Norwalk Shellfish Commission gives conditional approval for 20 Wharf riprap work pending substrate check

The Norwalk Shellfish Commission on Feb. 5 conditionally approved a riprap repair and limited barge operation at 20 Wharf (Rowayton), requiring quick site confirmation that the substrate is abiotic sand and not a natural shellfish seed bed.

Tom, representing the property owners and applicants, said the project covers roughly the last 30 feet of unprotected shoreline and that "the DEP is ready to issue a permit for this" and had suggested a barging approach that might rest on sand for a day or two if needed. Commissioners raised concerns that the DEP timeline and the commission’s meeting schedule did not allow for a full benthic survey and that publicly visible aerials do not conclusively show substrate composition.

Chair Steve and other commissioners emphasized the commission’s longstanding policy against allowing vessels or barges to sit on natural beds through a high-tide cycle. "I just don't think that we have enough to go on now for an approval," the chair said, asking for photographs and a quick in-water scoop test to confirm substrate type. Commissioner Page offered a motion to approve the DEP application conditionally, requiring confirmation from Norm (a local harvester) or a survey by Tom showing the area is sand rather than a seed bed. The commission approved the conditional motion by voice vote.

The motion asks the applicant to provide photographic evidence and/or a scoop test at the next low tide; if that evidence confirms sand substrate and absence of oysters, the commission will not object to DEP issuing the permit. If oysters or seed beds are present, the commission reserved the right to withhold approval.

Next steps: Tom will email recent photographs and may perform a rapid scoop test; Commissioner Pete offered to consult Norm for local substrate knowledge; the commission will act on the evidence when provided to the chair or commission staff.