wetland valuation and impact assessment proposed …

Civil Engineering · Site Planning Environmental Science & Engineering

Structural Engineering · Land Surveying Permit Coordination & Management

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518 Riverside Avenue · Westport CT 06880 · www.landtechconsult.com · [email protected] · 203-454-2110

WETLAND EVALUATION AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT

PROPOSED TWO LOT RESIDENTIAL RE-SUBDIVISION

107 OLD ROAD

WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT

June 6, 2019

Contents 1.0 PROJECT/SITE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. 1

2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ......................................................................................................... 1

2.1 Soils ........................................................................................................................... 1

2.2 Uplands ..................................................................................................................... 1

2.3 Wetlands/Wildlife Habitat ........................................................................................ 2

2.4 Wetland Functions and Values ................................................................................. 6

3.0 PROPOSED CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................... 9

4.0 REGULATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ................................................................................ 10

4.1 Direct Wetland Impacts .......................................................................................... 10

4.2 Regulated Activity within Wetland Setbacks .......................................................... 10

4.3 Wetland Impact Mitigation ..................................................................................... 11

4.4 Feasible and Prudent Alternatives .......................................................................... 12

5.0 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 12

Wetland Assessment and Impact Assessment June 6, 2019 107 Old Road, Westport, CT Page 1

1.0 PROJECT/SITE DESCRIPTION Re-subdivision of the property at 107 Old Road in Westport, CT is proposed to divide the 6.12± acre property into two residential building lots plus open space. The property currently supports a two story residential building, accessed by a driveway from Old Road. The property is serviced by public water and sanitary sewer. Undeveloped portions of the property consist of fairly level ground with lawn, landscaping, and wooded wetlands.

The southern third of the property contains seasonally flooded and seasonally saturated forested wetland. A very small isolated, marginal wetland is located in the northeast corner of the property.

An environmental evaluation of the property’s natural resources and assessment of potential impacts associated with the proposed four lot subdivision was conducted by LandTech and is addressed in this report.

2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

2.1 Soils Soils evaluations were conducted on the property by Otto Theal and Christopher Allan, Registered Soil Scientists. Otto Theall conducted a soils evaluation in June 2013. Chris Allan and Otto Theall conducted joint on-site evaluations in April and May of 2016.

Soils within the larger southern wetland are identified as Ridgebury, Leicester and Whitman soils. These soils consist of very deep, somewhat poorly, poorly drained and very poorly drained soils formed in lodgment and coarse loamy till derived mainly from granite, gneiss, and schist. Ridgebury and Whitman soils are commonly shallow to a densic contact. These are nearly level to gently sloping soils in depressions in uplands. They also occur in drainageways in uplands, in toeslope positions of hills, drumlins, and ground moraines, and in till plains.

Soils within the smaller northern isolated wetland are identified as Walpole sandy loam. The Walpole series consists of very deep, poorly drained sandy soils formed in outwash and stratified drift. They are nearly level to gently sloping soils in low-lying positions on terraces and plains.

Upland soils were identified as Agawam fine sandy loam and Ninigret fine sandy loam. The Agawam series consists of very deep, well drained soils formed in sandy, water deposited materials. They are on outwash plains and high stream terraces. The Ninigret series consists of very deep, moderately well drained soils formed in loamy over sandy and gravelly glacial outwash. They are on glaciofluvial landforms, typically in slight depressions and broad drainage ways.

2.2 Uplands The majority of the site’s uplands consist of deciduous forest cover with a managed understory consisting of landscape plantings and a ground cover consisting of managed lawn and pachysandra beds. Trees within the uplands consist of Norway maple (Acer


platanoides), red maple (Acer rubrum), hickory (Carya spp.), tulip tree (Liriodendron stolonifera), wild black cherry (Prunus serotina), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and black birch (Betula lenta). While much of the upland portion of the property contains a canopy of overstory trees, there is very little understory vegetation, giving it a managed park-like appearance. An existing house, pool and pool house are located within uplands at the north end of the site. The house site is accessed by a long driveway from Old Road.

