Killingworth Wetlands Commission Reviews Hammonasset River Dredging Plan

KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Killingworth Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission agreed Aug. 11 to inspect a proposed maintenance dredging project on the Hammonasset River and unanimously approved permits for an in-ground pool and a home addition elsewhere in town.

The commission also received an update on an unresolved cease-and-desist order involving the dumping of wood chips and possibly other material in wetlands and within a 100-foot wetlands setback on River Road.

Hammonasset River Dredging Proposed

The Hammonasset Fishing Association is seeking a wetlands permit to dredge an existing fishing pool on the Hammonasset River off County Road.

Professional engineer Roger Nemergut and association members told commissioners that the fishing pool has filled with silt over the years. The association wants to restore the pool to its original condition rather than enlarge it, according to the minutes.

The project would remove approximately 700 cubic yards of material, which would be dried on a flat, grassy upland area. Nemergut discussed two possible methods: using a long-reach excavator or suction dredging. All excavation would occur on the Killingworth side of the river.

Pool, Home Addition Approved

Commissioners unanimously approved an application from property owner Chris Rugalin and applicant Poolscape Pool and Spa for an in-ground pool and surrounding landscaping at 38 Coughlin Road.

Members discussed whether the permit should cover only the pool or also the surrounding landscaping shown on the submitted plan. The commission determined that no negative wetlands impact was anticipated from the work.

Commissioner Terrence Doyle moved to approve the pool and landscaping, Commissioner Christopher Plum seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

The commission also unanimously approved Robert Garamella's application for a closet and storage addition to an existing home at 435 Route 148.

Commissioners said they did not anticipate a negative wetlands impact from the addition. Plum moved for approval, Doyle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Schnoor Road Addition Under Review

Tim Greene and Beth Abbott presented an application for an addition to an existing home at 117 Schnoor Road.

The property's wetlands have been flagged by a soil scientist. The proposed addition would be constructed on piers rather than a full foundation and connected to the main house by a hallway.

After reviewing the plans, commissioners agreed that a site walk was unnecessary. A vote on the application was expected at the commission's Sept. 8 meeting.

River Road Enforcement Case Continues

The commission also reviewed a cease-and-desist order involving property owned by Jesus and Fresolina Villegas Trustees at 167 River Road.

The complaint concerns an excessive amount of wood chips and possibly other material dumped within wetlands and the 100-foot wetlands setback.

Enforcement Officer Linda Kieft-Robitaille had sent another certified letter asking the property owners to attend the Aug. 11 meeting to discuss progress on a remediation plan for removing the wood chips. According to the minutes, there was no written or verbal response, and the owners did not attend.

Kieft-Robitaille was investigating legal options to address the lack of response.

In another enforcement-related matter, Chairman Glenn Johnson reported that he had spoken with First Selectman Eric Couture about establishing an ordinance allowing fines for Inland Wetlands Commission violations. Couture told Johnson that the town attorney was working on an ordinance.

All seven commission members were present for the Aug. 11 meeting, which began at 6:59 p.m. and adjourned at 8:02 p.m.