Farmington Wetlands Commission Debates Wendy’s Sewer Project and Conservation Easement
Commissioners Weigh Traffic Relief Against Environmental Concerns
The Inland Wetlands Commission meeting in Farmington saw an extensive debate on Monday night as members tackled a proposed sewer line extension for the Wendy’s at 317 and 331 South Road. The discussion pitted public convenience against environmental preservation, with concerns raised over removing 63 trees, potential impact on wetlands, and modifications to a long-standing conservation easement.
Project Shift: From Road to Wetlands
Initially, the plan called for the sewer line to run beneath South Road, limiting ecological impact but extending construction for up to six weeks. The applicant, Inspired by Opportunity LLC, wants to reroute the line through a wooded area owned by West Farms Mall, which falls under a conservation easement. The change, they argue, would reduce construction time to just under three weeks and avoid significant traffic disruptions.
Commissioner Neil Kelsey challenged the change: “The road was viable before. Why are we considering moving it now?” Commissioner Robert Eisner expressed additional concern about modifying a conservation easement to benefit a single commercial entity: “This was put in place to protect the land. How does it make sense to carve it up for a private sewer?”
Attorney Megan Hope, representing the applicant, countered: “Moving the line off the road would reduce traffic impacts, shorten the timeline, and improve sight lines for both Woodruff Road and the mall exit.” Engineers also proposed replanting 50 native trees, including red maple, white oak, and sugar maple, to replace the removed vegetation.
Vernal Pool or Just a Puddle?
One of the biggest sticking points was whether an area near the project is a functioning vernal pool. Soil scientist Sagan Simcoe, hired by the applicant, stated: “I conducted multiple site visits, including in April during peak amphibian breeding season, and found no obligate species such as wood frogs or salamanders. This area does not function as a vernal pool.”
Commissioners weren’t convinced. Eisner pushed back: “We need an independent review. A second opinion is warranted before we approve any disturbance here.” The commission voted to bring in a third-party wetlands expert to conduct a vernal pool assessment in the spring.
Site Walk and Future Hearings
With the vernal pool assessment not feasible until April due to seasonal conditions, commissioners debated the timing of a site walk. Commissioner Dave Fox suggested delaying: “If we’re bringing in an expert, it makes sense to wait until they can conduct a proper analysis.” Chairman Ned Stachin agreed but emphasized: “We’ll need to stay on top of the timing so we don’t delay things indefinitely.”
Next Steps
The commission agreed to:
- Schedule a site walk for early spring, when vernal pool conditions can be properly assessed.
- Hire a third-party wetlands consultant to independently evaluate the area.
- Consider whether the project requires a full public hearing, pending the findings of the vernal pool assessment.
Until then, Wendy’s remains on its septic system, and Farmington has one more wetlands dispute to resolve.
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