Newtown Wetlands Panel Continues Hearing On Mt. Pleasant Soccer Field

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission on Oct. 8 approved a river restoration project and continued a public hearing on a proposed athletic complex off Mt. Pleasant Road that has raised environmental questions from residents. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

River Restoration Approved

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve IW #25-20, an application by Trout Scapes River Restoration, LLC to restore sections of the Pootatuck River on property owned by the Pootatuck Club at 100 Mile Hill Road.

Project engineer Brian Cowden said the work will address sediment buildup caused by flooding in 2024, when an abandoned railroad culvert collapsed, releasing sand and fine material into the river. The plan calls for the creation of three sediment-collection pools and periodic dredging, monitored to comply with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) restrictions on trout spawning and wood turtle nesting.

Cowden said the project aims to improve river flow and habitat quality while maintaining the Pootatuck’s role as both a wild trout stream and a local drinking-water source.

Residents Raise PFAS, Drainage Concerns on Mt. Pleasant Proposal

The commission also continued its public hearing for IW Application #25-17, a plan by 90 Mt. Pleasant Road LLC to build a soccer field complex at 90 Mt. Pleasant Road in the M-2A zone.

Commissioners discussed conflicting wetland delineations and potential impacts from synthetic turf runoff. Member Suzanne Guidera supported seeking a third-party review of the site’s wetland boundaries. Consultant Tom Pawlowski said he would provide additional research on PFAS and other turf-related contaminants before the next meeting.

Several residents voiced concerns about water quality and storm-drainage impacts on nearby wells and wetlands.

• Michael Riccardi, of Whippoorwill Hill Road, questioned how stormwater runoff would be managed to prevent well contamination.
• Kira Dineen, who has a pond on her property, cited risks to wildlife and the potential introduction of microplastics into groundwater.
• Sherry Bermingham, of Main Street, asked how close the field would be to Pond Brook, which feeds into the Housatonic River.

Others supported the concept but urged scrutiny of materials. Steve Singlad said he was glad the proposal was for a recreational use instead of industrial development but urged the commission to “really explore the options” for turf products.

The public hearing will remain open and continue Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Newtown Municipal Center.

Other Business

No new applications were accepted, and no short-form permits were issued since the previous meeting. Commissioners were reminded about the upcoming Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions (CACIWC) annual conference.

The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.