Sharon studies alternative for parking lot drainage plan

SHARON — A plan for natural storm water drainage for the town hall parking lot was heard by the Board of Selectmen at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 24.

The new design is a recommendation of the Sharon Energy and Environment Commission (SEEC) whose members have studied the existing plan to expand the parking lot and stepped forward to propose a more natural, environmentally sound plan.

The existing plan would channel run-off water from three drains into an underground pipe leading to a collection pool where it would be pumped away to join the existing storm water drainage system.

The new design described by Michael Nadeau, SEEC member, would implement best management practices.

“Pipe and pump is old style, not done any more,” Nadeau said.

The plan will “infiltrate storm water, not pipe it off,” Nadeau explained, adding that pollutants found in parking lots can be mitigated by plantings. When the power is out, the pump does not work, he added in describing drawbacks to the existing plan.

Many options exist, Nadeau said, including using absorbent materials including sand, mulch and indigenous topsoil planted with plants that thrive in those environments and may even absorb and convert pollutants. He suggested the installation of a rain garden in the area to the rear where drainage would collect. In that area herbaceous plants would benefit pollinators.

A planting strip in the center of the parking lot could soak up moisture. With the proper plantings, he said, “you are building habitat.” The planting strip would have no curbing, promoting self-watering from natural drainage.

First Selectman Brent Colley described plans for better parking lot lighting, indicating that seven lights would be installed with illumination pointing downward.  The lighting plan is designed to light all areas, including the center area.

Nadeau noted that many residents believe that a layer of clay underlies area towns, but in fact he said that there is no clay in the northwest corner of the state. Instead the hardpan layer is composed of compacted silty loam.

Nadeau also spoke of the plans for sidewalk repair along the main street, suggesting that consideration be given to methods and materials that would preserve the old trees and their roots while providing for pedestrian safety.

The selectmen agreed to study the additional materials submitted by Nadeau in his committee’s report and discuss the plan at a future meeting.