Your Local Environment - News & Information for Municipalities

Tropical Storm Irene provided a concrete example of the value of a strong and cooperative relationship between DEEP and local governments. At DEEP, we worked to assist local officials with issues ranging from dam safety and flood control to debris management and wastewater treatment facilities. We were also engaged with the utility companies as they worked to restore power and phone service. I know there were concerns raised in the aftermath of the storm about the time it took to restore power in some areas - and that is a topic being studied by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority as well as a the Storm Irene panel formed by Governor Malloy.

Mackey McCleary

The other big news at DEEP is that we now have in place the management team we need to move our new agency forward. Joining us recently were two

Jonathan Schrag

new deputy commissioners who will play key leadership roles here. They are Macky McCleary, who is now serving as deputy on the regulatory side, and Jonathan Schrag, who is our deputy for energy. I hope you will reach out and connect with them if you have not yet had the opportunity to meet them. Susan Frechette also remains as the Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for our parks, forests, wildlife and natural resources.

Dan

Connecticut will "Lead by Example" in Energy Effficiency

DEEP is working to achieve Governor Malloy's pledge to make Connecticut the most energy efficiency state in the nation and meet the challenging goals of Public Act 11-80 (Section 118), which calls for a 10% reduction in energy used by State facilities by 2013 and an additional 10% reduction by 2018. One key strategy is DEEP's new "Lead By Example" program, which will provide tools for Connecticut's state agencies and municipalities to attack energy waste, reduce costs, and create and retain jobs. Last month, the State Bond Commission authorized $15 million to implement energy-saving upgrades at state government buildings. The initial three bond-funded projects will begin soon and save approximately $250,000 annually.

The Lead By Example program is also developing a standardized energy-savings performance contracting process to enable state and municipal building owners to use future energy savings to pay for up-front costs of energy projects. DEEP will be rolling out additional tools to help benchmark, finance, and prioritize energy-savings projects and build Connecticut into a national model of energy efficiency. Questions? Contact leadbyexample@ct.gov.

Mattress Recycling in Connecticut

Mattress and box spring disposal is difficult and increasingly expensive for municipalities, businesses and institutions. There is no easy way to dispose of mattresses because they are not only difficult to landfill, also pose challenges for some incinerators because they can't easily be compressed and crushed. In Connecticut, a number of new efforts are changing this. Park City Green, a newly-permitted mattress recycling facility in Bridgeport, employs ex-offenders and veterans to dismantle mattresses by hand and recovers about 85% of the materials for reuse or recycling. Also, the Connecticut Product Stewardship Council is looking towards the 2012 legislative session to bring forward a product stewardship bill for mattresses and box springs.

Working with the Connecticut Council Against Bed Bugs (CCABB), DEEP helped to develop guidelines for the reuse and recycling industries that work with mattresses, bed springs or upholstered furniture. Managers of transfer stations, landfills, mattress recycling facilities, and incinerators are encouraged to review Best Practices for Bed Bug Management of Mattresses, Bedding, and Upholstered Furniture (2011). CCABB provided a free workshop for the reuse, recycling and solid waste businesses that handle mattresses or upholstered furniture on October 17 in New Haven. For more information, visit DEEP's Mattress Recycling webpage or e-mail Sherill Baldwin or call 860-424-3440.

Boiler MACT Update

Does your town or city operate boilers at your schools, wastewater treatment plant or other municipal buildings? Then you may be subject to a new U.S. EPA hazardous air pollutant regulation finalized in March of 2011. The Area Source Boiler MACT Rule (40 CFR 63, Subpart 6J) establishes notification, operating and emission limit requirements for new and existing industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and process heaters. The specific requirements depend upon the type of fuel used and the size and date of construction of the boiler. Initial notifications were due to EPA Region 1 by September 17, 2011 and initial tune-ups are required on or before March 21, 2012. For more information, go to the boiler MACT regulations on EPA's website.

Local Health Officials Attend Odor School

DEEP and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) recently held odor training in

Testing for individual odor sensitivity at the training.

various locations throughout the state for local health directors or their staff. Based on feedback from a survey of local health officials, free odor training was provided so that local health districts could conduct evaluations in accordance with standard procedures and provide an efficient response to not only wood smoke nuisance odor complaints but to all nuisance odor complaints. The training should enable local health officials to better evaluate and respond to ambient odor complaints, and assess any related nuisance situations. If you are interested in more information about the training, contact Keith Hill.

