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Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
DEEP starts the New Year with a firm foundation and an opportunity to make real progress on critical environmental, energy and conservation issues.
To help focus our efforts for this year, we have developed a list of 2012 priorities that I want to share with you. This list is not all inclusive, as there are many other important projects underway in all corners of this agency. It does, however, highlight big picture issues we are looking to address this year.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback, and we look forward to working with the business community in 2012. We believe this will be a year in which DEEP begins to demonstrate to our state - and the nation - that a sound and integrated approach to energy and the environment is the clearest path forward to building a sustainable and prosperous economic future.
DEEP's 2012 priorities are as follows....and you can select this link to read about them in more detail:
- DEEP Transformation
- Cheaper, Cleaner, More Reliable Energy
- Stewardship of our State Parks, Forests, and Land
- Cleanup of Contaminated Sites
- Waste Management for the 21st Century
Dan
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 Cost of Electricity Coming Down
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Bringing down the rates for electricity to help reduce the cost of living here and to make Connecticut economically competitive is a key goal of DEEP. The final rates set for 2012 by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for Standard Service residential customers of CL&P will be 1.341 cents kWH less than in 2011. Residential standard service customers of UI will see a reduction of 1.9932 cents kWH. Rates for business users will also be less than in 2011. For more information, go to DEEP's website.
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Cheaper and Cleaner Energy for Connecticut
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Two commercial renewable energy projects were recently selected using a new competitive process designed to help bring cheaper and cleaner energy to Connecticut. East Lyme Solar Park and Somers Solar Center were selected after a competitive evaluation of 21 projects submitted in response to DEEP's Request for Proposals.
As a result of the selection, the developers of the two projects will have the right to enter into 20-year power purchase agreements with CL&P and UI. Each of the projects is designed to provide five megawatts (MW) of solar energy for the electric grid. The 20-year average cost of the power from the two projects is 22.2 cents per kilowatt hour. The process employed in selecting these projects represents a new approach designed to harness market forces, encourage competition, and leverage private capital to drive costs down for renewable energy. For more information, go to DEEP's website.
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Connecticut Fuel Companies Providing Reliable Power
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Two Connecticut companies -- FuelCell Energy and UTC Power -- are world leaders in the production of reliable power with the use of fuel cells. Both produce stationary fuel cells that provide reliable power to businesses, municipalities and institutions, 24 hours a day, with higher efficiency and virtually no pollution. Unlike more traditional power sources that use fossil fuels less efficiently, the by-products from an operating fuel cell are virtually no pollutants, minimal carbon emissions, and heat and water.
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Fuel cell at commercial
bakery in Bloomfield.
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FuelCell Energy has over 180 megawatts of power generation capacity installed or in backlog, including over 80 installations at more than 50 different locations around the globe. Installations in Connecticut include a commercial bakery in Bloomfield, Central Connecticut State University, a food processor in South Windsor, a commercial customer in Hartford and an order pending installation at the U. S. Navy submarine base in New London.FuelCell Energy employs approximately 500 people in Danbury and Torrington. While many companies were downsizing in 2011, they hired 50 people - mostly for green manufacturing positions in Torrington.
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Fuel cell at Connecticut
Science Center.
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UTC Power is a subsidiary of Hartford-based United Technologies Corporation and has fuel cells installed at more than 300 locations worldwide. Customers include the New Haven schools, Connecticut Science Center, Whole Foods in Glastonbury, Stop & Shop in Torrington, and Coca-Cola in East Hartford. Installations are planned for spring 2012 at the University of Connecticut and at Eastern Connecticut State University. UTC fuel cells are also utilized on hybrid-electrics buses, including the Star Shuttle in Hartford.UTC Power is currently staffed with about 430 people. They continuously seek exceptional talent to advance our technology and maintain Connecticut's leadership in the fuel cell industry.
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Radioactive Material & Industrial X-Ray Device Registration
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Businesses may have radioactive material and industrial X-ray devices. Per CGS Sec.
