SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — The Southington Land Trust wants a pipe recently installed on their property out.
Valentino Guarino, president of the Southington Land Trust said, “They didn't get wetlands permit, they didn't contact us, it's private property."
Valentino said he and other land trust members were made aware of a pipe that crossed into the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary on Wedgewood Road back in April. Since then, they’ve been in communication with the Department of Public Works and the Planning and Zoning Department, asking for the pipe to be removed.
According to town records, the Southington Land Trust acquired the property at issue in 2007. Though it's a wetland, the land trust claims excess storm water draining from the pipe may cause environmental damage and disrupt the public trail head, ahead of its busy summer season.
"It's putting water where it didn't used to go,” said Guarino.
In response to the land trust’s calls for action, the Southington Public Works Department said the action wasn't malicious, but an effort to assist neighbors dealing with flooding.
One resident detailed how much rainwater would flood in areas of his yard, noting that the pipe installed by the town has helped cut that down and is in favor of keeping it in place. Residents don’t believe it’s causing any harm to the sanctuary.
The land trust demands the town find another solution, noting how they were not granted the proper permits through the Conservation Commission. In a statement, Director of Public Works Annette Ellis said an application had been submitted to the conservation commission. It's scheduled to be heard July 11.
Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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