Your Local Environment - News & Information for Municipalities

On the environmental side, we are focused on improvements to permitting processes, which are speeding up decision making on applications without compromising important standards.

On the energy front, we are bringing life to the provisions of last year's milestone legislation, with an emphasis on strategic planning, energy efficiency, deployment of renewable energy and programs to engage private capital in new financing opportunities.

With this approach, DEEP is playing an important role in fulfilling Governor Malloy's vision of creating jobs, revitalizing Connecticut's economy and maintaining the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in our state.

We look forward to building on our strong partnership with municipal officials to keep moving this agenda forward, and I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Sincerely,

Dan

Microgrids to Provide Reliable Power

In response to the widespread power outages caused by Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm, Connecticut is looking at deploying localized power sources to create microgrids that are independent of the overall power supply. This would ensure that power stays on in town centers and at strategic locations, such as hospitals and wastewater treatment plants, even when the grid goes down. The use of microgrids and other emerging technologies were one of the recommendations in the Two Storm Panel Final Report as potential methods for mitigation of impacts to infrastructure. Governor Malloy has proposed $5 million in funding for a microgrid pilot initiative that would move us in this direction.

Tree Maintenance Task Force

DEEP will be forming a special task force to examine issues regarding the maintenance of trees along the state's electrical power lines and to recommend clear and consistent polices for dealing with them. The formation of the task force was recommended by Governor Malloy's Two Storm Panel. Its members will be announced soon.

The two historic storms and power outages this fall drove home the point that we need to think carefully about how we maintain the beauty of our trees while ensuring the reliability of electric service. This task force will bring all stakeholders to the table - local tree wardens, DEEP's Forestry Division, the CT Department of Transportation, utility companies, the tree care industry, and conservation groups - to develop policy recommendations that will help us strike the right balance. The recommendations of this task force will be extremely valuable in future decision making about tree maintenance by municipalities, utilities, state government and private property owners. While the work of this task force is underway, ongoing efforts to address tree maintenance should continue.

New Energy Monitoring System at State Buildings

A new monitoring system will allow facilities managers at up to 100 state buildings to achieve cost savings by identifying and addressing inefficiencies in energy use associated with building operations. Installation of the EfficiencySmart Insight service from EnerNOC, will give state facilities managers and EnerNOC technical advisors access to real-time energy data - allowing for specific and timely actions to reduce energy consumption.

The monitoring system is being installed as part of a new state program, called Lead by Example, a partnership between DEEP and the Department of Administrative Services. Lead by Example demonstrates the economic benefits of energy efficiency by achieving energy savings in state buildings. The program is also in the process of creating a standardized Energy Savings Performance Contract for use by state agencies and municipalities. This contract would allow for state agencies and municipalities to implement energy efficiency upgrades at no up-front cost, with payback for the efficiency measures coming from the savings realized on their utility costs.

Transforming Materials Management for 21st Century

DEEP is coordinating a Summit Series to further explore the challenges and opportunities of handling our trash in Connecticut. The first Summit, "Unlocking the Value: Transforming the Connecticut Materials Economy," was held in March. Over 170 municipal and business leaders,economic development professionals, and solid waste and recycling industry professionals were present. The discussion focused on how to transform the way waste and recyclables are managed and to identify mechanisms to increase market development and the processing and manufacturing of recyclables.

Long Island Sound Bottom Water Temperatures Return to Normal Earlier this year DEEP Commissioner Esty coordinated a Roundtable event to jumpstart a dialogue about the economic opportunities - both in Connecticut and the region - in our waste stream. At the meeting it was recognized that the economics of raw and used materials have changed. Industry players have consolidated and diversified. Disposal and transportation costs are rising. Municipal recycling rates are at an apparent plateau. Municipal budgets are as strained as ever. The next Summit on June 12 will focus on how to achieve financial stability, economic sustainability and modernize the infrastructure of how we manage our waste. For more information or to be added to e-list to learn of additional events and activities, contact Chris Nelson.

Open Space Grants Available

Funds are available to assist cities and towns and land conservation organizations with the purchase and preservation of open space lands through the state of Connecticut's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program. At least $5 million, made available through money allocated to DEEP by the state bond commission, is available for this round of open space grants.

