental Services (2 pages),
Received 09-06-2022
le Site Plan entitled “Waterford Civic Triangle Universal Access & Pond Improvements,
184 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT prepared by Landscape Kent + Frost Architecture
(17 pages), received 08-23-2022
ld Wetland Disturbance Plan Sheet L-5.5 color-coded version.
EXHIBIT 2 - Letter dated September 14, 2022 to Town of Waterford regarding
Public Hearing Requirement.
EXHIBIT 3 - Notice of Public Hearing, printed in The Day newspaper on Thursday,
09-22-2022 and Thursday, 09-29-2022.
EXHIBIT 4 - Certificates of Mailing Receipts for notice of public hearing sent to all
property owners within 100 feet of the subject property, list of property owners within
100 feet of the subject property, submitted by
Chad Frost, Landscape Kent + Frost Architecture, received 09-23-2022.
EXHIBIT 5 - Staff application review comments, dated 10-03-2022.
Miriam Furey-Wagner, chair of the Civic Triangle Ad Hoc Committee read a letter on behalf of
the committee (Exhibit #6). Chad Frost, (Kent + Frost Landscape Architecture, LLC), Richard
Snarski, (New England Environmental Services), and Brandon Handfield, PE (Yantic River
Consultants) were present to represent the applicant.

Conservation Commission Minutes
October 6, 2022
p.2 of 4
C. Frost informed the commission he was hired approximately a year ago and has been working
with the Ad Hoc Committee and the town on the project. C. Frost displayed an aerial photo of
the site showing the wetland area and discussed the quality of the pond in it’s current state. He
noted the improvements made will encompass the park, play scape, and town properties focusing
on ADA accessibility. C. Frost went through the disturbance table on the plans explaining the
impact to each area (sheet LS.5).
R. Snarski, soil scientist discussed the wetlands around the pond, noting much of the area is
mowed lawn and does not support wetland plant species. The area on the east side of the pond is
a functioning wooded wetland. An elevated boardwalk is proposed to be constructed over this
wetland. Temporary impact to herbaceous plant species is anticipated during construction, but
the plants are anticipated to re-grow. The pond supports a warm-water fishery and painted
turtles, bullfrogs and green frogs were observed. Wildlife structures are incorporated into the
plans, including logs and boulders for the turtles and nesting islands for waterfowl. Any living
fish, turtles and frogs found will be relocated from the site. Pollinator meadows will be planted
south of the pond to attract bees and hummingbirds. He supports this project and feels it is an
overall enhancement to the area.
B. Handfield, PE, discussed the erosion and sedimentation control for the project including
managing the areas of temporary disturbance around the pond and controlling the turbidity that
may occur as part of the dredging process. The dredging is to be done during dry periods and the
pond will be de-watered using well points and sump pumps discharging water to a 2-celled de-
watering basin at the southwest end of the pond. The dredging will be done in discreet stages.
He reviewed the proposed sediment dewatering areas located at the north and south sides of the
pond. On the north side of pond is an initial dewatering area for the muck (top eighteen inches
of leaf debris and sediment). Water will leach out and return to a contained area within the pond.
The dredged material will be moved to a second location northwest of the pond to continue
drying before being hauled off-site. On the southeast side of the pond, a larger dewatering area
is designated for materials excavated below the muck layer, which is a sandy material and
proposed to be re-used on site.
B. Handfield reviewed the design and function of the stormwater forebay at the north end of the
pond. Drainage areas to the pond consist of portions of Rte 1 and adjoining properties and
portions of Town Hall property. The water quality flow was calculated from these areas and the
forebay was designed to retain and treat 10% of that water quality volume. Stormwater
discharge flows through a stone filter berm and a stone weir constructed in the channel north of
the pond, for aeration and movement before water enters the pond. A re-circulation system is
proposed to move the surface water, promote aeration and enhance water quality in the pond.
Chairman R. Muckle invited any commission members to ask questions or address comments to
the C. Frost, R. Snarski or B. Handfield.
Commissioner Thomas asked what type of well points are proposed and if biodegradable erosion
control netting material could be used to minimize wildlife impacts. B. Handfield explained they
will be using sump pumps for dewatering and he is in favor of using biodegradable netting.
Commissioner Thomas asked if clearing of trees will have thermal impacts to the water.
C. Frost, responded the tree canopy on the west side will still provide shade, they are just
thinning the trees.

