On July 4th, 2022, the undersigned conducted a perimeter viewing of the subject site, from the edge of the adjoining Town-owned property to the east (i.e., Watrous Park). In addition to recording observed wildlife species, especially avians (see separate section of this letter/report), we viewed an area which exhibits surficial characteristics of a wetland. This is located to the north of the 46R Geer Street property, in an area proposed for truck parking, per the submitted plans (see Figure A, attached).

 

According to the aerial photo record (i.e., Google Earth, UConn MAGIC), this area has exhibited high moisture or wetness in the photographic signature. In fact, in past years, this area has either not been planted to corn, due to muddy conditions, or if it has, the crop may not be harvested due to surface wetness, as was the case last year. The Connecticut Web Soil Survey shows the area mapped as the moderately well drained Sudbury (23A) fine sandy loam. Moreover, at the far eastern edge of the Sudbury mapping unit, a “wet spot” symbol is shown (see attached Soil Survey). This typically denotes an isolated wetland that it too small to map. The size of such a wetland may be up to an acre or more, the size limit of mapping at this scale. During our perimeter site walk, we noted that most of the Sudbury mapping unit had not been planted to corn, and exhibited a very dark A-horizon, which is typical of wetland type soils (see Photo 1, attached). We also noted, only here, at the edge of the woods, that the dominant tree species was black gum (a.k.a. tupelo; Nyssa sylvatica), which is facultative species found in moist areas and in wooded swamps. No soil borings were taken within the subject site or within the Town property.

 

We would highly recommend that the project soil scientists investigate this area for a potential missed wetland, provide several representative soil logs, and their locations on a plan. Alternatively, we would welcome a joint field visit to investigate this area.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned area of concern, a second are was identified by reviewing mapping at Town Hall (Engineering Department). As mentioned in our previous review letter of May 31st, 2022, a Town-wide Wetland Identification & Evaluation Project was conducted in the early 1990s, during which time wetlands were identified, inventoried, and evaluated throughout Cromwell. At the subject site a wetland was mapped which is not shown on the applicant’s plans. The unique identification number for this wetland is 46-22- 18 (see Figure B, attached). The inventory and functional evaluation of this wetland can be found at the Cromwell Engineering Department files. We would encourage the applicant to investigate that area and explain why it was not delineated and included as a wetland, especially since it would be under the development footprint of proposed disturbance.