The Town of Stratford Inland Wetlands Commission convened on November 20, 2024, to address ongoing concerns regarding wetland violations and environmental management within the town. The primary focus of the meeting was a complaint related to the property at 160 Disbrow, where asphalt millings were reportedly placed near or within a wetland resource, exacerbating local flooding issues.
The discussion began with a report from a commission member who had issued a notice of violation to the property owner nearly a year ago. The member expressed frustration over the lack of resolution, noting that despite multiple communications with the town engineer, no wetland determination had been made. The engineer, Kevin Morrissey, indicated that his team lacked the qualifications to assess wetland boundaries, which must be determined by a certified soil scientist.
To support the complaint, the member presented mapping from the engineering department that illustrated the proximity of a brook to the disputed property, suggesting that the asphalt millings may indeed encroach upon wetland areas. The member also conducted a preliminary assessment of the soils adjacent to the property, which appeared to transition into hydric soil types, further indicating potential wetland conditions.
The commission acknowledged the complexities surrounding the determination of wetland boundaries and the need for qualified assessments to address the ongoing issues effectively. The meeting concluded with a commitment to pursue further investigation and seek appropriate expertise to resolve the matter, emphasizing the importance of protecting the town's wetland resources.