Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) had a brief meeting on October 12 at the Newtown Municipal Center to discuss an application by The Riverside on Lake Zoar Association, Inc.

IW Application #22-23 is for property located at 49 Alpine Drive and proposes the construction of two sediment basins within a brook and the installation of concrete pavers for a boat ramp.

IWC members present were Mike McCabe, Scott Jackson, Stephanie Kurose, and Kendall Horch, as well as the town’s Senior Land Use Enforcement Officer Steve Maguire and Land Use Enforcement Officer Kiana Maisonet.

Professional engineer Alan Shepard and his brother Kevin Shepard, of Sandy Hook, represented the application. It was noted that Kevin is the president of The Riverside on Lake Zoar Association, Inc.

“I’m also a lifetime member of that area, so I’ve seen the progression of things that happen down there over the years,” Kevin said. “We’d like to put a sediment pond in that area to collect some of the sediment that’s coming down.”

He continued, “I have the backing of our community to help us with that, with the boat launch for boats going in and out and also for swimming. We want to bring it back to the pristine condition it was, say back in the ‘70s, when you could swim in there and actually enjoy it.”

Kevin explained that the association primarily relies on the fees for people using the boat launch, totaling roughly 70 to 80% of the organization’s revenue.

“I’m afraid that we might fail as a community and association if we don’t get this approved,” he said. “We’re small and just trying to do the best we [can] with what we have.”

Kevin mentioned that their proposal for a sediment pond was recommended by FirstLight Power Senior Land Manager Brian Woods, and that they have a lifetime permit from the organization.

Alan noted that there is “dual jurisdiction” but they wanted to go through the process of also getting the town approval.

The brothers showed the commission a variety of images of what the area currently looks like with the sediment.

When Kevin explained the specifics of the proposed design, he noted that an important aspect is that they would be “lining the side of the bank with nice big boulders, so it doesn’t erode anymore of the road or the bank. Some of the trees we had to have removed from the town because they were rotted and now, we don’t have that root base, and we are a little worried about it eroding there.”

He feels these updates will help improve the area for generations to come to get to enjoy.

“It’s good for the community, and it’s good for the environment,” Kevin said.

Maguire asked if the spillway wall will be stacked blocks or poured, and he was informed that it will be stacked blocks.

“I think it’s a good project … it’s a win-win,” Maguire said.

The commission took a vote to approve the application, and it passed unanimously.

The next IWC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, at 7:30 pm in the Newtown Municipal Center, Council Chambers, 3 Primrose Street.

For more information, visit newtown-ct.gov/inland-wetlands-commission.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.