Published Mar 31, 2022, 04:20 PM
To the Editor
The Newtown Plan of Development’s vision statement includes “Protecting our Aquifers, Wetlands and Other Ecologically Sensitive Areas”. As proposed, the Pond Brook Aquifer will be atop the proposed Warehouse at Exit 9 to Interstate 84.
The Inland Wetlands Commission approved the development to mitigate wetlands. However, the P & Z must, among other things determine that the proposal is consistent with the Town plan for Conservation and Development.
The Pond Brook Homeowners Association (PBHA), a group of Pond Brook residents, fought against and defeated overdevelopment on Pond Brook Road in a 2002 subdivision application. Robinson & Cole (R&C), were the current developers’ lawyers, represented the PBHA.
The PBHA was unable get local scientists involved in our endeavor so we reached out at Community & Environmental Services. R&C presented a report from them. The development proposal was rejected.
CE&S reported that brook trout populations can’t tolerate a watershed imperviousness higher than 2% in their 1999 report. Significant declines occur in brook trout at 7% imperviousness.
It is important to note that the proposed warehouse on 102 acres will have impervious areas of 8%+ in the warehouse, plus impervious surfaces for the parking lot with 360 cars, pads and trucks, and the road leading up to the project.
The Pond Brook Aquifer has experienced a significant increase of impervious surfaces since 2002. Unusual developments also have occurred downstream from Exit 9 towards the Housatonic River. Flash flooding, decreases of brook waterflow and decreases at well production in house-wells have all been observed. The aquifer is not able to recharge effectively if the impervious surfaces are increased due to overdevelopment.
The P&Z must ensure that the environment is protected, especially during times of climate changes.
Yours truly
Gary Tannenbaum
Newtown
