Owner to submit application after commission issues notice of wetlands violation at 4 Form Trail

The Old Saybrook Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission on June 18 reviewed a notice of violation for grading and fill within the 100-foot upland review area at 4 Form Trail (Map 58, Lot 39-20) and continued the item to the next regularly scheduled meeting to give the property owner time to file an application and obtain a soil scientist to confirm wetland boundaries.

Staff reported that an inspection found vegetation removal, piles of soil and pushed material up to the wetland boundary. The owner, identified in the record as Mr. Westbrook, told the commission he had not realized the backyard work was regulated, said he had previously pulled required permits for other work on his property and described filling and stump removal to address sinkholes and a fallen tree. He said he planned to submit an application but had difficulty finding a soil scientist on short notice.

Commissioners emphasized that enforcement in many cases is remedial and not punitive when homeowners are unaware of regulations; they recommended the owner hire a soil or wetland scientist to delineate the wetland flags, pull back fill if it is encroaching on regulated areas, and prepare a planting or restoration plan. Staff confirmed there is no cease-and-desist order in place — the commission issued a notice of violation and opted to continue the matter to allow the owner time to secure professional assistance and submit an application.

Action taken: the commission voted to continue the notice of violation to the next regularly scheduled meeting and asked the owner to contact staff if he cannot secure a soil scientist or needs assistance with application submittal.