To the Editor:

The Newtown Plan of Development has a vision statement which includes "Protecting our aquifers, wetlands and other ecologically sensitive areas". The proposed Warehouse at Exit 9 of Interstate 84 as is proposed will sit atop the Pond Brook Aquifer.

While the Inland Wetlands Commission has approved the development in regard to mitigating wetlands the P & Z, among other things, must determine that the proposal is in accordance with the Town plan of Conservation and Development.

Several years ago the Pond Brook Homeowners Association (PBHA) argued against and defeated the overdevelopment on Pond Brook Road in a subdivision application in 2002. Robinson & Cole (R&C), the attorneys for the current developers' attorneys, represented the PBHA.

As the PBHA was unable to get local scientists to work with us in our endeavor we reached out to Community & Environmental Services (CE&S). They issued a report which was presented to the P&Z by R&C. The development proposal was defeated.

In that report CE&S quoted that brook trout populations (Roth et al 1999) cannot tolerate a watershed imperviousness greater than 2%. Significant declines in brook trout occur at 7% imperviousness.

It is to be noted that the 102 acre warehouse proposal will have impervious surfaces of 8%+ for the warehouse plus more impervious surfaces for the parking lot for 360 cars, pads for trucks and the road leading to the project.

In addition, the increase in impervious surfaces along the Pond Brook Aquifer since 2002 has been significant and unusual developments have occurred downstream from Exit 9 to the Housatonic River. Flash flooding and declines in brook waterflow as well as decreases in well production in house wells have occurred. By increasing the impervious surfaces due to overdevelopment the aquifer does not recharge effectively.

The P&Z must take care to protect the environment especially during these times of climate change.

Yours truly,

Gary Tannenbaum

Newtown