Connecticut's open space includes recreation and conservation land owned or protected by the state and land owned or protected by municipalities and others, often with state financial assistance. These purchases are helping Connecticut meet its open space goal of protecting 21 percent of Connecticut's land - or 673,210 acres - by the year 2023. DEEP and its partners have protected over 15 percent of Connecticut's land as designated open space, comprising nearly 500,000 acres. Since the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program began in 1998, DEEP has provided approximately $102 million in grants to assist with the purchase of approximately 26,000 acres of open space across the state in 120 of Connecticut's cities and towns. The deadline for applying for this round of grants is June 28, 2012. The application can be found on DEEP's Open Space webpage.

Seeking Nominations for State Greenway Designations

DEEP and the Connecticut Greenways Council are soliciting nominations for official state greenway designations. Greenways are an integral part of any community, offering recreational opportunities, providing alternate transportation options, helping to preserve the environment, and supporting economic development. Designated greenways, both for recreation and resource protection, will be listed in a subsequent revision of the State Plan of Conservation and Development and may receive increased consideration for a variety of grants. Those selected for designation will be announced by the Greenways Council at their 2012 Greenways Day event. The deadline for submission of the nomination form is May 1, 2012.

Redesignation Request to EPA for Non-Attainment Area

DEEP recently issued a public notice of intent to request that EPA redesignate Fairfield and New Haven Counties from nonattainment to attainment under the PM_2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. PM_2.5 (fine particulate matter) has many negative health impacts, such as damaging lung tissue and aggravating existing heart conditions. The U.S. EPA designated these counties as a nonattainment area in 2005 and 2009 based on PM_2.5 monitoring measured prior to those years. Sources of PM_2.5 include diesel vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities.

PM_2.5 air quality has improved significantly over the last decade due to numerous federal and state emission control programs, resulting in these counties meeting both the 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour federal health based standards since 2009. A significant benefit of EPA approving Connecticut's redesignation request will be a streamlined new source review (NSR) permit program for Fairfield and New Haven counties. Upon EPA approval, major new or modified sources in these counties will no longer be required to secure PM_2.5 or SO₂ emission offsets. However, NOx and VOC offsets will still be required statewide for new/modified major sources due to continuing ozone nonattainment problems.

Update on Wastewater General Permits

DEEP issued a notice of tentative determination to renew certain existing water discharge general permits, while proposing to issue a new general permit for categorical discharges to sanitary sewers and combining ten existing general permits into one consolidated miscellaneous general permit for discharges to sanitary sewers. The following is a list of clarifications and corrections associated with the above referenced public notice:

No annual fees will be required for the Categorical general permit.
The Non-Contact Cooling Water and Hydrostatic Testing general permits will remain in effect until 2015.
The Boiler Blowdown general permit will be modified to remove the sanitary sewer component, which will be available for coverage under the proposed consolidated miscellaneous general permit.
The Tumbling and Cleaning general permit will be extended until June 2013. These discharges will subsequently be available for coverage under the proposed consolidated miscellaneous general permit.

The notice, draft general permits and public comments are available at this link. Any questions regarding these general permits should be directed to Art Mauger at 860-424-3018.

Windsor Achieves Silver in State Electronics Challenge

The Town of Windsor achieved "Silver" status in the State Electronics Challenge by purchasing EPEAT registered products to lower the energy consumption of computers in use and extending the lifetime of equipment, as well as recycling equipment at the end of its service life.

In 2011, Windsor purchased 32 computer products and recycled 39 plus 34 phones. These measures resulted in energy savings of over 250,000 kilowatt hours, or enough power to supply 21 homes annually; greenhouse gas emission reductions equivalent to removing 32 cars off the road; and, over 31 pounds of toxic materials like lead and mercury prevented from entering the environment.

Idle Reduction Savings for Trucks

If you drive a truck or manage a truck fleet, then you may be aware there are a number of idle emissions control devices now available for trucks. These devices can help you save fuel and money while also benefitting air quality and our environment. To calculate potential savings, plug your truck's information into the Department of Energy's Idle Reduction Savings Worksheet and see the results.

