Simsbury, CT - Conservation Commission

Chairman Howard Beach, Jr. called the Meeting of the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Main Meeting Room at Simsbury Town Hall. The following members were present: Thomas Sharpless, William Nowak, Margery Winters, and Christopher Ursini.

a. Application of David Honyotski and Virginia Garrity, Owners, for an Inlands Wetland Permit to replace septic system within the regulated area on property located at 7 Fox Den Road.

Mr. Honyotski was present to address the commission. The house’s current septic system is approximately 16 years old and is failing. As a result, a replacement system is required. The Farmington Valley Health District and Kement Engineering have approved the plan. Mr. Honyotski noted that the house is currently vacant.

Commissioner Nowak asked why the septic system couldn’t be built over the old system. It was explained that the results of the test pits and the fact that the ground water is too close were the deciding factors.

There was a discussion of the reasons why the system is to be placed where it is, the results of the test pits, and the slope of the site itself. It was shown that because the lot has limited space, the current plan is the only place to put it. Mr. Honyotski stated that FVHD, David Kanoff, Hugh Caldwell, and Merek Kement, Engineer all came to the conclusion that the new spot would be the only feasible one on which to install the new system.

Commissioner Winters asked about the vegetation on the site. Mr. Honyotski answered that there are maples and pines. Down near the stream there is mostly brush, which grows in during the spring and dies off during the fall.

Chairman Beach asked about fill being brought in. It was explained that approximately 170 yards of select septic sand is to be brought in.

Chairman Beach stated that seeing that it has been approve by the FVHD along with the other experts, he has no problem with the application and asked for a motion.

Commissioner Nowak had a comment about the type of application filed for the project. He stated that the applicant filled out the application entitled “For existing single unit residential activities occurring entirely within the 100-foot regulated buffer area”, and yet the project is partially occurring within the wetland area. He will approve the application with the stipulation that the correct form be filed with the town.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this is a regulated activity by reason of construction and deposition in a wetland. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this is a significant activity, by reason that the activity has potential to cause siltation to a wetland, and that the septic system will be partially located in a wetland area. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that a public hearing is not required as there has not been any indication of public interest, and also that they are trying to correct a septic system problem. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless to grant a permit for the proposed activity with the understanding that the proper permit form will be filled out, and that the town be notified at least3 days before the activity is proposed to commence. The permit was granted because the current septic system has failed and the experts agree that this is the best location for the new system. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.

a. Application of Ensign- Bickford Corporation for an Inlands Wetlands Permit for regulated activities associated with the proposed development of 182 homes within The Powder Forest at Bushy Hill Road and Stratton Brook Road.

Chairman Beach said that the members should look at all of the information, and that he has all of the maps public hearing on this application will be scheduled for the next meeting on July 20^th.

Mr. Mike Long, representing Ensign Bickford, was present. He stated that the Zoning and Planning Commission will meet jointly on this application in a special meeting in August.

Chairman Beach noted that Zoning and Planning cannot make a final decision until they receive word from the Inlands Wetlands Commission and the members discussed whether or not they need to have a meeting scheduled in August for this reason.

Chairman Beach said that the impact to the actual wetlands with this application is only application 132 square feet. It is mostly upland review area.

It was discussed that this application is just for the infrastructure of the project only and the applicant will come back at a later meeting with applications regarding the individual properties

Commission Nowak suggested that these last two applications be presented first at the meeting on July 20^th, with the Ensign Bickford application going last.

The Commission discussed the existing plan of conservation. Chairman Beach is looking for comments on the plan, and commission members turned in some of their ideas.

The issues discussed were acceptable/ not acceptable types of soil mixing, soil sampling, and site densities. Chairman Beach stated that the commission might have to put together a “best practices” pamphlet concerning these environmental issues.

Chairman Beach said that in order that issues be enforced. The ideas/issues must written in and adopted into the day to day regulations

Commissioner Winters said that she has received calls from community members asking what type of pesticide is being used around the Drake Hill Bridge. People also wish to know what type of spray is being used on Simsbury Meadows. Both of the sites discussed are near wetland areas.

A motion was made by Commissioner Nowak to approve the minutes of June 1, 2004 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sharpless, and unanimously carried.