2.3 Wetlands/Wildlife Habitat The larger wetland on the southern portion of the property contains a central, seasonally flooded depression flanked by seasonally saturated woodland. This wetland receives off-site flows from the west via an existing corrugated metal pipe under the existing driveway. The wetland drains off-site, to the east. It is 1.32± acres in size and consists of a fairly open overstory dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) with white ash (Fraxinus Americana), American elm (Ulmus americana) and beech (Fagus grandifolia). The sapling/shrub layer is sparse consisting of sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), winged euonyumus (Euonymus atropurpureus), winterberry (Ilex verticilata), ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). The herbaceous layer within the central depression has sparse occurrences of skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and tussock sedge (Carex stricta). The seasonally saturated outer edges of the wetland are dominated by pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens) with occurrences of cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis).

LandTech evaluated the southern seasonally flooded wetland during the 2016 amphibian breeding season to determine if it was capable of supporting obligate vernal pool species. In order to support amphibian breeding and be considered a vernal pool, the wetland needs to contain an adequate amount of water for at least 4 to 5 months to not only support the laying and hatching of amphibian eggs such as those from wood frogs and spotted salamanders but also support the complete metamorphosis from larvae to juvenile. This entire process typically takes approximately 4 to 5 months, completing well into June or early July, although the actual time depends on the temperature of the water and other factors.

An inspection of the wetland on April 8, 2016 indicated that the central wetland area contained up to 18” of water after approximately 0.2 inches of rain on the previous day. A follow-up inspection of the wetland on April 13 showed that the water level in the central wetland had receded to approximately 12” maximum depth of water. Comprehensive searches for amphibian egg masses and larvae on both dates found no egg masses or larvae.

An inspection of the wetland on April 25, 2016, showed further reductions in water levels throughout the central wetland. The majority of the wetland had an exposed bottom with no inundation and only isolated small area of shallow ponding, typically


less than 3 inches in depth. Follow up inspections in May and June indicated the absence of ponded water in the central wetland.

Based on the absence of amphibian egg masses and larvae and the short hydroperiod of inundation, it was determined that, under normal conditions, the wetland does not support breeding amphibians and is not considered a vernal pool.

A very small (0.008 +/- acre) isolated, marginal wetland is located in the northeast corner of the property. This wetland lies within a broad swale with poorly drained soils. Both the hydrology and vegetation of this wetland are more indicative of an area that is transitional between wetlands and non-wetlands. Vegetation within the wetland consists mainly of non-native, invasive, upland and facultative upland plants including Norway maple saplings, winged euonymus, Japanese barberry, wineberry and garlic mustard.

The wetlands evaluation included all on-site wetlands and those along the eastern and western property boundaries visible from 107 Old Road. The subject and adjacent properties are located in a moderate density residential area which is characteristically defined as containing a mosaic of fragmented wood lots and residential lawns surrounded by moderate wildlife migratory barriers such as residential roadways, lawns, stone walls, etc. The subject property contains a residential house site that is mostly maintained lawn and pachysandra beds with some landscape plantings. There is very little undisturbed woodland habitat on the property (except for the wetland in the proposed open space). Similarly, the offsite wetlands/watercourse is located within developed yard areas and is crossed by driveways and roadways in several locations.

These features reduce points of access onto the preferred habitat for many wildlife classes such as amphibians and reptiles and limit the fragmented habitat’s ability to function as a contiguous resource for these species. Other classes such as avians and medium and large sized mammals such as white tail deer, raccoon, red fox, turkey, squirrel, and other common species can navigate the roads, open areas and other barriers in order to migrate between habitats.

This setting provides suitable habitat for a subset of species that are most adapted to utilize fragmented woodlots and developed suburban areas and those which can tolerate human activities.

Evidence of wildlife usage on the property including visual observation, calls, scat, tracks, browse lines or other sign was noted during the various site visits. The following is a summary of species which 1) were observed/heard, 2) can utilize the habitat but who does not prefer the habitat (possible) or 3) is well adapted to this habitat and expected to be utilizing the property or its surroundings.

