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FV7 -N@ ritten and illustrated by Allen Carroll State of Conneclicut Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Area. Ma ment Program HD 211 C8 C37 c.2 Q@ ?@M @Ohl@ Meh WS OOK ritten and illustrated by Allen Carro/ State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Area Management Program This docum National Oc U.S. Department Management Act c Table of contents Page Introduction 1 1. Using the land, water and air 4 The natural system 5 Design and construction considerations 8 DEP regulatory programs 14 Inland wetlands 14 Stream channel encroachment lines 15 Supervision of dams 17 Water pollution 17 Minimum flow regulations 19 Air pollution 19 The HUD flood insurance program 25 2. The coastline 26 The natural system 27 Design and construction considerations 29 DEP regulatory programs 33 Structures and dredging 33 Tidal wetlands preservation 35 3. Further Considerations 36 Design and construction considerations 37 Cluster development 41 4. Site evaluation 44 Visual features 46 Depth to water table 47 Earth materials 47 Slope 49 Depth to bedrock 49 The composite map 51 The development plan 53 5. Sources of further assistance (index) 56 The State of Connecticut, primarily through the Introduction Department of Environmental Protection, adminis- ters a large number of environmental laws and regu- lations covering such diverse areas as dredging, filling, burning and polluting. There are permit pro- grams for each of these activities, and each permit program has its own requirements for applications, plans, public notices and public hearings. Even though these programs are important to maintaining environmental quality, it is understand- able that many citizens - especially developers - have become confused by the maze of legal require- ments. The Developers' Handbook is designed to help make the legal maze more manageable and to provide some basic information and advice on sub- division planning. The major natural systems and resources are briefly explained, and the oppor- tunities and limitations they impose on development are summarized. In Chapter 4, a system of evalu- ating the characteristics of potential development sites is outlined. The Handbook also covers each of the regulatory programs at DEP with which developers may have to concern themselves. It is hoped that this information, presented in a non-technical, graphic format, will help developers avoid expensive corrective measures and equally costly delays in obtaining permits. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 contain several pages of sketches with accompanying paragraphs explaining subdivision design and construction practices. On these pages, the drawings on the left represent improper methods of development that often result in environmental problems; those on the right illustrate recommended development practices. The symbols at the top of these pages are intended as a reference guide. The six symbols are: Environmentally sensitive areas .0 0 Site preparation and construction Buildings Waste disposal Water supply Roads and parking areas A reader desiring information on waste disposal, for instance, would turn to the pages where the appro- priate symbol appears. This Handbook can be used by developers as a general guide to subdivision planning. Since condi- tions vary widely from place to place, however, it is essential that the developer have a thorough knowl- edge of. the site with which he is working. Much of this knowledge can be gained from secondary sources such as surveys, maps and printed informa- tion. The rest must be obtained from walking the site and noting first-hand the opportunities and limitations that its characteristics impose upon development. It should also be noted that the Handbook deals primarily with DEP permit programs; local govern- ments and other state agencies should be contacted to determine other legal requirements. Since DEP regulations may periodically change, developers should contact the Department's Information and Education Unit for guidance on permit application. procedures. Once specific permit requirements are determined, developers will be referred to the appro- priate regulatory units of DEP. Early consultation with DEP staff is also important in gaining an indica- tion of the need for permits, specific information re- quired on plans and applications, and the types and sizes of proposals that are likely to be approved or disapproved. Doing so will save considerable time and expense for both the developer and DEP. DEP's address is: The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection State Office Building 165 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06115 2 3 Using the land, water and air- With a population of over three million people and an average of one person per acre of land. Connecti- cut is one of the nation's most densely populated states. Yet, surprisingly, about 65 percent of the state is forested, a higher percentage (due primarily to abandonment of agricultural land) than 50 years ago. Connecticut also has an abundance of water. with wetlands comprising about one fifth of the state. Although Connecticut has no large wilderness areas, its natural character has added immeasurably to property values and quality of life. Without ade- quate planning. future development will result in the eventual loss of many of the state's most valuable assets. Proper use and protection of natural resources may require greater initial expense. However, it is generally less costly to anticipate environmental problems and take measures to avoid them rather than to correct past mistakes. 4 The natural system F7 _.xL7 The water cycle is the constant movement of water through the natural system. Water falls on earth as pre- cipitation, where it either seeps into the ground, flows along the surface to rivers and streams, evaporates, or is taken up by plants and released into the atmosphere. Groundwater flows very slowly through subsoils and bed- rock until it enters nearby streams, lakes, or wetlands. Water evaporating from lakes, rivers, and the ocean forms clouds; precipitation from the clouds completes the cycle. The water cycle provides a basic link between natural systems such as upland forests, wetlands and aquatic habitats, and is important to man in maintaining water supplies and removing and cleansing pollutants. w N t5 A The cycling of nutrients (including organic compounds Unconsolidated materials extend from the land surface and minerals such as potassium and phosphorous) is down to bedrock (ledge). The most common of these essential to the maintenance of the natural system. materials is glacial till, which consists of a heterogeneous Mineral elements from rocks are made available to plants mixture of clay, sand, gravel and boulders varying widely and animals by weathering and by dissolving and entering in size and shape. The ability of ground water to travel the water cycle. Nutrients in the soil are taken up by through till is directly related to the amounts of silt and plants and passed on to grazing animals and finally clay found in the till; the more silt and clay, the slower the predators. They are returned to the soil through decompo- water will travel. Sand and gravel deposits contain very sition. Additions to the nutrient cycle occur through little silt and clay, and ground water can travel through precipitation and wind-blown dust, and nutrients are lost them very easily. These deposits are usually found in river through erosion and runoff, hunting, and harvesting of valleys, although a few may be found in till areas. Large trees and crops. Environmental disturbance may cause sand and gravel deposits that are saturated with ground more nutrients to be lost than are added, upsetting the water can often be used as sources for private and public nutrient cycle of an area and decreasing its productivity. water supply. 5 Kd?I'OW 4Y' The movement and dispersion of air pollution is essentially determined by three natural factors: wind speed, wind direction, and atmospheric stability. Pollu- tion will, of course, move in the same direction as the wind, and will disperse more rapidly in a strong wind than when there is little or no air movement. The vertical move- ment of pollutants is determined by atmospheric stability. If air temperature decreases rapidly with height, the atmosphere is unstable and vertical air movement in- creases dispersion of pollution. If there is little or no .change in temperature as height increases, less mixing occurs. Pollution problems are greatest when a layer of warm air forms an "Inversion" above cool air near -the ground. Pollution becomes trapped beneath the inver- sion, and, since there is inadequate air movement to dissipate pollutants, air quality deteriorates. Opt rNI"', O-ze /-Us* Ire 'o'/W --rWM( *Wvre fa7ut- The pattern of succession of plant species from farm- Lakes, streams, and rivers are heavily influenced by land to mature forest can be seen throughout rural surrounding upland areas. If the amount of organic Connecticut. The grasses of abandoned pastures are material (from sewage systems, agricultural runoff, or partially replaced by weeds such as asters and goldenrod. industrial sources) entering bodies of water increases, The first trees to appear are usually red cedars and gray growth of aquatic plants also sharply increases. This birches. These short-lived trees increase the amount of process, which is called "eutroph !cation", often causes shade, creating favorable conditions for hardwoods such the oxygen dissolved in the water to be depleted, killing as oaks, hickories, and red maples. The cedars and fish and most other animals. The loss of upland vegeta- birches are slowly shaded out as the invading trees reach tion (due to construction, fires, and other activities) maturity. In its naural "climax" state, Connecticut's exposes the soil and creates erosion problems. Silt forests are dominated by oaks, with red maple. as the carried by runoff pollutes the water and eventually settles most common wetland tree. Pines prefer dry sandy soil, to the bottom, killing aquatic plants and animals and and hemlocks are frequent in moist areas where fires are causing lakes, ponds and stream channels to silt in. inf requent. 6 Inland wetlands.erve many important ecological functions. Flood and erosion damage is reduced by the ability of wetlands to store and slow the speed of flood waters. Wetlands remove pollutants from water flowing through them by trapping sediments and by biologically breaking down impurities. Their role in the water cycle is varied: flood waters are released slowly into streams; in some areas, ground water is discharged into wetlands R)atel^ /I/ creating a valuable water supply source. Biologically, wetlands are highly productive, providing food and habitat for a large variety of wildlife. fl Marshes lack trees and are domi- nated by soft-stemmed plants. They Speckl&( ala'el 0/ vary from wet meadows gn post agricultural land where soil is t t 'eas with standing water throughout the year. Common plants include cat- tails, tussock sedge, rushes, and water lilies. XwMel-lea-io Swamps are characterized by trees and shrubs and a water table at or near the surface for most of the year. Red maple is the most common tree of 41 Connecticut's swamps; skunk cab- bage, speckled alder and spi are among the most abundant plants. red Pnt*I nt Bogs occur in depressions with J: I little or no outflow. Dead plant matter usually accumulates as peat, and a 4@ @@Pm i . mat is sometimes formed that floats on the water. Bog plants include sphagnum moss, leatherleaf, larch, ;@-VXI AtK southern white cedar, and pitcher plants. wl1116 w Flood plains are low-lying areas N' bordering rivers and streams that are periodically inundated by flood waters Soils deposited during floods support swamps and marshes, as well as forests dominated by cottonwood, silver and red maple, pussywillow and black willow. 7 Using the land, water and air Environmentally sensitive areas Development of flood plains can result in economic disaster and loss of life from flood level flood waters. Frequently-flooded areas should be reserved for open space, recreation or agriculture; areas flooded only rarely may be suitable for limited development if adequate precautions are taken. - 1-9- Generally, swamps, marshes, and bogs should not be filled or built upon. Developing in wetlands destroys wNdlife ig habitat, may increase flood damage through loss of flood water storage 0 areas, and A often reduces the ability of a watercourse to cleanse itself of pollutants. Unless considerable time and exp se are taken for special precautions, steep slopes should not be built upon. Erosion from surface runoff is likely to be con- siderably more severe than on moderate slopes, and the weight of structures on steep hillsides may cause unstable soils to "slump" and weaken or crack founda- tions. In extreme cases, mud-slides may cause buildings to collapse. Dredging of rivers, lakes, and wetlands has numerous adverse effects. Silt dis- turbed by dredging reduces water quality and damages productive bottom habitat Altered speed and direction of flow through dredged channels can increase flooding and erosion problems down- stream. If dredging is necessary, the amount should be minimized. Dredge spoils should be deposited at a suitable site and confined with dikes. 