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Preston commission approves temporary stockpiling at 31 Route 2 with testing and bond conditions
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a special exception for temporary off‑site stockpiling at 31 Route 2 (Shetucket Recycling LLC) on conditions that require contamination testing, erosion‑control verification, a $40,000 bond and a limited two‑year permit; neighbors raised runoff and sediment concerns.
The Preston Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 27 approved a special exception allowing temporary stockpiling of material at 31 Route 2, subject to contamination testing, verification of erosion controls, a $40,000 bond and a two‑year permit term.
The applicant, represented by Emily Kelting, P.E. of Loureiro Engineering Associates, said the site received intermittent deliveries from June through October 2025 and that "approximately 18,000 cubic yards" of material had been stockpiled; she told the Commission that erosion controls including a construction entrance pad, berms, hydroseeding and silt fence have been installed. Town Planner Kathy Warzecha recommended conditions that would require testing before material is removed from the site, an as‑built and final reclamation plan, evidence of CT DEEP stormwater permitting where applicable, coordination with the Connecticut Department of Transportation for Route 2 access, a town right of entry for inspections, and a $40,000 bond to ensure completion of required reclamation work.
Neighbors urged strict safeguards. Resident Jerry Grabarek presented photographs he said show discolored water and sediment deposits in a brook adjacent to his property and asked the Commission to require thorough testing and corrective measures. Resident Jill S. Keith and Claire Stottmuller likewise expressed concern about the scale of the operation and whether fines or penalties had been applied for material delivered prior to approvals. Warzecha confirmed that the Town had issued a notice of violation and that CT DEEP staff indicated they were investigating the activity.
Commission members said they wanted confirmation that erosion‑control measures were functioning and that no additional material be brought to the site until outstanding issues are resolved. Terri Eickel moved to approve the special exception with the Town Planner's and Zoning Enforcement Officer's recommended conditions; the motion carried unanimously "pending verification of contamination and changes proposed," according to the meeting record. The approval instructs staff to verify material characterization and erosion‑control effectiveness prior to allowing removal or further activity beyond the terms of the authorization.
The next procedural steps specified in the record include submission of contamination testing results and evidence of any required state stormwater permits; staff also recommended automatic closeout of the approval after completion to avoid an open‑ended record.
