|
Compliance Assistance & Education Opportunities |
|
| For flood management news and information, subscribe to The Torrent. |
|
|
Subscribe to Connecticut Wildlife
 Your best source for information on wildlife, fishing, hunting and the outdoors. Place your order today!
|
|
|
|
Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends,
You may have noticed a different logo at the top of this newsletter.
It is the logo of the new Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reflecting a consolidation that Governor Malloy had called for. This agency came to life July 1 as a result of legislation approved by overwhelming bipartisan majorities in this year's General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor earlier this month.
Our new agency is charged with the dual responsibilities of creating a new energy future for the state (that is cleaner and cheaper) and protecting Connecticut's environment and natural resources. To accomplish this, the new department brings together the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) and an energy policy group that had been based at the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).
With the launch of DEEP, Connecticut will become a national leader in integrating energy and environmental policy. We will bring down the cost of electricity to make our state more competitive. We will promote energy efficiency and encourage the development and use of clean energy technologies.
We will also move to protect our environment in new ways, bringing a renewed spirit of innovation to pollution control, conservation of our natural resources, and management of our parks and forests.
You can find out more about DEEP on our new website.
With DEEP, Connecticut has a real platform to address the 21st century challenges we face. We look forward to working with the business community to build a prosperous and sustainable future for Connecticut.
Dan
| |
|
 Expanded and Clarified Recycling Requirements
| |
 Recycling has been mandatory in Connecticut since 1991. In an effort to invigorate recycling in Connecticut, Public Act 10-87 clarifies and expands Connecticut's recycling requirements. Some of the requirements are already in effect and some will become effective this fall. For example:
- Addition of items to the list of mandatory recyclables, including PET and HDPE plastic containers (3 gallons or less), boxboard (e.g., cereal boxes), magazines, high grade white paper (residential), and high grade colored paper (effective 10/1/11);
- Everyone must use one or more separate collection containers for designated recyclable items (in effect);
- Zoning regulations cannot restrict placement of recycling receptacles (in effect).
For a complete list with the effective dates and how the requirements apply to your business, go to DEEP's recycling webpage or call 860-424-3365.
|
|
Organics Recycling Bill Passed
|
Connecticut now has a law concerning recycling of organic materials. Under Public Act 11-217 certain food wholesalers, manufacturers, supermarkets and conference centers will be required to recycle organic materials no later than six months after at least two permitted composting facilities are established in the state. Updates will be provided in future newsletters as the process of establishing these facilities moves forward.
|
|
Paint Collection Program to Expand
|
 A recent DEEP survey found that 88% of Connecticut homeowners are holding on to unwanted paint. Many respondents expressed frustration with the lack of options for getting rid of this paint. DEEP has been participating in a nationwide dialogue with paint manufacturers, recyclers, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to address the problem. This dialogue resulted in the passage of Public Act 11-24, which creates a paint stewardship program coordinated by paint manufacturers. The manufacturers will submit an implementation plan to DEEP to take effect by July 1, 2013. The plan will address establishing convenient collection locations for residents and businesses. In addition to providing a needed outlet for unwanted latex paint, the program will annually save municipalities over $600,000 on oil-based paint disposal fees from household hazardous waste collections. |
|
Decon '11 Conference a Success
|
Thanks to the many Connecticut individuals and companies that attended and supported Decon'11, the Building Material Reuse Association's (BMRA) national conference on building deconstruction, material reuse, and construction & demolition (C&D) recycling. This event took place in New Haven in May with nearly 200 people from around North America attending, and more than 50 individuals earning accreditation through training offered at the end of the conference. BMRA presented their Innovation Award to DEEP's Sherill Baldwin for making an impact on the deconstruction industry. The conference also provided opportunities for communities in the northeast to learn how deconstruction and building materials reuse can link with economic development opportunities. Building on the success of Decon'11 and the growing interest in this area, DEEP is reviving the stakeholder group which focused on C&D materials recovery. For more information on participating in this group, please contact Sherill Baldwin. |
|
Truck Stop Electrification - New Haven Port Authority
|
CT DEEP, U.S. EPA, the City of New Haven and the New Haven Port Authority recently celebrated the "opening" of a Truck Stop Electrification (TSE) Site. The project, a collaboration of city, state and federal agencies and the New Haven Port Authority, was funded $380,000 of federal stimulus money secured by the DEEP. CabAire LLC was contracted to provide and install the TSE systems. The Truck Stop consists of a 14-space parking facility that allows trucks that are waiting for access to the various port
 | |
Photo: James Kocaba
|
facilities to have heat, air conditioning and electricity without idling their engines. Reducing diesel emissions from trucks in the area around the Port of New Haven is a critical air quality and environmental justice issue, especially with nearby residential neighborhoods.
