By Susan MacEachron

The unexpected presence of water in the road under construction for access to the Haystack Woods development was the subject of discussion at the Inland Wetlands Agency meeting on March 6.

The previously approved plan for the road did not contemplate the existence of wetlands in its path. Excavation revealed a preexisting pipe, clogged with silt. Lou Barbagallo, representing the Foundation for Norfolk Living (FNL), explained that Ken Hrica, the FNL’s engineer, had assessed the situation and did not think that it was necessary to replace the pipe. Barbagallo said that Hrica advised creating a swale along the side of the road to allow for water to flow.

Wetlands members expressed some concern about the plan and noted that if water collected under the road, winter freezing could cause the asphalt to heave. Wetlands decided to ask its engineer, Todd Parsons from Haley Ward, Inc., to review the revised plans. 

Barbagallo questioned the need to seek approval from Wetlands for a change the FNL viewed as minor. Wetlands chair, Hartley Mead, said that any modifications to the approved plans must be brought to the agency. Mead noted that keeping Wetlands informed of construction changes will create an accurate record for the town if it votes to assume responsibility for the road.

Wetlands Enforcement Officer Michael Halloran gave a brief update on the status of the gas spill. Verdantas, the company engaged in the environmental assessment and remediation, provided a site map of test holes, which Halloran distributed. Halloran said Verdantas was waiting for permission to access and test several properties closest to the site of the spill.

Peter Scott attended the meeting to update Wetlands on changes he is considering for replacing the failed foundation under his Doolittle cabin deck. Scott emphasized there is no intention to increase the footprint of the cabin and deck or to alter its rustic nature. The plan previously approved by Wetlands included the use of seven helical piers with steel structural supports. Scott said the high cost of steel caused the family to consider alternative solutions. The new plan would require 30 helical piers, and three would need to be in the water. Scott said they were weighing the aesthetics versus the cost and had not yet decided how to proceed, but he wanted to keep Wetlands apprised of the potential change in plan they may propose.