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Public hearing on proposed Shelco Filters building continued after neighbors cite wetlands, stormwater and traffic concerns
Summary
The commission continued a public hearing on a proposed 50,000 sq ft Shelco Filters building at Middle Street to Aug. 7 after residents and staff requested additional test-pit data, stormwater calculations, erosion-control details and a DEP check on possible listed species.
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency continued a public hearing July 3 on a proposed 50,000-square-foot manufacturing building for Shelco Filters at 1189 and 1221 Middle Street, telling the applicant to supply additional technical materials before the agency takes a final vote.
Attorney Rich Carella and company representatives described the proposed use as clean manufacturing for filter cartridges and said the project will include an infiltration-based stormwater system designed to match or reduce predevelopment runoff for events up to a 50-year storm. Soil scientist Ryan Nelson told the agency he delineated existing wetlands on the site and placed the proposed parking and loading areas outside the mapped wetland boundary; the design includes a subsurface infiltration chamber and a surface infiltration basin as an emergency overflow.
Multiple abutters and letter writers raised concerns the plans lack erosion and sedimentation control details, infiltration test results, a clear stormwater operations and maintenance plan, and assessment of potential impacts on state-listed species. “There is not enough information provided based on the documents uploaded to the City of Middletown’s website for the Commission to determine compliance,” one written commenter said, and several residents described local flooding, wildlife habitat, traffic and noise concerns.
In response, the applicant said the plans include erosion-control notes and silt fences, the infiltration system is sized for the full buildout and a single oil/water separator will handle runoff quality. The applicant agreed to provide test pit data, more detailed drainage calculations, and to check the Connecticut DEEP Natural Diversity Database and report back on state-listed species inquiries.
After a technical Q&A covering retaining-wall heights (applicant: up to 9 feet), distance between wetlands and proposed structures (closest ~25–28 feet), emergency overflow routing to wetlands, and long-term maintenance requirements for stormwater devices, the agency voted to continue the public hearing to Aug. 7 to allow submission and review of the requested materials.
Next steps: The applicant will submit test-pit data, infiltration test results, drainage calculations, details of erosion and sedimentation controls and any DEP correspondence about state-listed species prior to the continued hearing.