8 Using the land, water and air Footings, parking areas, wells In low areas with high ground water, care must be taken to insure that building foundations are above the maximum high ground water level. Foundations built below the water level may flood and we er table settle, are subject to cracking, and, in extreme cases collapse. Buildings should generally be excluded from such areas; otherwise, special engineering measures such as slab foundations or curtain drains must be used. Extensive paving over of ground water recharge areas causes water that would normally filter through the soil to remain on the surface. This may lower the water table to such a degree that shallow wells go dry. Increased runoff from paved areas be omes polluted, worsens erosion and, because it no longer slowly percolates through the soil, increases flooding. water table Streams formerly supplied by ground water may periodically go dry. D Large developments that are likely to generate a significant amount of vehicu- lar traffic should be located in areas where existing traffic flow is good and where roads can handle increased traffic. Parking areas should be designed with easy entrance and egress, and through 'lop traffic should be hindered as little as possible. Idling cars can cause a large increase in local air pollution levels, Generally, wells will be less expensive to install and will yield more water in sand and gravel rather than in glacial till. cial Drilling deep into bedrock is often un- till OD sand d necessary if the water table is relatively gravel close to the surface. Installing a single bedrock well for several homes rather than using individual wells is less expensive and allows for choice of an optimum site. 9 Using the land, water and air Wells and septic systems In Connecticut, most water from a bed- rock well will be obtained at a depth of less than 200 to 250 feet. Drilling sub- stantially deeper than this level is rarely productive and is often prohibitively expensive. The water storage capacity provided by a deep well can be more cheaply provided by a basement holding tank. If little or no water is found at this water table ------ level, it is usually better to start again at a different site rather than to continue drilling. AMP\ a Drinking water can become contami- .. nated by improper placement of septic systems. To insure reasonable protection from contamination, residential water supply wells should be at least 75 feet from septic systems. If possible, leach- ing fields should be placed so that leachate flows away from nearby wells. Improper septic system design relative AM- -.1'.. to soil characteristics often results in un- A M IQ sanitary conditions. Relatively imperme- able soils such as clay may cause sewage to co me to the surface. Sandy, highly permeable soils may allow sewage to enter groundwater or lakes and streams before it is sufficiently purified. In order to function properly, septic systems must be large enough to handle the amount of sewage produced by the buildings they serve. Otherwise, inade- quately purified sewage may reach the LI3 C3 surface or contaminate water supplies. A three-bedroom house requires a 1000 gallon septic tank; tank capacity should be increased by 250 gallons for each Ae additional bedroom. Leaching fields should also be of adequate size; dimen- sions vary according to soil character- istics. 10 Using the land, water and air Septic systems A septic system installed above the water table during the dry season may be in or near groundwater when the rains 0 come, allowing sewage to contaminate drinking water supplies. Systems should high water table be installed in areas where the land AwO surface is at least 10 feet above the low - - - - - - - - he ground water level and 41/2 feet above the -A - - - - - - low water [email protected] . high water level. Leaching systems must be at least 18 inches above the maximum ground water level. _j State law requires that septic systems be installed no closer than 50 feet from tributaries to drinking water supplies or 25 feet from any other lake, stream or standing surface water. It is recom- t mended that systems be installed at leas 50 feet away from all watercourses, since septic system failure can pollute streams and add large amounts of nutrient matter to lakes and ponds, causing them to become clogged with algae. If bedrock is close to the surface, a C3 13 sewage may travel along shallow bedrock 13 0 11 13 and through its fissures, coming to the surface before it has been adequately a purifi d. Bedrock should be at least 7 feet below the surface. If depth to bed- rock is less than 7 feet, special design bedrock may be necessary. The bottom of the leaching trenches must be at least four ...... . feet above the bedrock surface. n n -fill Septic systems should be placed a high_.w@ater2@@It minimum of 15 feet from steep slopes (of 15 percent or greater). Sewage entering the soil close to a slope will move too quickly to be adequately purified, and may come to the surface, creating J unsanitary conditions. 11 Using the land, water and air Construction practices Stream channelization and the use of culverts should be minimized. Alteration of the natural flow of surface water usually results in a loss of biological productivity and a reduction in the scenic value of the area. Increased velocity of I Vill I'll, water flowing through pipes and man- made channels aggravates erosion, it A@ especially downstream from the site. Runoff from construction sites can badly pollute streams with silt. Tempo- rary sedimentation basins, which allow much of the silt to settle out of the water, can reduce pollution problems. At small construction sites, bales of hay can be anchored to the ground where water lhflllt,@ drains from the site. The bales trap sediments and slow the flow of the water, reducing erosion and pollution. Erosion, sedimentation, and damage to existing vegetation can be reduced by I grading only those parts of the site where construction will occur. Fencing off or posting "off limits" areas will preserve the natural character of the site and Wa OW increase its value after construction is It/ completed. Bare earth should be graded and seeded as soon after construction as possible. Allowing exposed topsoil to . . . . . . . . . . erode away reduces the visual quality of .."""n, the site, increases sedimentation, and requires unnecessary expense in pre- paring the area for later landscaping. 12 Using the land, water and air ,Construction practicesq dams and ponds Dust released at construction sites can be a nuisance and a health hazard. Al Unpaved roads should be regularly _741 sprinkled (or paved if heavily used or -permanent). Trucks hauling earth se mi materials should be equipped with a 0 0 cover that is regularly used. Failure to do 0 t) so is punishable by a fine under the State "Fugitive Dust" laws. Several factors should be considered in planning an artificial pond. If the watershed draining into the site is too small, the pond may stagnate or not fill properly. If the soil is highly permeable (sand and gravel, for instance), the pond may drain quickly. Erosion and pollution upstream may preclude use of a site. Evaporation may exceed the flow of water into the pond, especially if there are large shallow water areas. Dams should be designed by a profes- sional engineer and constructed in such a way that seepage and the possibility of overtopping are minimized. Relatively non-porous material should be used as fill; the material should be compacted, graded to a slope shallow enough to 4 prevent serious erosion, and seeded. The 14" top of the dam should be at least two feet above the high water level of the pond, and a spillway should be large enough to pass severe storm runoff. The recreational potential of a site can be increased by designing ponds to be suitable for stocking with trout or other species. Although design requirements vary from site to site, a half-acre pond should be about 12 feet deep over at least 30 percent of its area. Depth should be ...-.eased to 15 feet for a one acre pond. Trout can be stocked at a rate of 300 fingerlings per acre. Near-shore areas should be shallow if children's play areas are nearby. 13 OCLC: 2066667 Rec stat: n Entered: 19760324 Replaced: 19950225 Used: 19931108 9 Type: a Bib LvL: m Source: d Lang: eng Repr: Enc LvL: I Conf pub: 0 Ctry: ctu Indx: 0 Mod rec: Govt pub: s Cont: Desc: i Int Lvt: Festschr: 0 ILLus: a F/B: 0 Dat tp: s Dates: 1975, % 9 1 040 CZL Ic CZL % S 2 090 lb % 6 3 049 NOW % S 4 110 1 Connecticut. lb Coastal Area Management Program. % S 5 245 10 Developer's handbook / Ic written and illustrated by Allen Carroll, State of Connecticut, Dept. of Environmental Protection, Coastal Area Management Program. % S 6 260 EHartford] : IbDept. of Environmental Protection, Ic [19753 % 9 7 300 60 p. : lb iLL. ; Ic 28 cm. % 9 8 650 0 Land subdivision Ix Handbooks, manuals, etc. % S 9 650 0 Land subdivision Ix Law and legislation Iz Connecticut % S 10 650 0 Cities and towns Ix Planning Ix Handbooks, manuals, etc. % S 11 700 1 Carroll, Allen. % DEP's regulatory programs Inland wetlands In passing the State's Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Act, the legislature acknowledged that wetlands are "an indispensable and irreplaceable but fragile natural resource" and concluded that "the preservation and protection of the wetlands and water courses ... is in the public interest and is essential to the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the State." To that end, the Act authorizes the towns to establish inland wetlands agencies to regulate (under State guidelines) the use of wetlands and water courses. Most of Connecticut's 169 towns have done this; DEP regulates wetlands in towns that have not established their own programs. Although the following information will apply to most town pro- grams, persons planning work in wetlands areas should contact officials in the town involved. What areas are regulated? Wetlands are defined as areas where soil is designated "poorly drained", "very poorly drained", "alluvial", and "flood plain" on maps of soil types compiled by the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Copies of the SCS soils maps are on file at DEP and in the town clerks' offices of each town. Since definition and interpretation of soil types varies, SCS maps should be used as the basis for wetlands delineation rather than private engineers' or consultants' surveys. Analysis of vegetation in the field can give a general indication of wetlands boundaries. What activities require permits? A permit is needed for "any operation within or use of a wetland or water course involving removal or deposition of material, or any obstruction, construction, alteration or pollution of such wetlands or water courses." A few uses do not require permits; these include farming, grazing, farm ponds of three acres or less, boat moorings and "uses incidental for the enjoyment and maintenance of residential property." In addition, residential homes and subdivi- sions for which building or subdivision permits were issued prior to the effective date of local wetlands regula- tions do not require permits. Who should be contacted? Applications and inquiries should be addressed to the local inland wetlands agency of the town involved. If the town has no wetlands pro- gram, the Information and Education Unit of DEP should be contacted. If a DEP inland wetlands permit is required, applicants will be referred to the Inland Wetlands section of the Water Resources Unit. What constitutes an application? Since application re- quirements vary somewhat among local wetlands agencies, the appropriate agency should be contacted 14 before an application is prepared. @tate and local inland wetlands agencies will also require more information for major proposals. Unnecessary delays can be avoided if applications are complete upon first submission. In most cases, however, minimum requirements for wetlands applications include the applicant's name, property owner's name (if the applicant does not own the property upon which the proposed work will be done), the appli- cant's interest in the land, geographical location of the land, the purpose and description of the proposed activity, a site plan, and a list of the adjacent property owners. The agency may require additional information such as soil sample data, biological information, charac- teristics of the water course affected by the proposed work, analysis of materials to be used as fill, and detailed engineering drawings. Five copies of the application must be submitted. How are applications processed? Upon receipt of an application, the appropriate inland wetlands agency reviews the proposed project and includes in its con- sideration the following factors (as outlined in the Inland Wetlands Act): -The environmental impact of the proposed action; -The alternatives to the proposed action; -The relationship between short-term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; -Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources which would be involved in the proposed activity; -The character and degree of injury to, or interference with, safety, health or the reasonable use of property which is caused or threatened; and -The suitability or unsuitability of such activity to the area for which it is proposed. Public hearings may be held for proposed projects that are likely to have a major effect on a wetland or water course. The length of time involved in processing applications varies: local agencies are required to reach a decision within 65 days of receipt of a complete application; the State must act within 90 days. Conditions and limitations may be attached to wetlands permits. Stream channel encroachment lines Development of flood plains raises flood heights, in- creases flood damage, and endangers life and property. In recognition of this fact, the State has established lines along flood-prone rivers within which encroachments are permitted. Encroachment lines are established on the basis of a "design storm". In most cases, there is approxi- mately one chance out of one hundred that a storm as severe as the design storm will occur in any given year. The amount of flooding caused by the design storm is calculated, and encroachment lines are established along the predicted high water lines. What Areas Are Regulated? Areas where encroachment 15 lines have been established are outlined on the accom- panying map. Detailed surveyor's maps showing en- croachment lines in relation to property lines and the river are on file at clerks' offices in the appropriate towns and in the Water Resources Unit of DEP. What Activities Require Permits? No "obstruction, en- croachment or hindrance of any nature", including build- ings, dikes and fill can be placed within encroachment lines without a state permit. The removal of any material from the flood plain or any alteration that will adversely affect the river's ecosystem is also regulated. In addition, a permit is required to repair any structure damaged to the extent of more than half of its market value. Who Should Be Contacted? Initial inquiries to the Information and Education Unit; detailed applications to the Inland Section, Water Resources Unit, Department of Environmental Protection. What Constitutes An Application? Applicants are required to submit a letter of application, cross sections of the river and property, and a site plan showing existing build- whiting r french r blackberry r *Aj hock r quinebaug r north brk %0-* west r farmington r 4 willimantic r P4.1 hockanurn r south r pequabuck r shetucket r shepaug r connecticut r housatonic r quinebaug r 10 naugatuck r quinnipiac r norwalk r noroton r Flood-prone areas regulated under the Stream Channel byr r Encroachment Lines program w IM ilr r 7m rippowarn r Contact the Town Clerks' offices of the appropriate municipalities for detailed maps of encroachment line locations. 