Inlands and Wetlands Commission lifts cease-and-desist at 1101 Bulleth Hill Road, requires erosion-control plan

The Southbury Inlands and Wetlands Commission voted to lift a cease-and-desist order for 1101 Bulleth Hill Road after the property owner agreed to submit an erosion-control plan acceptable to staff.

The applicant, Castaldi, described storm damage from August 2024 that, he said, ‘‘washed out the stream’’ and left ‘‘a lot of dirt and silt’’ in his backyard and pool. He told the commission he removed the material and piled it on the property to dry and planned to reuse some to level low areas and then remove the remainder.

Commissioners and staff pressed for specific stabilization measures to prevent sediment from reaching a downstream pond. A staff member warned that seeding alone could send soil into the pond through a culvert and recommended localized soil erosion controls, such as hay bales or check dams, at the driveway crossing near the culvert. A committee member added that ‘‘plain grass seed’’ (not seed mixes with herbicides) and temporary matting would help hold soil until grasses establish.

Members also discussed the size of the pile. Castaldi reported an informal estimate of about "100 cubic feet"; the commission packet later referenced "100 cubic yards." Chair and staff did not adopt a definitive number during the hearing and required the application to include an accurate, staff-reviewed estimate and a plan for handling remaining material.

Chair moved to lift the cease-and-desist contingent on the applicant’s submission and implementation of an erosion-control plan suitable to staff; a committee member seconded the motion and the commission voted to carry it. Staff said it would work with the applicant, perform a site visit to verify erosion controls, and place a formal application on the agenda for the next meeting.

The commission closed the matter and adjourned.