Expedited Permitting for Storm Irene

Much of the clean-up and repair activity needed along Connecticut's coastline in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene occurred seaward of the high tide line, which normally would have required prior authorization from DEEP's Office of Long Island Sound Programs (OLISP). To help coastal property owners quickly deal with this situation, OLISP alleviated the need to acquire permits in advance of doing work by issuing several blanket authorizations. These authorizations immediately covered specific temporary or emergency activities. To be eligible, temporary activities had to be necessary to prevent hazards to life, health, or welfare or significant loss of property, and had to be followed-up with more detailed applications within 30 days. Now that the immediate post-storm need has passed, some of the blanket authorizations have expired. For additional information on OLISP temporary and emergency authorizations, please see the Post-Irene Coastal Permitting Fact Sheet on the DEP website, or contact the OLISP Permit Section at 860-424-3034.

An Easier Way to File Water Discharge Monitoring Reports

DEEP is actively working with a number of permittees to enable them to file discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) electronically through the use of NetDMR. NetDMR is a free web-based tool for reporting wastewater monitoring data to U.S. EPA via a secure internet connection. NetDMR will improve data quality, save paper, and provide cost savings to permittees and regulators. DEEP will require permittees to electronically file DMRs in the near future as part of the permit reissuance/issuance process. For more information, please contact dep.netdmr@ct.gov.

General Permit for Subsurface Sewage Disposal

DEEP is moving to issue a General Permit for Discharges from Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems Serving Existing Facilities. The General Permit would cover existing sites with the following activities: Cumulative discharges greater than 5,000 gallons per day through one or more subsurface sewage disposal system to any one site; Discharge of domestic sewage through a community sewage system; Discharges of domestic sewage to holding tanks located on sites under an approved Wastewater Management Plan or to address a failing or malfunctioning system. DEEP has issued a tentative determination on the proposed permit and is seeking public comment.

Deep Water Port Economic Development Efforts

DEEP along with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of Policy and Management are working together on a long-term plan for economic development of Connecticut's deep water ports, including a focused effort at growing maritime industry jobs. Based on the most recent analysis conducted by the Connecticut Maritime Coalition, maritime industries and related economic activity account for more than $5 billion in business output within the state - including more than 30,000 jobs - and approximately $2.7 billion in State GDP.

Earlier this year, legislation that passed required the state to develop a strategy for economic development of the ports in New Haven, New London and Bridgeport. In response, the state has issued a request-for-proposals (RFP) for these services, with a specific focus on generating strategic initiatives and detailed action plans it can use in developing and marketing the ports. "Putting a strategy in place to make greater use of Connecticut's ports and maritime facilities makes good sense for our economy and the environment," said DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty. "This approach will benefit the entire state by reducing truck traffic on the highways, efficiently moving more cargo with less fuel use and less emissions, and creating more jobs in and around updated port facilities."

Canoe and Kayak Launch Opens in Stonington

DEEP recently announced the opening of a new coastal public boat launch on Route 1A in Stonington. The Saltwater Farm Vineyard Boat Launch allows canoeists and kayakers to easily access a pristine saltwater marsh through Oxacossett Brook leading to Wequetequock Cove about a half mile away.

View from the new boat launch

The canoe/kayak launch was required by the Town of Stonington's Planning and Zoning Commission as a condition of coastal site plan approval, resulting from the water-dependent use/public access requirements contained in the Connecticut Coastal Management Act. The site is located on 100+/- acres of private waterfront property that was converted from a private airport into a vineyard and wedding reception venue.

Additional information about the almost 300 other coastal public access sites in Connecticut can be explored on the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide.

Pequonnock River Watershed Based Plan

A watershed is the area of land that drains into a specific receiving waterbody, such as a lake or a river. Watershed management is the integrated process of planning and implementing everyday land use and watershed management practices to protect and improve the quality of Connecticut's waters and other natural resources within our watersheds. Using a regional strategy, cities and towns work together to reduce nonpoint source pollution and implement better source control at the local level.