16 ings, physical features, the dimensions of the proposed work, and the location of the flood encroachment lines. The names and addresses of adjacent property owners should be included. Additional information including a detailed hydraulic analysis may be required. A detailed permit request information sheet can be obtained from the Water Resources Unit. How Are Applications Processed? DEP reviews flood encroachment applications in terms of the following factors: - the capacity of the river system to carry and store flood waters. - the effect of the proposed encroachment on the flood heights of the design storm; i.e., will the proposal cause increased flooding to the degree that lives and property will be endangered. - the effects of the encroachment on the river ecosystem and on the State's natural resources. Processing time for applications is approximately two months. Supervision of dams Under State Statutes, any dam, dike or reservoir which, by breaking away might endanger life or property shall be subject to inspection and investigation by DEP, In addi- tion, a permit is required for the construction or alteration of such structures. If Ahe Department determines that an existing or proposed dam does not pose a potential danger to life or property, no construction permit is re- quired from DEP. Inquiries should be addressed to the Information and Education Unit, and applications should be filed with the Inland Section of the Water Resources Unit, Department of Environmental Protection. Information required for a construction permit application includes the applicant's name, location of the proposed dam, dimensions of the dam and pond, and proposed use of the pond. The Department will determine whether an inland wetlands permit is required for construction of the dam. If a dam construction permit is issued, DEP personnel will inspect the construction site to determine whether the structure will be safe. If existing or new dams are found to be safe, the Department issues certificates of approval, to which conditions may be attached in order to insure the long-term safety o ,V the structure. Water pollution Under federal legislation, a program of water pollution control was begun in the late 1940's.and early 1950's. Major progress in Connecticut began with the Clean Water Act in 1967. Then in 1972, amendments to the Clean Water Act called forthe elimination of existing sources of water pollution and prevention of future pollution 17 sources. The Water Compliance Unit of DEP joinly administers federal and state water pollution laws under a single permit system. Since sizes and types of pollution sources vary so widely, however, the time and procedures involved in the permit processes also vary. The following is a general guide to the water pollution permit process; the Water Compliance staff should be contacted before permit applications are submitted for informal consulta- tion and for specific directions concerning permit applications. What activities require permits? A permit is required from the Water Compliance Unit of DEP for the following activities: - all new industrial discharges - all new sanitary sewage discharges greater than 5000 gallons per day (including septic systems and dis- charges into municipal sewage systems) - all increases in industrial or sanitary discharges over 5000 gallons per day Sanitary discharges of less than 5000 gallons per day (which include most single-family dwellings) should be referred to the municipality. Plans for any septic systems with capacities of 2000 gallons per day or more must be approved by the Connecticut Department of Health. These plans must be prepared by a certified professional engineer. For proposed discharges into municipal sewage systems, the local sewer agency should be contacted; the local health officer should be notified of proposed septic systems that will receive discharges of less than 5000 gallons per day. In addition, all marine terminals must be licensed by Water Compliance; all waste chemical collectors must be licensed; and all automobile dealers and repairers must be certified for waste oil disposal. For further information on these matters, contact the Information and Education Unit. Permits are not required for private swimming pools and filter discharges and for ground water drainage systems (such as foundation drains) not connected with sanitary waste disposal. Permits are also not required for storm water collection systems; for large systems, how- ever, it is recommended that developers contact Water Compliance for informal review of plans. What constitutes an application? Applicants must submit a completed form including the applicant's name and address, the volume and nature of the proposed dis- charge, and detailed descriptions of the location of the discharge, the type of operation producing the discharge, and the anticipated quality of the effluent. Separate appli- cations (and separate permits) are required for each pro- posed discharge. Applications and plans for conventional single-home systems of less than 2000 gallons per day may be prepared without the assistance of a professional engineer. How are applications processed? The method and length of time for processing applications varies according to the size and nature of the proposed discharge and the condi- tions of the site. Generally, applications for discharges 18 under 5000 gallons per day are processed without public hearings. For other proposals, the Water Compliance Unit, upon receipt of a complete application, reviews the application and prepares a "tentative determination". This is, in effect, a proposed decision to grant or deny a permit on the grounds of the discharge's potential effect on the quality of the ground or surface water. A public hearing is then held to discuss the tentative determination (the hearing is usually held from 30 to 60 days after an applica- tion is submitted). A final decision is made, in most cases, from one week to two months after a hearing. If a proposed discharge is approved, the Department receives and reviews detailed plans for the discharge. Upon approval of the plans, a permit is granted. Special condi- tions may be attached to the permit by the Department. Minimum flow regulations DEP regulates the construction of dams and the diversion of water from rivers and streams that are stocked with fish by the Department. These activities are regulated because dams and diversions could reduce the amount of flow in the streams to the point where stocked fish could not survive. Exempt from the regulations are impoundments that receive water from a drainage basin of less than two square miles in size. Developers and individuals potentially affected by these regulations should contact the Information and Education Unit for possible referral to the Water Resources Unit, Department of Environmental Protection. Air pollution Air pollution is one of Connecticut's most persistent - and technically complex - environmental problems. Not only are chemical reactions of pollutants in the atmo- sphere difficult to analyze and predict, but the nature of air movements and weather patterns makes the effect of air pollution highly variable. A steady wind may harm- lessly disperse large amounts of pollutants while an in- version or air stagnation could cause concentrations to rise to dangerous levels. Several air pollutants are known to be dangerous to health. Increased incidence of heart and lung disease, respiratory conditions, and premature death are among the known health effects of air pollution. In order to minimize these health effects, the federal government (under the 1970 Clean Air Act Amendments) established maximum allowable concentrations for air pollution. These "primary ambient air quality standards" have been set for six major air pollutants, which are discussed briefly below. Air pollution also has adverse impacts on visibility, weather, materials, crops and other factors affecting welfare or property. These effects have been considered in the establishment of "secondary ambient air quality 19 standards". Secondary standards are more strict than primary standards, and reflect the level of pollution below which no significant effects on material welfare are evident. The six pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act vary widely in their characteristics and effects. Four are produced primarily by the automobile and other mobile sources: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas produced during combustion. Since it reacts relatively quickly in the atmosphere to form less harmful materials it is a local problem and is usually worst during hours of peak traffic generation. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are by-products of combustion that have a number of adverse health effects. The extent of the NOx problem is poorly understood because of difficulty in monitoring and modeling its levels in the atmosphere. Hydrocarbons are a large group of molecules, most of which are not known to be directly harmful. Hydro- carbons are regulated because of their tendency to react in sunlight with nitrogen oxides in the air to form photochemical oxidants. Photochemical oxidants (primarily ozone) are strong oxidizing agents known to have harmful effects on heart and lung function. Commonly called smog, oxidants are produced by a complex series of chemical reactions between hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. These reactions may take place over several hours and occur dozens of miles from the pollution source. Smog is a regional phenomenon, and is Connecticut's most serious air pollution problem. Both sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter are released primarily by stationary sources such as industrial facilities and power plants. Particulates consist of microscopic particles that remain in the atmosphere until settling out on their own or in precipitation. Al- though particulates consist of many materials, lead and asbestos fibers are among the most inherently harmful. Other particulates often act as vehicles carrying molecules of harmful gases such as sulfur oxides into the lungs. Sulfur oxides are a product of the oxidation of sulfur in fuels. Among their many harmful effects is increased acidity of rain, which increases corrosion of man-made materials and lowers productivity of plants. Both sulfur oxides and particulate matter have a deleterious effect on lung function. The Clean Air Act directs the states to regulate air pollution under guidance from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Several methods are utilized to bring air pollution levels into compliance with the federal standards: - Emission standards have been set for stationary sources, such as factories and power plants, and where necessary, pollution control equipment is in- stalled. (Emission standards apply to a particular source, whereas ambient standards apply to a general area-wide pollution standards). 20 - Emission standards have been-set by the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) for automobiles, and other mobile sources. - Open burning is regulated. - Large developments such as shopping centers, park- ing facilities, sports complexes and highways are regulated as "indirect sources". Although large facili- ties by themselves may cause minimal air pollution, they indirectly cause pollution because of the relatively large amounts of vehicular traffic they attract. Pollution from these developments can be wind speed: 10 mph' minimized through careful siting and traffic control measures. - Plans are being developed at the federal level to prevent the degradation of air quality in "clean" areas air volume containing where air pollution is currently below primary and amount of pollution secondary standards. This may result in the establish- emitted in one hour ment of "tertiary" standards for some regions. Any consideration of the effects of a proposed source 10 miles of pollution on the air quality of an area must take into account not only typical conditions, but the worst condi- tions as well. When there is a steady breeze and atmo- wind speed: 5 mph spheric conditions are unstable (see page 6) even large amounts of pollution may be dispersed so effectively that air quality will not be seriously affected. But when the air air volume containin'g..' is stable and there is little or no wind, the same amount of ':amount of pollution emitted in one pollution could result in dangerously polluted air. --- ho.ur The effect a certain amount of pollution will have on ambient air quality is related to the volume of air through which pollution can diffuse or mix (see diagrams). If wind 5 miles d is 10 miles per hour, for instance, pollution emitted spee from a stack will have half the amount of air to mix with (if other factors are constant) than if there was a 20 mile per hour breeze. In addition, if there is considerable vertical air movement, pollution can mix with a larger volume of air than if there is little vertical movement. A temperature inversion limits the air volume pollutants can be dispersed into by restricting the vertical movement since temperature differences prevent the pollution from rising above the inversion layer. The closer to the ground the inversion is, the smaller the volume of air available for mixing becomes, and pollution concentrations increase. Air pollution: point sources Two types of permits are issued under the point source (or stationary source) program. Construction permits are issued on the basis of projected operational emissions. Operation permits are issued after construction has been completed and an inspection made to insure that actual emissions do not exceed the projected amounts and do not violate air quality standards. What air pollution sources require permits? A permit is t=M btr-H Ery mi@ required for any fuel-burning source with a capacity of five million BTU or greater, or any boiler that burns coal or number 4 or number 6 fuel oil. All incinerators in commercial and industrial buildings and in dwellings of six or more family units also require permits. In addition, 21 permits are required for certain types of manufacturing equipment; contact the Information and Education Unit for additional information. Construction Permits What information