CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS MINUTES
AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING - TUESDAY, October 5, 2004
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES - 7:30 P.M. - MAIN MEETING ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
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: William Nowak, John Yocom, and Thomas Sharpless.
APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
None
III. PRESENTATION(s), DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
Application of Norris, Noel, Nels Christiansen, Owners, Jed Drake, Applicant, for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a driveway, house, well, septic system and related grading and clearing within the regulated area on property located at Shingle Mill Road, West Simsbury. (continued from 9/21/04 meeting)
David Whitney, Noel Christensen, and Mr. & Mrs. Drake were present.
Mr. Whitney stated that as a result of the site walk on Saturday October 2, 2004, revisions were made to the plan and the new plans are dated October 3, 2004. He also stated he completed the remaining portion of the application, items 7-18.
The revision of the plan consists of moving the driveway entrance about 65 feet to the east. The driveway will be crossing over an existing 18-inch ACP pipe. There will be no need to do any filling in the wetlands area and the driveway and proposed culvert will be about 60-70 feet from Stratton Creek. The original plan had the driveway at a location were it would cross a drainage swale.
They are still proposing the installation of a culvert underneath the driveway to allow for water flow towards the brook that drains down. However, the culvert will be 15 inches instead of the originally proposed 24-inch one, thereby eliminating disturbance to any wetlands on the property.
Another revision to the plan consists of calling the drainage swale by the old springhouse an intermittent watercourse. Because the area is now considered an intermittent watercourse, 100 feet on either side of the course will technically be regulated. Mr. Whitney stated this change does not have an effect on the application because the driveway is already within the 100-foot wetland review area.
Mr. Whitney confirmed that Mr. Pollack, soil scientist, stated he walked down the path of the intermittent watercourse and that there were no wetland soils associated with it. Mr. Pollack told Mr. Whitney that he would be glad to write a letter stating this if need be.
Mr. Whitney summed up the items on the application.
They are proposing one house with a driveway on an 18-acre lot. The four wetlands, mostly upland and wooded swamps, consist of 1.43 acres of the 18-acre lot. One wetland area is in the front (.400/acre), one in the middle (.800/acre), one by the springhouse (+1/4 acre), and one wetland associated with Stratton Creek (1
acre).
The wetlands associated with Stratton Creek are seasonally flooded basins and flats. Regarding depth to the ground water table in the wetlands area, it is at or near the ground surface during the wet times of the year. Soil testing throughout the site on the non-wetland soils indicates fairly well drained soils and the absence of the high season ground water table. The location of the septic system is not wetlands and is relatively well drained. Impact to the wetlands is negligible with proper sedimentation and erosion controls. The site is down gradient of the old springhouse wetlands, and down gradient of the intermittent watercourse.
The visual impacts will be minimal. A modest amount of clearing will be done, 1.1 acres (6%) of the site. Standard sedimentation erosion control measures will be taken. Silt fencing will be installed all along the driveway, anti-tracking pads placed at the driveway entrance. There will be a soil stockpile area, a pit at the well for the well material. There is a standard sequence of construction narratives.
Mr. Whitney said that the proposed location of the house is the best as it is flat and visually appealing. There is no activity within 500 feet of a town line.
Chairman Beach asked if the town engineer verified that the existing 18-inch pipe is the proper sizing for what is currently there. Mr. Whitney stated he didn’t think Mr. Sawitzke, town engineer, has done that, but said he would have no problem if the Commission makes that a condition of the approval.
Commissioner Nowak asked if the footprint shown is the actual footprint or just the one proposed. Mr. Whitney stated that Kemper Architects is doing the project and that the footprint is within a couple of feet of actual.
Commissioner Nowak said Commissioner Miller asked on the site walk about using a more porous type of asphalt for the driveway. Mr. Whitney said he did not have a chance to research this.
Commissioner Yocom asked about the soil systems. Mr. Whitney said they are woodbridge, which are moderately well drained soils.
Commissioner Beach asked about percolation rates. Mr. Whitney stated the rates range from 10-16 minutes per inch, so it is moderately well drained. He stated they did not encounter any ground water or modeling in any of the test pits, and they were dug in June. He said additional testing would be done.
Commissioner Nowak said he found the site to be environmentally fragile, but thinks the plan is well designed. His concern is future development, and wanted to include in the motion that future residential development on the site not be allowed. There was a discussion surrounding this. Mr. Whitney said that future plans would have to come before the board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this is a regulated activity by reason of the construction of a driveway over a watercourse and through upland review area, and construction of a house in upland review area.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yocom, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this is a significant activity, by reason of having the potential for causing siltation to Stratton Creek.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yocom, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless to grant a permit for the proposed activity per the revised plans dated October 3, 2004. It is understood that the town will be notified 3 days before construction is to begin. The applicant has done a good job of with the erosion control measures.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yocom, and carried unanimously.
b. Application of Jan Manchester, Owner, for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a 12’ by 16’ shed within the regulated area on property located at 32 Butternut Lane.
Ms. Jan Manchester was present to address the board.