DEEP has recently worked with the City of Bridgeport and the Towns of Trumbull and Monroe to finalize the Pequonnock River Watershed Based Plan. This was a comprehensive planning process involving all affected municipalities. This Plan maps out the history of the watershed and the future strategy to protect and improve the water quality and other natural resources in the watershed. The final Plan came out of a year-long process of building local and regional partnerships, familiarizing partners with the watershed resources, assessing the current conditions and land uses of the watershed, and determining project implementation priorities to restore Connecticut's waters. The process also included conducting outreach and education to bring in new partnerships. All three municipalities are now taking steps to implement the plan in 2012.

Coastal Grassland Acquired Through Partnership with DEEP

A coalition of land conservationists led by DEEP and the Avalonia Land Conservancy recently worked with the Crowley family of the Wequetequock section of Stonington to acquire a 16-acre coastal grassland on Wequetequock Cove in Stonington. The property is adjacent to DEEP's Barn Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Connecticut's largest and most ecologically significant coastal wildlife management area, and was part of the Crowley family's dairy farm operation which ceased in 1958. DEEP's coastal land conservation planning process identified the Crowley property in 2005 as an acquisition priority to enhance the protection of the Barn Island WMA. For more information on this acquisition, go to the press release.

Has the Stream Channel Encroachment Line Program Outlived its Usefulness?

The Stream Channel Encroachment Line (SCEL) program regulates activities within Connecticut's streams for the purpose of protecting environmental floodplain resources and to maintain a river's flood carrying and water storage capacity. Following the 1955 floods, the placement of encroachments and obstructions riverward of SCEL lines became regulated by Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) 22a-342 -350 in order to lessen hazards to life and property due to flooding. The program applies to only approximately 5% of stream miles in Connecticut.

Over time the SCEL program has lost its relevance and has been effectively supplanted by other local, state and federal programs (such as FEMA). Currently 168 towns participate in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) program. Private development projects that occur within SCEL are regulated by multiple layers of government and other land use regulatory programs -- municipalities through NFIP requirements and local planning and zoning; at the state level through other land use regulatory programs such as the Water Diversion program; and on the federal level through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. State activities are already regulated by the state through the Flood Management program (CGS. Section 25-68) and also on the federal level by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Repeal of SCEL would save applicants significant money in application fees and modeling requirements and save the state time and money in administrating a program that no longer adds value. Let us know your thoughts on this issue by contacting Denise Ruzicka.

Debris Management Planning Proves Useful During Irene Clean-Up

Connecticut's Debris Management Plan and associated stand-by state contracts for debris removal and monitoring of debris removal operations proved useful when Storm Irene came through Connecticut on August 28th. Prior to and just after the storm, DEEP posted guidance for municipalities on its webpage. The Governor activated the stand-by contracts and mobilized the Inter-agency Debris Management Task Force to lead the management of storm-generated debris. The task force is headed up by DEEP and includes staff from multiple agencies. The task force served as a central support to the state's Emergency Operations Center by working through the Debris Management Plan's pre/post event timeline of related activities and action items (the "concept of operations"). The task force supported requests for assistance from municipalities and state agencies by directing requests to the State's stand-by contractors AshBritt and SAIC/BDR, ConnDOT, the National Guard, or the utility companies. Irene provided experience in real-time response and opportunities for a lessons-learned assessment.

The biggest lesson learned is that planning at both the state and municipal level is the best assurance of an efficient, orderly, and documented recovery -- and documentation being key for eligible FEMA reimbursement. The state plans, contracts, and associated guidance are available at DEEP's disaster debris management webpage.

Going Green Event Makes Sen$e

DEEP's Green Team and Pollution Prevention Office recently held a workshop, Going Green Makes Sen$e: Creating a Plan to Green your Office, geared towards state agencies and municipal offices. With about 100 people in attendance, Commissioner Dan Esty and Deputy Commissioner Macky McCleary kicked off the event with remarks that included the myriad reasons for "greening" including making our offices healthier places for workers and the public, reducing energy, cutting waste and saving money during these economically challenging times. Now that state agencies need to cut their energy by 10% by 2013, the new Lead by Example energy efficiency program was also introduced.

Workshop attendees visit DEEP's native garden.

The main presentation and panel provided both an overview and details of what DEEP has done to be sustainable. Participants then took a tour to see each of the projects implemented at DEEP headquarters over the past few years. Topics and projects covered included: Creating a Green Team, Energy Efficiency, Recycling and Waste Reduction, Purchasing and Reuse, Improving Air Quality, Information Technology, Landscaping. All of the materials from the workshop, including the presentation, fact sheets and resource lists are now available on DEEP's website.

