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Your Environmental Connection

News for Connecticut's Businesses & Municipalities
       April 2013
Message  
from Commissioner
Esty

 

Today is Earth Day.  It is a time to think about the progress our state and our nation have made in protecting the environment and natural resources since the first Earth Day way back in 1970.  In these past four decades, important action has been taken to improve our air, water and lands.  No one would trade the quality of our environment today for that of the past.  There is still, however, much work to be done.  At DEEP we are committed to continuing Connecticut's leadership on environmental and energy issues.  I encourage you to take a few minutes to view the video below that our agency produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  It will remind you of just how far we have come. 

 

Earth Day 40: Connecticut's Environment - Past, Present, and Future
Earth Day 40 -- Connecticut's Environment: Past, Present, and Future
In This Issue
Air Permit Amnesty for Schools
State Honors Green Schools
Destructive Beetle in More Towns
Industrial Wastewater General Permit
New E-Waste Recyclers
New Energy Efficiency Initiatives
EPP Paint and Food Service Contracts
Naugatuck River Greenway Video
Lead by Example Participants Named
Mosquito Season Update
Electric Vehicle Readiness Scorecard
Workplace EV Charging
Recycling Market Development Council
Microgrid Grant and Loan Pilot
Prevent Osprey Nesting Disturbance
Clinton Harbor Dredging Project
Wildlife Encounters Reminder
Family Fishing Course
Spring Forest Fire Danger
Quick Links

 








 

 


Air Permit Amnesty for Schools 

 

DEEP's Air Bureau has notified all of Connecticut's public and private K-12 schools about an opportunity to participate in a short-term Air Permit Amnesty Program. Schools often operate boilers and diesel generators that may be large enough to require individual air permits or, combined, may trigger Title V applicability. The goal of this effort is to ensure that all schools are complying with state and federal air permitting regulations, while simultaneously providing them opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce

Boilers at a middle school
energy costs.

 

DEEP will provide amnesty from enforcement and penalties for any public or private K-12 school that meets the program requirements. Schools will need to complete an equipment survey to determine permit applicability and any school that requires a permit will be provided permit application assistance. Participation will also include education on applicable federal boiler and engine regulations and an opportunity to participate in Connecticut's Green LEAF Schools program. DEEP's goal is 100% participation by eligible schools by August 1, 2013. If your school is interested in the Air Permit Amnesty Program, please contact Jared Millay.

State Honors Green Schools

 

During a recent ceremony at Hartford's Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker, three early participants in the Green LEAF Schools Program were recognized for their nomination for the federal Green Ribbon School Award as a result of their accomplishments under the program.  The three schools are:  Mary Hooker of Hartford, as well as Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School and Common Ground High School, both of New Haven. LEAF stands for "Leading, Educating, Achieving and Fostering green, healthy schools for all." 

 

Connecticut's Green LEAF Schools is a collaboration of the Connecticut Departments of Education, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health, and Construction Services, as well as more than 25 environmental and educational organizations.  The program is focused on effective environmental and sustainability education for students, improved health and wellness of students and staff, and reduced environmental impact and cost of buildings.  All Connecticut public and private schools, grades K-12, are eligible to participate.

Destructive Beetle Found in Three Additional Towns

Dead Ash Tree

 

The CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and DEEP recently announced that the emerald ash borer (EAB) has been detected in three new Connecticut towns - Cheshire, Oxford, and Middlebury - all located in New Haven County where the insect was previously found in July 2012.  This invasive beetle is responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees from the mid-west to

New York State and south to Tennessee.  Ash makes up about 4% to 15% of Connecticut's forests and is a common urban tree.  A quarantine is still in place regulating the movement of ash logs, ash materials, ash nursery stock, and hardwood firewood from within New Haven County to any area outside of that county.  Regulations are also in effect regulating the movement of firewood from out-of-state into Connecticut or within Connecticut.  These regulations were put in place to ensure that EAB and other invasive insects are not carried into Connecticut, or spread throughout New England, through the shipment of firewood. Detailed information about the quarantine and the firewood regulations can be found at  www.ct.gov/deep/eab or www.ct.gov/caes.

