| Over the summer, I heard from many of you about your concerns about the drastic tree cutting that took place along I-95 in Fairfield, which has led to increased noise and site pollution in certain neighborhoods along the highway.
Despite multiple letters, meeting requests, and a bonding request for sound barriers and tree replanting, I have been very disappointed by the whole process and the lack of response. This includes the lack of solutions being offered by the department to help remedy residents that were impacted.
Because of this, this session with colleagues we have introduced legislation to:
- Require a certified arborist employed by DOT or the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) to review and approve any tree removal performed (whether by DOT or under a permit issued by DOT).
- Require DOT to publish a schedule of work to be performed pursuant to this section at least four weeks before performing such work.
- DOT must notify the tree wardens of any municipalities where any such work is proposed to be performed at least four weeks prior to performing such work.
- Require DOT to plan for, plant, and care for replacement trees, shrubs, or other vegetation where trees are removed pursuant to this section in order to prevent erosion, flooding, standing water, and the spread of invasive vegetation. This includes the removal of wood chips and debris caused by work performed pursuant to this section.
- Require DOT to conduct a sound study prior to cutting when the cutting is adjacent to a residential zone.
As I continue to work on other solutions for the tree cutting that occurred with DOT, I look forward to sharing more details about this legislation very soon and how you can weigh in to be a part of the legislative process to lead to positive change. |
