General Information
The Old Lyme Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) was established by an ordinance adopted October 21, 1963, and tasked with the responsibility of protecting the indispensable, irreplaceable, and fragile natural resources in and around Old Lyme's wetlands. This Commission oversees and grants permits for activities within wetlands, watercourses, and their Upland Review Areas (defined as the lateral 100-foot area around a wetland or watercourse, or the lateral 400 foot area around a vernal pool), or any activity altering the hydrology of a site and impacting a wetland or watercourse.
The IWWC's mission is to protect natural resources within and around wetlands and watercourses for current and future Old Lyme residents. Any resident contemplating activity within areas subject to IWWC regulations or who has property containing wetlands must apply to the IWWC. Land use staff within Town Hall can provide application materials and guidance on the application process. This will help applicants avoid unintentional violation of both state and local regulation.