Mammals

Common Name Scientific Name Status

White-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus Expected


Short-tailed shrew Blarina brevicauda Possible

Eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus Expected

Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Possible*

Southern flying squirrel Glaucomys volans Expected

Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Expected

Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Expected

Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana Expected

Coyote Canis latrins Possible

Eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus Observed

Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Observed

Woodland vole Microtus pinetorum Expected

Red fox Vulpes vulpes Possible

Raccoon Procyon lotor Expected

White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Observed

* Species populations may be drastically reduced in recent years due to White Nose Syndrome.

Reptiles and Amphibians


Redback salamander Plethodon cinereus Expected

Eastern American toad Bufo americanus Expected

Green frog Rana clamitans Expected

Grey treefrog Hyla versicolor Expected

Northern spring peeper Pseudacris c. crucifer Chorus heard

Eastern garter snake Thanmophis s. sirtalis Expected

Northern black racer Coluber c. constrictor Possible

Avians


Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Heard

Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Heard

European starling Sturnus vulgaris Heard

Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina Expected

Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Expected


American robin Turdus migratorius Observed

Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis Expected

Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Expected

Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Observed

Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Expected

House wren Troglodytes aedon Expected

Wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo Observed

Ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris Expected

Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Possible

Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Expected

Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus Possible

Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Expected

Eastern wood-pewee Contopus virens Possible

Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe Possible

American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Observed

Black capped chickadee Parus atricapillus Observed

White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Observed

Tufted titmouse Parus bicolor Observed

Brown creeper Certhia americana Possible

Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater Expected

Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Possible

Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Possible

Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina Expected

Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus Possible

Song sparrow Melospiza melodia Expected

Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula Expected

House finch Carpodacus mexicanus Expected

White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Possible

Northern oriole Icterus galbula Possible


2.4 Wetland Functions and Values The wetlands on the property were evaluated using the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Highway Methodology Workbook Supplement. This methodology identifies the wetland functions and values for each wetland unit. Wetland functions are the self-sustaining properties of the wetland system while wetland values are the benefits obtained from the established functions. Unlike other methods, the USACE method does not rate each function as high or low, but descriptively identifies what functions are being performed with significant functions being categorized as “principal.” The total number of principal and non-principal functions present for a wetland is then used to evaluate the overall level of functional value for that system. This methodology identifies eight (8) wetland functions and five (5) wetland values.

Definitions of each function and value and a discussion of their applicability are presented below. The performed functions and values are summarized in Table 1 for the two wetlands areas including the larger southern 1.32 acre wetland and the smaller, isolated 0.01 acre wetland in the northeast corner of the site.

Groundwater Recharge/Discharge

This function considers the potential for a wetland to serve as a groundwater recharge and or discharge area. Recharge should relate to the potential for the wetland to contribute water to an aquifer. Discharge should relate to the potential for the wetland to serve as an area where groundwater can be discharged to the surface.

The larger southern wetland primarily acts as a discharge wetland where high seasonal groundwater is temporarily expressed as surface water. This is a principal function of this wetland. This wetland also receives direct storm water runoff from on-site and off-site areas. During periods of lower groundwater when the wetland is not inundated, rainfall and surface flows are allowed to infiltrate into the ground allowing for some groundwater recharge.

The small size of the isolated wetland in the northeast corner of the site limits its potential as a groundwater recharge or discharge area.

Floodflow Alteration

This function considers the effectiveness of the wetland in reducing flood damage by attenuation of floodwaters for prolonged periods following precipitation events.

The larger wetland has the ability to detain stormwater flows from both onsite and offsite areas and thus performs floodflow alteration as one of its principle functions.

The smaller wetland is not capable of any attenuation of floodwaters.

Fish and Shellfish Habitat

This function considers the effectiveness of seasonal or permanent waterbodies associated with the wetland in question for fish and shellfish habitat.

There are no permanent waterbodies associated with either wetland that are capable of supporting fish and shellfish.


Sediment/Toxicant/Pathogen Retention

This function reduces or prevents degradation of water quality. It relates to the effectiveness of the wetland as a trap for sediments, toxicants, or pathogens in runoff water from surrounding uplands or upstream eroding wetland areas.