If you would like additional information to help you decide whether installing idle reduction equipment on your truck is the right decision for you, there are many resources that can help.

WheelTime has a nationwide network of specialists on hand to help local fleet owners/operators apply for federal grants and many of their Diesel Service centers are authorized to install the equipment.
Cascade Sierra Solutions offers experts that can help you apply for a grant or financing options and will direct you to a dealer for installation. Currently they are administrating a rebate program called the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project offers incentives up to 20% off some idle reduction equipment.
SmartWay Financing Program offers more information on places to look for loans and grants that are available for clean diesel projects.

Spring Forest Fire Danger

DEEP's Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fire to help protect Connecticut's 1.8 million acres of forested land. Forest fire danger levels are classified as low, moderate, high, very high or extreme. Due to this year's dry spring weather, Connecticut has experienced brush fires throughout the state, several of which threatened lives and homes.

DEEP encourages municipal employees to check the Daily Forest Fire Danger before working outdoors and to take the following precautions in order to prevent wildfires:

Don't park vehicles on dry grass.
Only use internal combustion equipment (such as construction equipment, generators and chain saws) if they have a spark arrester installed.
Use extreme caution performing tasks outdoors that could start a fire, such as welding.
If smoking is permitted outdoors, make sure that butts are fully extinguished in dirt or sand.
Open burning of brush within 100 feet of woodland or grassland is NOT allowed when the fire danger is high, very high or extreme - even if a a permit has been issued from the local open burning official.
Make a fire safe zone around your building(s) by removing flammable vegetation and debris from at least 300 feet around the structure.
Municipal park personnel should check outdoor grilling locations to make sure visitors have completely extinguished any fires.
Dispose of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping.

Stage II Enforcement Policy

As part of DEEP's ongoing efforts to identify unnecessary regulatory burdens, the agency undertook an intensive study of gasoline vapor recovery in Connecticut. Gasoline vapors are created every time we fuel our cars at gasoline stations. The study found that the gasoline vapor control program, known as the Stage II program, is rapidly becoming obsolete because newer cars and trucks manufactured since 1998 have built in onboard vapor recovery equipment.

Recognizing the significance of the study, DEEP issued a letter to all gasoline facility owners and operators informing them that the agency is waiving the requirement to install Stage II vapor recovery systems at newly constructed gasoline stations. DEEP is currently working with stakeholders to design a plan to phase-out Stage II vapor control systems that are in place. Until a plan is agreed on, all existing gasoline facilities will need to continue to perform tests, record keeping and maintenance of Stage II vapor recovery systems and enforcement of these rules will still be in effect. If you have any questions, please contact Timothy Marsh at 860-424-3702.

UST Operator Training Requirement

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires states to implement Operator Training requirements for Underground Storage Tank (UST) facilities. If your municipality or business owns USTs regulated under Section 22a-449(d) 101-113, a Class A, B, and C Operator must be designated for each facility. These operators must complete class specific training, including an exam for Class A and B, by August 8, 2012. USTs for storing heating oil for on-site consumption are not included under this requirement.

The International Code Council, in conjunction with DEEP, has developed a self-study program and exam that can be used to satisfy the Class A and Class B training requirements. The goal of Operator Training is to protect state resources, including drinking water supplies, from contamination by leaking tanks. For questions about the Operator Training requirements, please contact Helen Robbins, DEEP Storage Tank Unit.

New Fuel Economy Labels for 2013 Models

With gasoline prices increasing, fuel efficiency and environmental performance tops the list of concerns for perspective car buyers. The new 2013 fuel economy and environmental labels designed by the U.S. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provide consumers with critical information, including:

Energy comparison use and cost between electric and gasoline cars
Fuel consumption rating allowing more accurate energy usage comparisons
Fuel economy and green house gas rating
Smog rating of vehicle tailpipe emissions
Estimated fuel costs over a five year period compared to the average new vehicle
CO₂ emissions information, and
a QR Code, if scanned with your Smartphone, will allow you to access information on the internet

The new labels are required on all 2013 model vehicles but it is likely that they are already appearing on many 2012 model year vehicles. The new labels will help car buyers make sense of how much energy each car uses, save money and reduce tailpipe emissions. Look for these labels while shopping for vehicles for your fleet. With gasoline prices approaching record high levels, the information provided can help your municipality save money.