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Lead Paint Analyzer
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22a-148, any person operating any source of industrial ionizing radiation (including gamma rays, x-rays, alpha and beta particles, neutrons, protons, high-speed electrons, and other atomic or nuclear particles), or producing, transporting, storing, possessing, or disposing of radioactive materials must register with DEEP annually. Examples of the uses by businesses and institutions include: quality control checks, static elimination, diagnostic and cancer therapy, security and screening, lead paint detection, bio-pharma research, precise measurement (gauges), identification of metal alloy composition, and wire curing. If you have not registered your devices for the period of January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012, you must submit your registration now. You cannot possess or use unregistered radioactive material and industrial x-ray devices. Failure to register will result in DEEP taking enforcement action. For questions, please contact the Radiation Division at 860-424-3029. Please note: There is a separate registration process for diagnostic and therapeutic x-ray devices. As a result, some medical and dental offices will require both types of registrations.
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E-Reporting for Compliance
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DEEP has developed electronic reporting capability to meet the needs of the regulated community to work faster and smarter. The goal of electronic reporting is to save time and resources in reporting on annual compliance of regulated facilities. Now company employees can edit online GPLPE and Title V Permit program compliance forms. Once the compliance forms are completed the company's designated submitter will submit such forms electronically to DEEP using the Emissions Inventory Tracking (EMIT) online.
For those who have not already done so, DEEP encourages Title V permittees and GPLPE registrants to obtain a user account for EMIT online so that they can take advantage of electronic reporting. A user account may be created by completing an Electronic Signature Application and Subscriber agreement. A copy of the form, instructions and frequently asked questions are available on DEEP's website in the Emissions Inventory section. Any questions regarding GPLPE or Title V Permit compliance reporting may be directed to DEP.CACU@ct.gov.
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Annual Air Emissions Statements - EMIT Online
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Facilities that are major potential sources of air pollution, as well as all Title V sources, have been notified that they are required to submit 2011 annual emissions statements by March 1, 2012. The web-based Emissions Inventory Tracking System, (EMIT) Online, is considered by the DEEP to contain the emission statement "form provided by the Commissioner," therefore, only electronic submissions will be accepted. This is the third year users will access site specific emissions related data, edit online, save, and submit the emissions statement electronically to the DEEP.
Each submitter is required to report air emissions for the following pollutants: oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, ammonia, and hazardous air pollutants (HAP). The emissions statement must report the actual calendar year air emissions and daily ozone precursor emissions during the ozone season. You may e-mail the EMIT Online helpdesk or call 860-424-4152 if you have any questions or require training on the EMIT Online system.
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Gasoline Dispensing Transformation
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 Almost every motorist in Connecticut is familiar with vapor control equipment on gasoline pumps. These systems are referred to as either Stage I or Stage II systems and they control harmful vapors during refueling. Stage I controls capture vapors when tanker trucks deliver gasoline to underground storage tanks while Stage II controls capture vapors when vehicles are refueled. Additionally, all vehicles manufactured since 1998 contain on-board vapor control systems.
Recognizing that technologies in vehicles are constantly advancing and older cars are being replaced, DEEP engaged a consultant to identify and evaluate gasoline vapor control strategies. The study, released last month, explores various options along with associated benefits and costs. According to the study, a sufficient number of cars have on-board controls such that the use of Stage II controls may no longer be necessary. DEEP is forming two workgroups to discuss: (1) the proper decommissioning of Stage II systems, and (2) whether cost effective enhancement options exist for Stage I systems. If you are interested in participating in one of these workgroups, please contact Timothy Marsh at 860-424-3702.
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CT BACT Database Developed
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DEEP's Bureau of Air Management has developed a database to aid in the preparation of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) determinations for New Source Review air permitting. The CT BACT Database contains all minor source and major source BACT determinations made by DEEP over the past five years. Permit applicants and others interested in BACT determinations can browse the data base or run custom reports based on a combination of search terms including permit issue dates, pollutants and U.S. EPA process codes. This new tool can be accessed on DEEP's Air Permitting Assistance webpage. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for improvements regarding the database please contact Louis Corsino.
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Sulfur Dioxide Modeling
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The U.S. EPA strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2) to provide better health protection and a new one hour SO2 standard of 75 ppb became effective nationally on August 23, 2011. To demonstrate compliance with the new standard, DEEP will be utilizing an air quality modeling and monitoring approach. In order to obtain the most accurate modeling results, owner/operators of affected sources must verify the information in DEEP's Air Emissions Inventory as well as submit a current plot plan for each facility.
DEEP has notified by postal mail the owner/operators of affected sources in Connecticut and has developed a list of affected sources, which can be found on the DEEP's SO2 Planning webpage. DEEP would like to remind the owners/operators that if you have not responded to the mail notice then the modeling team will utilize current emissions data on file.
