Energy Financing for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

During the recent special session, the legislature approved a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. C-PACE will allow commercial and industrial property owners to pay for energy-related improvements to their properties using a finance program that offers low fixed rates and longer repayment periods than traditional loans.  Governor Malloy signed Public Act 12-2, which contains provisions for the program.

Under C-PACE, the cost of an energy project may be funded by special financing arranged through the  Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) and repaid annually by the property owner through a special "benefit" assessment on their property tax bill.  The cost of energy improvements is spread over the expected life of the measures and allows the repayment obligation to transfer automatically, like other property assessments, to the next owner if the property is sold. 

Legislation Phases out UST Petroleum Clean-Up Program

During the recent Special Session, legislation was enacted ( Public Act  12-1, sections 251-263) revising the Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Clean-Up Program (the Program). Also, under the provisions of Public Act 12-189, section 48, the State Bond Commission was authorized to make $36 million available, over the next four years, for payment of applications approved under the Program. This represents a significant increase in funding for the Program especially when compared to recent years. In addition, the funds available for payment of applications will be distributed across different categories of applicant, with emphasis on prompt payment and assistance to small businesses and municipalities.

Please note that under these revisions, the Program is being phased out and those subject to the UST financial responsibility requirements will need to satisfy that requirement through a mechanism other than the Program. DEEP will contact applicants and post additional informational on its website about these changes. For more information, check DEEP's UST Clean-up Program webpage or call 860-424-3953.

Special Events Recycling Bin Loan Program

Public Act 10-87 clarified recycling requirements by calling for provisions for recycling at public gathering venues where recyclable containers are generated and trash collection is provided. This includes places such as public parks, sports arenas, retail establishments, hospitals, and other publicly visited sites. The updated requirements for recycling at common gathering venues went into effect in October 2011.

To help with this requirement, recycling bins for special events, concerts, fairs, and festivals are now available to Connecticut communities through a grant that DEEP received from Keep America Beautiful and Anheuser-Busch Foundation.  The Lend-A-Bin Grant provided the state with 200 ClearStream recycling bins for use by municipalities and civic groups to improve recycling collection at special events.  Municipalities are tasked with improving recycling and waste diversion in their communities, and this Special Events Recycling Bin Loan Program provides them with basic infrastructure to implement successful beverage container diversion programs.  Bins are available to any special event within Connecticut and you can borrow them from any of the locations listed on the program webpage .

A Reminder to Car Wash Facilities

DEEP has initiated a number of enforcement actions against car washes that have illegally disposed of wastewaters and related wash waste.  Some car wash facilities utilize a treatment system that provides for the recycling of vehicle wash wastewater.  Recycling wastewater is an environmentally preferable practice since it cuts down on the consumption of valuable potable water resources.  However, to keep the recycling treatment system running properly, waste solids and wastewater need to be occasionally purged from the system.  The purged wastewater and solids must be transported by a licensed hauler and disposed of at a facility licensed to treat such wastes.

Unfortunately some facilities have illegally disposed of their car wash waste at their properties, rather than having them properly transported and disposed of.  This illegal disposal can pollute surface waters, groundwater and aquifers.  A recent case involves Carisma Car Wash located in Old Saybrook, where an injunction was issued requiring them to immediately cease the illegal discharge and take additional steps to protect the environment. DEEP will continue to aggressively pursue enforcement cases involving noncompliant vehicle washing operations to eliminate these illegal activities and remove the competitive advantage gained by conducting these environmentally harmful disposal practices.  Information on proper management --  General Permit Fact Sheet, General Permit, POTWs approved to accept transported wastewater.

Updated Guidance for Vehicle Repair Facilities

Many different types of parts and fluids are required to keep vehicles running -- but if these are improperly managed when removed from a vehicle, they can have a negative impact on air and water quality. Improper management can also expose employees to hazardous chemicals and lead to fines and increased liability for a business or a municipality. To continue assisting vehicle service facilities in planning strategies to better manage these wastes, DEEP has updated its Pit Stops guidebook. The compilation of fact sheets contains information on all aspects of environmental regulations and pollution prevention tips pertaining to vehicle repair. Stakeholders from outside groups involved in repair or bodywork helped develop the fact sheets.

Recently DEEP partnered with the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association (CARA) and held a workshop that attracted service managers from car dealerships located around the state.  A second workshop is planned for October for public works garage employees.