Sediment/Toxicant and Pathogen retention is considered a principle function of the larger southern wetland. The wetland receives and detains stormwater flows from onsite and offsite area, allowing for the trapping and removal of sediments and other pollutants from runoff.

The smaller northern wetland does not provide this function to any degree.

Nutrient Removal/Retention/Transformation

This function relates to the effectiveness of the wetland to prevent adverse effects of excess nutrients from entering aquifers or surface waters such as ponds, lakes streams, rivers or estuaries.

The southern wetland performs this function in the same capacity as described above for Sediment/Toxicant/ Pathogen Retention. The northern wetland does not provide this function.

Production Export

This function relates to the effectiveness of a wetland to produce food or usable products for humans or other living organisms.

The larger southern wetland contains some tree and shrub vegetation which produces fruits, nuts or other edible food sources for wildlife. While not significant, it is considered a secondary function of this wetland.

The smaller northern wetland does not provide any usable wildlife food sources.

Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization

This function relates to the effectiveness of a wetland to stabilize streambanks and shorelines against erosion.

The larger southern wetland serves to detain surface water flows during storm events, which can provide some protection to downstream intermittent watercourses from shoreline erosion. Thus, sediment/shoreline stabilization is considered a secondary function of this wetland.

The small northern wetland is not associated with a watercourse or pond and thus does not perform this function.

Wildlife Habitat

This function considers the effectiveness of the wetland to provide for various types and populations of animals typically associated with wetlands and the wetland edge. Both resident and/or migrating species must be considered. Species lists of observed and potential animals should be included in the wetland assessment report.


The larger southern wetland contains seasonal standing water and provides seasonal habitat for some waterfowl and other wetland dependent species. The wetlands location in a densely developed residential area with limited access to other undeveloped offsite habitats limits it value as wildlife habitat. Wildlife habitat is considered a secondary function of this wetland.

The northern wetland does not provide any significant wildlife habitat due to its small size and limited hydrology.

Recreation (Consumptive and Non-Consumptive)

This value considers the effectiveness of the wetland and associated watercourses to provide recreational opportunities such as canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, and other active or passive recreational activities. Consumptive activities consume or diminish the plants, animals, or other resources that are intrinsic to the wetland, whereas non-consumptive activities do not.

Neither of the wetlands provide standing water for canoeing or fishing or other active recreation. The passive recreational use of bird and wildlife watching is limited by access to the private property.

Educational/Scientific Value

This value considers the effectiveness of the wetland as a site for an “outdoor classroom” or as a location for scientific study or research.

The on-site wetlands are not suitable as outdoor classrooms as they do not contain any significant wetland features and they are located on private property.

Uniqueness/Heritage

This value relates to the effectiveness of the wetland or its associated waterbodies to produce certain special values. Special values may include such things as archeological sites, unusual aesthetic quality, historical events, or unique plants, animals, or geologic features.

The wetland systems contain no special values and no historical, geologic or archaeological resources are known to exist. Therefore, the wetland does not offer any unique or heritage values.

Visual Quality/Aesthetics

This value relates to the visual and aesthetics of the wetland.

Aesthetically, the larger southern wetland offers some seasonal visual contrast during spring flooding when shallow water is present. Visual quality/aesthetics is considered a secondary function of this wetland.

ES Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat

This value relates to the effectiveness of the wetland or associated waterbodies to support threatened or endangered species.


A review of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Natural Diversity Database (CT DEEP, September 2016 edition) indicates that the property is not within a ½ mile of any known occurrences of threatened, endangered or special concern species.

Table 1 – Wetland Functions and Values Summary

SYMBOL PARAMETER 1.32 AC WETLAND

0.01 AC WETLAND

FUNCTIONS

GROUNDWATER RECHARGE/DISCHARGE X

FLOOD FLOW ALTERATION X

FISH AND SHELLFISH HABITAT

SEDIMENT/TOXICANT/PATHOGEN RETENTION X

NUTRIENT REMOVAL/RETENTION/ TRANSFORMATION X

PRODUCTION EXPORT X

SEDIMENT/SHORELINE STABILIZATION X

WILDLIFE HABITAT X

VALUES

RECREATION

EDUCATIONAL/SCIENTIFIC VALUE

UNIQUENESS/HERITAGE

VISUAL QUALITY/AESTHETICS X

ES THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT

X = Principal function, x = performs function but not a principal function, Limited Opportunity = could perform the function but little opportunity exists to do so.