Conservation Commission Minutes
October 6, 2022
p. 3 of 4
Commissioner Lersch asked about sediment accumulated in the pond and whether an analysis
had been done. C. Frost explained the pond was dug in 1965-1970 and to his knowledge has not
been dredged since. The muck was tested for contamination, and it contains some materials that
does not allow re-use on site so that material is being dried and removed. The pond was around
3 feet deep and the intent is to excavate deeper to extend the time period before it fills in.
Improving the forebay will also remove sediments and extend the length of time before dredging
is needed.
Commissioner Lersch asked if any changes in run-off to the pond are anticipated. C. Frost
responded no. He explained the excavation is proposed during a dry period. The pond only
went down about 4 inches after this summer’s drought indicating there is good groundwater
influence so once work is done the pond should refill quickly.
Commissioner Lersch asked about the salinity content of the road run-off. B. Handfield
responded the amount of salt used is small amount that is metered out and they are not using
sediment with it. The plantings within the forebay will help in reducing salt content in run-off.
Commissioner Lersch referenced staff comments, and if there was a revised plan to address the
comments. C. Frost stated they plan to incorporate the comments after completion of the public
hearing.
Commissioner Plis asked about potential impacts to the downstream condominium ponds during
dredging. B. Handfield stated they intend to work in dry conditions to avoid turbid water leaving
the site. During rain events, stormwater will need to be diverted around areas of disturbed
sediment and there are also turbidity curtains in the pond.
Commissioner Plis asked if the ponded wetland on the east side of the pond will remain. C.
Frost stated the boardwalk will go above it.
Commission Plis asked how wildlife in the pond will be removed. R. Snarski explained he will
catch and remove any as the pond is dewatered and relocate any fish to a local pond if possible.
Commissioner Renegar asked about the re-circulation pumps and mosquito concerns.
C. Frost stated stagnant water is an issue but the aerators will help significantly with circulation
and the proposed recirculation pump will create a constant turnover of pond water. There will
still be some mosquitoes.
Chairman Muckle asked what is the volume of material being removed. C. Frost stated the
organic muck to be removed is 1800 cubic yards and the sandy underlying sediment is 2400
cubic yards.
Chairman Muckle asked about diameter of helical coils. C. Frost replied the permanent
disturbance of pipe coming through the wetland surface could be up to 6 inches.
M. Fitzgerald reviewed her comments dated October 3, 2022 and a summary of the temporary
and permanent impacts to wetlands. The direct impacts are associated with the universal access
path. This is the town center and a town park, the area has a high educational value. The
permanent impact is 8,989 sq. ft. The project will not need an Army Corp of Engineers permit.

Conservation Commission Minutes
October 6, 2022
p.4o0f4
Chairman Muckle opened the meeting to public comment at 7:40pm.
Chairman Muckle asked three times if there was anyone present to speak in favor of the
application. No one spoke.
Chairman Muckle asked three times if there was anyone present to speak against the application.
No one spoke.
Chairman Muckle asked if there was anyone else present that wanted to speak.
Ryan McNamara of 25 Tiffany Avenue, Waterford, CT, Assistant Director to the Town of
Waterford, Recreation and Parks Department spoke as staff in support of the application.
Motion: Motion made by T. Mailedis, second by G. Renegar to close the public hearing.
Vote: 7-0-0
Motion: Motion made by T. Mailedis, second by M. Keatley to adjourn at 7:45pm.
Vote: 7-0-0
Floats submitted
Leanne Santos, Recording Secretary