How does the IWWC protect wetlands and watercourses?

Per Connecticut Statute, wetlands are defined based on soil type; poorly draining, very poorly draining, alluvial, or flood plain.  Town regulations establish an “Upland Review Area” (URA), within 100’ of the wetland boundary or watercourse. The IWWC works with property owners during the planning and construction phases of the project to help ensure activity within the URA protects the wetland and watercourse resources.  Plans are reviewed and approved through a permit by the IWWC.  Applications are submitted through the Land Use Official’s office, and then reviewed in a monthly Commission meeting, typically held on the second Tuesday of each month.  The meetings are open to the public and are held in the Town Hall (during the current pandemic, meetings are held through Zoom video conferencing).  The goal of the Commission is to prevent unwarranted wetlands alteration, filling, pollution, and damage.  Not all activities are regulated by the Commission.  For example, commercial logging and agriculture do not come under Commission authority.  A full list of regulated activities is available at the website at the end of this article.