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IWWA Adopts Amendments to Regulations
The Town of Greenwich Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency has completed a comprehensive review and revision of its regulations, effective October 4, 2004, a task not undertaken since 1993.
Impetus for the undertaking included significant amendments to state statutes, which provide the underlying authority for the Town's wetland regulations, as well as decision of noteworthy court cases that have provided clarification and interpretation of Connecticut's wetlands law.
The Agency initiated its review process in 2003 and held extensive public hearings in 2004.
Click here to download the newly revised regulations: Amended Regulations Document (14MB pdf)
Some of the more important revisions are as follows:
Refinement of the definition of regulated activity to include an upland review area boundary regulation.
This area is defined as that in which any regulated activity is likely to have an impact on wetlands and watercourses, subject to review by the Agency. It defines an area ranging from 100 to 200 feet outward from a wetlands or watercourses boundary, within which developmental activities are likely to have an impact.
This change strengthens the authority of the Agency to exert its jurisdiction over protected areas adjacent to wetlands, particularly if challenged in court.
Another important purpose for this provision is to inform citizens what to expect when proposing an activity on affected properties. It serves as notice that these defined areas are important wetland protection zones, within which the Agency and staff will carefully review applications for potential impacts.
The upland review area boundary does not imply that a property owner may conduct activities without review or approval from Agency or staff. All proposed activities on sites containing wetlands and watercourses would continue to be reviewed by the Agency or its staff.
Inclusion of the authority for a designated agent (staff) to administratively process applications that pose little or no impact to wetlands and watercourses.
If Agency staff determines that an activity presents little or no impact, they may issue an administrative permit, a process allowed under state statutes. The Agency has utilized this process in a limited manner for several years.
Clarification of the criteria under which the Agency may hold a public hearing and update of the considerations for decision making that are used to review all applications.
For additional information, please contact Michael Chambers, Director.
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