Quarry Benefits Water Supply

By: PATRICK HAMEL AND GILBERT BLIGH

A number of Connecticut communities stand to gain environmental and economic benefits from a recent proposal from Tilcon Connecticut Inc. to lease land presently owned by New Britain. As the director of the water department and the chairman of the New Britain Board of Water Commissioners, we would like to share with the public some important facts surrounding this proposal, as well as encourage policy-makers to allow the discussion and review of this plan to go forward.

The heart of the proposal involves taking 70 acres of an existing rock quarry, currently zoned for heavy industry, and restoring that land to Class I and II watershed to be used for open space. The conversion of this rock quarry would result in the creation of a new drinking water reservoir. As caretakers of the water supply for a city of more than 70,000 people, we know how critical Class I and II watershed land is for clean, pure water. We also know all too well that the creation of a new drinking water reservoir in densely populated central Connecticut is a rare opportunity that must be considered thoughtfully.

In addition, this proposal seeks to preserve more than 350 acres of land, with the city receiving a minimum of 95 acres of prime watershed land to be preserved as open space. Surrounding towns will also receive substantial new open space: a minimum of 95 acres of watershed land to the town of Plainville and a minimum of 75 acres of watershed land to the town of Southington. Approximately 120 acres of undeveloped residential property, currently in the watershed, would be preserved from any development and the water company land that would be quarried would also be restored to Class I and II watershed at the end of the 40-year lease. Preserving our natural resources, particularly one as vital as water, demands considerable forethought. When the value of all this land currently under the ownership of Tilcon is considered, the city believes that this is a no-cost land preservation and water management opportunity worthy of exploration.

There are additional benefits to New Britain that should be highlighted. One such benefit is the increase to the city's available supply of water during a drought, referred to as safe yield. Another benefit is storage and reduction of storm water runoff, which will help provide critical flood protection to residents whose homes are close to the existing quarry. Beyond the expanded watershed, increased water supply and improved storm water management, New Britain will also receive significant compensation under the terms of this proposal, approximately $15 million. At a time when municipalities across the state are struggling to fund important services without overburdening taxpayers, $15 million would mean vital revenues to the city.