Funding Opportunity for Diesel Emissions Control Projects

DEEP is seeking grant proposals from municipalities, organizations, and individuals for diesel reduction projects that are environmentally and economically beneficial and can be implemented promptly. DEEP anticipates receiving approximately $130,000 in federal funds for the reduction of diesel emissions in the state. These funds are authorized under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) and are administered by U.S. EPA under its State Grant Program. DERA and EPA rules require that these State DERA-funded projects be completed by September 2013.

Since 2008, DEEP has awarded approximately $1,150,000 in DERA funds for such diverse projects as

Enfield's recycling trucks

the early replacement of recycling trucks for the Town of Enfield, the upgrade of marine engines for a Cross Sound Ferry Services vessel, and the replacement of a diesel-powered truck with a CNG-powered truck for Enviro Express, LLC. Application information and forms, along with the submission deadline, can be found on DEEP's Diesel Grants and Funding webpage.

Diesel Exhaust Newly Classified as Carcinogenic

DEEP continues to moves forward with a multi-faceted strategy to reduce diesel emissions from mobile and stationary sources. The importance of this priority was highlighted recently when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency within the World Health Organization, changed its classification of diesel engine exhaust to carcinogenic to humans. IARC said there was sufficient evidence that exposure to diesel emissions is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer, as well as an increased risk of bladder cancer. 

In Connecticut, some of the strategies identified and being employed to decrease or eliminate emissions include: adherence to maintenance schedules for all diesel equipment and/or vehicles; compliance with the State limits of no more than three minutes of idling for all equipment and/or motor vehicles; conditions in public works contracts requiring  the use of new, low emitting and clean fuels (i.e., natural gas; hybrid electric); and replacement of equipment and/or motor vehicles with those that run on clean fuels.  

Be Bear Aware Posters

DEEP's Wildlife Division has developed an informational poster that gives advice on preventing conflicts with bears and on what to do if you encounter a bear. Three different sizes are available and can be downloaded or printed from the DEEP website. Please help us get this information out by displaying the posters at town halls, visitor centers, parks, schools, businesses and other locations.  

If you are interested in reading more about wildlife, consider subscribing to Connecticut Wildlife Magazine. This colorful magazine, published by DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources, is your best source for fishing,  hunting, wildlife, and conservation information in the state. A one-year subscription is only $8, and includes 6 issues filled with beautiful wildlife photographs and interesting articles.

New Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity

DEEP has completed a key strategic document, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which sets out a plan for supplying electricity and meeting demand over the next decade in a manner that minimizes costs and maximizes benefits for Connecticut's rate payers.

DEEP completed the plan for the first time, as called for in last year's landmark energy legislation -  Public Act 11-80. One key conclusion of the plan is that Connecticut should invest more in energy efficiency now to immediately begin reaping the efficiency benefits of reduced demand and make the biggest possible dent in the impact of rate increases projected over the longer-term future. Governor Malloy highlighted the release of the IRP and the benefits of energy efficiency in a recent speech to the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership.

Update on Statewide E-waste Program

All Connecticut municipalities are required under CGS Section 22a-631 to provide residents with convenient and accessible electronic waste (E-waste) collections. This statewide program is paid for by the E-waste manufacturers. Each municipality must arrange for the transportation of collected E-waste with an approved "covered electronic recycler" or "CER." At the June 26, 2012 Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting, DEEP reported that it is planning to receive applications from prospective and all currently approved recyclers during an upcoming 60-day open application period beginning this August. Please visit DEEP's E-waste website for the notice. DEEP plans to review submitted applications for approval by January 2013, and post the list of approved CERs on the E-waste website. For more information, contact Mark Latham, 860-418-5930.

DEEP Takes Action to Address Beetle Infestation

DEEP and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) recently announced a series of proactive steps aimed to prevent the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), which has now been detected in Prospect, Naugatuck and other towns. The EAB is a small, green beetle that feeds strictly on ash trees, eventually killing them. Detection traps had been deployed statewide to monitor for these destructive beetles. DEEP and CAES plan to quickly implement several protective measures including a quarantine zone that will prohibit moving certain wood products out of New Haven County and controls on importing firewood into Connecticut to make certain it is properly treated or has not come from an area of infestation. (press release)

Report any possible EAB sightings to either the State Entomologist at CAES, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Coastal Legislation Passed During 2012 Session

