Public commenter urges restoration of Water Quality Committee and review of Manresa remediation permit

Diane Loracella, a Norwalk resident, told the New York Harbor Management Commission on April 23 that she wants the commission to reactivate its water quality subcommittee so the commission can review permits such as a recently issued Manresa remediation permit.

"I have learned that there is a permit for the Manresa remediation plans, and I don't want to see this commission nor any commission in our city be caught unaware," Loracella said during public comment. She urged the commission to convene a functioning water quality committee and said that a neutral, scientifically informed review would be the best way to influence the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) when permits are issued.

Loracella also raised concerns about a proposed zoning provision that would require detached accessory buildings to be set back 25 feet from coastal jurisdiction lines; she said that requirement could hinder creation of affordable detached accessory dwelling units. Several commissioners responded in the meeting that they would follow up offline and that the commission would consider her input when preparing its comments to planning and zoning.

Commission Chair Alan Kibbe acknowledged the concern and agreed to discuss committee appointments and the permit with Loracella outside the meeting. Staff member Amelia confirmed she would accept any written comments to include with the commission's review.

No formal action to reconstitute the water quality committee was taken at the meeting; commissioners said they would continue to press city officials about appointing a committee chair and would address the issue at a future meeting if necessary.