This chapter shall be known as the "Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Conservation Commission Regulations of the Town of Griswold, Connecticut" and is hereby referred to as "this chapter."
This chapter has been prepared by the Griswold Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Conservation Commission. This Commission's authority is granted by Sections 22a-36 through 22a-45 of the Connecticut General Statutes, collectively known as the "Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act"; and as authorized by an ordinance of the Griswold Town Meeting on November 19, 1973.
A. 
The preservation and protection of wetlands and watercourses from undesirable and unregulated use, disturbance, or destruction is in the public interest. Regulation of wetlands and watercourses is essential to the purposes of public health, outdoor recreation and conservation of our natural resources. Major concerns include:
(1) 
Flood and erosion control;
(2) 
Hydrological stability;
(3) 
Recharging and purification of groundwater; and
(4) 
The continued existence of many forms of plant and animal life.
B. 
It is the purpose of this chapter to protect the citizens of Griswold by making provisions for the protection, preservation, maintenance and use of wetlands and watercourses by:
(1) 
Minimizing their disturbance and pollution;
(2) 
Maintaining and improving water quality in accordance with the highest standards set by federal, state, or local authority;
(3) 
Preventing damage from erosion, turbidity, or siltation;
(4) 
Preventing loss of fish, other beneficial aquatic organisms, wildlife and vegetation, and the destruction of the natural habitats thereof;
(5) 
Deterring and inhibiting the danger of flood and pollution; and
(6) 
Protecting potable freshwater supplies from the dangers of drought, overdraft, pollution, misuse, and mismanagement.
C. 
This chapter provides an orderly process to balance the need for the economic growth of the Town of Griswold with the need to protect its environment. By protecting the quality of wetlands and watercourses, the people of the Town of Griswold forever guarantee the safety of such natural resources for their benefit and enjoyment and for the benefit and enjoyment of generations yet unborn.
All wetlands, as defined in this chapter, are shown, for general reference purposes only, on a map entitled "Inland Wetlands Map of Griswold, Connecticut" as filed in the office of the Town Clerk. In all instances, the actual characteristics of the soils of a given site, as determined by a soil scientist, shall determine whether the land in question constitutes a wetland, as defined in this chapter.