Downes-Patterson appeals Inland Wetlands Decision On Great Brook

GROTON–Downes-Patterson Corp. has appealed an Inland Wetlands Agency decision to authorize construction of houses in the watershed of Great Brook, a vital component of Groton Utilities’ drinking water system.

The corporation is taking issue with the IWA’s imposition of 150-foot buffers between the subdivision’s lots and wetlands close to the brook. Downes-Patterson also is asserting that the corporation’s proposed “conservation convenant” restricting potentially polluting activities by residents (car washing, use of pesticides and fertilizers, disposal of animal wastes and so forth) is legally enforceable and thus is an effective protection of the water supply. Other details of the appeal weren’t immediately available.

Great Brook is the main conduit of water between Groton Utilities’ upper reservoir system, consisting of Morgan Pond and the Ledyard Reservoir, and the lower reserve system, consisting of Buddington and Poheganut ponds and the Poquonnock Reservoir. The housing development would consist of 60-odd houses, all served by individual septic systems. Originally, the corporation proposed more than 100 houses, served by a sewer line, but withdrew the plan when it became clear that the state would not permit a sewer line in the watershed, where the state wants to restrict development.

Downes-Patterson preceded notice of its appeal Saturday, July 10, 2004, by withdrawing on Friday a new site plan that took at least partial account of IWA restrictions.

Environmental Impact | July 10, 2004