A dense development with 72 units of housing on 29 acres is proposed for land that borders the Mill River in Easton. The Mill holds wild brown trout and wild, native brook trout, which were recently restored to the Mill by DEP. The Mill is not stocked and is one of only nine “Class 1” wild trout management areas in the state. Just 3 years ago, in the spring of 2003, a chlorine spill devastated the river and nearly wiped out the fishery. The trout are still recovering today.
Now, in a 29 acre parcel in the heart of the wild trout area, zoned for 1 house per 3 acres, a developer is trying to push through a dense development that would require the use of a mini in–ground sewage treatment plant adjacent to a major spawning area on the river. Expert testimony has already been presented which revealed that the stormwater system would increase the Mill’s temperatures to the lethal point for trout, especially the native brook trout. The sewage system is inadequate to protect the river as well, according to the experts. If that’s not enough, putting a few hundred new residents next to the river is sure to degrade the banks and lead to erosion and siltation. The river is unique in that it supports native brook trout in one of the most densely populated sections of the state, Fairfield County. We stand to lose one of the 9 “class 1” wild trout streams we have in CT.
Every citizen that has spoken before the local Conservation and P&Z commissions has opposed this development. Nutmeg TU is involved in the effort to convince the town of Easton to deny this application
Mike Piquette
Nutmeg TU
Email: Michael.Piquette@cytec.com