General Permit issued for Categorical Industrial Users

 

DEEP's Water Permitting, and Enforcement Division recently issued the Categorical Industrial User Wastewater General PermitAny person that discharges "Metal Finishing Wastewater," subject to the provisions of 40 CFR 413 (Electroplating Point Source Category) or 40 CFR 433 (Metal Finishing Point Source Category) and who meets the requirements of this general permit may register to obtain authorization. Wastewaters from these activities would be eligible to discharge to a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) either through a sanitary sewer or by transportation directly to a POTW by a licensed waste hauler.  Each registration must be reviewed and certified by a "Qualified Professional Engineer."  Registration includes a site plan, water conservation practices, discharge information, wastewater treatment processes, line and process flow diagrams, checklists for operation and maintenance plans, spill control plans and solvent management plans.  Chemical analyses of effluent quality and associated compliance information are required to be reported electronically into U.S. EPA's Integrated Compliance Information System.

New CERs Approved for Connecticut's E-Waste Program

 

Connecticut's statewide electronics recycling (E-Waste) program is collecting millions of pounds of E-Waste and saving municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoided disposal costs. The program requires that Connecticut municipalities contract with approved Covered Electronics Recyclers (CERs) and continue to provide convenient and accessible recycling opportunities for residents. A new list of approved CERs is now available on DEEP's E-Waste Recycling webpage. DEEP plans to publish initial Connecticut E-Waste statistics later this year once finalized figures for the program since its inception are compiled. For any questions regarding the E-Waste Program, please contact Mark Latham.

New Energy Efficiency Initiatives

 

Connecticut's first ever Comprehensive Energy Strategy focuses on innovative approaches to energy efficiency-cost effective renewable power, smarter building management, and expanded use of low-cost natural gas. The plan also establishes an innovative approach to target spending to increase private investment.  In addition, to help connect residents and businesses with an expanded range of energy efficiency programs, the following resources are now available:   

 

 

 Energizect.com is a new website that provides one place for all of the state's energy efficiency programs.  Connecticut consumers, businesses, and communities can find the resources and information they need to save energy and lower costs.  The site is a joint project of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, DEEP, and the electric and gas utilities.

 

The Office of Energy Efficient Businesses  was established to help small businesses identify and implement steps they can take to reduce their energy bills. The program features direct outreach to small businesses; single point of contact for all energy services; information on loans and grants for energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy; audit assessment services and on-site outreach by independent staff; and information on accessing Connecticut's competitive electric and gas suppliers.

EPP Paints and Food Service Supplies Now on Contract

 

State Agencies, municipalities, schools and not-for-profit  organizations now have environmentally preferable products (EPP) to choose from when purchasing paint and food service supplies. The CT Department of Administrative Services has awarded two new contracts that encourage the use of these green products.    The paint and related products contract makes available paints and coatings that have recycled content and are low toxicity (low odor, low VOC emitting) products. By choosing low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, you reduce the harmful effects on indoor air quality. The food service supplies contract includes bowls, plates, cutlery, hot and cold cups, trays, napkins and paper towels, deli containers and sandwich bags. This contract promotes the use of products that are reusable, unbleached, have recycled content and are compostable. Food service products with these health and environmental attributes reduce the amount of trash needing disposal and disposal costs as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Naugatuck River Greenway Video Released

 

Experience the revival of the Naugatuck River in western Connecticut and the 44-mile greenway now being developed to connect communities along its banks through a video released by the National Park Service (NPS). The video features interviews with river users and showcases decades-long partnerships that inspired communities to transform their river from polluted to vibrant and reconnect with the great outdoors in their own backyards.

 

DEEP is proud to be a partner with NPS and other stakeholders on this project. In 2011, then Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar selected the Naugatuck River Greenway as one of the signature projects nationwide known as America's Great Outdoors. Ultimately, the greenway will connect 11 municipalities from Torrington to Derby as each community along the river completes additional greenway segments. Several segments are already complete. A fish bypass and riverfront park will be built over the next two years in Seymour. For more information about the Naugatuck River, visit NaugatuckRiver.net.

