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Residents urge protection for aquifers and O'Keeley Pond as commission schedules sitewalks for local subdivisions
Summary
At the Killingly wetlands meeting residents raised alarms about O'Keeley Pond levels and a proposed 647 Putnham Pike subdivision, pressing for baseline water testing, caution about aquifer vulnerability and a sitewalk; the commission scheduled field visits and asked applicants to stake proposed features.
Residents pressed the Killingly Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission to prioritize aquifer protection and shoreline stability during citizen participation, and the commission responded by scheduling sitewalks for several subdivisions.
At the start of the meeting a resident identifying himself as Al Drain (148 Pond Road) said O'Keeley Pond water levels had been lowered after a gate was opened and reported erosion on embankments, warning that sustained low levels could reduce flows to downstream reservoirs and local aquifers. “I think there's going to be some real issues with water. Maybe Middle Reservoir and Bog Meadow are going to have real issues,” he said, and said he would photograph and monitor conditions.
Another resident, Clet Rogers of 294 Putnham Pike, raised concerns about a nearby 90 Putnham Pike application and the potential for stormwater drainage to affect a locally protected aquifer, noting existing gas stations and future commercial development on the aquifer recharge area. He asked whether the town conducts testing of runoff that reaches the aquifer and urged stronger protections: “Let's protect our water for our future generations because we can't get it back once we get rid of it,” he said.
Regarding application 26‑1627 for 647 Putnham Pike (CJJ Adventure LLC), applicant representative Dan Blanchett explained the proposal: a three‑lot subdivision with two duplexes, a shared driveway and culvert crossings with an estimated 3,400 square feet of wetland disturbance. The commission asked for additional culvert design capacity to handle design storm events and requested a sitewalk; Blanchett agreed to stake the centerline, culvert alignments and building outlines to aid the field review. The motion to continue the application for a sitewalk was made, seconded and approved.
What’s next: The commission will schedule sitewalks for the 647 Putnham Pike parcel and other subdivisions; staff asked applicants to mark stakes for culvert and building centerlines. Residents asked the town to pursue baseline water testing near headwaters and to make answers available to the public record.
Provenance: Citizen comments on O'Keeley Pond (SEG 078–143); aquifer concerns at 90 Putnham Pike (SEG 148–222); presentation of 647 Putnham Pike and sitewalk continuance (SEG 248–436).