2012 Ozone Season

The official 2012 ozone season begins on May 1st and goes through September 30th. DEEP monitors, tracks and forecasts daily air quality levels across Connecticut all year long for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) but special attention is warranted to the Air Quality Index (AQI) during the ozone season. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. Keep abreast of the AQI forecasts during the ozone season, especially when scheduling employees to work outdoors. Join DEEP's E-mail list serve or contact Sam Sampieri to have air quality forecasts e-mailed directly to you. You can also get the AQI forecast in real-time at DEEPs Air Quality Index webpage, on U.S. EPA's AIRNOW webpage or by Twitter feed that is generated by U.S. EPA's EnviroFlash system. DEEP's air quality hot-lines (860-424-3027 or 800-249-1234) also provide forecasts.

Air Quality Awareness Week, which runs from April 30 - May 4, 2012, is another opportunity to learn more about ozone. This educational event emphasizes that we all need to "Be Air Aware" and offers information about what ozone is, using the AQI to protect against poor air quality and what you can do to help make the air cleaner in your community.

Medication Drop-Off Program at Local Police Stations

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is partnering with the Connecticut Prevention Network to develop a pilot program where municipal police departments can install lock boxes to collect unwanted medications from residents. The Drop Box Program addresses the issues of prescription drug abuse and the detrimental environmental effects of flushing medications down the toilet or sink.

Currently there are drop boxes installed in police station lobbies in Greenwich, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Shelton, Simsbury, Waterford and Wilton. For details, contact Gerald Destefano, DCP Drug Control Division, 860-713-6067.

For more information on proper disposal of unwanted medications, visit DEEP's webpage.

EMIT Webinar Training

Earlier this year, DEEP's Air Bureau introduced electronic reporting for Title V and GPLPE sources utilizing the Emissions Inventory Tracking (EMIT) system. In order to introduce and demonstrate the features and capabilities of the new electronic compliance reporting system, the Air Bureau hosted four on-line training sessions via WebEx last January. These webinars represented DEEP's first use of online training courses using the WebEx technology. The training consisted of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, a system demonstration and a question and answer period. The four WebEx events reached over one hundred participants. Using WebEx saved businesses considerable time and money and reduced air emissions by eliminating the need to travel to the training sessions. Based upon the positive feedback at the conclusion of the program, WebEx will be a tool we look to utilize again for future training and outreach opportunities.

Fishways are Providing Access to Critical Habitat

The migratory fish runs in Connecticut rivers and streams that flow into Long Island Sound once held an abundance of salmon, shad, river herring, sturgeon, striped bass, lamprey, smelt, and eels. Today, these runs are diminished and many are gone. While the causes are numerous, the main culprit has been dams, which block the migration of fish, preventing them from reaching crucial spawning habitat upstream.

DEEP's Inland Fisheries Division seeks to restore migratory fish runs and that means reconnecting these species to their spawning habitat and solving the problem of barrier dams. The best solution is to remove dams. That is often not possible so the next best option is to build fishways -- structures specifically designed to allow fish to get around dams, either in an upstream or downstream manner. Sometimes the DEEP can request that a fishway be a condition of a federal hydroelectric license or mandate a fishway as a condition to a state dam repair permit. More often the project is voluntary, in which DEEP cooperates with a town or conservation group to plan, raise funds through grants, apply for permits, and build the fishway. If you own a dam that you suspect is blocking fish runs, you are encouraged to contact Steve Gephard to discuss acquiring grants or other funding to remove the dam or build a fishway.