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Regulating Single-Ply Roofing Products
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Adhesives, sealants, adhesive primers and sealant primers, primarily those used in industrial settings and architectural trades emit smog forming chemicals (volatile organic compounds or VOCs). DEEP developed regulations to limit the VOC content in a multi-state regional effort with other Northeastern states, product manufacturers and the regulated community through an open and transparent process that included a three-year transitional period. On and after January 1, 2012, only single-ply roof products that meet the following VOC content limits may be used or sold in Connecticut:
Category As applied VOC content limit(g VOC/L)
Single-ply roof membrane installation or repair adhesive 250
Single-ply roof membrane sealant 450
Single-ply roof membrane adhesive primer 250
DEEP is committed to ensuring the regulated community is aware of these new requirements and is available to provide assistance to ensure a transition to full compliance. If you have questions concerning these requirements, contact DEEP's Air Management Bureau at 860-424-3436 or by email.
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DEEP Proposes to Eliminate Obsolete Requirements
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A recent air regulatory proposal designed to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens will revise several air quality programs and repeal several non-core programs. The proposal has four parts:
- Repeals three air quality regulatory programs that have been replaced by either a statutory or federal program, or are no longer necessary to DEEP's mission;
- Creates an exemption for gasoline dispensing facilities that fuel service fleet vehicles to no longer require Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems;
- Adds compliance flexibility to the low emission vehicle program for automobile manufacturers consistent with Clean Air Act section 177 and CGS section 22a-174g; and
- Adds significant impact levels, significant emissions rates, and prevention of significant deterioration increments for fine particulate matter to the new source review permitting program. The additions are consistent with U.S. EPA rules and guidance.
DEEP held a public hearing on the proposal on November 9, 2011 and anticipates they will be effective by mid-2012. The air regulations that are in various stages of the formal adoption procedure are now available on DEEP's website.
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Using Emergency Generators
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Many businesses own and operate emergency generators. Tropical storm Irene and the October Nor'easter have shown us the value of these units, which typically emit high  levels of air pollutants relative to the power they produce. Because emergency engines are operated infrequently, the installation of air pollution controls is not always required and may not be economically feasible. If your business owns or operates an emergency generator of approximately 85 kW or larger you must comply with DEEP regulations that limit the hours of operation, fuel usage, and fuel sulfur content. DEEP recommends that you refer to the Air Emissions - Distributed Generator and Emergency Engine webpage for more information. Larger emergency generators may also be subject to individual air pollution control permits and may therefore be subject to additional recordkeeping requirements.
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General Permit for Application of Pesticides to State's Waters
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DEEP is in the process of issuing a General Permit for Point Source Discharges to Waters of the State from the Application of Pesticides (PGP). Issuance of this general permit is the state's response to a federal court determination that applications of aquatic pesticides as well as incidental discharges of pesticides to waters resulting from overland applications are point sources under the Clean Water Act. The PGP will piggyback on DEEP's existing Pesticide Permitting Program and will not significantly increase the regulatory burden on most pesticide applicators. DEEP has issued a tentative determination to issue and has scheduled a public hearing for March 6, 2012 in response to a petition for hearing.
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Update on Wastewater General Permits
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DEEP recently held an informational meeting to discuss the proposed General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewaters from Categorical Industrial Users to a POTW and the modification of the General Permit for Miscellaneous Discharges of Sewer Compatible Wastewater. These general permits are an effort to streamline the permitting process by eliminating the need for certain individual permits. The comment period for these two general permits ends February 9, 2012. For more information, visit DEEP's website.
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All Invited to Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee Meetings
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 All stakeholders are invited to attend Connecticut's Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee (HWAC) public forum meetings. This includes representatives from federal, state and local governments, business and industry, community and environmental groups, other interested organizations, and members of the public. Success stories for compliance assurance and a competitive marketplace and updates on implementation activities and training are presented at the meetings, which are held three times per year. RCRA generator training follows one of the public forums at least annually. The next HWAC public forum will be held on February 16, 2012 in the Phoenix Auditorium at DEEP headquarters from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. For more information including signing up to the HWAC listserv, visit the HWAC web page or contact Mark Latham.