Three "Lead by Example" Participants Named

 

 The City of Bristol, the CT Department of Corrections, and the Connecticut Valley Hospital are the first three organizations to take advantage of a new and innovative financing approach designed to achieve significant savings through energy-efficiency projects. The three will be using a Performance Contracting process that enables state agencies and municipalities to perform energy efficiency

Energy Savings Performance Contracting
Energy Saving Performance Contracting Video

upgrades on their buildings with no up-front costs. The initial costs of the efficiency upgrades are typically financed by a  third party and then paid for through a guaranteed savings on future energy bills under the Lead by Example program. DEEP and the Department of Administrative Services have  developed a standardized program that enables agencies and towns to more easily enter into these performance contracts.

Mosquito Season Upon Us Again

 

The Connecticut Mosquito Management Program, a collaborative effort involving DEEP, CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), CT Department of Public Health, CT Department of Agriculture and UCONN, monitors mosquito populations and humans for the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis and provides technical assistance. CAES will begin their mosquito trapping season in June and will monitor over 90 sites statewide until October. 

 

Businesses, municipalities and homeowners are advised to empty or remove sources of stagnant water on their properties to eliminate breeding sites. Control products containing the bacterium Bti can be purchased and placed in areas where standing water cannot be eliminated. When mosquitoes are actively biting, primarily in early morning and evening, or during cloudy still days, workers are strongly advised to take appropriate precautions. Weekly surveillance updates, control methods, and businesses registered to perform mosquito control can be found on the Mosquito Management Program's website.

Plug-in Electric Vehicle Readiness Scorecard

 

Plug-in Electric vehicles or "PEVs" are ready for the road. Is your town or city ready? To help cut red tape, save time and improve the consumers' experience, the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities initiative created the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Readiness Scorecard. The Scorecard tool assesses PEV readiness and provides recommendations and resources to help improve PEV readiness. The Scorecard is designed to be one component in a municipal's toolkit as the community works to improve the energy, economic and environmental security of its transportation systems. 

Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging - a Good Business Decision

 

Electric vehicle charging stations are beginning to show their value in driving business for retailers. The amount of time it takes to provide a charge for an electric vehicle is dropping to a manageable level for the consumer, but it still allows for a period of time that can be filled with activity provided by the retailer associated with the station (eating a meal, shopping for groceries, etc.). Electric vehicles are also consistent with the state's commitment to providing choice for consumers in the transportation sector (as detailed in  Connecticut's Comprehensive Energy Strategy) as well as its clean air goals. Businesses opting to provide electric vehicle charging for employees and clients also demonstrate commitment to sustainability and alternative transportation. Technology and automotive sector businesses have the opportunity to expand their brand and showcase products and collect data with onsite demonstrations, further positioning their firms as cutting edge.

 

DEEP and the Department of Transportation are collaborating to implement a program called EVConnecticut that will help drive the deployment of electric vehicles while driving business for the retail owners of these charging stations. If you have any questions or are interested in installing electric vehicle chargers at your business, please contact [email protected].

Recycling Market Development Council Announced

 

Earlier this year, DEEP hosted a "Recycling Means Jobs" Legislative Day. At the event, Governor Malloy, joined by DEEP Commissioner Esty, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)  Commissioner Catherine Smith, and other state leaders, announced the formation of a Recycling Market Development Council to expand 

Governor Malloy speaks at Recycling Legislative Day 

and strengthen Connecticut's efforts to recapture valuable materials. The Council was a recommendation of the Governor's Recycling Working Group and will be a stakeholder group with representatives of the businesses engaged in the collection, hauling, sorting, processing, sale, and purchasing of recyclable materials. The Council will drive modernization and innovation in materials management by supporting the recyclable materials markets, increasing the recovery of materials, and connecting companies with products manufactured from recycled materials. For additional information, contact Sherill Baldwin.

