Norwalk commissions flagged watershed-plan update and Route 7 project for stormwater scrutiny

Commission members reported that consultants will present proposed updates to the Norwalk River Watershed Action Plan at a public meeting on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Maritime Aquarium. Commissioners said they will prepare displays linking watershed policy to harbor conditions and encourage broader public participation.

Members emphasized the link between watershed runoff and Long Island Sound water quality, noting historical watershed work in the late 1990s. Commissioners suggested policy recommendations the Shellfish and Harbor commissions may offer, including requiring mitigation for any net increase in impervious surface tied to new development and ensuring that development and housing goals not supersede water-quality protection.

Commissioners also raised concerns about the Merritt Parkway/Route 7 highway project, saying the project documents do not clearly address stormwater-management strategies for increased impervious surfaces created by the highway redesign. They noted prior commission reports (including the I-95 bridge project report) that documented roadway pollutants’ contribution to harbor contamination and said they had provided those reports to the Route 7 project consultant for consideration.

Commissioners encouraged attendance at the Sept. 13 watershed meeting and signaled intentions to provide technical input on impervious-surface mitigation and stormwater controls as the Route 7 project moves forward through permitting and design review.