2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Inland Wetlands and Waterways Act, which gave towns vital responsibility to protect the wetlands that protect us. Stonington wetlands have a 100-foot protected area around them, because everything in any ecosystem is affected by a disturbance in any part of it - a domino effect. The IWW Commission will do a thorough job of listening and studying the ecological impacts of a large house planned at 16 Smith St. in Old Mystic. The stakes are high.

Water flowing off the steep side of Quoketaug Hill gathers in the wetland (and the basements of its neighbors, whose sump pumps operate full time). What happens to the neighbors and Old Mystic when the huge berm (partly IN the 100-foot setback) and mound (mesa!) for the house blocks the normal drainage from the wetland? Where does all that fill come from and what is in it, that will be leaching into the wetland and then into the Mystic River? Are there invasive seeds in it? What happens when the homeowners fill the rain garden or green swale because they want a yard and a patio? Will there be heavy equipment operating within the 100-foot limit? The IWW Commission's thoughtful consideration continues on Aug. 4.

Maggie Favretti

Mystic