• Intensify efforts to ensure preparedness planning;
• Integrate climate change adaptation into existing plans;
• Update existing standards to accommodate change expected during infrastructure design life;
• Plan for flexibility and monitor change; and
• Protect natural areas and landscape features that buffer potential impacts from climate change.

Building on the strategies as well as the state's experience with major storms of the past two years, the work of Governor Malloy's "Two Storm Panel," and the outreach and analysis undertaken by the General Assembly's Climate Change & Shoreline Preservation Taskforce, DEEP is working on a number of action items to accomplish key resiliency and adaptation goals.

State Parks Centennial

In 1913 the newly established Connecticut State Park Commission held its initial meeting, which led to the acquisition of the state's first park land fourteen month later -- a foreclosed, five acre parcel of sand and marsh on Sherwood Island in Westport. Today, Connecticut has 107 state parks, 32 state forests, and 121 public boat launches located throughout the state. To celebrate the past, present and future of these important public recreation areas, DEEP in partnership with the Friends of Connecticut State Parks and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, is planning a year-long Centennial Celebration. DEEP will be hosting major statewide events, beginning in August, including a 169 mile Summer Outdoor Journey (SoJourn). Be sure to follow the Centennial celebration on the State Parks 100 webpage.

State Park Commissioners overlooking their first purchase of five acres, Sherwood Island, Westport, Sept. 1923 (click on image to enlarge)

Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Grants

DEEP is now accepting proposals for the prevention, control and/or abatement of nonpoint source pollution (also known as polluted runoff). Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. EPA awards a grant annually to fund projects that support the implementation of the Connecticut's Nonpoint Source Management Program. The 2014 proposals must comply with the new guidelines which implement the Watershed Based Planning approach. Priority is given to projects implementing activities that will lead to measurable improvements to impaired waters.   Proposals are due by September 10, 2013 and may be submitted by any interested Connecticut public or private organization (i.e., municipalities, nonprofit environmental organizations, regional water authorities/planning agencies, and watershed associations).

Paint Recycling Program Launched

Governor Malloy joined by from left, Andrew Doyle of Paint Care, Commissioner Esty, Senator Ed Meyer, and Representative Pat Widlitz recycle first can of paint during ceremony at Sherwin-Williams store in Branford

DEEP estimates that state residents have more than 5 million containers of unwanted paint waiting to be disposed of properly. This month a new program began that will collect and recycle latex and oil based paint. It is a result of Connecticut's paint stewardship law (PA 11-24) and will be administered by PaintCare, a non-profit organization. Funded through a fee paid by the consumer when purchasing paint, the program utilizes a network of retail locations, transfer stations and household hazardous waste collections as drop points for residents. To facilitate statewide collection points, DEEP issued a general permit authorizing retailers to collect and store post-consumer paint. For more information on the program, including drop-off locations, visit DEEP's paint recycling webpage.

New Combined Heat and Power Permit

As DEEP continues to streamline regulatory requirements, a new permit-by-rule for combined heat-and-power systems is now available.  The permit-by-rule, new RCSA section 22a-174-3d, is available for certain new combined heat-and-power systems that would otherwise need to apply for and obtain a new source review permit.  A person electing to construct and operate a new combined-heat-and-power system under the permit-by-rule must submit a notification form within 30 days of beginning construction.   

Proposed Amendments to RGGI Regulations

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a regional carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions cap and trade program involving Connecticut and eight other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States.  The program establishes an annual regional budget of CO2 allowances from electrical generating facilities and each state's allocations of CO2 allowances under the budget.  Affected sources are required to purchase CO2 allowances at auction and surrender an amount of allowances equivalent to the tons of CO2 emitted over a defined compliance period.  Proceeds from the regional auction are invested in energy efficiency measures and the development of Class I renewable energy sources.  Connecticut proposes to amend RCSA Section 22a-174-31 in accordance with the agreed upon outcome of a two year program review conducted in accordance with the RGGI Memorandum of Understanding.  Specifically, the RGGI states agreed to reduce future regional CO2 allowance budgets and the states' allocations under each budget to more closely align with current CO2 emissions within the region and drive continued reductions in CO2 emissions from the electricity generating sector.  Proceeds from the auction of allowances will continue to be invested in energy efficiency measures and the development of Class I renewable energy sources. 

