Protecting Important Resources
Click for additional information, denoted by a green dot where available.
These tables are best viewed on a computer.
Status: A- Not Yet Implemented
B- In Progress
C- Completed
F.1. Protect Water Quality
F.1. Protect Water Quality
Policy
Portland's Aquifer Protection Agency is managing the Aquifer Protection requirements including required submissions to DEEP of application renewals for all existing regulated activities within the aquifers in 2022 and for all new development as it occurs.
In 2021, the Conservation Commission and Inland Wetlands Commission worked together to mail copies of the Backyard Water Resources Guide to all persons whose dwelling abuts a waterbody.
In October 2020, Portland received a $250,000 from the State Department of Public Health to identify alternate sources of drinking water to better service Portland's 2,300 customers and meet future needs.
The Town Aquifer Protection Agency regularly monitors the Town owned well located on Glastonbury Turnpike.
1
Continue to protect water quality.
Town
IWC | APA | WSC
B
2
Maintain regulations to protect identified aquifer protection areas.
APA
LU
3
Continue to ensure that local septic systems function effectively.
HD
Action Item
4
Amend local regulations to include "low impact development" (LID) strategies and reduce the water quality of impacts of new development.
PZC
LU
5
Consider extending water quality provisions from the State-defined aquifer protec-tion areas to other parts of Portland.
PZC
LU | HD
6
Conduct public education about protecting water quality (including reducing ferti-lizer, herbicide and pesticide use).
CC
HD | IWC
F.2. Protect Other Water Resources
F.2. Protect Other Water Resources
Policy
1
Continue to preserve riparian buffers along wetlands and watercourses.
IWC
PZC | CC
2
Maintain upland review areas and vegetated buffers adjacent to wetlands and wa-tercourses in order to protect these resources.
IWC
Staff | CC
In 2021 the PZC upheld Portland's Flood Plain and Special Flood Hazard Regulations by denying a proposed text amendment to expand residential uses in these areas.In 2021 the PZC upheld Portland's Flood Plain and Special Flood Hazard Regulations by denying a proposed text amendment to expand residential uses in these areas.
The PZC has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Zoning Regulations including consideration of a Lake Front Overlay Zone.
3
Maintain regulations regulating the placement of structures near water resources.
IWC
PZC
The PZC has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Zoning Regulations including consideration of a Lake Front Overlay Zone.
4
Maintain floodplain regulations to manage activities in areas prone to flooding.
PZC
Staff
Action Item
5
Develop use restrictions for Portland Reservoir to help prevent contamination.
Town
Staff | CC
6
Consider a Pond Overlay Zone.
PZC
LU | CC
F.3. Protect Other Natural Resources
F.3. Protect Other Natural Resources
Policy
The PZC recommended by 8-24 referral and the BOS approved the designation of 31 lots totaling 9.06 acres in the Great Hill Pond watershed as Open Space.
The Inland Wetlands Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission provided letters of support for the Middlesex Land Trusts acquisition of 14 7 acre parcel abutting the Meshomasic State Forest and encompassing Rattlesnake Brook thereby protecting the watershed of Great Hill Pond.
The Town of Portland has established Pollinator Pathways in 3 locations on town owned land: The Air Lil)e Trailhead on Middle Haddam Rd; The Riverfront Park on Brownstone Avenue; and the Portland Recreational Complex, on Portland-Cobalt Road.
The Town of Portland works to protect pollinators, native plant and tree species in Town. Staff works to collaborate with vendors and suppliers as much as possible to use plants free of chemicals that may be harmful to pollinators.
The Town utilizes Integrated Pest Management (1PM) techniques on Town owned land and encourages the addition of clover to grass lawns and/or the reduction of the need to mow grass to every 2-3 weeks.
Work continues to identify areas where lawns are not used for walking, playing, sitting or other human recreation, and replace those lawns where ever possible with native trees, shrubs, or perennials offering resources for pollinators.
1
Continue to protect other important natural resources in Portland.
CC
PZC
2
Seek to maintain unfragmented forest areas for wildlife habitat and community character.
CC
PZC
3
Protect "fanglomerates" and other unique geologic formations in Portland.
CC
PZC
The Land Use office has been working with the owners of Walnut Hill Farms to sell their development rights to the CT Farmland Trust and Ct Department of Agriculture to protect important farmland soils, historic orchards, and fanglomerates on the site.
4
Continue to require applicants in NDDB areas seek input from the DEEP prior to obtaining local permits.
PZC
LU
5
Discourage the introduction of non-native species in Portland.
PZC
LU
Action Item
6
Maintain the "Natural And Cultural Resources / Open Space And Recreation" docu-ment from the year 2000.
CC
LU