3.0 PROPOSED CONDITIONS The proposal is to subdivide the property into two residential lots with each lot supporting a single family house. Each house will be accessed from the existing driveway, and will be serviced by pubic water and sewer. Both house sites are located in existing managed landscape areas in the vicinity of the existing house, consisting of lawn, landscape plantings and scattered trees.


The existing 10 foot wide driveway will be reconstructed and widened to 16 feet to comply with the Town of Westport municipal standards to provide common access to the proposed dwellings.

Stormwater from the reconstructed common driveway will be collected and treated in a constructed wet retention basin/stormwater wetland. The basin contains a long flow path across a wet vegetated bottom. The basin is designed to promote infiltration and nutrient uptake to enhance the quality of stormwater discharged from the site. The basin is also designed to mitigate potential increases in stormwater runoff associated with an increase in impervious area associated with the widened driveway.

Stormwater on the new lots will be managed by rain gardens. Runoff from roofs and other impervious surfaces will be collected and discharged to the rain gardens. These systems are designed to infiltrate the entire water quality volume from contributing areas.

The existing upland on the property contains an existing residential dwelling, pool, pool house, managed lawn areas and pachysandra beds with very little understory vegetation. There is very little undisturbed upland habitat on the property and there are several off-site developed house sites in close proximity. The subject property does not act as part of a larger wildlife corridor. The proposed subdivision of an existing residential house site will not result in loss of natural habitat or create any additional obstacles to wildlife movement in an already developed suburban setting. The large wetland corridor on the property will remain intact and undisturbed and placed within a deeded Open Space parcel.

Open Space/Conservation Easement – The full extent of the large southern wetlands and adjacent uplands will be placed with a 2.43± acre open space parcel. An additional 0.13 acres of open space conservation easement will be placed along the east and west sides of the proposed access right of way.

4.0 REGULATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

4.1 Direct Wetland Impacts Widening of the driveway will result in the unavoidable filling of 262- square feet of wetlands and the removal of 180 square feet of existing fill along the existing wetland crossing resulting in a net filling of 82 square feet. Wetland filling is minimized to the greatest extent possible by using low retaining walls along the edge of fill.

Replacement of the existing corrugated metal pipe wetland crossing with a 12 foot wide open bottom box culvert will result in the removal of existing fill from 174 square feet of wetland and the creation of natural bottom wetland crossing. The revised crossing will facilitate a better hydrologic connection between wetlands on either side of the driveway and allow unimpeded access for small wildlife.

4.2 Regulated Activity within Wetland Setbacks The Town of Westport regulates different wetland setbacks for different activities. Regulated setbacks applicable to this application include:


50’ setback for either a subsurface sewage disposal system or a new or substantially improved single family residence or addition.

30’ setback for driveway edges.

20’ setback to the limit of cut, fill, grading and other alterations.

Regulated activities within the wetlands setbacks associated with the proposed subdivision are identified below.

Common driveway – Approximately 305 feet of the existing driveway to be reconstructed lies within the 30 foot wetland setback. .

Lot #1, #2 – There are no regulated activities associated with the two residential lots.

4.3 Wetland Impact Mitigation The narrow band of wetland filling along the edges of the existing driveway to accommodate driveway widening will not have a significant impact on wetlands. The filled area lies adjacent to the existing driveway that was previously constructed as a wetland crossing. Wetland filling is minimized to the greatest extent possible by using low retaining walls along the edge of fill. None of the identified wetland functions and values will be affected by the driveway widening.