Community Fishing Lakes

The Community Fishing Lakes program was initiated by DEEP's Inland Fisheries Division to enhance fishing opportunities in Connecticut's major population centers. The initial site for this program was Bunnell's Pond in Bridgeport's Beardsley Park, which was added to the spring trout stocking schedule in 2006. In 2007, Keney Park Pond (Hartford), Lake Wintergreen (Hamden/New Haven), and Mohegan Park Pond (Norwich) were added to the program. Trout had already been stocked into Mohegan Park Pond for a number of years. In 2008, the program expanded into Waterbury, where Lakewood Lake and Upper Fulton Park Pond were designated as Urban Fishing Areas.

Trout stocking typically provides a spring fishery in these lakes. DEEP decided to additionally stock channel catfish to provide a year-round fishery. In the first five years of the program, an annual average of 11,000 trout have been stocked in Community Fishing Lakes and a total of 25,400 adult-size channel catfish have been stocked since the program began. For more information, the Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474.

Birds are Killed by Colliding into Buildings

Each year it is estimated that 1 billion birds are killed through collisions with buildings. This makes buildings and their glass the second highest source of bird mortality in the U.S. and Canada. You can help save the birds and some energy by turning off the lights. Night-time migrating birds use light to orient themselves. In brightly lit areas, birds become "trapped" and circle the lights until they are exhausted or collide with the building producing the light. Coordinating a Light's Out campaign in urban communities, especially during spring (March 1 - June 1) and fall (August 15 - October 31) migration, can help reduce this mortality.

Even during the day, birds have no concept of glass and often suffer fatal collisions. There are specific steps everyone can take to make their windows collision free. Some of these techniques, if applied to new construction, are applicable towards LEED credits. Many will be surprised to learn that some of the older recommendations, such as hawk silhouettes, are not effective, and that most bird collisions happen below 50 feet or at the first four to five stories of a building.

Chimney Swifts Losing Nesting Habitat

photo copyright Paul Fusco

Do you work in or next to a building with an old chimney? Do you live in a home with an uncapped chimney? If yes, do you ever hear noises that might imply birds have taken up residence there? Or, do you see birds entering or leaving the chimney at dusk or dawn? DEEP's Wildlife Division is looking for homes and buildings that might harbor chimney swifts, a native bird that nests and roosts (sleeps) in chimneys, and catches hundreds of flying insects every day. These little aerial acrobats are one of the most active birds in the world, often flying and hunting for insects most of the day. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining precipitously throughout their range.

To help stem the decline, DEEP is seeking to better understand the distribution of chimney swifts and to quantify the loss of nesting habitat (uncapped chimneys) throughout the state. Preliminary data indicate that chimneys are being capped throughout the state at an annual rate of 8%. To find out more about this incredible bird and what you can do to help, please follow this link.

Education Opportunities

Green Cleaning Training Materials

The "Green Cleaning in the Home: Breathe Easy While Cleaning Program" webinar is available at TRAINConnecticut as a free on-demand course which you can access by logging in and searching for course # 1033038. This webinar is the result of a healthy home initiative by DEEP and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH).

DEEP and DPH have also produced a CD with information to help other agencies or organizations educate people about green cleaning. It includes a PowerPoint presentation with an overview of the Breathe Easy While Cleaning program, details on a display available for loan, a sample talk, and additional resources (such as make-your-own cleaners recipe cards) to help participants/audiences start making their own greener, healthier cleaning products. For a copy, contact Joan Simpson, DPH's Environmental & Occupational Health Assessment Program.

Municipal Inland Wetland Commissioners Training

Segment 1 of the Municipal Inland Wetland Commissioners Training Program is now available as a multimedia on-line course. It is part of a three-segment annual training program. The self-paced course provides the same informational content as the day-long, face-to-face workshop. The course, offered through the University of Connecticut, is in the same format as an on-line, college level program and includes text, slides, and video.

Segment 1 is tailored for new municipal inland wetlands agency members, agents, and interested citizens. It provides an overview of the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act, the roles and responsibilities of municipal inland wetlands agencies, a review of the functions and values of wetland and watercourse resources, and a lesson on map reading and site plan review. Segment 1 will also continue to be offered in the traditional all-day workshop format. You may obtain additional details regarding the Municipal Inland Wetland Commissioners Training Program or register for any aspect of the training program on-line or contact DEEP's Wetlands Management Section at 860-424-3019.

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