She wishes to build a 12’ by 16’ shed to house outdoor furniture, bikes, and a lawnmower. The shed is approximately 10 feet from Minister Brook wetland, which is comprised typically of stony soils. The site is flat, and disturbance to the area is minimal. They hope to have the project finished this fall.
Commissioner Nowak asked if the shed would have a wood floor. Ms. Manchester said yes.
Commissioner Yocom asked about the shed’s foundation and the soil removal. Ms. Manchester answered that if piers don’t work because of the rocky soil, they will put the shed on a bed of gravel. As for the extra soil, it will be used to grade a portion of the yard that is not near the wetlands.
Commissioner Nowak stated that the existing house is entirely within the existing regulated area.
Ms. Manchester said yes, it was built in 1984.
Chairman Beach said they should think about putting the shed on a bed of stone. Commissioner Nowak stated they should have a wood floor. If gas is spilled, the wood will absorb most of it and it won’t seep into the ground to the wetlands.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this is a regulated activity by reason of construction activity in the upland review area to a wetland.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this is not a significant activity because there is very little potential for contamination of the brook.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yocom, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless to grant a permit for the proposed activity.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.
b. Application of Karyn Cordner, Owner, Pamela Doran, AIA Architect, Applicant for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a screened porch, deck and patio addition within the regulated area on property located at 8 Cedar Glen.
Pamela Doran was present to address the board.
They will be extending the existing deck about 6 feet and constructing a new-screened porch, a patio area, and a brick and mortar fireplace. The existing home built in 1981, is entirely within the regulated area and sits approximately 20 feet from the edge of the Hop Brook wetland area. The existing site where construction will take place is currently shrubs and cleared lawn area. When construction is finished they will be replanting some shrubs and lawn area. Sona tubes will be used for the foundation and 6 additional tubes plus a footing for a chimney is to be installed. The extra soil removed from this project will be used for regrading. Erosion control measures such as silt fencing, and hay bales will be used. Soil in the area is sandy loam. Construction is to begin immediately and will run about 2 months.
Chairman Beach asked if turf is to be used, stating that there will be an erosion problem if the area is not covered all winter. He explained that projects begun in the late fall usually experience problems in trying to get grass to grow which affects erosion control. Ms. Doran understood and agreed, stating they could propose putting down mat or turf for stabilization. Chairman Beach also noted that if they begin right away they could hydro-seed the lawn, and it is cheaper than sod.
Commissioner asked if the foundation for the chimney will be 42 inches down. Ms. Doran confirmed this.
Commissioner Nowak asked about the disturbed soils. Ms. Doran explained that some soil will be used for regrading under the existing deck, and some to regrade the flat area for the patio.
Commissioner Yocom stated he lives near the project and asked what is the minimum distance from a project a Commission member could live and still vote on it. Chairman Beach explained that within 1/2 mile from the project the rule is, but in truth, unless the Commission member has a financial interest in the project there is no conflict.
Commissioner Nowak asked if the land behind the house is town owned. Ms. Doran said yes and that it is open space and is a wooded wetland.
Chairman Beach asked if the excavation will be done by a backhoe. He stated that that the tubes can be dug by hand but the chimney footing cannot. Ms. Doran stated she wasn’t sure of the excavation procedures.
Commissioner Yocom asked about the dimension of the footprint for the chimney. Ms. Doran said it is 4’6” by 60’.
Commissioner Nowak asked how construction equipment would get to the site. There was a discussion about possible entryways, seeing that the septic tank is close by and the leach field will have to be protected. Commissioner Beach said the silt fence installed should demark the area before the construction vehicles come in.
A motion was made by Commissioner Yocom that this is a regulated activity by reason of construction activity and removal of soil within the regulated area.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Yocom that this is a potentially significant activity because of the proximity to the wetland and the fact that there is a rather steep pitch on the area to the wetland itself. Also the fireplace construction will involve removal of a significant amount of soil and there is potential for erosion.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Yocom that there not be a public hearing.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Yocom to grant a permit for the proposed activity with the condition that all precautions are taken to demark a large enough area for the soil fence to include not only the area of activity but also the moving in and out of equipment. The soil that is removed is to be distributed in such a way as to not cause erosion or other problems. Bare areas are to be stabilized through the use of hydro seeding, stabilization mats, or, as a minimum, hay bales. It is understood that the siltation fence will be in place throughout the winter season. It is understood that the town will be notified 3 days before construction is to begin.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nowak, and carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saturday Nov 13, 2004 Conservation Commission wetlands meeting for anyone who wishes to attend.
The interview process for the Commission Officer is beginning and Chairman Beach has an interview for the position on Friday 9, 2004. Mr. Sharpless said that he would be available to be on the panel.
Mr. Voelker said that they are having three outside people do the interviews.
There are two applications on the schedule for next meeting, Sachem’s Trail, and St. Catherine’s Church.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2004
Commissioner Nowak motioned to approve the minutes of September 21, 2004 with 2 corrections.
Commissioner Yocom seconded, with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Nowak motioned to adjourn at 8:40 PM.
Commissioner Sharpless seconded, with all in favor.
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