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Commission approves Bridal Brook drainage project; engineer to submit revised restoration and monitoring plans
Summary
The commission approved a two-phase Bridal Brook (Bruce Brook) drainage and stream-restoration project; the town-acquired phase will widen channels, create a low-flow meander, add riprap and a natural stream bottom in places, and require revised planting lists, access for maintenance and a multi-year monitoring plan tied to grant timelines.
The Inland Wetlands Commission approved a town-led drainage improvement and stream-restoration project on Bruce Brook (referred to in the record as Bridal Brook). The project, presented by Raju Wasamshedi of Western Sampson, is divided into two phases: phase 1 will open and widen a northern reach to detain flows longer and create a low-flow channel and restored wetland bench; phase 2 will widen downstream channel walls and may require additional right-of-way acquisitions.
Wasamshedi told commissioners the plan aims to replace channelized concrete-bottom sections with a more natural stream bottom where hydraulically appropriate, while using riprap in high-velocity areas. He said the plans have been sized with hydraulic modeling and noted that DEP and U.S. Army Corps permits will be required; portions of the project lie in Bridgeport and will require coordination with that city.
On restoration, Wasamshedi said the planting plan provided is a first cut and that he will supply species lists, quantities and anticipated sizes. He agreed to submit a revised restoration and monitoring plan reflecting commission markups and to propose a monitoring schedule; staff and a commissioner discussed 1–3 years of post-installation monitoring and the possibility of a maintenance bond aligned with grant timelines.
Commissioners asked about channel wall heights (approximately 5–7 feet), property acquisitions (the town has already acquired certain parcels and may need additional 10-foot permanent rights-of-way for phase 2), and removal of trees and stumps during excavation; the engineer said specific trees to be removed will be marked on the revised plans.
Speaker 6 moved to approve the project and Speaker 7 seconded; the commission voted in favor and asked staff to receive the revised plans and monitoring specifications prior to further administrative sign-off.
