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Applicant confirms culvert will remain in place as board closes continued dam-removal hearing
Summary
Applicant Chris Yurek presented new NEPA-related archeological assessments and a habitat restoration plan for the renewal of a dam-removal permit, confirmed the downstream stone culvert will not be removed, and agreed that the Town of Springfield and regional partners will oversee invasive-species monitoring and restoration.
Chris Yurek, applicant for Application 26.0225.Yur, described three exhibits added to the record—an Archeological Resource Assessment, a Supplemental Archeological Assessment and a Habitat Restoration Plan—that were prepared as part of NEPA review for federally funded projects. He told the Weathersfield Development Review Board the project will not remove the downstream stone culvert; “the project will not involve the removal of the structure and will be left to let the stream naturally wear on it over time,” the applicant stated. The hearing had been continued from May 26, 2026 and several witnesses remained under oath.
Roy Schiff, who read the Habitat Restoration Plan to the board, said SLR typically collaborates with the Connecticut River Conservancy and landowners on restoration work. Schiff agreed to add monitoring for invasive species to the plan after board member Beth Hunton requested that monitoring be included. The town will be responsible for ensuring monitoring and restoration occurs; the record identifies the Town of Springfield, the Connecticut River Conservancy and the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission as likely parties to carry out those duties. The board accepted Exhibits #32–34 into the record and then, as moved by Michael Cohen and seconded by Jacob Chase, voted unanimously to close the hearing.
