Page 19 - Town of Rocky Hill Summer 2024

Community Development and Public Works
water Quality Matters
With the health of our nation’s rivers declining over the past two decades, now is the time for you to make a real and positive difference around your home to reduce polluted runoff. Here are just a few simple steps:
●■ Nurture native trees, shrubs, and flowers. Native species require no fertilizers or pesticides
or watering to keep healthy. They thrive in the local habitat and provide great food and shelter birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
●■ Reduce the size of grass lawns. Lawns limit the amount of water that can soak into the ground and often require large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides. If you do have a lawn, follow the rule “mow high and let it lie.” By letting your grass grow taller, you also let the roots grow deeper, and leaving the clippings provides a natural fertilizer. Altogether, you will improve the lawn’s ability to absorb water, stabilize soil, control weeds, and not dry out.
contacts:
Departmental Phone:
860-258-2766 (Community Development & Public Works)
860-258-2733 (Building Dept.)
Stephen Sopelak, PE – Director of Public Works & Community Development and Town Engineer
860-258-7672
Joe Lentini – Field Operations and Highway Superintendent
860-258-2766
Jason Scott – Civil Engineer/Inspection Coord. 860-258-7674
Kim Ricci – Town Planner / Zoning Enforcement Officer
860-258-2761
Dave Palmberg – Environmental Specialist/ Land Surveyor
860-258-7675
Mike Violette – Building Official
860-258-7673
Steve Kardys – Asst. Building Official
860-258-7676
Elton Mancura – Asst. Building Official 860-258-2745
Building Permits
Construction season is upon us. Just a reminder, Building Permits are required for all new construction, alterations and repairs, even if you perform the work yourself. Questions, call 806-258-2733.
●■ Limit the amount of paved areas and create natural places for the water to soak into the ground. Rain gardens and swales are excellent ways to attenuate and treat runoff from roofs and driveways. Pervious material like gravel, porous concrete, and field stone can be used for patios, driveways, and walkways.
●■ Plant or grow natural buffers at the edges of rivers/streams, lakes/ponds, and wetlands. These buffers, made up of trees, shrubs, woody and herbaceous perennials and ground cover, prevent shoreline erosion, reduce flood impacts, capture and treat runoff by trapping sediment and removing nutrients, regulate water temperature, and provide food and habitat for wildlife.
●■ Reduce or eliminate use of fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals washed from your property with every rainstorm into a nearby waterway where they can cause algal blooms and be deadly to aquatic organisms. Before applying chemicals, get your soil tested
to determine what you actually need and if necessary, use only a slow-release, low- concentration fertilizer or natural compost. If applying pesticides, spot treat only when absolutely necessary and carefully follow the safety guidelines provided.
●■ Dispose of pet waste in the trash or a pet-waste processor. It is full of bacteria that can make our waterways unsafe for drinking, swimming and fishing.
Please see our website for more information on all of our programs and services: https://www.rockyhillct.gov/214/Public-Works
Public Works
Brush PickuP (for residential homeowners only)
Brush pickup happens three times this year: SPRING: Week of April 15–19, 2024
SUMMER: Week of July 15–19, 2024
FALL: Week of September 16–20, 2024
Brush may also be brought to the Transfer Station at 59 Old Forge Road year-round during their hours of operation.
trAnsFer stAtion hours:
March 7–December 28, 2024
Thursday–Friday, 7:00am–2:00pm Saturdays, 7:00am–1:00pm
shreD-it eVents (residents only)
Each resident is permitted to bring up to 2 copy paper sized boxes or brown paper bags of material to be shredded. Driver’s license required for proof of residency. Paper Only (no binders).
Dates: Saturday, May 11, 2024 and
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 9:00am–1:00pm
Location: West Hill School, 95 Cronin Drive
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