The existing wetland crossing has a small corrugated metal pipe that restricts the flow of water through the wetland crossing. The existing pipe will be replaced with a 12 foot wide open bottom box culvert. The wetland crossing is designed using best management practices for waterway and habitat protection. The crossing is designed to prevent restriction of high flows and to maintain existing low flows in a low flow channel and to not obstruct the movement of wetland wildlife. The replacement of the existing pipe with a larger box culvert will provide a better connection between the wetlands than currently exists.

A detailed construction sequence for the proposed roadway is provided on the site plans that isolates the work area from the adjacent wetlands and includes provisions for temporary dewatering during installation of underground utilities and driveway widening. A detailed erosion and sediment control plan is provided that will protect wetlands and watercourses from sedimentation impacts during construction.

The stormwater management systems for the common driveway and two residential lots will mitigate any potential hydrologic or water quality impacts associated with increases in impervious area.

The common driveway wet retention basin/stormwater wetland will be seeded with native wetland seed mixes. Wetland buffer plantings consisting of native trees and shrubs are proposed around the wet retention basin to mitigate the removal of existing trees. Additional native tree and shrub plantings are proposed between the house site development area and wetlands on Lot 1 to enhance the existing wetland buffers.

A 2.43 acre open space parcel and 0.14 acre open space conservation easement are proposed on the south side of the property that encompasses the entire southern


wetland east of the common driveway and adjacent upland areas. The area will be marked with evenly spaced placards denoting the open space.

4.4 Feasible and Prudent Alternatives Any subdivision of the existing property would require widening and reconstruction of the existing driveway and the installation of underground utilities within the driveway right of way.

Since there are no regulated activities proposed on any of the proposed house sites, there would be no reduction in regulated activities associated with a reduction in the number of proposed house sites.

5.0 CONCLUSION The proposed two lot re-subdivision plan utilizes best management practices for the protection of wetlands and water quality. Unavoidable wetland filling associated with required driveway widening is minimized to the greatest extent possible. Driveway filling impacts will be offset by removal of the existing small diameter pipe within the driveway crossing and replacement with a 12 foot wide open bottom box culvert. This will remove the current flow restriction between the wetlands on the both sides of the crossing and provide a better hydrologic and ecologic connection between these habitats.

There will be no loss of any existing wetland functions or values associated with the development. There are no regulated activities associated with the proposed house site development areas.

Potential hydrologic and water quality impacts associated with site developed are mitigated through the use of surface and subsurface stormwater treatment systems.

APPENDIX A

Soils Reports

Soil Evaluation Report

107 Old Road Westport, Connecticut July 20, 2016

A soils evaluation by Otto Theall, Professional Soil Scientist was conducted in 2013 at 107 Old Road in Westport. The evaluation included the delineation of wetland soil types on the property. The findings of the soils evaluation were included in a Soils Investigation Report by Soil & Wetland Science, LLC dated June 26, 2013 (copy attached).

Additional joint soil evaluations were conducted on April 26, 2016 and May 2, 2016 by Otto Theall, Professional Soil Scientist, and Christopher Allan, Professional Soil Scientist. Intensive soil investigation based on numerous test pits north of the existing house resulted in revisions to the flagged wetland boundary in the northern portion of the site. It was concluded by both soil scientists that the previously flagged wetland boundary delineated by flags 1 through 28 does not possess wetland soil types except for an area in the northeast corner of the property. The revised wetland area was delineated with wetland flags labeled #201 - #205 as shown on the attached site plan.

Wetland soils within the re-flagged wetland were identified as Walpole sandy loam. The Walpole Series consists of very deep, poorly drained sandy soils formed in outwash and stratified drift. They are nearly level to gently sloping soils in low-lying positions on terraces and plains.

Upland soils abutting the re-flagged wetland were identified as Agawam fine sandy loam and Ninigret fine sandy loam. The Agawam series consists of very deep, well drained soils formed in sandy, water deposited materials. They are on outwash plains and high stream terraces. The Ninigret series consists of very deep, moderately well drained soils formed in loamy over sandy and gravelly glacial outwash. They are on glaciofluvial landforms, typically in slight depressions and broad drainage ways.

