Wetlands Agency Considers New Septic System, Tree Farm

By Susan MacEachron

A proposed new septic system for 60 Estey Road and a container tree farm at 39 Schoolhouse Road were discussed at the Inland Wetlands Agency meeting on June 2. Wetlands Enforcement Officer Stacey Sefcik also reported a complaint about erosion from work on a driveway on Winchester Road and described a potential violation at 177 Estey Road.

Karen Rossi, owner of 60 Estey Road, attended the meeting and described her efforts to get approval from Torrington Area Health District (TAHD) for a new septic system. She said TAHD Sanitarian Julie Prue told her that the delay in issuing an approval is the result of a change in the state’s public health code. Neither Jim Luczak, the engineer on the project, nor Sefcik were aware of the changes Prue referenced.
Luczak said the proposed septic system is in the upland review area, not in wetlands, and he does not anticipate any TAHD issue. Luczak said if significant regulatory changes impact the plan they will return to Wetlands. The application was approved pending receipt of TAHD approval.

Edward Hinman described his tree farm business at 39 Schoolhouse Road, a 65-acre property he has owned since 1985. In addition to growing trees in containers, he described “pulling” logs out of the woods to sell for firewood. Hinman noted that he moved the containers closer to the swamp on his property to make watering easier but emphasized he will not cut or clear any wetlands.

Sefcik agreed with Hinman that his business is agricultural, and a use permitted as of right. Hinman emphasized that he does not intend to use any pesticides or herbicides, noting that he used pesticides in the past but no longer trusts them. Sefcik said no wetlands permit is needed because Hinman’s business qualified for an agricultural exemption.

Lou and Anna Maria Ingles, 507 Loon Meadow Drive, filed an application to build a 30-by-30-foot garage in the upland review area. Sefcik visited the site with road foreman Troy LaMere and noted that the owners, who purchased the property in 2024, had not realized how wet the location is. Cynthia Rabinowitz, a soil scientist with the Northwest Conservation District, visited the property and recommended a location for the proposed garage. Agency members agreed to allow Sefcik to determine the location of the garage.

Sefcik described the complaint about erosion from excavation for a driveway on Winchester Road with an alleged impact on the swamp across the street. The property was identified as 197 Winchester Road, but Sefcik believes the potential problem stems from excavation at 241 Winchester Road. She is following up and will send a letter to the property owner. She has also sent a letter noting a possible violation to the owner of 177 Estey Road regarding structures that were erected and potential interference with a watercourse. She advised the owner to hire a soil scientist.