must applicants supply? If, through correspondence with the Air Compliance Unit, it is deter- mined that a permit is required, the applicant is requested to fill out a standard form. Required information includes the type and size of the equipment to be installed, the type of fuel used, pollutants emitted (if known), and location of the proposed source. Applications should be temperature inversion addressed to the Permit Group, Engineering Section, Air Compliance, DEP. How are applications processed? The Department ir volume available for evaluates applications to determine probable emissions a mi Ing and the effects those emissions would have on the local dispersion of pollutants layer . area. (Since existing air quality varies widely in various areas of the state, the effects of an air pollution source could be far greater in some regions than in others.) Public hearings are required for sources which will emit more than 100 tons of air pollutants without control equipment; however, a hearing may be held on other applications at the request of members of the public or the parties involved in the application. In most cases, the Depatment issues a decision within 60 days of receipt of a temperature inversion complete application. Processing time is longer for major proposals and for applications that are taken to public lier air volume hearing. Construction permits usually expire after one available for disper- year; however, extensions are, in most cases, routinely sion of pollutants: ing'.,, er ,,ambient pollution granted. levels higher Operation Permits During the period when the construction permit is valid and within ten days after the initial start-up, an inspection is made to determine that the equipment is operating efficiently. Provided no problems arise, an operation permit is issued. Permits are valid for a period of one to five years, depending upon the type of source. Renewal of operation permits usually involves a reinspection and a determination that no changes have been made to the equipment or its operation. Registration of Existing Air Pollution Sources Point sources installed prior to June, 1972 and operating prior to October, 1972 do not require a permit, but may have to be registered with the Air Compliance Unit. A form for this purpose is available from the Engineering Section. Air pollution: indirect sources The greatest air pollution impact of development is often that associated with vehicular traffic. In fact, vehicular pollution is Connecticut's most severe air pollu- tion problem. This is due to the difficulty of controlling ff!ft vehicular sources either by use of emission control equip- ment on the vehicle or by increasing the use of different travel modes such as trains and buses. Under the indirect source program, proposals for major developments are 22 evaluated in terms of the potential traffic generated, the degree of congestion caused by the additional traffic and the resulting air pollution. What developments require permits? Indirect source per- mits are required only for large developments that are likely to generate 500 or more vehicle trips during the peak hour of traffic generation. Such developments include: - Multi-family dwellings of 630 units or more - Single-family dwellings of 500 units or more - Shopping centers of 90,000 square feet gross floor area or more - Sports complexes or entertainment theaters of 1,250 seats or more - Independent parking areas of 400 parking spaces or more. (A complete list is available from DEP's Indirect Source Studies Group.) Potential applicants should request an "Indirect Source Questionnaire" from the Indirect Source Studies Group, Air Compliance, Department of Environ- mental Protection. The Department will review completed questionnaires and determine whether a permit is required. What information must applicants supply? Applicants must submit information showing anticipated vehicle traffic patterns and an analysis of the amount of conges- tion that will occur in the vicinity of the site. The analysis should deal particularly with intersections that fail to meet criteria established by DEP. Details on application requirements are available from the Indirect Source office. How are applications processed? The Department utilizes information supplied by the applicant to determine the amount of carbon monoxide that will be emitted by traffic associated with the proposed development. Existing pollutant concentrations at the site are evaluated as well as projected concentrations after completion of the development. Issuance or denial of permits is based upon the probability that the maximum allowable carbon monoxide levels at points of congestion will be exceeded. Within 60 days of submission of a complete application, the Department issues a preliminary report. The report, along with the application, is made available to the public for inspection by interested parties. A public hearing may be held if requested by the applicant, state, municipality, or members of the public. Operation permits. An operation permit is issued if the Department determines that the development has been constructed in accordance with the conditions of the construction permit and that no substantial changes have been made since issuance of the construction permit. Air pollution: open burning Open burning is defined in state regulations as "the burning of any matter in such a manner that the products of combustion from the burning are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through an adequate 23 stack or flue." DEP, in cooperation with the municipali- ties, regulates op6n burning because uncontrolled burning can have a serious impact on air quality, particu- larly in terms of particulate matter. In fact, prior to its regulation, it was estimated that open burning contrib- uted up to 25% of the particulate matter in Connecticut's air. What activities require permits? Permits are required either from the municipality or the state, depending upon the proposed activity. A local permit is required for: - Fires for training personnel in methods of fighting fires, but excluding the burning of structures - Fires for the prevention or control of disease or pests - Fires for the prevention, control, or destruction of agricultural diseases and pests, and agricultural burn- Ing for vegetation management - Fires by any resident to dispose of brush or leaves on the property where he resides State permits are needed for: - Fires for the disposal of dangerous material such as toxic gases where there is no reasonable alternative method - Fires to thwart a hazard which cannot properly be managed by any other means or is necessary for the protection of public health - Fires in tidal marshes - Fire training exercises in which structures are to be burned - Any other fires not specifically listed as permitted, prohibited or requiring a local permit. The following are conditions under which no permits can beissued: - Where garbage, paper, metal, plastics, rubber, painted materials or demolition waste is to be burned - If the burning creates hazardous health conditions - If ambient air quality standards might be exceeded - If salvage operation would be conducted by the burning (from wire, cans, etc.) - If advisory threatening atmospheric conditions or any other air pollution emergency has been issued by the Commissioner - If forest fire danger is high in that area - Where a reasonable alternative exists (i.e., if a refuse disposal area exists in a reasonable proximity, if appli- cant has sufficient area to dispose of the materials, and if the town collects these materials, and if the town collects these materials at least annually). No permits are required for: - Barbecues, etc. - Campfires, bonfires for ceremonial or recreational purposes - To abate fire hazard (must be controlled by a responsible fire official) - Fires in salamanders, etc. used by construction workers for heat; fires used for street installation or paving activities, the repairing of utilities or similar work. Who should be contacted? Most municipalities have designated a local burning official to administer open burning regulations who may be contacted through the town offices. Inquiries to the State should be addressed 24 to DEP, Information and Education Unit; if it is deter- mined that a permit is necessary, applications should be addressed to DEP's Air Compliance Unit, Field Opera- tions and Enforcement section. What constitutes an application? Applicants are required to submit a form (available from State and local offices) requesting the applicant's name and address, the quantity and type of material to be burned, the location of the proposed burning, the purpose of the burning, and an explanation of why practical alternatives to the burning are not feasible. The HUD flood insurance program The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment (HUD) has designated 166 Connecticut communities as flood-prone and, under the federal Flood Disaster Protection Act, will make available flood insurance to property owners in towns participating in the program. The goal of the program is to reduce through preferential insurance rates the amount of property subject to flood damage without unduly penalizing current, property owners. Therefore, developers who are planning con- struction on land which is potentially flood-prone should contact local officials to determine whether the town is affected by and participating in the program. Flood hazard boundary maps are available for public inspection at the town offices. In participating towns, flood insurance rates for exist- ing structures are subsidized by the federal government; current actuarial rates are charged for new construction in f lood hazard areas. All policies are ava'ilable from licensed property and casualty insurance agents and brokers. To paticipate in the program, a town must assure that development sites are reasonably safe from flooding before building permits are granted. Once the municipal- ity is accepted in the flood insurance program, a more detailed flood hazard study is conducted. After comple- tion and federal acceptance of the study, the town is required to adopt a flood standard in its zoning regulations. Towns containing f lood-prone communities which have not entered the program by July 1, 1975, or within one year of publication of their flood hazard maps, will be unable to receive federal financial assistance for con- struction. In addition, residents in both the flood hazard area and in the town in which it is located would be in- eligible for loans from any federally-insured or regulated lending institution. 25 The coastline Because of its scenic, recreational, and commer- cial value, Connecticut's coastline has been heavily developed along most of its 271 miles. Seasonal and permanent homes, public and private beaches. marinas, and port facilities all compete for shoreline space. Yet the natural assets that attracted much of the development have deteriorated as a result of intensive and poorly planned human use of the coastline. In response to this problem, DEP has been man- dated to insure the preservation of tidal wetlands and to regulate dredging, filling. and the building of structures in tidal waters. The Department, in co- operation with other state agencies, coastal municl- paliies, and the public, is investigating ways to protect and enhance the natural resources of the coastline under the Coastal Area Management pro- gram. Voluntary measures by private developers and individuals, however. could be the most effective means of insuring that the scenic and natural qualities of the coastal area are properly used. Besides describing DEP's coastal permit' pro- grams, this chapter outlines some of the special factors that developers should consider when deal- ing with a site on or near the coastline. It should be kept in mind, though, that these factors do not rule out the considerations that apply to development in inland areas. In fact, nearly all the issues described in Chapter 1 also apply to coastal locations. The use of the coastline, with its unusual and valuable characteristics. logically requires some additional precautions. 26 The natural system A- Beaches and dunes protect marshes and adjacent up- lands from storms and erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and are of obvious scenic and recreational value. Waves and wind are constantly altering beaches and dunes. This is especially true during and after storms. The action of tidal currents and of waves striking a shoreline at an angle slowly moves sand and other materials along the shore. This littoral drift, as it is called, resupplies eroding beaches with sand transported from offshore or other points along the coast. Erosion and movement of dunes is reduced by dune grasses and other vegetation, which trap and anchor the sand against naural forces. 7/,/,?/ --Irulatve /.@7 m? ewnwrl nier --------------------- Estuaries are river mouths and bays where fresh and -1 salt water meet. Because salt water is slightly heavier than fresh water, it usually moves up the estuary under- neath outf lowing fresh water. Fine-grained material tends Tidal wetlands (or salt marshes) trap and store to move upstream by this process, frequently causing enormous amounts of energy in soil and plants. Tidal dredged channels to silt in quickly. The mixing of water in flushing, the daily movement of salt water into and out of estuaries creates a nutrient-rich habitat favorable to many the marshes, washes this energy as dead plant matter and forms of life, and helps to naturally clean polluted water. microscopic organisms out into the estuaries and Long Nearly all of the fish of Long Island Sound are in one way Island Sound, where it serves as the primary link in the or another dependent upon estuaries. Salmon and shad food web for marine life. Salt marshes are pollution migrate through them to fresh-water spawning areas; filters, removing contaminants from water flowing other species, such as striped bass, use estuaries as through them. By slowing the surge of flood waters, they nursery areas. For many other marine animals, estuaries can reduce not only shore erosion but flood damage to are important in feeding and reproduction. Estuaries also upland structures. Many fish species spawn or spend part provide habitat for blue crabs, oysters, and other of their life cycles in tidal wetlands; marshes are also commercially valuable shellfish. important breeding areas for certain waterfowl. 