Wetlands & Conservation

The Griswold Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission has a duty to try and to help preserve natural resources within the town. Therefore, the Commission regulates most proposed activities that take place either within a wetland, watercourse or water body, or within 75 feet of these areas for residential projects and 150 feet for commercial projects.  This means that a permit is required from the Inland Wetlands Commission before starting any work in these areas.

The Griswold Aquifer Protection Agency is tasked with the administration of the State of Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area Program that protects major public water supply wells in sand and gravel aquifers to ensure a plentiful supply of public drinking water for present and future generations.  Aquifer Protection Areas (sometimes referred to as “wellhead protection areas”) have been designated around the state’s 127 active well fields in sand and gravel aquifers that serve more than 1000 people.  Land use regulations have been established in those areas to minimize the potential for contamination of the well field. The regulations restrict development of certain new land use activities that use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous materials and requires existing regulated land uses to register and follow best management practices.

MEETING DATES AND DEADLINES

INLAND WETLANDS  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSREVIEW OF SECTION 7 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS OF IWWCC REGULATIONS

A SITE PLAN DRAWN TO SCALE SHALL SHOW THE REQUIRED INFORMATION:

1. Show all property boundary lines.
2. Locations of existing improvements.
3. Names of adjacent property owners.
4. Names of frontage and side streets.
5. If the activity is within 75 feet of a property line, show distances
6. to adjacent property's well and septic system.
7. Location of proposed activity and delineation of affected wetland or watercourse.

THE APPLICATION SHALL BE REJECTED IF THIS INFORMATION ISNOT ON A SITE PLAN.

 FOR WORK PROPOSED AT THE SHORELINE OR WITHIN PACHAUG POND WATERWAYS,BELOW THE DAM SPILLWAY ELEVATION OF  159.52 FEET (NGVD), A CONNECTICUT DEPT. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REVIEW IS REQUIRED.YOU MUST CALL CALL THE DEEP INLAND WATER RESOURCES DIVISION 860-424-3866.

10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST MEETING, SUBMIT THIS APPLICATION ALONG WITH 10 COPIES OF THE SITE PLAN FOR A STAFF REVIEW.

CHANGES TO THE SITE PLAN REQUIRES A STAFF REVIEW AT LEAST 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THE SECOND INLAND WETLANDS MEETING.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THERE ARE WETLANDS ON MY PROPERTY?

A Soil Scientist should make the determination whether there are wetlands on a property.They determine if there are wetlands soils (even if everything is dry) , if there are wetlandplants present and they will delineate the location of the wetlands and the upland review area.

The Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England has a listing of qualified Soil Scientists who may perform wetland delineations and other environmental evaluations as private consultants.

• Inland Wetlands & Watercourses& Conservation Commission Regulations
• Click for Inland Wetlands Application Application

Pursuant to the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act the term 'watercourses' means "rivers, streams, brooks, waterways, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs and all other bodies of water, natural or artificial, vernal or intermittent, public or private, ..."  Therefore, Connecticut's municipal inland wetlands agencies have jurisdiction over regulated activities that are likely to impact or affect all vernal watercourses.  Under Connecticut law, vernal pools, which contain a specific ecology, are one type of vernal watercourse.

Invasive Species in Connecticut

     

Download Local Invasive Species Information

The Aquifer Protection Area Program responsibilities are shared by the state DEEP,the municipalities and the water companies.

IWWCC Public Hearings generally start by 7:00 P.M.Regular Meeting held the Third Thursday of each month starting at 7:30 PM.

CONTACT INFO:
Wetlands Enforcement Officer
Mario Tristany Jr.
860-376-7060x2111



VISIT CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY& ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION'S WEBSITE

Urban Buffers and Riparian Buffers What is a “Riparian Corridor?”

“Riparian” refers to the area by the banksof a river, stream, or other body of water. A riparian buffer can offset the effects of development, serve public health, and bring beauty -- and pleasure -- back to a riverfront.

“Corridor” refers to a designated zone or strip of land of a specified width along the border of an area. So a “riparian corridor” is the natural vegetation and soil cover adjacent to a river, stream, or other body of water.

Riparian corridors provide multiple functions and values. They are the first line of defense against the impacts of impervious surfaces. Corridors slow runoff, protect shorelines from erosion, aid in flood control, and filter or trap pollutants. They also provide habitat for wildlife, as well as shade waters for fisheries enhancement & may provide scenic value and privacy.

Aquifer Protection Applications

Aquifer Protection Agency Regulations

• Aquifer Protection Application for Regulated Activities Municipal Registration Form
• Instructionsfor Completing theAquifer Protection Application for Municipal Registration Form

Local Ponds, Streams and Waterways

   

   



PICK UP A COPY AT THE GRISWOLD YOUTH CENTER!

Links of  Interest

• No Fracking Waste in Connecticut
• Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors, Inc.
• Griswold MS4 Plan 2012
• Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England
• A Citizens Guide to Curbing Polluted Runoff 
• Connecticut Environmental Review Team