Fairfield’s wetlands and watercourses are an irreplaceable but fragile natural resource, essential to the Town’s ecological health. They function as a natural network, essential to an adequate supply of surface and underground water, providing hydrological stability and control of flooding and erosion. They recharge and purify groundwater, supporting many forms of animal, aquatic, and plant life. These valuable water resources are carefully monitored and regulated by many Town bodies, the CT Department of Energy Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Achievements to Date
- Self-regulated tide gates that restored 120 acres of salt marsh areas
- Restoration of Sasco Beach oyster beds
- Removal of dead ash trees and the non-native, invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), preferred host to spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)
- Jennings dunes remediation with native grass
- Nesting towers for ospreys
- Acquire land off existing open space areas (Mill River by old dam at Westport border)
Challenges Ahead
- Stop spraying for mosquitoes due to being a vector for West Nile and other dangerous viruses
- Monitoring impacts of development
- Mitigating sea level rise
- Managing extreme weather events
- Keeping pollution out of wetlands, marshes and waterways, especially runoff from lawns and gardens (“non-point source pollution”) by installing dry wells when road work is done, these retain water & pollution which also helps with flooding
Benefits of Protecting Wetlands and Marshes
- Providing a natural buffer against flooding and storm surges
- Diminishing drought effects due to lack of groundwater recharging
- Stabilizing of shores and banks
- Improving water quality through infiltration and purification
- Expanding habitat to support greater diversity of plants and animals
- Improving recreational benefits: hiking, fishing, boating
2030 Plan Goals
- Public education and outreach
- Use of wind and water other technology as alternative energy sources
- Increased use of porous pavement
- Increased focus on Low Impact Design (see link below)
- Continue to restore saltwater marsh where feasible
- Management and removal of invasive species and subsequent planting of native species
- Create environment to restore native habitat
- Include environmental impact into Town Planning and Zoning regulations
How Do We Reach Our Goals?
- Education and outreach to residents, businesses and government.
- Use of grants and public-private partnerships to execute remediation projects.