America the Beautiful Grant Program

Tree planting in Milford

The America the Beautiful (ATB) grant program is a key component of the Urban Forestry Program within DEEP's Division of Forestry. It is a small grants program - currently, the maximum allowable amount is $8,000 - but has been effective in providing municipalities and non-profits the opportunity to advance local urban forestry programs. Over its 22-year history, perhaps half the municipalities in the state have made use of ATB grants, along with numerous volunteer groups and more-established non-profits. In addition, some high quality work has been accomplished through the ATB grant program. Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Forest Service and the grants are administered by DEEP's Urban Forestry Coordinator. The Request for Applications for 2013 will likely go out in early August, with grants to be completed by December 2014. Projects potentially funded by the ATB program include public tree inventories, tree planting, urban forest management planning, storm preparation and mitigation, and a whole range of educational efforts. To learn more, visit the Division of Forestry website.

Arborists Will Require Business Registration

New legislation (PA 13-203) requires arborists (also known as tree surgeons) to register their businesses with DEEP. This law, effective October 1, 2013, will provide important additional information on tracking these businesses. Up until this time only pesticide application businesses have needed to register. The registration will allow DEEP to provide better information to consumers, address unlicensed individuals and will harmonize the arborist requirements with those of pesticide applicators. The new law will require a fee for the business registration and increases individual arborist fees to match existing pesticide certification fees. However, it will eliminate double fees for those arborists who also hold pesticide certification and reduces paperwork. DEEP will be sending out a mailing to all licensed arborists later in the summer. For more information contact the Pesticide Management Program at 860-424-3369.

EVConnecticut

A new initiative to provide financial incentives to private businesses and municipalities for installing publicly accessible Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations will help build "range confidence" for electric vehicle (EV) owners in Connecticut. Specific details can be found on the EVConnecticut incentive webpage and any questions can be directed to EVConnecticut@ct.gov.

The EVConnecticut program is a partnership between DEEP and DOT to foster a rapid and seamless integration of EVs into the market by providing resources and information to owners of EVs and by expanding the availability of EV charging stations. Connecticut currently has 81 public electric vehicle charging stations and is working to open 200 additional public charging stations by the fall of 2013. Check out EVConnecticut to learn more about electric vehicles and the benefits of driving electric.

Seeking Comments on Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

The draft Connecticut Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for 2013 is now available for review. The plan serves as guidance for state government, stakeholders, and organizations in order to    

Flooded street in CT coastal town after Storm Sandy

reduce or prevent injury from natural hazards to people, property, infrastructure, and critical state facilities. Please submit all comments for this draft plan in writing to Karen Michaels, DEEP Flood Management Section at by 4:00 p.m. on Friday August 9, 2013. 

Natural Gas Expansion Plan

As is called for in Connecticut's first-ever Comprehensive Energy Strategy, the state's natural gas utilities have filed a joint expansion plan that offers the promise of a cheaper and cleaner heating option for Connecticut residents and businesses. The plan has been reviewed by the energy policy side of DEEP, for consistency with the state's energy strategy, and will now be reviewed by regulators at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to make certain it can be implemented in a manner that is fair to ratepayers.

Aquatic Life Rebounds with Improved Farming Practices

The surface waters of the Little River watershed in northeast Connecticut have long been characterized by DEEP as "Not Supporting for the Designated uses of Aquatic Life, and/or for Recreation" because of water quality issues. However, the characterization of North Running Brook (a receiving waterbody in the area) has recently been changed to "Fully Supporting of Aquatic Life" because a new Watershed Management Plan has helped reduce nutrient loading and other practices impacting water quality. Through development of a Watershed Plan and, prioritized best management actions were narrowed, in part, to work with willing agricultural producers in the area.  

One collaborative project assisted a large dairy operation to divert nutrient-rich dairy silage wastewater from indirectly discharging to a local stream. Additional in-

New silage bunker with leachate collection system was installed at Valleyside Farm  (only tire sidewalls are used so they are not a mosquito breeding area)

field crop production steps further reduced valuable nutrient losses to downstream waters. These steps rapidly benefited aquatic life (stream invertebrates and fish) in North Running Brook. The communities of Woodstock and Putnam benefit with enhanced agricultural business production, while also supporting source water protection for a major drinking water source. The project provided technology transfers to area farmers and town staff, further expanding water quality improvements across the agriculturally rich watershed -- and has also gained national recognition. (Additional project information)

New Restrictions on Phosphorus Fertilizers

All fertilizers containing phosphorous - as well as amendments and compost - are now covered by Connecticut law, PA 12-155 that addresses phosphorous pollution to our lakes, rivers and ponds. As of this January, fertilizer use on established lawns is limited by the need for phosphorous as determined by a soil test. The law doesn't ban phosphorous, but for established lawn area it does require that an approved lab (such as UConn or CAES) indicate that the soil is lacking in phosphorous by a test taken within the last two years. If it's lacking, you can apply fertilizer containing phosphorous. If it's not lacking, you can only apply fertilizer if it contains .67% or less phosphate, which the new law defines as phosphorous-free. Leaf composts typically have low amounts of phosphorous in them and so could be used to top dress established lawns. Phosphorous-containing fertilizer can be used if you are establishing new grass or repairing lawn with seed or sod. Other things to keep in mind-1) fertilizers containing phosphorous can't be applied between November 15 and March 15, and 2) they may not be applied on lawns less than 20 feet from a waterway like a brook, river, lake, pond or the Sound. (More information) 

