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H:\IWC\Applications\2023\23 IWC 9 - 669 Route 163 Temp disruption of URA for construction\Staff\23IWC9 Staff Report 1 06152023.docx
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
APPLICATION# 23 IWC 9
REGULAR MEETING – THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023
Prepared by Meredith Badalucca, Assistant Planner, Interim Zoning & Wetlands Officer
Applicant: VCP Montville LF, LLC
Property Owner: Town of Montville
Engineering Info: Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., Rob Bukowski
Address: 669 Route 163 (Parcel ID: 038-056-000)
Meeting Date: June 15, 2023
Date Received by IWC: June 15, 2023 (Decision Required Date – August 18, 2023)
Applicant Request: Temporary disturbance within the upland review area in conjunction with
installation of solar array.
Activity Description:
Wetland Disturbance Area 0 SF Watercourse/Waterbody Disturbance Area 0 LF Upland Review Disturbance Area 920 SF Creation of New Wetlands 0 SF
STAFF COMMENTS:
The applicant is proposing to develop a 600kW AC ground mounted solar array on approximately 2.5 acres
of the 29.09 +/- acre property that currently is developed with the Town of Montville Transfer Station. The
solar array will be located on the top of the previously capped landfill. The applicant states the wetlands
were flagged on March 6, 2023 by Eric Davison of Davison Environmental, LLC. The application also
requires a permit from CT DEEP which the applicant indicated they have applied for.
The applicant further states in part, the project will be constructed using low-ground pressure earthwork
equipment and all solar PV components will be located above ground to minimize the potential impact to
the landfill. The proposed project will have minimal impact within the 50’ upland review area adjacent to
the on-site wetlands, with only two small areas of the proposed project within the outermost edges of the
URA. Stabilization and maintenance of the existing access road, if necessary, will occur within the
approximately 386 sq. ft. of the URA on the western side of the site. This work may include placement of
additional gravel base material to accommodate construction traffic up to the landfill. Subsurface electrical
conduit will run from the eastern side of the access road to above-ground utility poles. There is an area of
approximately 531 sq. ft. within the URA where the proposed trench will pass through. This disturbance
will be temporary as, once the conduit is installed, the area will be stabilized and re-vegetated.
The proposed work in the URA is shown on site plan titled “Town of Montville Landfill Solar PV
Development, 669 Route 163, Montville, CT, Prepared by Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., Dated June
6, 2023”.
Please be advised of the following comments with regards to my review of the application, supporting
documents and a plan entitled “Town of Montville Landfill Solar PV Development, 669 Route 163,
Montville, CT, Prepared by Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., Dated June 6, 2023”:
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H:\IWC\Applications\2023\23 IWC 9 - 669 Route 163 Temp disruption of URA for construction\Staff\23IWC9 Staff Report 1 06152023.docx
1. The address of Land Owner on cover sheet shall state 310 Norwich-New London Tpke.
2. Legend shall be corrected to state 50’ Wetlands Buffer.
3. Silt Fence is required in the areas of temporary disturbance for the trench and access road.
4. Soil Scientist report shall be provided and plan shall be signed by Soil Scientist.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the IWC receive & review Application 23 IWC 9, set a date for a site walk if desired and
table the application to the July 20, 2023 meeting.