 The 2012 session of the Connecticut General Assembly saw the passage of a "coastal omnibus" bill (An Act Concerning the Coastal Management Act and Shoreline Flood and Erosion Control Structures, Public Act 12-101) that will affect the implementation of Connecticut's coastal management program at the state and local levels. Many of these changes will go into effect on October 1, 2012.  Particularly noteworthy changes include:

• Coastal municipalities are encouraged to plan for sea level rise;
• "Rise in sea level" is defined, with a corresponding requirement that the state Plan of Conservation and Development consider coastal erosion risks associated with a rise in sea level;
• New provisions encourage "living shorelines" instead of hard shoreline structures such as seawalls;
• A new "coastal jurisdiction line," defined by elevation, replaces the "high tide line" as the limit of the DEEP coastal permit program; and
• Several provisions that affect the review process for shoreline flood and erosion control structures at the municipal level.

The full complement of changes will be described more fully in the October 2012 issue of Sound Outlook. In the meantime, refer to the summary of changes provided by the Office of Legislative Research.

Governor Malloy Visits DEEP LEAN Teams

Governor Malloy recently visited DEEP to see its latest LEAN teams in action. LEAN is a process improvement approach that strives to gain efficiencies in an organization by eliminating non-value added activities or waste. By conducting LEAN events, DEEP and other state agencies are working towards Governor Malloy's goal to transform, modernize and streamline state government. At the Governor's visit, one of DEEP's LEAN teams presented the opportunities for streamlining the permitting process for minor activities in the coastal areas, including erecting docks and seawalls. The team discovered there was a lack of consistency in interpreting eligibility criteria and inefficiencies in the pre-application process. As a result, proposed improvements to the process will reduce the application processing time from the current average of 53 days to 26 days. This time savings will result in shorter wait time for permit applicants and allow for the coastal program staff to work on other agency priorities.

DEEP has been utilizing the LEAN process since 2008. As of this May, 45 LEAN Teams have helped the agency improve timeliness, responsiveness, transparency and predictability. This year, DEEP sponsored its first interagency events with DECD, DOT and DAS and held 3 events with its new Energy Branch. For NPR's coverage of the Governor's visit and to learn more about DEEP's LEAN efforts, go to this link.

More Opportunities to Recycle Mattresses in CT

Connecticut now has two mattress recycling facilities - Recyc-Mattresses, Inc. in Bloomfield and Park City Green in Bridgeport. Both facilities are providing new jobs in Connecticut's growing recycling industry. At the two facilities, mattresses are largely dismantled by hand to maximize materials recovered for recycling. About 90% of a mattress - including foam, cotton, wood, metal, felt and polyester - can be recovered and sent to end-user markets that make products such as carpet padding from the foam. This creates a great opportunity for municipalities, institutions, the hospitality industry and bedding retailers to manage mattresses in a way that is good for the environment and the economy. Both facilities charge a nominal processing fee because the sale of the components cannot fully cover the cost of recovering the materials. Municipalities now spend about $1.2 million annually on mattress disposal.

While a proposed Mattress Stewardship bill ran out of time this legislative session, it will likely advance next year since mattress recycling increases material recovery, decreases illegal dumping, and lowers costs for municipalities. For more information, visit DEEP's Mattress Recycling webpage, call 860-424-3366, or e-mail Tom Metzner.

Goodwin College Receives Award for Brownfield Transformation

Goodwin College in East Hartford recently received the U.S. EPA's 2012

Campus site prior to remediation

Merit Award for its brownfield cleanup and campus development project. In 2005, Goodwin announced dramatic plans to build a riverfront campus in a former industrial area. With the help of EPA, DEEP, other local and  state agencies and private funders, Goodwin created a new campus community with educational, economic, and environmental benefits for the region and beyond. The effort involved demolishing more than 30 above-ground oil tanks and other defunct industrial installations before the redevelopment could take place.

In late 2008, the college opened the 109,000 square-foot academic center. A year later, it rolled out its environmental studies degree program, which took advantage of access to the river and undeveloped flood plains for study of river ecology. In 2010, the Connecticut River Academy, an environmentally-themed magnet high school, also opened at the River Campus in a temporary space. This past January, Goodwin broke ground at the site for a permanent home for the magnet school. Goodwin College's River Campus has grown into a cultural and educational hub with more than 10,000 people commuting to campus each week, providing customers for local businesses.