The TSE facility will also help truckers save on their fossil fuel bill. Every hour that a truck engine idles, it burns roughly a gallon of diesel fuel and adds an additional $0.50 to $0.95 an hour in maintenance costs. If the Port of New Haven isn't a truck stop your business frequents, then you can perhaps find another TSE location near you. Saving Connecticut's air can also save you money! |
|
Air Quality Alert Days
|
With the onset of warmer weather, Connecticut's ground-level ozone (also known as smog) air pollution levels rise. Air Quality Alert Days are issued when ground level ozone is expected to reach unhealthy levels, especially for sensitive groups, such as the elderly and people who have respiratory problems. Check the air quality index (AQI) and use the daily-updated information on DEEP's air quality website as a planning tool. On Air Quality Alert Days, consider scheduling work so that your employees aren't exerting themselves outdoors when the air quality is poor. You can help protect air quality by asking your employees to combine trips or share rides, fuel vehicles after 7 p.m., and avoid using gasoline-powered landscape equipment during the hottest part of the day.
Members of the regulated communi ty also need to check the AQI every day because certain restrictions contained in regulations or environmental permits may apply based on the ozone forecast if you operate emergency engines or peak demand power plant sources or operate under schedule modification orders. The current ozone forecast for the regulated community is provided through a pre-recorded telephone message (860-424-4167), via email provided to the affected sources and on DEEP's AQI web page. The forecast is provided as a traffic light indicator, with red meaning restrictions are in place for the forecasted day and green meaning that restrictions are not in place for the forecasted day.
|
|
Incentives for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
|
 | |
EV Charging Station
|
Electric vehicles (EVs) are coming to Connecticut, and municipalities and businesses will have opportunities to utilize them in fleets and promote their use to the public. EVs offer environmental, economic and energy benefits and the goal is to have 25,000 in Connecticut by 2020. In addition to using them for fleets and other business needs, municipalities can offer incentives to residents who purchase EVs and businesses can provide charging stations. In New Haven for example, the City plans to waive parking fees for EVs and the Omni Hotel and Neon Garage have charging stations open to the public. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council (EVIC) Final Report recommends sales and property tax breaks and grants to offset the purchase price, use of HOV lanes, parking incentives, and electricity pricing considerations. The wide-scale deployment of EV charging stations across the state is one of the most important elements of a successful EV strategy. In April, DEEP, a member of the EVIC, worked with legislators to hold an EV forum at the Capitol. Representatives from major auto manufacturers and infrastructure designers interacted with state decision makers to identify challenges facing EV scaled deployment. Over and over, representatives stressed the need for a cohesive charging infrastructure for the vehicles before any real deployment to scale could occur.
|
|
Stormwater General Permit Update - Industrial Activity
|
DEEP began its transition to e-government with the re-registration process for the General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activity, effective October 1, 2011. In mid- April of this year, the Department made the e-Registration and e-No Exposure Certification Forms available, along with extensive instructions to guide users through the forms. Also, stormwater staff has dedicated significant resources to provide outreach and assistance on the new e-forms. The following is a list of commonly asked questions and answers. - Where can I find information on the latitude/ longitude of my discharge and if it discharges to impaired water? Refer to the Instructions for Completing the Registration Form and the Impaired Waters Monitoring Table - Parts IV.5., V.1.d., and V.3.
