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Agency hears Wesleyan pond wildlife report; Springdale developer planning temporary wetland access
Summary
Members heard that Wesleyan's pond work led to capture and relocation of more than a dozen turtles and that low pump capacity may leave fish compromised; the board was told Springdale will likely apply for a temporary access across a small wetland for 12–14 months.
At the October meeting the agency heard reports about wildlife work at a pond on Wesleyan University property and an expected application from the Springdale development on Newfield Street.
A committee member said herpetologist Dennis Cunningham has visited the pond and that "more than a dozen" turtles were captured for study and relocation. The member said the pump intended for dewatering was not available in the expected size, causing lower water levels that may leave fish compromised. Citing DEEP, the member said one suggestion was to bury dead fish to reduce the risk that scavenging birds would be poisoned; the agency discussed the public‑safety and wildlife implications of that approach.
Separately, committee members were told Springdale—whose current phase is nearly sold out— plans to submit an application requesting a temporary access across a small wetland for roughly 12–14 months to reach the next construction phase. The member said the application has not yet been filed but is expected.
The agency also discussed finishing the last part of its regulations, hyperlinking meeting minutes for access, and staff communications about a notice of violation at 350 Randolph Road involving pallet dumping, a chain‑link fence, and apparent new chicken coops that a member said he would verify and report to the city attorney.
No formal actions about the pond work or the Springdale access were taken at the meeting; members noted they expect applications and follow‑up information.