27 77-7 Tideflats are unvegetated sandy or muddy areas exposed at low tide. Despite their barren appearance, they support large animal populations. Worms, crabs, and clams feed at high tide, and retreat into burrows as the tide recedes. High tide also brings juvenile and even adult fish, which graze on the exposed food supply. Millions of microorganisms in the tideflats serve as natural filters for Icleaning polluted water. A4 N !I y14@ 4k The food web of Long Island Sound begins with dead plant and animal matter and other sediments flowing into estuaries from upland areas. These materials are con- verted into food by marsh vegetation, marine algae, bacteria, and minute floating plants. The plants are eaten Shorelands exert an important influence on the natural either by small fish, shellfish and other invertebrates, or systems of the coastline. The amount and quality of fresh by microscopic floating animals, which in turn are preyed water draining from shorelands into estuaries determines upon by larger animals. Large fish, birds, and man are at the salinity and water quality of all coastal waters. The the top of the food web, having no natural predators. salinity in turn helps determine the type of animal and Other animals feed on dead plants and animals, reducing plant species in the estuaries, and to a degree the type of them into basic chemical constituents. These materials wetlands vegetation . bordering the estuaries. Many are used by plants, thus completing the cycle. Because all animals need the lowered salinity in estuaries for aspects of the biological system are interrelated, spawning, for use as nursery areas, and for protection disruption of one part of the food web can affect many From salt-water predators. other parts. 28 The coastline Environmentally sensitive areas Generally, tidal wetlands and tideflats should not be filled or built upon. High .@tgllllmlil water table, unstable soils, and flooding 1111011 lug 1. Uy'l lilt %s % 9, lli hazard makes development difficult. The )l 1 0 value of marshes as wildlife habitat, 10,1111,11 11 it cleansers of pollutants, nutrient pro- 1), 1 1.1 ducers and aesthetic attractions makes .1 It -.0% it JIMA 1IM11111. It I their preservation vital. K lh-@@ Dunes are easily damaged by almost any human use. Loss of dune grasses .00 through trampling will increase erosion. Foundations for structures are usually unstable, danger of flooding and storm damage is extremely high, and water supply and waste disposal problems are ki NN frequent and expensive to solve. D evel- opment and heavy use of dune areas is not recommended. Low-lying areas bordering estuaries and the coastline may be prone to periodic flooding and storm damage. normal Development of these areas should be ----------- @Igh tide limited to water-related activities such as boating and recreation; other develop- ment should be carefully planned and regulated. The design of any coastal development should take scenic areas into considera- tion. Public access to scenic views should be allowed and encouraged. Vistas of the Sound and its estuaries can be preserved through the use of buffer zones or by planning the size and loca- tion of roads and structures with their visual impact in mind. 29 The coastline Dredging, fill and structures -0 0 Dredging frequently changes water circulation and salinity and releases pollutants from bottom sediments. Fine silt disturbed through dredging clouds the water and creates poor habitat for bottom organisms after settling. The silitt is easily moved by tides and currents; clogged channels may require frequent redredging. Whenever possible, dredging should be avoided. It it is necessary, the amount should be kept to a minimum. As a rule, coastal and tidal waters should not be filled or otherwise altered. Filled tidal areas are often subject to flooding and may result in erosion problems. In addition, filling alters the flow of water and sediments and de- stroys wildlife habitat and productive shallow areas. It is generally more expen- IL sive to "create" land by filling than to buy prime shorefront property. With careful planning, bulkheading can usually be avoided by locating development away from eroding shore lines. If not, it may be possible to retain V or establish a buffer strip of vegetation between the bulkhead and the water. This will help prevent undermining of the bulkhead, and will protect wildlife habitat. dill., Jetties, groins, and other structures perpendicular to the shoreline often cut "I'-w- Y` off the transport of sand by wave action. Sand may build up on one side of the barrier while the beach on the other side is. starved for sand and erodes away. Avoiding such structures allows natural processes to resupply eroding beaches with sand. 30 @The coastline Coastal water systems If it is necessary to install a structure in tidal waters, pilings are better than fill. N Water, sediments, and wildlife can live and move freely beneath the pilings where a solid structure would have created an obstruction. A Natural drainage patterns of shore- lands should be maintained. Channeliza- IR tion and diversion of coastal streams can IR@, increase pollution, change salinity levels, and decrease biological activity in estuaries by diverting f low f rom marshes, tideflats, and other shallow areas. If wells are going to be used for water supply, fresh groundwater may be in short supply in many coastal areas. water table Pumping water out of the ground some- times causes salt water to contaminate f resh wells. This potential problem should be water thoroughly studied prior to development fresh water watbr. salt water of a coastal site. Poorly planned septic systems can be especially troublesome near the coast- line. Since the water table is usually close to the surface, wastewater may enter the groundwater before it is properly cleansed. Highly permeable Y_ ate f resh wat a salt water sandy soils and relatively impermeable marsh soils require special consideration in design and may limit development sites; bedrock close to the surface may also cause problems. -a 31 The coastline Coastline development and roadbuildingi 41V Buildings and other types of develop- AS? ment that do not require a coastal loca- tion should be inland of the coastline. Locating such development inland will 0 keep coastal areas free for more appro- priate water-related uses. Supporting facilities for marinas, in- cluding buildings and storage areas, should be located inland. Locating these fill facilities on the shoreline preem P's 'rou valuable open space, pollutes sur Lnd- Ing waters with storm runoff, and greatly increases the probability of serious storm damage. Marinas should be located in areas with steep banks and good water circula- tion that provide wave and storm protec- tion. In many cases, the natural shoreline can be largely preserved by placing boat slips farther out into the water and connecting them to the shore with wharfs. This will reduce expensive dredg- ing and bulkheading, and will preserve shoreline for recreation and wildlife. Bridges, causeways, and docks in tidal jif waters and wetlands should be built so that water circulation is not blocked or impeded. Bridges are more desirable "'Vk than culverts; pile-supported causeways I across marshes and tideflats preserve I IWII@ natural habitat and are less disruptive than solid fill. 32 The coastal permit programs Two DEP permit programs deal specifically with the coastline: Structures and Dredging and Tidal Wetlands. It should be noted that these programs deal not only with the shoreline directly facing Long Island Sound, but also with harbors, coves, estuaries, and rivers as far, inland as the limit of tidal action. The Structures and Dredging program also includes navigable waters; the program thus applies to the Connecticut River as far north as Windsor Locks. Other DEP regulatory functions, such as the water discharge permits program described in Chapter 2, apply throughout the State, including the coastline. In all cases, developers are encouraged to contact DEP as early in the planning process as possible for information and technical assistance. Structures and dredging What areas are regulated? Permits are required only for work below the mean high water line (which is the average high tide level). The programs' jurisdiction includes all of the state's tidal waters (the shoreline, bays and estuaries, and rivers as far inland as tidal fluctuation is evident) and navigable rivers (the Thames to Norwich, the Connecticut to Windsor Locks, and the Housatonic to Shelton and Derby). If there is doubt as to whether proposed work will require a permit, contact DEP; a field inspector will, if necessary, visit the site and determine whether a permit is needed. What activities require permits? As is shown in the diagram (which, by the way, does not illustrate sound development methods), any structure in, beneath, or over tidal and navigable waters requires a permit from DEP. Dredging and filling in these areas are also required. Who should be contacted? Initial inquiries may be addressed to the Information and Education Unit of DEP. Both the State and the federal government regulate structures, fill and dredging. It is best to request the standard federal forms first from the Permits Branch of the Nbw England Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 424 Trapelo Road, Waltham, Massachusetts, 02154. Once the forms have been completed, applications may be filed with the Army Corps of Engineers and with the Coastal Section of DEP's Water Resources Unit. No work- may be carried out until permits have been obtained from both agencies. What constitutes an application? Applicants should submit a letter of application that explains the location and purpose of the proposed project, whether it is intended for public or private use, the materials and methods of construction, and details on its design and configuration. Names and addresses of the applicant and adjacent property owners should be listed. In addition, copies of the federal appli cation and plans drawn up in accordance with the Army Corps of Engineers guidelines should be submitted. A more detailed indication of appli- cation requirements can be obtained by contacting the Water Resources Unit. 33 How are applications processed? Once a complete application is received, afield inspector visits the site and evaluates possible impacts of the project, including effects on navigation, erosion, wildlife, and the use of adjacent areas. Comments are invited from town officials, other State units, and adjacent property owners. Public hearings are held for applications involving dredging and, in some cases, other major proposals. Processing of applications takes a minimum of two months if public hearings are not required; hearings lengthen the process to at least four months. Major projects usually require a longer period of time. Permits are effective for a maximum of three years, and must be renewed if work is not completed when the permit expires. Maintenance work may be done after the permit expires, but maintenance dredging cannot be carried out until a Water Quality Certifiate has been obtained from the Water Compliance Unit of DEP. NO PERMIT REQUIRED building above mean high water PERMIT REQUIRED PERMIT REQUIRED bulkheading, rip-rap overhead wire crossings PERMIT REQUIRED bridges, causeways PERMIT REQUIRED placing fill below mean high water PERMIT REQUIRED dredging PERMIT REQUIRED jetties, breakwaters PERMIT REQUIRED modification of tidal wetlands PERMIT REQUIRED piers, ramps, floats PERMIT REQUIRED underwater pipelines and cables PERMIT REQUIR91) mooring piles, dolphins 34 Tidal wetlands What areas are regulated? Connecticut's tidal wetlands have been surveyed by the state; all "regulated activities" within the delineated areas require permits. Wetlands boundary maps are on file in the town clerks' offices of all the affected towns, and a complete set is kept at DEP. Copies of individual maps may be purchased from the Coastal Section, Water Resources Unit, DEP, State Office Building, Hartford, 06115. DEP personnel will stake out wetlands boundaries on applicants' properties if a written request is submitted. What activities require permits? Dredging, filling, excava- tion, and removal of earth material from tidal wetlands can be carried out only after a permit has been obtained. The same is true for depositing materials, driving piles, or placing obstructions on tidal wetlands. Who should be contacted? A detailed list of application requirements is available from the Coastal Section, Water Resources, DEP. The requirements include a letter of application to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, a surveyor's map of the property, and drawings showing the design and location of the proposed work. Ten copies of the application materials are required. How are applications processed? As with the structures and dredging program, incomplete applications will 'not be processed until the missing information is provided by the applicant. Copies of the application and plans are sent to town and State officials, and a public hearing is held. Applicants should expect a processing time of about 6 months from acceptance of plans to the final decision on the application. 35 Further considerations A look at recent suburban development in Connecticut will convince most observers that aesthetics is rarely treated as a major factor in sub- division planning. This is not surprising, consider- ing that reactions to the visual environment are highly subjective, and that the economic benefits of good landscape design are difficult to assess. How- ever, efforts to incorporate positive scenic and visual qualities into development pay off in the form of higher property values and improved quality of life. The following pages illustrate a few common- sense aesthetic considerations for development of suburban and rural sites. The advantages of open space preservation, cluster development and energy conservation are also discussed. Developers are advised to seek further information on energy conservation; the Connecticut Department of Plan- ning and Energy Policy can be consulted for assistance. 