- Can all industrial activities (including municipalities) submit the no-exposure certification? No, only activities classified in Category 10 of the industrial activity definition are eligible.
- Do I have to submit a Pollution Prevention Plan with my registration form? No. This is required to be prepared at the time of registration to meet all permit requirements, but is not required to be submitted unless requested by DEEP.
- When do I have to implement my revised Pollution Prevention Plan? The Plan must be implemented upon the effective date of the permit (October 1, 2011).
|
| Stormwater General Permit Update - Construction Activities |
 In June DEEP held a public hearing on the proposed General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater and Dewatering Wastewaters from Construction Activities. Stakeholders engaged in the process raised various issues that DEEP staff are working to resolve with the parties. Key issues of concern raised by the parties and others include historic preservation and endangered and threatened species review requirements, provisions for third-party qualified professionals to certify stormwater control plans in lieu of regulatory review, and minimum standards for stormwater controls for existing development. Any issues that will be adjudicated will be the subject of continuing hearings during this Fall.
|
|
Army Corps of Engineers General Permit
|
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) is responsible for regulating the placement of fill in waterways and watercourses in the United States. To help ease the burden of this regulatory responsibility, ACOE has a general permit category for activities that cause minimal impact. The general permit for Connecticut is expected to be re-issued soon and will remain in effect for five years. It is similar to previous general permits although it allows for more activities to be covered.
This permit includes two categories. Category I is a non-reporting general permit and is effective if the proposed activity doesn't extend beyond the minimal impact threshold defined in the permit. Category II general permits are filing general permits, but because of an expected minimal impact of the project, the amount of data required through the permit process is reduced. If a project goes beyond the thresholds of the general permit, the applicant must apply for an individual permit.
|
|
The Role of the Natural Diversity Data Base
|
 | | Piping Plover (photo: Paul Fusco) |
DEEP's Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) program performs hundreds of environmental reviews each year to determine the impact of proposed development projects on state-listed species and to help landowne rs conserve the state's biodiversity. The NDDB State-Listed Species Review process is designed to promote compliance with the State Endangered Species Act which requires that no activity authorized, funded or performed by the State (including the issuance of permits) threatens the continued existence of endangered or threatened species and their essential habitats. As part of the review process, DEEP biologists provide recommendations for avoiding negative impacts to state-listed species. Quite often, minor modifications to a project plan are effective in alleviating conflicts with state-listed species. For this reason, DEEP recommends that applicants consult the NDDB early in the planning stages of a project.
In 2010, the NDDB State-Listed Species Review process went through LEAN, a process improvement project. The results of this effort include a streamlined review process, enhanced internal tracking, coordination and document sharing, as well as a revised request form and instructions.
|
| Underground Storage Tanks Nearing Their Life Expectancy | |
Do you own and/or operate an underground storage tank (UST) that was installed during the 1980s? USTs installed during that time frame have a maximum of 30 years of life expectancy and many of those USTs are approaching the end of their "life." The likelihood the UST will fail and contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater drastically increases toward the end of its "life." Approximately 25% of USTs currently installed in Connecticut are at least 25 years old (about 2,400 USTs), with many of those USTs actually within 1-2 years of requiring permanent closure.