Teamwork Key to Success for Bristol's APA Program

Jamie Cruz, is the owner and operator of Pit Stop Oil Change, a registered regulated facility located in the Bristol APA

Connecticut's Mercury Thermostat Law

Connecticut banned the sale of mercury thermostats in 2004, however many still remain in use. Each thermostat contains between three and five grams of mercury and should be managed properly when taken out of service. Fortunately there is a program for heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) professionals as well as homeowners to bring out-of-service mercury thermostats in for recycling.  Subsequent to the ban, PA 12-54 was passed in 2012 requiring manufacturers of thermostats to establish a program in Connecticut by April 1, 2013 to recover mercury thermostats. The industry formed the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) to administer the program. HVAC wholesalers that sell thermostats and certain contractors must participate in the program by offering free collection to professionals who change out mercury thermostats. The thermostats are then mailed to a licensed mercury recovery facility. Household hazardous waste collections and municipal transfer stations may also participate by requesting a shipping container from the TRC. For more information, visit the TRC website.

Used Textiles: Donate, Recycle, Don't Throw Away

In 2011, the average person in Connecticut threw away an average of 55 pounds of clothing, shoes, and linens - generating approximately 96,500 tons of trash. Ninety-five percent of these textiles could have been reused and recycled, saving disposal costs, creating jobs and realizing environmental benefits. Recovered textiles are generally separated into three grades of reusable or recyclable material - usable clothing (45%), fiber conversion into padding and insulation (20%) and wiping cloths (30%). Only a small percentage (approx. 5%) of donated or collected textiles is disposed, usually because the materials are wet, mildewed, odorous, or oily. We need to significantly increase the current textile recovery rate of 15% by getting the word out that all textiles (i.e., clean and dry) should be donated or collected for reuse and recycling. A first step was taken in Connecticut when DEEP hosted an in-depth Panel Discussion on Textiles Reuse and Recycling at the June 2013 Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Help spread the message and stay tuned to the DEEP website for further updates. For more information, contact Jennifer Weymouth in the Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance.

C-PACE Update

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford is the second commercial property in Connecticut to use the new Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to upgrade its energy systems.  C-PACE allows business and nonprofit property owners to finance efficiency upgrades with little or no upfront costs and re-pay the loan over time on their property tax bill. The Bushnell is purchasing a new boiler to replace its 40-year-old one that is 60 percent less energy efficient - an anticipated savings in operating costs of more than $48,000 a year. The first property in Connecticut to sign up for C-PACE was a Westport Avenue shopping center in Norwalk. Visit the C-PACE website to find out how your municipality can take action to allow local businesses to participate in C-PACE or how your businesses can take advantage of this program.

Forest Fire Protection Videos to Assist Local Fire Departments

DEEP recently released two new educational videos designed to assist local fire departments with forest fire protection. The first is a 5-minute video on the benefits of installing dry hydrants, which provide easy access to water year round -- thus protecting property and saving

lives. They are also a way for towns and cities to improve their ISO ratings, which can save on insurance premiums. In 2011, Connecticut's wetlands laws were changed to make it easier for municipalities to install dry hydrants.  

The second is a 10-minute video on handline construction for forest fire control. It features Connecticut's

Interstate Fire Crew on scene at a forest fire -- demonstrating proper construction techniques and important safety measures. For more information, contact DEEP's Forestry Division  at 860-424-3630.

Mosquito Update

The heat and rainy weather Connecticut is experiencing this summer will increase the mosquito population and mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have already been detected in the state. The first positive test for mosquitoes carrying WNV came in early July from mosquitoes trapped in Norwalk. A few days later, mosquitoes trapped in Voluntown tested positive for EEE, the earliest detection of this virus since the trapping program began in 1997. EEE is a rare but serious virus that can be deadly - although there has never been a human case in Connecticut. The state conducts a rigorous trapping and testing program to monitor the spread of mosquitoes carrying WNR and EEE viruses. Findings are reported to local health departments and on the  CT Agricultural Experiment Station's website. Additional information is also available at the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website. Those involved in mosquito management programs should note that new state law -  PA 13-197 - does place certain restrictions on the use of pesticides. The law, however, allows for action to control mosquitoes if DEEP and the Department of Public Health find it necessary to "prevent an increasing threat of mosquito-borne disease."