How to Benefit from Sustainable Initiatives: Webinar for Hotel Owners

Many hotels understand the value of improving their facilities operations through energy efficiency, water conservation, buying green amenities and other actions. So how do you convey the value of these efforts to your customers? In this webinar hosted by DEEP on September 18, 2012, participants will learn how to market sustainability initiatives in a welcoming, local experience and involvement way.  Reserve your Webinar seat and learn how to increase your appeal to your customers while helping the environment.  Also check out DEEP's video on the benefits of becoming certified as a Green Hotel.

CT Children's Medical Center Wins National Environmental Leadership Award

 
The environmental leadership award in asthma management is the U.S. EPA's highest honor for programs that help people with asthma to lead healthy, active lives.  In May, Connecticut Children's Medical Center's Easy Breathing Program became the newest recipient of EPA's Community in Action award in Asthma Management.   One of the benefits of winning the award is that the Easy Breathing Program is recognized on the U.S. EPA's National Environmental Leadership Hall of Fame website. 

The Easy Breathing Program, a part of the Asthma Center at the Children's Medical Center, stemmed from the need of a cost effective asthma management program to help physicians in diagnosing and treating asthma in the Hartford community.  The program has resulted in decreases in hospitalization rates and emergency department visits for asthma.   Since 1998, more than 106,000 children across Connecticut have been enrolled in the Easy Breathing program and of those, more than 28,000 have asthma. 

Eco-friendly Caskets Manufactured in CT

The Connecticut Casket Company in Willimantic is helping people who  cared about treading lightly on the planet during their lifetime continue to do so afterward.   With technical assistance, funding and loans from several agencies including the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, the Northeast CT Economic Alliance and CT Department of Economic and Community Development job creation program, this local manufacturer is able to provide a green alternative for burials. They have created caskets that are earth friendly: built of pine with no metal or plastic hardware and environmentally-friendly glue. They also make green casket mattresses and pillows filled with wood shavings from their shop, as well as an unbleached muslin cotton case. The Connecticut Casket Company is certified by the Green Burial Council.

Releasing Helium Balloons Can Be Harmful to Wildlife (and Illegal)

How often have you been to a celebratory event at which helium balloons are released? Not only is this act against Connecticut state law, it can be deadly to wildlife. Very few people know that it is illegal for anyone or any group to release 10 or more helium balloons in a 24-hour period. This law was passed to protect wildlife, particularly marine animals that live in Long Island Sound. Released helium balloons can ride air currents for hundreds of miles. Popped balloons that land in marine waters resemble jellyfish, an important food for sea turtles and other creatures. When these animals eat a balloon, it can block their digestive system, eventually killing them. Balloon ribbons cause problems of their own when they are picked up by birds for nest material. And, if nothing else, releasing balloons is littering, because what goes up must eventually come down. The next time you are celebrating with helium balloons, make a difference for wildlife by not letting them go. (Learn more)

Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program

Shore-based fishing is the simplest and most affordable form of salt water fishing and a popular way to enjoy Connecticut's coastline for many residents. Through an Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program, DEEP is seeking to improve access to marine fisheries resources in Connecticut, especially in urban areas. Minimum size limits have been reduced for summer flounder (fluke) and scup (porgy) at 42 public fishing access areas. These sites offer good shore-based summer flounder and/or scup fishing opportunities in at least 18 different communities distributed from Stonington to Westport. (Learn more)

Comings and Goings at DEEP

Denise Ruzicka, previously Director of the Inland Water Resources Division, has been named Director of the Planning and Standards Division of the Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse. Denise brings with a wealth of experience to her new position including 27 years of environmental quality regulation both with DEEP and the CT DPH, and seven years as an environmental consultant.  In addition to her professional experience, she served as chair of her local Water Pollution Control Authority where she oversaw the planning, design and construction of sewers and a treatment plant in a small Connecticut town.  Programs in the division include Aquifer Protection, Beach Water Quality, Nonpoint Source Pollution Management and Volunteer Monitoring.

Cheryl Chase has been named Director of the Inland Water Resources Division.  Cheryl has 28 years of experience with the Department, including 22 years as an engineer in Inland Water Resources.  She is presently the supervisor of the Permitting and Enforcement Section in the Office of Long Island Sound Programs.  Cheryl is a licensed professional engineer and has a both an undergraduate and graduate degree in engineering.  Programs in the division include inland water permitting and enforcement, dam safety, flood management and wetlands.

(More information on DEEP's Water Programs)