Urban Deer Management

DEEP's Wildlife Division has undertaken several long-term deer studies in residential communities to research and evaluate the effectiveness of deer population control methods in urban-suburban landscapes. Summaries and technical assistance on deer control options are available to communities interested in managing deer in highly developed areas by e-mailing the Deer Program or calling 860-642-7239. In areas with an overabundance of deer, landowners will be encouraged to use hunting (where possible) as a management tool to stabilize the population. The booklets, Managing Urban Deer in Connecticut and An Evaluation of Deer Management Options, can assist communities in developing effective deer management programs.

Town governments have taken a more active role in initiating local deer management

photo by Paul Fusco

programs in recent years. Eighteen of 23 Fairfield County towns have joined the Fairfield County Municipal Deer Management Alliance, which assists towns in establishing deer committees, shares knowledge and experience with other towns, provides input on urban deer problems so as to influence wildlife policy decision makers, increases public awareness and provides input for developing long-term solutions. Residents of the Town of Redding developed a website to facilitate a process whereby willing landowners are matched up with hunters that are committed to removing deer from private land at no cost to the landowner. The goal is to reduce tick-related diseases, deer-vehicle accidents, and impacts to the forest understory. Redding and the Wildlife Division recently initiated a research project to develop a town-wide management plan.

State Asks for Sightings of Mile-A-Minute Vine

Scientists and staff at DEEP and UCONN are continuing their collaborative efforts to control mile-a-minute vine and are asking municipalities to remain on the lookout for this plant. Mile-a-minute vine is a highly invasive annual plant from eastern Asia that can quickly outcompete and replace native vegetation, damaging habitat for native plants and animals. Mile-a-minute was first found in Connecticut in Fairfield County in 1997. Since then, it has spread to 20 Connecticut towns, as far east as Stonington and as far north as Simsbury. Mile-a-minute spreads by seed and quickly grows into dense stands that can cover and out-compete native vegetation.

Municipal employees are a good source of reports about this invasive plant, and as the end of the growing season approaches, these plants become more visible in local parks, forests, and other town properties. Early fall is the ideal time to find and report these problem plants. The location of any mile-a-minute plants should be reported to UCONN before they are removed. Visit the mile-a-minute vine website for identification tips, control information and to report a suspected invasion. You can also e-mail Logan Senack or Donna Ellis or call 860-486-6448 for additional information.

Brownfield and Site Cleanup News

DEEP continues to work on the comprehensive evaluation and transformation of the state cleanup laws.Hundreds of stakeholders have been involved through public meetings, commenting on draft reports, providing comments on the existing program, and suggesting improvements that would benefit Connecticut. To stay involved, please monitor the webpage established for this top-to-bottom review. If you subscribe to eAlerts through this webpage, you will be provided notices of opportunities to participate.

Public comments are currently being sought on six Draft Evaluation Workgroup Reports. Comments, questions, or information can be submitted through the dedicated e-mail.

The Department of Economic and Community Development announced multiple funding and liability relief opportunities in a September 19, 2011 letter to Chief Elected Officials. This announcement includes multiple opportunities to apply for grants and loans as well as to apply to the new Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization Program (section 17 of the 2011 Brownfields Bill). These funding and liability relief opportunities will greatly enhance business opportunities in Connecticut and help municipalities address these often underutilized properties that are not contributing to the tax base, pose a risk to the environment, and are not contributing to the vitality of the community.

Education Opportunities

Smoke School Training Offered

DEEP and DPH are pleased to announce that "Smoke School" will be offered for the third consecutive year to local health directors or their staff free of charge. "Smoke School" training is scheduled to be conducted November 1-2, 2011 and all local health districts are invited to participate. This training will enable local health officials to better evaluate wood smoke emissions and assess any related nuisance situations. The training meets the requirements of U.S. EPA's Reference Method 9, and follows the EPA Quality Assurance Guidelines for Visible Emissions Certification Programs. The training is being provided by Eastern Technical Associates at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

Day 1 of the training consists of a classroom lecture and day 2 is reserved for the field activity of reading the opacity of visible emissions. A second day of field activities is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2011 for anyone that cannot attend the Wednesday training. Registration begins at 8:00 am. Please e-mail Carmella Kuzara or call 860-509-8143 to sign up for training.