Microgrid Grant and Loan Pilot Program Update

 

DEEP has announced that 27 microgrid projects have moved to a final round of evaluation for funding under an innovative grant program designed to keep the lights on in critical facilities and town centers even when the electric grid is down. These projects were among 36 submitted in response to a request for concepts under Connecticut's Microgrid Grant and Loan Pilot Program, created under PA 12-148. A feasibility analysis was conducted on all the responses by DEEP in coordination with an expert technical consultant and the state's two major electric utilities. Based on the responses submitted to the Request for Proposals to be issued in the coming weeks, DEEP will award $13.5 million in funding to the projects that best meet the criteria put forward in the Request for Proposals. The projects that have been selected to move to the final round include municipal and private projects at critical facilities such as police stations, fire stations, emergency shelters, hospitals, town halls, water pollution control facilities, commercial buildings, emergency operations centers, Department of Public Works facilities, armories, communications facilities, senior centers, and other essential facilities.

Help Prevent Disturbance to Nesting Ospreys

 

Osprey nesting platforms are a common sight along the Connecticut shoreline, and even at some inland locations. The DEEP Wildlife Division has received several requests from private landowners and concerned citizens who monitor nesting ospreys about installing signs near platforms to inform citizens about the importance of not disturbing nesting birds. In response to that request, the Wildlife Division has developed a "Stay Away from Nesting Area" sign that can be printed or downloaded from the DEEP website by private landowners, towns, organizations, and others and erected near osprey nesting platforms. DEEP recommends that the signs be laminated to prevent weather damage.

Clinton Harbor Dredging Preserves Boating Access

 

Boaters who frequent Clinton Harbor won't have to plan their trips around the tides this summer. Thanks to a multi-stakeholder partnership, the federal navigation channel accessing Clinton Harbor was dredged in early 2013. Sand from the eastern edge of Cedar Island had been slowly migrating into the channel, such that boaters could only access the channel at high tide. This dredging project benefits boaters, Clinton's town boating facilities and the private marinas on Clinton Harbor and the Hammonasset and Indian Rivers. It also helped preserve nesting habitat on Cedar Island and the high-quality sand dredged from the channel was deposited onto the beach at neighboring Hammonasset Beach State Park, at no cost to the state. The project was funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the State.

Dredged sand from Clinton Harbor channel being deposited onto Hammonasset Beach.  Photo: ACOE

Wildlife Encounters - A Few Reminders on What to Do

 

The arrival of spring brings increased chances for encounters between people and wild animals.  To avoid conflicts with bears, coyotes and foxes, do not approach or try to feed them. Remove any food sources, such as garbage, pet food, bird feeders and suet, from yards. Report any bears on DEEP's Bear Sighting Form. The agency'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. Please help get this information out by displaying the posters at town halls, visitor centers, parks, schools, businesses and other locations.

 

Young Raccoon
photo: Paul Fusco 

Orphaned Wildlife: Although young animals may appear to be "orphaned," the adult is probably close by, waiting for you to leave. It is best to leave the animal alone. If you are absolutely certain a wild animal has been injured or orphaned, before touching or moving it, contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011, or a  DEEP-authorized wildlife rehabilitator.

Wildlife Problems: Many wildlife species, such as squirrels, raccoons or bats, will use houses or other buildings for shelter and as a place for raising young. Visit DEEP's website for information on how to handle problems with wildlife. A licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator can be hired if professional assistance is needed for solving common nuisance wildlife problems.

Rabies Awareness: To prevent exposure to rabid animals, 1) Pets should be vaccinated against rabies and 2) never approach any animal, domestic or wild, that is acting disoriented or is unusually tame or aggressive. Suspected rabid animals should be reported to the local police or animal control officer. If local authorities cannot be reached, contact DEEP at 860-424-3333 for guidance.

  Family Fishing Courses Offer Enjoyment and Education

 

DEEP's Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program introduces families to the lifelong sport of fishing through interactive and informative courses. Instructors pass along their knowledge and expertise gained from years of angling. The secrets to bait and lure selection, where to find prime habitat, and how to tie the best knot will be shared with participants. Summer fishing classes are offered at day camps, and CARE lessons are even taught in many school classrooms (view schedule). If you are interested in becoming an instructor or having your town sponsor a course, call the CARE Education Center at 860-663-1656. A one-day, new instructor certification training is scheduled for June 2013.  View CARE video 

Spring Forest Fire Danger Reminder

 

DEEP is reminding municipalities, businesses and residents to be aware of forest fire dangers during the spring fire season. Before working outdoors, check the Daily Forest Fire Danger 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 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.