Menunkatuck Files Intervention in Griswold Airport Case

Menunkatuck Audubon Society has filed a Notice of Intervention with the Madison Planning & Zoning Commission regarding the Griswold Airport development proposal (00-57 Regulation Amendment 1362 Boston Post Rd.)

In the filing, MAS President Henry Ferris based the action on Section 22a-l9(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes, which states in part, that any person, corporation, association, organization, or other legal entity may intervene as of right in any administrative, licensing, or other proceeding upon the filing of a verified pleading which asserts that the proceeding… involves conduct which has, or which is reasonably likely to have, the effect of unreasonably polluting, impairing, or destroying the public trust in the air, water, or other natural resources of the State.

Menunkatuck Audubon Society asserts that the approval of 00-57 Regulation Amendment 1362 Boston Post Rd is reasonably likely to have the effect of unreasonably polluting, impairing or destroying the public trust in the air, water, wildlife, and other natural resources of the State of Connecticut. The construction of 260 housing units plus other buildings and roadways (total impervious surface coverage about 45 to 50 per cent) on only 30 upland acres in a Coastal Flood Hazard Zone will create an unacceptable risk to the continued vitality of the 402 acres of tidal marshes in the directly adjacent Natural Area Preserve of Hammonasset Beach State Park. This Preserve lies within and extends along most of the eastern boundary of the State Park within the Towns of Clinton and Madison. It contains an extensive tidal marsh complex which displays the full spectrum of marsh variations typical of intermediate tidal ranges encountered along Long Island Sound. This Spartina patens and Spartina alterniflora high marsh is one of the best and largest of such marshes in Connecticut. In the proclamation designating the Preserve, the recognized features of this area were: the critical habitat present for many estuarine and marine animals, the outstanding quality of the observations provided of bird migrations, the presence of several protected animal species, its role as a major wintering area for owls, and its extensive use for environmental studies. Because of this project's magnitude and density, erosion, sedimentation, and runoff from fertilizers, pesticides and other chemical pollutants could seriously diminish the capacity of the adjacent marshes to support the rich variety of wildlife currently present. A failure of the onsite septic system could cause serious damage to the surrounding marsh and beaches that are nesting areas for several endangered species of birds. The DEP has stated in connection with another application for this site that in their experience, even when properly designed, soil erosion and sedimentation plans are rarely implemented effectively or properly maintained, resulting in insufficient control of erosion and prevention of sedimentation. These marshes are an Connecticut's remaining 5 percent of its original salt marshes and one visited by thousands of people annually for recreational and educational purposes. The degradation of this area would cause a severe loss to the general public and the scientific community.

The filing stated that because of its environmental activities and concerns, Menunkatuck Audubon Society may suffer direct and/or indirect damage if such approval is granted.

The intervention means that Menunkatuck will be given written notice by mail of all hearings and meetings to be held in connection with the proceedings pertaining to the permit review for the 00-57 Regulation Amendment 1362 Boston Post Rd - Griswold Airport.

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Last updated 18 September, 2004 .