Whether you own/operate a steel UST or a fiberglass reinforced plastic UST, you must comply with the closure regulations. The logistics pertaining to the removal (and possible replacement) of USTs can be very complex and time consuming. Therefore, planning for the project should begin long before the time that the USTs have exceeded their life expectancies and regulations require permanent closure. UST records are available for review in DEEP's File Room. Questions? Contact DEEP's Storage Tank Enforcement Unit at 860-424-3374.
|
| DEEP to Register Low Risk Pesticides | | DEEP has implemented a new program requiring the registration of pesticides that the federal EPA exempts from registration as low risk. Products with ingredients from the EPA list that includes such things as garlic, salt, thyme, and other common ingredients must now be registered in Connecticut. DEEP is taking this action in order to more closely regulate these products and to better ensure control over their misuse. In addition, these products are the only ones that may be used as lawn care pesticides at elementary and middle schools. Registration will follow standard pesticide registration procedures and will enable DEEP to efficiently provide a list to schools and municipal officials. |
|
Brownfield and Site Cleanup News
|
DEEP has been busy promoting reuse and cleanup of brownfields. First, a "Targeted Brownfield Remedy" was revealed that provides a streamlined process and more certainty for the standard brownfield cleanup approach. Costs and time can be reduced by tailoring the site investigation to support the planned development/remedies. Also during the 2011 session, DEEP worked with the legislature for passage of An Act Concerning Brownfield Remediation and Development as an Economic Driver. Included is a provision (Section 4) that limits responsibility for parties cleaning up under the Property Transfer Act. The bill also creates a new "Remediation and Revitalization Program" (Section 17) to attract new owners/developers to reuse and clean up currently underused brownfield properties which have past releases of hazardous substances. If accepted into the program, an innocent eligible person must cleanup past releases on the property. In exchange, the eligible person will receive third-party liability relief and will have no obligation to address pollution that has migrated off-site. In addition, DEEP kicked off a comprehensive evaluation of the state cleanup laws to transform the status quo into a more productive and efficient future. About 100 stakeholders participated in the opening event. All interested parties are encouraged to participate as the process moves forward. Check DEEP's website for more details.
|
|
Encouraging Employees to Bike to Work
|
 About 40% of Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. One way for Connecticut businesses to help reduce those emissions is to encourage greener commuting by their employees, such as bicycling to work. Anne Hayes, Director of Parking & Mass Transit at the Travelers Companies, Inc., informs new employees about bicycling or using mass transit rather than driving and points out the cost and lack of parking as disincentives to driving. Some basic infrastructure is needed to further encourage employees to bike to work, such as having bike racks and showers available at your facility.
Overall, Connecticut is becoming more bike-friendly and has recently gone from being in 40th place to 21st place on the League of Bicyclists annual state rating. Whitcraft LLC in Eastford has received national designation as being a bike friendly company, and it's likely that more Connecticut businesses would qualify if they apply. Check the League of Bicyclists Scorecard to find out if your company is bike-friendly and the Employers Commuting Guide for other helpful information.
|
|
DEEP Launches Free Online Training for Generators of Hazardous Waste
|
 DEEP has launched a new free online training course to assist businesses in meeting the initial and annual training requirements for hazardous waste generators. The Hazardous Waste Management Training Course is designed as a general overview of the regulatory requirements for handling hazardous waste and is targeted to hazardous waste handlers, managers and supervisors responsible for knowing the law and complying with it. The course, developed with the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, is part of DEEP's efforts to provide E-Government services to the public. If a participant scores 80% or more correct on the final course assessment, a certificate may be printed to document that the training has been satisfactorily completed. Generators may use this certificate as part of their personnel training documentation. Development of the course was supported by Supplemental Environmental Project funds resulting from hazardous waste enforcement actions.
|
|
Phoenix Press Uses Wind to Print
|
Phoenix Press, a family-owned and family-operated, full-service printer, installed
a 100 kilowatt, on-site wind turbine which provides 30 percent of its demand for electricity. This installation is in keeping with the New Haven company's goal of being the greenest commercial printer in the United States. Phoenix's wind turbine is helping to reduce the emission of air pollution as well as carbon dioxide (CO2). The turbine is the equivalent to avoiding CO2 emissions of more than 20 passenger vehicles per year.
About half of the funding for the project ($263,000) came from a Connecticut Clean Energy Fund grant. Now that Phoenix Press has reduced its energy costs, company president Brian Driscoll says that it can pass on the savings to its customers.
|
|
|
Your Business and the Environment
