Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) members will be reviewing voluminous technical information, which is part of a complex wetlands application from a Hawleyville firm which wants to expand its industrial business in an environmentally sensitive area.

Hilario's Service Center, Inc, of Mt Pleasant Road is seeking a wetlands/watercourses protection permit for that expansion project. Hilario's operates heavy wreckers and also repairs commercial vehicles.

On June 14, IWC members resumed a public hearing on Hilario's application, which had started on May 10. At the May 10 session, IWC members requested a variety of environmental information which they received on June 14.

The newly submitted information includes: a wetlands analysis, the project's environmental impact, stormwater control data, plans to control possible toxic spills, and plans to remove contaminating petroleum.

IWC Chairman Sharon Salling said because the IWC received the various technical information on June 14, the public hearing would be continued to June 28 to give IWC members sufficient time to review the material.

Civil engineer Steven Sullivan of CCA, LLC, of Brookfield, representing the applicant, presented the various data to the IWC.

James McManus of JMM Wetland Consulting Services of Newtown represents the applicant on wetlands matters. Mr McManus described the two wetlands on the property to IWC members, explaining their environmental characteristics.

Construction work would include some grading and filling adjacent to the wetlands, he said.

"We put a lot of thought and work into this proposal, and in my opinion, we have successfully protected the wetlands," Mr McManus said.

Mr Sullivan noted that the applicant has modified its plans based on IWC members' comments at the May 10 hearing.

During the public comment section of the June 14 hearing, David Kerr of 6 Old Bethel Road asked why a proposed new industrial building at the site would be allowed to stand close to a wetland. Mr Kerr urged that suitable trees be planted in a buffer zone between his property and the proposed building.

Rob Sibley, town deputy planning director, said he will be reviewing the added technical information submitted by the applicant.

Hilario's of 131 Mt Pleasant Road (US Route 6) is the applicant/developer of the project proposed for the adjacent 135-139 Mt Pleasant Road property, which lies generally west and south of 131 Mt Pleasant Road. The addresses 131, 135, 137, and 139 Mt Pleasant Road total 5.66 acres. The proposed development would alter 3.95 acres of the overall site.

Hilario's specializes in the recovery of trucks, trailers, and various other commercial vehicles that have been involved in accidents and other incidents. The firm provides towing and hauling services, plus the storage of recovered cargo from commercial vehicles. It has a service shop for commercial vehicle repairs and also has vehicles that respond to make repairs on the road. The firm has been in business since 1976.

Under the proposal, a one-story 11,500-square-foot commercial vehicle service shop would be constructed, as would a one-story 15,200-square-foot warehouse. The warehouse would include a wash bay for large commercial vehicles. Also, an existing Hilario's building would be converted for use as an employees' lounge.

The relocated business would have two new driveways extending from Mt Pleasant Road.

After a wetlands/watercourses protection permit is received, Hilario's would seek a special permit for the expansion project from the Planning and Zoning Commission.