36 Further considerations Harmonizing with the landscape Buildings should be designed to blend with their natural surroundings rather than spoil them. Instead of ignoring or dominating the landscape, large struc- tures should harmonize with the natural features of the area. Use of appropriate building materials and skillful land- scaping will make new buildings less qR @111 obtrusive. The use of a site should be compatible ............. with other land use in the area. A commercial development that could be an asset in the right location may be a nuisance and an eyesore if improperly sited. Improper scale and architectural style 0 of buildings can visually spoil an entire street. The height, use of building mate- rials, setback from the street, and land- MAI W Is scaping of new buildings should harmo- M am nize with neighboring structures . Build- IMM 213 go ings should not "compete" with nearby visual attractions such as churches and historic houses. PEI Buildings, signs, and parking areas should not block vistas from roads and - sx. i other public areas. Pleasing views can be maintained by placing utilities under- ground, landscaping to prevent vegeta- tion from obscuring the view, and locating buildings below or to one side of the line of sight. 37 Further considerations Subdivision design Hilltops should be avoided as building sites. Exposure to winds increase heat- ing costs; the natural horizon line is in- terrupted and buildings are highly vis- i*11 ible. Buildings located below hillcrests 4f are more sheltered and are less visible M from distant viewpoints. Roads should follow the contours of the site rather than run against them. Roads built straight up and down hills require more grading, are more expen- sive, need more maintenance, and may increase erosion problems. Visually, a 0 carefully-planned circulation pattern is .4% MMS preferable to a monotonous grid system, and the natural assets of the site are more likely to be maintained. IF IL gq W. ,4 Subdivisions should not be designed C># * with wide "straight through" streets that encourage outside traffic. Use of curves It *S* and cul-de-sacs will improve the visual Ills IV re quality of the subdivision as well as 4& increase privacy and reduce unrtecessary noise and traffic. ........ . eparated '. - I Residential areas should be s do from major highways, commercial areas, Is Pitt, @-4m M, 11 or factories by buffer areas, Existing or planted vegetation (especially ever greens) and bulldozed earthen berms can effectively increase privacy and reduce N noise reaching the development. 38 Further considerations Subdivision design TrL_ R vegetation as possible should be pre- a served. Stripping an area of trees de- [ELM [E LE In developing a site, as much existing creases its value and reduces its visual quality. When planting new vegetation, it M is best to use native species, since they are generally hardier and better suited to the site than ornamental and exotic plants. r In addition to screening homes from L F It undesirable views, subdivisions can be planned so that houses face away from unsightly buildings, roads, and parking lots, and take advantage of natural and open space areas. Trees and under- growth can be thinned to open up distant "INN vista's without stripping the site of vegetation. OP Maintaining portions of a site as open space has many advantages: privacy is improved through separation of buildings or groups of dwellings; car and play ........... areas are separated for greater safety; the value and aesthetic quality of the development are improved. In addition, cally valuable areas such as wet- 4 iologi lands c an be preserved, and buildings can be concentrated in areas best suited U for them. Q The natural quality and attractiveness CID, I mlll@@h of a lakefront or coastline can be de- b ....... . a a a stroyed by improper development. Heavy development of the immediate waterfront causes most vegetation to be stripped away and increases danger of pollution 41,w from septic systems. Houses should be set back and clustered, with common docks and access points instead of unsightly individual piers. 39 Further considerations Energy conservation, utilities Increasing insulation in walls and ceil- ings can substantially reduce heating costs regardless of the type of heating system used. Increasing insulation in walls from 0 to 4 inches and in ceilings from 3 to 6 inches can lower heat loss on a cold day by roughly 30 percent. Reducing air leaks around doors and ?windows also reduces heat loss. The location and exposure of buildings can have a major effect on energy.con- sumption. Houses on exposed, windy sites will require more energy to heat than buildings in more sheltered areas. ails Large windows an shady northern walls will increase winter heat loss. Roof over- hang on south-facing walls with large windows can be designed so that sun- light enters the house in the winter and is largely blocked in the summer. Widely dispersed residential develop- ment causes energy to be wasted in fre- quent and lengthy automobile trips. Increasing density of development and locating subdivisions, schools, shopping areas and employment centers near each other reduces gasoline consumption and makes possible the use of alternative forms of transportation. gi OB M Utility poles and overhead wires create M M a cluttered effect and are susceptible to gal iB damage in storms. Installation of utilities can be timed to coincide with road building operations so that expense and disruption of installing equipment under- ground are minimized. 40 Cluster development to P 46 Wt r Conventional subdivision design AW r so to id j I In most subdivisions, the entire site is split up 10 00 WO L into single house lots of 1/2 acre or more. A large amount of roadway is required for access to the lots, '000 and, since houses are dispersed, utility installation 4W and maintenance costs are high. Lack of open space requires mixing of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, so r creating safety problems. Privacy is limited, and the to landscape is often visually monotonous. Site: 30 acres; 54-lot subdivision Cluster design 46 1b In cluster developments, individual lot size is reduced in favor of common open space areas, Clustering allows for utilization of the best building sites while preserving environmentally sensitive areas. Concentration of buildings lowers installation costs for utilities, and reduces roadbuilding require- ments. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be separated; safety is increased by locating public recreational areas away from roads. Careful layout of open space can provide increased privacy, and will help maintain the natural character of the site. Cluster development: 54 lots Clustering of single-family homes on- private lots enables the benefits of private land ownership to be maintained. An alternative which provides larger open space areas and higher housing density is the construction of townhouses or apartments instead of individual homes. This type of development also allows for the most efficient layout of roads and utilities. The zoning regulations of most Connecticut towns contain no provisions for cluster develop- ment; therefore variances would be necessary in 7. most localities. Towns considering the adoption of cluster development ordinances should evaluate road width and surface water drai'nage standards to allow for narrower cul-de-sacs and drainage systems that, where possible, follow natural drainage Cluster development: 112 townhouses patterns. 41 Capital costs of development* (thousands of dollars 40 per dwelling unit) < 30 20 10 r:l 0 @q conven- single town walk-up high-rise tional family houses apartments apartments clustered The conventional subdivision made up of single family homes is the most expensive type of develop- ment in terms of capital costs per dwelling unit. As clustering of housing and density increases, the economic and environmental costs of development generally decrease. Savings are made in both capital and maintenance costs, and are felt by government as well as the private sector. This analysis (from The Costs of Sprawl, pre- pared for the Council on Environmental Quality, the Department of Hou sing and Urban Develop- ment and the Environmental Protection Agency and available from the U.S. Government Printing Office) considers the costs of residential develop- ment, schools, open space, transportation and utilities for a 1,000 unit neighborhood. 42 43 Site evaluation As the previous chapters have illustrated, there are a large number of environmental factors to be considered in the planning and construction of sub- divisions. These include the opportunities and con- straints that a site's physical characteristics impose upon development (Chapters 1 and 2) and additional environmental factors such as aesthetics. energy conservation and layout of buildings and roads (Chapter 3). Viewed individually, these considera- tions are relatively manageable in relation to the nature of the problems they pose and the ways in which developers can deal with them. It is considerably more difficult, however, to deal with all of the important environmental problems in coming up with a development plan that is in harmony with the characteristics of the site. DEP's Natural Resources Center has developed a systematic approach which, in simplified form, can be utilized by developers to conduct a compre- hensive analysis of development sites. To illustrate this system, an actual site has been chosen and, on the following pages is analyzed in terms of its major characteristics. The opportunities and limitations imposed by the site's natural qualities were then considered in drawing up a hypothetical develop- ment plan. 44 In considering the visual assets of a site, extensive field observation is necessary. Features observed in the field can be mapped (see accompanying visual features map) and considered along with the site's physical features in compiling the development plan. Visual characteristics to be considered include ridge tops and valley bottoms, brooks and streams, ledges, stone walls, views and vistas, significant vegetation (such as hemlocks and other evergreens, wetlands plants and wildflowers) and other aesthetic assets such as waterfalls and historic buildings. The remainder of the analysis is conducted by con- sidering each of the major natural resource characteristics of the site in relation to land uses proposed for the site. For a typical subdivision, the major land uses would be: � Water supply � Septic systems or sewers � Buildings and dwellings � Roads and parking areas The primary natural resource factors affecting (and affected by) the land uses are: � Depth to water table � Earth material characteristics (i.e. soil percolation rates, susceptibility to erosion, etc.) � Slope � Deth to bedrock � Flood-prone and storm-prone areas Depending on the site, its proposed use, and the level of detail of the analysis, additional natural resource factors can be considered. These include vegetation, wildlife value, wetlands, drainage areas, availability of ground water, bedrock type, agricultural capability and other factors. The charts on the following pdges evaluate two of the proposed land uses - septic systems and buildings - in terms of four resource factors - depth to bedrock, depth to water table, earth materials and slope. The degree to which a natural resource factor limits the proposed land use will vary from location to location. For example, in areas where bedrock is more than 10 feet below the surface, bedrock usually will not limit or make special design necessary for dwellings and septic systems. In areas where bedrock is somewhat closer to the surface, some special design measures may be required. The most severe limitations will be imposed where bedrock is shallow and outcrops are frequent. These varying condi- tions are designated on the charts as optimum, marginal, and critical, respectively. The site has been mapped for each of the four major resource characteristics, with shaded areas designating portions of the site where design or development restrictions are imposed. When these maps are combined (page 51), overall development opportunities and limita- tions are revealed. One of the greatest limitations to conducting an analy- sis of this type is lack of data. The mapping of natural features such as detailed soil types and surficial and bed- rock geology has not been completed in some areas of the 45 state. Even in mapped areas, information may not be detailed enough to be useful in site analyses. However, these inventory maps can be used to determine the specific resource concerns that should lead tofurthersite investigation. Field observation at the site can provide information that is not otherwise available; field work is also important in confirming existing data and compiling information on unmapped features such as vegetation. The Natural Resources Center at DEP has up-to-date listings of the data available for each town in the state, and will assist developers in obtaining and interpreting this information. fJ Horizontal scale: 1 inch = 2,000 feet Contours (vertical distance between contour lines is 10 feet) Flood-prone areas (areas where there is a 1 % chance of flooding in any given year) The site is a tract of approximately 600 acres in rural Connecticut that contains many features typical of suburban and rural areas. A stream runs through the. southeastern portion of the site and is fed by a spring and a small red maple swamp. The areas immediately adjacent to the streambanks are subject to occasional flooding. The land was formerly farmed, and consists primarily of ..... ...... second growth forest. Elevation varies from 325 to 600 feet above sea level. Visual features Views and vistas Stone walls Ledges and rock outcrops M= L J Significant vegetation 46 Natural resource opportunities and limitations Depth to water table, earth materials (percolation) Illustrated below are physical conditions commonly encountered at development sites, accompanied by brief descriptions of engineering measures (for foundations and septic systems) required for development in areas where these conditions are present. Development under "critical conditions" is usually prohibitively expensive as well as environmentally damaging. OPTIMUM CONDITIONS MARGINAL CONDITIONS CRITICAL CONDITIONS DEPTH TO Greater than 10 feet fluctuates from 3 to 10 feet Permanently high: wetlands* WATER TABLE high water table' low water table Severe limitations on develop- ment. Shallow foundations re- Conventionally designed base- Building footings should be quired: site preparation in- ments and septic systems will properly drained; shallow cludes removal of organic ma- not be flooded. foundations may be necessary. terial and replacement with Septic systems require curtain clean fill. Elaborate drainage drai n and /or use of f 111 material and fill necessary for septic similar to existing soil. systems. EARTH PercolatlQn up to 20 minutes Percolation 20-60 minutes per Percolation more than 60 MATERIALS" per Inch inch minutes per inch (PERCOLATION) Conventional building design Standard building design; lar- Standard building design; adequate. Standard septic sys- ger leaching area required for severe limitations on septic tems adequate in most cases; septic systems, with standard systems, with extensive leach- special design needed where or special trench design. Water ing fields, fill, and/or above- percolation exceeds .5 mounding may occur because ground systems required (see minuteslinch, which is too fast of slow percolation. footnote, page 49). for adequate renovation. Wetlands permit required The percolation rate, or the speed at which water can flow through the soil, is one of several soil character- istics that affect development. Another is the ability of various soil types to support foundations. Most up- land soils (glacial till) and sand and gravel deposits will adequately support foundations. Problems are fre- quent in clays, peat deposits and other wetland soils, where special measures are necessary to prevent buildings from settling. 