Bolton wetlands agent reports multiple site inspections; commission to review proposed regulation updates at special meeting

Alyssa Barroso, Bolton’s wetlands agent, summarized site visits and enforcement activity at the Sept. 24 meeting.

Barroso said she visited a vacant lot between 21 and 31 Vernon Rd. to assess topography ahead of a planned small-house application. She relayed that a neighbor had raised a concern about a possible chemical release at 216 Hebron Rd.; Barroso inspected that property and reported the stacked air conditioners had been drained and she found no evidence of a chemical release. Barroso also said she revisited 180 Bolton Center Rd. and remains concerned about inadequate erosion controls; she plans to send a polite request to the property owner to correct the issue.

Barroso reported no recent activity at the 271 Hop River Rd. gas station development and said she will meet with Planning & Zoning staff on-site to discuss trail erosion. She noted she has not heard further from the 310 Hop River Rd. applicant since the last meeting, and that J. Rupert had asked her to check the property at 65 Shoddy Mill; Barroso said that matter will be carried into next year and that a new owner is at the site.

On regulations, Chair Ross Lally circulated proposed updates to the commission from absent member Michael McDonnell and asked members to review them; Vice Chair James Loersch requested a special meeting to examine the proposed changes. Barroso said she had been reviewing the Wetlands Regulations and wondered whether a wetlands buffer stipulation could be added; Lally said state law would prevent adding that language.

Lally also reminded members to register for the CACIWC annual conference on Nov. 16 at the New Britain Conference Center.