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DEEP Seeks Proposals for Sunrise State Park
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DEEP is seeking proposals from developers to redevelop, manage, and operate Sunrise State Park (formerly the Sunrise Resort) in East Haddam. DEEP will work with the developer to create a destination location for the Connecticut State Park system offering
 | Riverfront access at Sunrise State Park.
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public access, recreation, and economic opportunity to the state and the nearby communities. The primary objective of redeveloping Sunrise is to make it a destination location for residents and visitors and to restore the park's role as a vital and integral part of East Haddam and the surrounding communities. Although the DEEP has no fixed plan for the park's redevelopment, there are elements that will be strongly preferred. More information on this project, including the complete Request for Proposal document is available on the DEEP website. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4:00 PM on March 16, 2012.
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Brownfield and Site Cleanup News
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On January 10, 2012, DEEP held a public feedback meeting to summarize the evaluation process, and to present the draft conceptual design for a transformed Cleanup Program. The draft vision and conceptual design are described in the Report to the Governor and the Joint Standing Committees on Environment and Commerce on the Comprehensive Evaluation of the Connecticut Cleanup Program and Proposal for Transformation that was released on December 21, 2011.
Public comments are currently being sought on the draft vision and conceptual design described in the above referenced report. Comments, questions, or suggestions can be submitted through the dedicated e-mail.
With the aid of public comments, DEEP will be working to provide more detail on how the transformed Cleanup Program will operate. This new information will be discussed at a future public meeting. The notice for this meeting will be posted on the webpage established for this cleanup transformation. If you subscribe to eAlerts through this webpage, you will be provided notices of future opportunities to participate. Also, stay up-to-date with all happenings that affect cleanup in Connecticut by participating in the Remediation Roundtable. The next Remediation Roundtable meeting will be held at DEEP offices in Hartford on February 14, 2012 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm in the Phoenix Auditorium.
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New Aquifer Protection Manual
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 Many Connecticut residents rely on the State's aquifers for drinking water, whether their water comes from private wells or public water supply wells. DEEP recently published Connecticut's Aquifer Protection Area Program: Municipal Manual, providing guidance on adopting and regulating aquifer protection areas in order to prevent contamination by land use activities that use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous materials.
The importance of aquifers was spotlighted at a recent event with the introduction of the manual and the presentation of GreenCircle Awards. One of the recipients, Creative Services Group LLC of Madison, received an award for their mindful consideration to pollution prevention while creating and developing the manual for DEEP. The manual was printed locally on an indigo digital press, which consumes 25% less energy than previous press models and reduces oil waste and consumption by 50% through a built-in recycling system. The paper for the manual is recycled from 100% post-consumer waste and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and was manufactured using 100% wind power.
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Connecticut Businesses Receive Awards
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Eighteen businesses were recently recognized for their environmental efforts at DEEP's
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David Osterman, Branson Ultrasonics and DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty.
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GreenCircle awards ceremony in Hartford. Highlights of those receiving awards include Branson Ultrasonics, Inc. of Danbury, which has received GreenCircle Awards twelve times since the program began in 1998. This year's award is for replacing an inefficient facility air compressor with an energy efficient, variable speed drive unit designed to save 112,185 kWh/year of electricity consumption. Philson Incorporated of Watertown has participated in GreenCircle every year since 2002. This year's award is for initiating and sponsoring the Annual Steele Brook River Clean-up. Both companies stand out because their projects vary from year to year.
Other repeat winners in the business category include JF Fredricks Tool Company of Farmington and Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford. JF Fredricks Tool Company implemented a recycling program to eliminate the large quantity of stored x-rays and installed a bioremediating parts cleaner/degreaser. Pratt & Whitney undertook a corporate initiative to reduce chemicals discharged into the Connecticut River.
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Help Recognize Connecticut's Top Environmental Volunteers
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 Aquarion Water Company is accepting nominations through May 1st for their 2012 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards. Self-nominations are welcome. Awards will be given to outstanding volunteer projects that have improved and protected Connecticut's natural resources - its air, water, soils, plant and wildlife communities. Winners will be recognized at a special event on June 2, 2012 at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.
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Like Our Facebook Page
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 Find out what's happening at DEEP by visiting our new Facebook page and liking it. It's an excellent way to see what is going on in Connecticut for all matters concerning energy policy and environmental protection.
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Your Business and the Environment