47 The site Depth to water table, earth materials (percolation) Depth to Water Table This information is not commonly available on maps. An indication of water table depth can be obtained from soils maps compiled by the Soil Conservation Service X@ i:is (SCS). Soils maps are available from SCS Field Offices and DEP's Natural Resources Center. Soils maps showing xx regulated inland wetlands may be obtained from the Water Resources Unit, DEP. SCS publications include K'. tables which indicate saturated soils and soils with ground water within three feet of the surface. These tables can be used along with soils maps (and field testing where necessary) to complete a general map of ground j:' water characteristics for development sites.* ............. . ............. ..... ..... . .......... ....... .... ......... .......... ............. Saturated soils (regulated inland wetlands) . . . . . . . . . . . .............. ............. ...... .. ... ............. .......... Water table within three feet of surface Optimum ground water conditions for development Earth Materials: Percolation Probability Percolation rates can be estimated from information compiled by the SCS. Detailed soils maps can be used in conjunction with SCS keys which indicate percolation rate probabilities for the various soil types. Each soil type has been placed into one of four categories: fast, probably fast, probably slow, and slow. Field testing will be necessary at possible septic system sites to provide more accurate data. The cross-hatched portions of the map represent areas where other resource characteristics (wetlands and shallow bedrock) preclude the use of percolation probability. .. ......... . ......... ............ ... ............. ............ Slow percolation (80% chance that water in a test hole will take longer than 30 minutes to fall one inch) Probably fast percolation (50% chance that water in a test hole will take 10 to 20 minutes to fall one inch) Assistance in interpreting soils data and compiling Areas where other resource characteristics (shallow maps may be obtained from the Natural Resources water table and bedrock) preclude the use of percola- Center. tion probability 48 Natural resource opportunities and limitations Slope, depth to bedrock Frequently encountered physical conditions of develop- ment sites are outlined here along with.the engineering measures commonly used in response to those condi- tions. Expense of site preparation and septic system installation is considerably greater on steep slopes and in areas where bedrock is near the surface than in areas where conditions are less restrictive for development. OPTIMUM CONDITIONS MARGINAL CONDITIONS CRITICAL CONDITIONS SLOPE Less than 10 percent 10 to 15 percent Greater than 15 percent Hazardous for heavy equip- ment. Considerable. grading Suitable for construction of Some grading may be neces- necessary at building sites, re- buildings and septic systems sary to prepare building sites; quiring precautions against using conventional design. septic system trench design, erosion and soil slumping. should be adjusted to accom- Extreme difficulty in septic modate slope. system installation with use of grading and fill.* DEPTH TO Greater than 10 feet LESS THAN 10 FEET Numerous outcrops BEDROCK Conventional building and sep- Septic system trenches should Fill required for septic system tic system design is adequate. be 4 feet above bedrock and installation.* Blasting required Trenches should be 3-6 feet covered with fill to proper for building site preparation; below surface and at least 4 depth. Some removal of bed- foundations should rest on feet above bedrock. rock may be necessary for gravel cushions to prevent un- building sites; foundations even settling. should rest on same material throughout. Relatively complex and expensive measures are re- quired for effective septic system operation where natural resource conditions are critical. These include techniques (such as fill and subsurface drainage sys- tems) to make conventional systems function under unusual conditions, as well as the use of special equip- ment and methods such as leaching galleries and above-ground systems. In either case, a professional engineer and the Water Compliance Unit of DEP should be consulted. 49 The site Slope, depth to bedrock Slope Maps showing steep slopes can be compiled from topographic maps, SCS maps and observations in the ........... .. ........ field. The Natural Resources Center offers technical ........... ............. assistance in the compilation of these maps. For smaller .... ....... sites, field observations may be adequate for delineating ... ......... areas with steep slopes. Slope 15% or greater (elevation change of at least 15 feet per 100 feet horizontal distance) Moderate: slope less than 15% Depth to Bedrock Bedrock outcrops can be mapped through field observations and may be visible in some aerial photo- graphs. SCS maps and surficial geology maps can be used to generally determine shallow bedrock areas. Surficial geology maps show areas where bedrock is within 10 feet of the surface; SCS soils maps can be interpreted to show areas where soil is rocky or where bedrock is 2 feet or less below the surface. .......... Bedrock close to surface; frequent outcrops Optimum depth to bedrock conditions for development 50 The composite map Each of the individual resource maps should be drawn to the same scale on tracing paper or acetate sheets. Areas where development constraints are greatest should be shaded, witp areas imposing few or no limitations left clear. If the maps are then placed on top of each other and ;6 held to a light source, light and dark areas will be visible, giving an overview of the development opportunities and limitations imposed by the site's natural characteristics. The light and dark areas can be traced to make a composite or "overlay" map showing optimum develop- ment sites and areas with moderate and severe restrictions on development. The most important use of light the composite map is the identification of the specific source types of problems that exist on various parts of the site. Knowing these problems early in the planning stage allows the developer to use the characteristics of the site to his best advantage and avoid the necessity of making expensive changes later in the planning or construction ........... processes. .......... K x`ZK E:X* XXI Critical conditions for development Moderate conditions gn qxl: :4 X-..XX-. ............... .............. Optimum conditions ........ .... ... *& F A.X`::".:::,.,.,.,+:. X-xxox, .......... ........... .................. ... .... .. ., Scale: 1 inch 1,000 feet ..... .......... .............. ... gggi 4 a R" 'K - M W . The composite map Development opportunities and constraints The charts on pages 47 and 49 outline the limitations imposed by individual resource factors. In the final analy- sis, however, all of the factors will have to be considered together. Listed below are the combinations of resource characteristics that occur most fre quently at the site, and the engineering measures required for development of areas with those characteristics. 1. Conditions: Bedrock 10 feet or more below surface, ments are complex and expensive, requiring increased soil percolation probably fast, slope less than, 15%, leaching field size or leaching galleries to compensate water table 10 feet or more below surface. for slow percolation, and the use of curtain drains or fill to prevent failure of systems due to seasonally These areas present the best conditions for develop- high ground water. ment. Conventional construction methods and design can be used for buildings and septic systems, and 5. Conditions: Bedrock near surface with numerous out- little or no grading is required for roads and driveways. crops, slope 15% or greater, water table 10 feet or more below surface. 2. Conditions: Bedrock 10 feet or more below surface, soil percolation slow, slope less than 15%, high These areas are unsuitable for septic systems' and ground water one to two months per year. impose severe restrictions on building foundations, with blasting, grading and/or fill required. Seasonally high ground water will require special septic system design, possibly including the use of 6. Conditions: Bedrock near surface with numerous out- curtain drains or fill. Shallow foundations may be crops, slopes less than 15%, seasonally high ground necessary for buildings; basements should be ade- water. quately drained. Very severe restrictions are imposed upon spetic sys- 3. Conditions: Bedrock 10 feet or more below surface, tems with fill and subsurface drainage systems soil percolation fast or probably fast, slope 15% or probably necessary to prevent failure. Shallow founda- greater, water table 10 feet or more below surface. tions will be necessary for buildings with care taken to insure that buildings rest on the same material (such Grading for buildings and roads could cause erosion as gravel backfill) throughout to prevent uneven problems; proper fill should be used to prevent slump- settling. Ing or settling of foundations. Restrictions on septic systems are severe:, elaborate leaching field design 7. Conditions: Bedrock 10 feet or more below surface, and fill may be necessary, and machine operation slope less than 15%, permanently high water table may be unsafe. (wetlands). 4. Conditions: Bedrock 10 feet or more below surface, Wetlands are unsuitable for septic systems without soil percolation slow, slope less than 15% high ground extensive excavation, filling and drainage. Restrictions water one to two months per year. on buildings are severe, with removal of organic mate- rial and replacement with clean and compacted fill Buildings should be properly drained; shallow founda- necessary. Wetlands permit required. tions may be necessary. Septic system design require- 52 suggested development plan 4@ Private lots Open -space Steep slopes "0 @Inqle-famify houses 2 Townhouses 132 IEz 3 Walk-up apartments 4 community center 7@, Alf zi 53 A suggested development plan The composite map identified portions of the site where conditions for development are optimum. Buildings and roads were concentrated in these areas, leaving sensitive areas such as wetlands and steep slopes largely undisturbed. This serves the dual purpose of minimizing environmental disturbance and preserving the visual quality of the site since these areas are often of the greatest scenic value. Clustered single family dwellings, townhouses and walk-up apartments are included in the plan to illustrate the various options open to the developer. (This plan is intended to give a general indication of how a site of this type could be developed and the exact types and posi- tions of buildings and roads are not important.) Although lot sizes are somewhat smaller than normal, adjacent open space increases land area available for recreational use by residents. A continual ribbon of open space - in areas where soil types pose limitations on development - provides pedestrian circulation that is separated from vehicular traffic. A buffer of open space on the southwestern por- tion of the site increases privacy and shields residential areas from traffic noise. Roads, instead of being in conflict with the topography, are parallel or at an oblique angle to the site's contours. Residential development is located on loops and cul-de-sacs where traffic is light; and road layout dis- courages outside through traffic. 