Christopher P. Allan Professional Registered Soil Scientist Professional Wetland Scientist (No. 266)

August 29, 2016 Conservation Department ATTN: Alicia Mozian, Conservation Director Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue Westport, CT 06880 Re: Wetland Boundary Map Verification – Application #IWW/M-10268-16,

107 Old Road, Westport, CT PEG Job # 2016-137 Dear Ms. Mozian: In accordance with your request, I conducted a site inspection to the subject property on August 24, 2016. The purpose of the investigation was to verify the proposed wetland boundaries that were previously established by Otto Theall, Soil Scientist with Soil & Wetland Science, LLC, and Christopher Allan, Soil Scientist with LandTech. Mr. Theall conducted on-site investigations on June 12, 18 & 20, 2013 and prepared a soil investigation report, dated June 26, 2013. Mr. Theall identified wetlands in the central and western portions of the property and delineated the wetlands boundaries with numbered, survey tapes. The sketch map of the wetlands identified by Mr. Theall is included in his 2013 soil investigation report. Subsequently, the property was re-investigated by Mr. Theall and Mr. Allan on April 26, 2016 and May 2, 2016. A soil evaluation report was prepared by Mr. Allan, dated July 20, 2016. According to Mr. Allan’s report, following an intensive soil investigation in the northern portion of the property it was concluded by both Soil Scientists that the previously flagged wetland boundary delineated by Mr. Theall in 2013 with wetland boundary flags 1 thru 28 does not possess wetland soil types except for an area in the northeast corner of the property. The revised wetland area was delineated with wetland flags labeled #201 -#205. The revised wetland boundary was located by survey and plotted onto a property map prepared by B.G. Root, Surveyor, revision date 5/16/2016. The property map also portrays the wetlands that were previously delineated by Mr. Theall within the central portion of the property in 2013. The Town of Westport GIS maps for the subject property show wetlands plus a watercourse in the northern portion of the property and wetlands in the central portion of the property (refer to Figure 1). According to the Town GIS map wetlands in the northern portion of the property occur near the western property line and in a very small area near the eastern property line. On the GIS Map the watercourse in the northern portion of the property extends across nearly the full width of the parcel. There is a small gap in the watercourse near the eastern property line. The watercourse continues onto the property located to the east. The Town map also shows a large area of wetlands in the central portion of the property.

15 Briarwood Lane Wallingford, CT 06492 203-314-6636

[email protected] WEB SITE pietrasenvironmentalgroup.com

PIETRAS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, LLC

WETLANDS INVESTIGATION REPORT

Wetlands Investigation Report for 107 Old Road, Westport, CT Page 2 of 2 Only one of the wetland flags that had previously been placed by Mr. Theall to delineate the wetland boundaries in the central portion of the property in 2013 was found on 8/24/2016. None of the wetland boundary flags which were established by Mr. Allan and Mr. Theall in the northern portion of the property in 2016 were found. However, the information contained on the property map was sufficient for making a reasonable approximation in the field of the previously delineated wetland boundary lines. On 8/24/2016 a spade and auger were used to dig test holes for soils identification throughout the property, including all of the areas that were mapped as wetland on the Town of Westport GIS Map. Based on my investigation I determined that the wetland boundary line jointly identified by Mr. Allan and Mr. Theall in the northern portion of the property in 2016 is substantially correct. The very small wetland delineated by Mr. Allan and Mr. Theall is a marginal wetland which just qualifies as a poorly drained soil type. The hydrology and vegetation associated with this very small wetland are transitional between wetland and non-wetland. The wetland boundary delineation in the central portion of the property which had been identified by Mr. Theall in 2013 was also found to be substantially correct. I did not find evidence of an intermittent watercourse in the northern portion of the property. During large storm events some sheet flow may occur within a broad swale that extends across the property. However, I did not find a defined permanent channel in the swale which is essential for identifying a regulated intermittent watercourse. Respectfully submitted, PIETRAS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, LLC

Thomas W. Pietras Professional Wetland and Soil Scientist cc: Otto Theall, Christopher Allan

wetland valuation and impact assessment proposed …

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