LEAN State Agencies

To continually improve the way we do business, DEEP has been holding LEAN events (17 within the last 5 years, with more than 50 teams and 400 staff members). DEEP's  LEAN initiative focuses on identifying both immediate business process improvements -- as well as any legislative or regulatory challenges that need to be addressed and information technology tools that may be implemented to yield expedited and improved performance measurement and results.  

This spring DEEP hosted its first "official" statewide Lean event coordinated by the newly established Statewide LEAN Steering Committee. It was an opportunity to improve interactions with other state agencies. The event included an Intra-agency Response / Cost Recovery team sponsored by DEEP; an Inter-agency Information Technology Procurement team sponsored by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and a Statewide Small Business Intake Process team sponsored by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The Steering Committee established by Governor Malloy is comprised of DEEP, Office of Policy and Management, Department of Transportation, DECD and DAS. It is providing LEAN process improvement training for state agencies and focusing on interagency Lean opportunities. At the request of the Governor, other state agencies have identified LEAN Coordinators to lead their agencies efforts.   

EPA Awards for DEEP Staffers

Several individuals and organizations from Connecticut - including

Commissioner Esty and Deputy Commissioner McCleary with Tess Gutowski, U.S. EPA Lifetime Award Winner

members of the DEEP staff -- were among the award winners at the recent annual U.S. EPA Merit Awards ceremony in Boston. Tess Gutowski of DEEP's Air Bureau received a well-deserved Lifetime Award for all she has accomplished in her more than 30 years of service to the agency. In addition, a team of people from DEEP's solid waste unit won a Merit Award for their efforts to build a 21st century materials management system in Connecticut. Members of the team are: K.C. Alexander, Sherill Baldwin, Judy Belaval, Diane Duva, Paul Guerrera, Chris Nelson, Joseph Schiavone, Jennifer Weymouth and Deputy Commissioner Macky McCleary.  

(More information about the Connecticut award winners and their work)

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

Microgrid Projects Awarded $18 Million in Funding

Nine projects located in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, Storrs, Windham, and Woodbridge have been awarded a total of $18 million in funding through the nation's first statewide microgrid pilot. Passed under Governor Malloy's storm bill (Public Act 12-148), DEEP's Microgrid Pilot Program will increase safety and quality of life for Connecticut residents during power outages.  Microgrids will provide electricity on a 24/7 basis and include an isolation system that will provide power despite any large-scale outages. The projects will provide power for government services and businesses that are critical during extreme weather events such as police, fire, and emergency response teams, hospitals and health care facilities, state and town emergency response centers, grocery stores, and gas stations. In order to strengthen more Connecticut communities, Governor Malloy recommended that an additional $30 million be made available in future funding rounds for this program.

Municipalities Attend Coastal Adaptation Workshop

NOAA, Sea Grant, CLEAR and DEEP recently co-sponsored a Coastal

Workshop presentations are available online. Contact Jennifer Pagach for more information. 

Summer Savers Awards

DEEP recently presented Summer Savers Awards to eleven organizations, including retailers, schools, and manufacturers for their leadership and commitment to reducing energy usage and air pollution during the critical summer months of 2012.  (More about the award winners and their energy-saving accomplishments)

Greenways Update

This spring the Governor's Greenways Council designated three new Greenways and recognized seven individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion, development and enhancement of Greenways at a ceremony at the historic Chelsea Harbor Marina in Norwich. Greenways have been designated since 2001 and Connecticut now has a total of 70 across the state. Many of the Greenways designated recently are near communities that attract people who want to shop, exercise, and enjoy recreation from their bicycle or by walking -- which helps to boost the economy of their neighborhoods. Awards were presented to: Senator Richard Blumenthal; Mayor Pedro Segarra, Hartford; Martin Michalec, Stafford Springs; Will Britnell, Newington; First Selectman Bob Burbank, Andover; Chris Ozyck, East Coast Greenway; and to Diane Ciano, Plymouth. The new officially designated Greenways are Ellington's Hockanum River Linear Park; Ellington, East Hartford, Manchester and Vernon; the Mad River Greenway, Wolcott; and the Yantic River Greenway, Norwich.

Bike to Work Day

This year's annual Bike to Work Day, sponsored by Bike Walk Connecticut, was held on May 17th. The event showcases that bicycling is not only fun, healthy, and good for the environment, but that it's also a viable means of alternative transportation. Twenty-five Connecticut cities, towns and businesses took part, including Bethel, Bridgeport, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Fairfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, New Haven, Newington, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Simsbury, South Windsor, Waterbury, Wethersfield, West Hartford and Windsor Locks.  DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty actively promoted greater participation from Connecticut's state agencies and rode his bike along with DOT Commissioner Jim Redeker and DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith. CT Rides also helped promote the event with more than 700 people participating state-wide this year.