54 55 Sources of further assistance The following index lists some of the state and federal agencies and a few of the documents avail- able to private citizens for further information and assistance in subdivision planning. Telephone numbers have been omitted from agency descrip- tions because they frequently change; consult government listings in telephone directories or contact the Information and Education Unit of DEF for current numbers. of development of 8 A Planning and Energy Policy, Con- Breakwaters 30 Aesthetics 29, 36-42 necticut Department of Bridges 32 Shoreline Appearance and Design: Soil Conservation Service (of the Buffers 38 A Planning Handbook, Roy Mann U.S. Department of Agri- Bulkheading 30 Associates, Inc. for the National culture) Burning, open 23-25 Parks Service and the New England Soil and Water Conservation River Basins Commission as part of districts the Long Island Sound Study. Avail- Agricultural Experiment Station, Con- C able through the New England River necticut, 123 Huntington St., P.O. Capital costs of development 42 Basins Commission, 55 Court St., Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504. see also land use: The Costs of Boston, MA Assistance to citizens concerning Sprawl Agencies plants, soils, water, and biology Carbon monoxide 20 The following state and federal and control of insects. Write for list Causeways 32 agencies offering technical assist- of publications. Channelization 12, 31 ance to developers are listed else- Air pollution 6, 19-25 Cluster development 41-42 where in this index: indirect sources 9, 21, 22 Cluster Development, William H. Agricultural Experiment Station, open burning 23-25 Whyte, American Conservation Connecticut point sources 21-22 Association, New York, 1964 Cooperative Extension Service, A Citizen's Guide to Clean Air, Coastal area Management 26 University of Connecticut Conservation Foundation. Free Coastal Area Management Office Environmental Protection, Con- from the U.S. Environmental Pro- (DEP), 71 Capitol Ave., Hartford, necticut Department of tection Agency, John F. Kennedy CT 06115. The CAM Office, a unit of Air Compliance Building, Boston, MA. DEP under the guidance of an inter- Coastal Area Management Atmospheric stability 6, 21 agency board, is engaged in plan- Office ing work under the federal Coastal Fish and Water Life Zone Management Act toward the Forestry B establishment of a coastal manage- Information and Education Beaches 26, 30 ment program for Connecticut. Land Acquisition Bedrock 5, 9, 10, 11 Write for newsletter and other publi- Natural Resources Center Bedrock geology maps based on the cations. Pesticides Compliance quadrangle map series of the U.S. Coastal permit programs 32-34 Solid Waste Geological Survey are available Coastline 26-35 Water Compliance from the USGS, 235 Post Office development of, 32 Wildlife Building, P.O. Box 715, Hartford, Connecticut state agencies: see Geological Survey, U.S. CT 06101. agencies and individual listings. Health, Connecticut Department Bogs 7 Questions concerning state govern- 56 Sources of further assistance ment may be answered by calling agement. Most of DEP's units are &I"-% (toll free) the Governor's Informa- discussed in the Handbook (see list %a7 tion Bureau, (800) 566-2750. under agencies); the Department's Geological Survey, U.S., 235 Post Construction practices, 12, 13 Information and Education Unit will Office Building, P.O. Box 715, Hart- Cooperative Extension Service, Uni- answer inquiries or refer them to ford, CT 06101. The U.S.G.S. has versity of Connecticut, Storrs, CT the appropriate units. mapped topographic, geologic and 06268 Erosion 6, 12, 13, 27, 29, 30, 38 hydrologic features of Connecticut The Extension Service, the public Erosion and Sediment Control in a series of quadrangle maps that education arm of UConn's College Handbook for Connecticut, Soil may be purchased through their of Agriculture and Natural Re- Conservation service (U.S. Depart- Hartford office or the Connecticut sources, makes available through a ment of Agriculture), Mansfield Pro- State Library (see maps), and staff of specialists and county ex- fessional Park, Rte. 44A, Storrs, carries out a number of research tension agents research results and CT 06268. projects in cooperation with state other information, and carries on Estuaries 27 and federal -agencies. Contact the community development programs. Hartford office for publications. Individuals, community groups and Glacial till 5 public officials may receive assist- F Groins 30 ance in research of community Filling 8, 29, 30, 33 Ground water 5, 10, 31, 48 problems and in conducting educa- Fires (air pollution) 23-25 foundations and 9, 47 tional activities concerning com- Fish and Water Life Unit, DEP septic systems and 11, 47 munity development. Provides technical assistance on see also water table design of fish ponds, fish stocking, A Primer on Ground Water, Helene ecological and environmental plan- L. Baldwin and C. L. McGuinness, D ning for fish, stream and lake pro- available from the Superintendant of Dams 13 tection. Documents, U.S. Government Print- supervision of 17 Flood encroachment lines 15-16 ing Office, Washington, D.C. 20242 DEP: see Environmental Protection, Flood insurance 25 ($.25). Department of The Water Resources Unit, DEP and Docks 31, 39 the U.S. Department of Housing and Dredging 8, 30, 33-34 Urban Development, Federal Insur- H Dunes 26 ance Administration, Washington, Health, Connecticut Department of, development of 29 D.C. 20037 will provide information Environmental Health Services Divi- Dust control 13 on the HUD Flood Insurance Pro- sion, State Health Building, Room gram on request. Contact town 416, 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06115. offices in participating towns for E flood hazard boundary maps and The Health Department works with Earth materials 47 other information. DEP and local governments in en- Encroachment lines 15-16 Flood plains forcing septic code regulations. The Energy Agency, Connecticut: see description 6 Environmental Health Services Divi- Planning and Energy Policy, Depart- development of 8, 15, 29 sion also deals with public water ment of plants 7 supply, mosquito control, shellfish, Energy conservation 40 see also streambelts and sanitation complaints. A Environmental Protection, Connecti- Food web 28 Housing Section advises municipal- cut Department of, State Office Footings 8, 9., 479 49 ities on subdivision control and Building, 165 Capitol Ave., Hart- Forestry Unit, DEP sub-surface sewage disposal. ford, CT 06115. 1, 2, 14-19, 21-26, Provides assistance to individuals Hilltops 38, 40 33-35, 44, 48, 50 in foreest management, tree im- HUD Flood Insurance Program: see DEP's responsibilities cover a wide provement, reforestation, and forest Flood Insurance area including environmental qual- land tax classification. Hydrocarbons 20 ity, wetlands regulation, recreation, Forests 4, 6 forestry, and fish and wildlife man- Foundations 8, 9, 479 49 57 Sources of further assistance Hartford, Conn. 06115 48, 50 Performance Controls for Sensitive Collects and makes available maps, Indirect sources 9, 21, 22 Lands, Washington Environmental aerial photographs, and documents Information and Education Unit, DEP Research Center, U.S. Environ- on natural resource characteristics, Makes available DEP publications, mental Protection Agency. May be evaluation and planning; provides read at the Natural Resources technical assistance to municipali- including a monthly newsletter, Center of DEP, State Office Build- ties and citizens in environmental conducts educational programs, re- ing, Room 561. impact analysis, resource planning; sponds to questions and inquiries Use of Natural Resources Data In conducts regional workshops on from citizens. Land and Water Planning, Natural natural resources planning for local Insulation 40 Resources Center, DEP (free). officials and private citizens. Inversion, air 6, 21 Landscaping 30 Natural systems 5-7, 27-28 Littoral drift 27 Nitrogen oxides 20 i Nutrient cycling 5 Jetties 30 M Mapping 46, 48, 50, 51-53 0 L Maps Open burning 23-25 The U.S. Geological Survey has Oxidants, photochemical 20 Lakefronts 39 compiled topographic quadrangle Lakes 6 maps for the entire state. Surficial see also Ponds and bedrock geology maps based P Land Acquisition Unit, DEP on the topographic map series are Parking areas 9 Supervises the state's purchase of available for most areas of the state; Particulate matter 20 lands for recreation, forestry, open other resource characteristics, such Percolation rate 47 space preservation and flood con- as hydrologic features, have been Permits trol. mapped on a more limited basis. air pollution Land use, land use planning Indices of mapped areas are avail- indirect sources 22-23 There is an enormous amount of ble from the USGS and DEP's open burning 23-25 written information on land use; Natural Resources Data Center. point sources 21-22 only a few sources are listed here. Maps in the USGS series may be dams 17 The Costs of Sprawl purchased at the Connecticut State structures and dredging in tidal and Executive Summary ($.55) Library. navigable waters 33-34 Detailed Cost Analysis ($2.90) The Department of Planning and tidal wetlands 35 Literature Review ($2.90) Energy Policy has mapped land use water pollution 17-19 Available from the Superintendant (1970), zoning and major hydrologic Piers 31, 39 of Documents, U.S. Government features on a state-side basis for its Planning and Energy Policy, Depart- Printing Office, Washington, DC Plan of Conservation and Develop- ment of, 340 Capital Ave., Hartford, 20242 ment; contact DPEP for further in- Ct 06115 Design With Nature, Ian L. McHarg, formation. Works with other state agencies, Doubleday/ Natural History Press, see also Flood Insurance, Soil Con- and regional planning agencies in Garden City, New York, 1969 ervation Service, and Wetlands. various land use and water re- Management and Control of Marina design 32 sources planning functions; con- Growth: Issues, Techniques, Prob- Marshes ducts periodic analyses of state lems, Trends, Urban Land Institute, inland 6, 8 land use patterns; forecasts energy 1200 18th St. NW, Washington, DC tidal: see wetlands, tidal demands and determines state's 20036 (three volumes, $23.75) Minimum Flow Regulations 19 energy policies; maintains reference Plan of Conservation and Develop- library of planning documents, in- ment for Connecticut, available formation on state's physical char- from the Department of Planning N acteristics and natural resources. and Energy Policy, 340 Capitol Ave., Natural Resources Center, DEP 44, 46, Point sources 21-22 58 Sources of further assistance Pollution: see air pollution, water operative Extension Service, Col- Agriculture, Soil Conservation Ser- pollution lege of Agriculture and Natural Re- vice, Mansfield Professional Park, Ponds, artificial 13 sources, University of Connecticut, Rte. 44A, Storrs, CT 06268 Warm Water Ponds for Fishing, Storrs, CT 06268 (free) Streams 6 Farmer's Bulletin' No. 2210, U.S. Know Your Land: Natural Soil Channelization of 12 Department of Agriculture. Avail- Groups for Connecticut, available encroachment lines 15-16 able from the Superintendant of free from the Cooperative Extension Structures and dredging permits 33-34 Documents, U.S. Government Print- Service. Subdivision layoug 38, 39, 40, 41-42 ing Office, Washington, DC 20242 see also wetlands, Inland; Soil Succession, plant 6 ($.10). Conservation Service Sulfur oxides 20 Real Estate Lakes, Geological Sur- Soil Conservation Service, U.S. De- Swamps 7, 8 vey Circular No. 601-6. Available partment of Agriculture, Mansfield from USGS, Washington, DC 20242 Professional Park, Rte. 44A, Storrs, T CT 06268 R The SCS provides technical assist- Tideflats 28 ance through Soil and Water Con- Till, Glacial 5 Recharge areas 9 servation Districts on erosion con- Traffic control 9 Regulatory programs 14-25, 33-35 trol, impoundments, flood control, Rivers 6 water and related resources and Road layout 38, 39 soils interpretation. Soils surveys, U consisting of maps and interpretive Unconsolidated materials 5 S documents, have been completed University of Connecticut, services for most of the state. Soils map and and publications: see Cooperative Salt marshes: see wetlands, tidal other materials are available from Extension Service, Agricultural Salt water intrusion 31 the Storrs office and regional Experiment Station Sand and gravel 5 offices. USGS: see Geological Survey, U.S. Scenic areas 29, 37 Soil and Water Conservation Districts Utility poles 40 see also aesthetics Organized on a county basis Sedimentation 6, 12 through the cooperation of DEP and see also erosion the Soil Conservation Service, the V Septic systems 10, 11, 31, 47, 49 Soil and Water Conservation Dis- Vegetation 6, 7, 38, 39, 46 regulation of 18 tricts make available SCS technical Vistas, scenic 29, 37 On-Lot Subsurface Sewage Dis- expertise to citizens and local see also aesthetics posal Systems, Cooperative Exten- governments and develop long- Visual feature, site analysis 46 sio n Service, College of Agriculture range conservation programs ' Dis- and Natural Resources, University trict offices are located in Bethel, of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268 Brooklyn, Haddam, Litchfield, Nor- W (f ree). wich, Rockville, South Windsor and Water courses 14 Shorelands 28 Wallingford; addresses and phone see also wetlands, Inland Shoreline development 32 numbers are listed in telephone Water Compliance Unit, DEP Ad- Siltation: see sedimentation directories under "United States ministers state and federal water Site evaluation and planning 44-54 Government". pollution control laws, establishes see also land use Solid waste water quality standards, conducts Slopes The Solid Waste Unit of DEP pro- water resources planning activities, development of 8, 49 vides assistance to individuals on provides technical assistance for septic systems and 11, 49 solid waste disposal problems. sewage system design and mainte- Soil 5 Standards, air pollution 19-21 nance, storm water collection sys- septic systems and 10 Streamblets tems, private and industrial waste- wetlands 14 A Guide for Streambelts: A System water treatment. maps 14, 48, 50 of Natural Environmental Corridors Water cycle 5 A Connecticut Soils Primer, Co- for Connecticut, U.S. Department of Water pollution 59 Sources of further assistance permits 17-19 Water supply 5, 10 upon soils maps compiled by the see also erosion, sedimentation Wells 9, 10, 31 Soil Conservation Service, are Water quality Wetlands available from DEP's Water Re- A Primer on Water Quality, available inland 6 sources Unit and from municipal from the Superintendant of Docu- development of 8 officesof appropriate towns. ments, U.S. Government Printing regulation of 14-15 tidal 27 Office, Washington, DC 20242 Evaluation of Inland Wetland and development of 29, 32 ($.35) Water Courses Functions, the regulation of 35 see also Water Compliance Unit, Connecticut Inland Wetlands Tidal Wetlands of Connecticut: water pollution Project, P.O. Box 124, Middle- Vegetation and Associated Ani- Water Resources town, CT 06457 ($4.50). mal Populations, William A. Water Resources Unit, DEP 14-17, Administrative Handbook for In- Nlering and R. Scott Warren, 19, 33-35 land Wetlands Agencies, pub- available in limited quantity from Administers tidal wetlands, inland lished by the Inland Wetlands Department of Botany, Connecti- wetlands, structures and. dredging Project. cut College, New London, CT in tidal and navigable waters, Inland Wetlands Plants of Con- 06320 stream channel encroachment lines necticut, Bulleting of the Connec- Tidal Wetlands maps may be pur- permit programs; coordinates HUD ticut Arboretum Association, chased from the Water Resources Flood Insurance Program; also ad- Connecticut College, New Unit of DEP. ministers Minimum flow regula- London, CT 06320 tions. Technical assistance to local- Preserving Our Freshwater Wet- ities and individuals for any activi- lands, available from thee z ties or problems related to these Connecticut Arboretum. Zoning 41 programs. Inland Setlands maps, based Acknowledgements and special thanks are extended to Arthur Rocque and Hugo Thomas for their guidance, inspiration and infinite patience, and to Rudy Faveretti for his special assistance in the preparation of the "suggested development plan". so 11111101101 3 6 8 14109 2 50