Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update

DEEP is currently in the process of updating the guiding document of the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Program. The public is invited to a Stakeholders Informational Meeting on this update of the NPS Management Plan, which is being held on October 31, 2013 at DEEP's Headquarters in Hartford. An additional public meeting on the draft Plan will be held in January. The Plan must be consistent with U.S. EPA's requirements as stated in the recently reissued Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories (see Appendix A). A final revised Plan is expected by spring of 2014. Please visit DEEP's NPS Plan webpage for more information.

The NPS Program works to abate known water quality impairments and prevent significant threats to water quality from NPS pollution. NPS pollution is caused by diffuse sources that are not regulated as point sources and are normally associated with precipitation and runoff from the land or percolation. DEEP has formed strong partnerships with a wide range of public agencies, industry organizations, and private groups to implement NPS management. 

Save Money on Solid Waste: Grants and Workshops

Funding and technical assistance workshops are now available to help reduce the costs of solid waste disposal through increased recycling and source reduction.  Municipalities and regions that commit to implementing a new or expanding an existing unit-based pricing (UBP) program for solid waste are eligible for grant funding.   Funds may be used for an array of solid waste and recycling expenses. Municipalities are eligible for up to $50,000 depending on number of households served by the UBP program.   The deadline for applications is December 16, 2013.

DEEP and U.S. EPA are co-sponsoring the following free workshops on transparency and full-cost accounting for solid waste to help municipalities reduce the burden on their solid waste budgets, and increase diversion:

• November 19, 2013 at Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
• November 22, 2013 at Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury

Participation in either workshop is required for grant eligibility.  Registration will be available soon.  Visit DEEP's Municipal Recycling Resource Center for more information on the grants and workshops.

New Electronics Recycling Video  

A recent survey about e-waste (e.g., unwanted computers, TVs, monitors and printers) revealed that 60 percent of the respondents did not know about Connecticut's electronics recycling program. To help spread the word about this free and secure program for residents, DEEP created a humorous but informative public service announcement.  We are encouraging municipalities and businesses to share the video or to embed it on their websites for America Recycles Day on November 15th.   For more information on the program, visit DEEP's E-Waste webpage.

   

State Procures Renewable Energy

Connecticut took another step forward toward achieving a cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy future with the selection of two projects that will generate large amounts of electricity from clean energy sources - helping to achieve renewable energy goals at lower costs to ratepayers. The cost of power from the projects - a solar installation slated for land in Sprague and Lisbon, CT, and a wind energy farm in Maine - will average under eight cents per kilowatt hour (k/Wh), a price close to matching the cost of power generated from conventional fossil fuel plants and some of the lowest costs ever obtained for solar and wind power in the region. The projects have signed long-term contracts with the state's major electric distribution companies - CL&P and UI - for the purchase of the combined 270 megawatts (MW) of electricity and related renewable energy credits they will produce.  

DEEP also issued a Request for Proposal (RFP)  for electric power produced by biomass, landfill gas, and run-of-river hydropower facilities that meet Connecticut's Class I renewable requirements. The expedited timeline maximizes the opportunity for bidders to qualify for federal Production Tax Credits, which will help drive down the cost of power these projects produce. DEEP is seeking proposals for energy and renewable energy credits from both new and existing facilities, located both in-state and throughout the Northeast.  The proposals will be evaluated on a range of criteria focused heavily on pricing, but also considering reliability and environmental and economic development benefits for the state.  Responses are due by November 18, 2013.

  Open Space Grant Funding Available

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Stream Flow Classifications  

Day Pond Brook, Colchester

DEEP is currently soliciting comments on stream flow classifications proposed  for the Southeast Coastal, Pawcatuck and Thames Major River  Basins, in accordance with the Streamflow Standards and Regulations ( RCSA Sec. 26-141b-5) and as per the  public notice.

The proposed stream flow classifications were developed using known information on factors indicative of the degree of human alteration of natural stream flow, environmental flow needs and existing and future needs for public water supply. Public information sessions were held on October 15 (Dayville) and October 16 (Norwich). DEEP is accepting information or written comments on the proposed streamflow classifications until Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Written comments may be submitted by email, or may be mailed to: Robert Hust, DEEP - Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 06106-5127.

Debris Management Update

Connecticut's Interagency Debris Management Task Force offers the  following update and reminders for the upcoming winter storm season:   

Disaster Preparedness - The updated Disaster Debris Management Plan and State Concept of Operations Plan and other information are now posted on DEEP's Disaster Debris Management Preparedness web page.

Prepositioned Contracts - FEMA requires competitive bidding procedures for procurement of disaster debris management and monitoring services. The State has pre-positioned disaster debris management and monitoring contractors in place (if the towns choose to use them).    

Emergency Authorization - DEEP will issue an Emergency Authorization 

Open Burning - Open burning of brush by municipalities can only occur on municipally-owned land that has been approved as a solid waste disposal and/or recycling location.  Also, a permit has to have been issued by DEEP's Air Program. 

Open Burning Training Available Online

In its continuing effort to promote efficiency in government, DEEP recently launched a new web based Open Burning Training Program for municipal open burning officials to obtain required certification. This new training, which consists of six modules and an exam, will replace the less efficient and resource intensive town by town training and certification process. Only individuals nominated by the Chief Executive Officer of each municipality and certified by DEEP may issue Open Burning Permits. It is important to note that all existing open burning officials' certifications will no longer be recognized by the Department after January 31, 2014 and all new open burning official certifications must be issued under the new online training and certification program.

As a reminder, open burning must not take place when: the Air Quality Index (AQI) is predicted to be 75 or higher anywhere in the State and/or when the Forest Fire Danger Index is rated High, Very High, or Extreme. To learn more about open burning, alternatives to open burning and training opportunities please visit DEEP's Open Burning web page.

Financial Responsibility for Underground Storage Tanks    

Owners and operators of non-residential underground storage tanks (USTs) are responsible for maintenance, testing, and eventual removal of their USTs and must demonstrate financial responsibility for releases. As of October 1, 2012, any person who owns or operates one or more UST systems on more than five separate parcels of real property can no longer rely on the UST Petroleum Clean-up Program to demonstrate financial responsibility.   

The deadline was October 1, 2013 for municipalities or those who own or operate USTs on five or fewer parcels of real property.  The financial responsibility requirements must be met through the various other mechanisms specified in the regulations including, insurance, letter of credit, surety bond, a guarantee, including a corporate guarantee, a trust fund or passing a financial test.  Municipalities may not be aware that four additional options exist for local governments. These include a bond rating test, a financial test, a guarantee and a dedicated fund. While some of these options sound similar to the non-municipal mechanisms, there are differences in the regulatory requirements. More information can be found at DEEP's UST web page.

Leaking Transformers Costly for Meriden Facility

Transformer removal at the site.

The Meriden Enterprise Center agreed to pay a penalty of $52,500 for violating the federal Toxic Substances and Control Act and Connecticut law. DEEP inspectors had found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were leaking from an outdoor transformer on a concrete pad at the facility, which is leased out for office space, storage and light manufacturing.  PCBs are persistent in the environment and are suspected carcinogens.  Exposure can cause reproductive disorders, liver disease and neurological problems.  Clean up consists of removing the leaking outdoor transformer and 7 others inside the facility.  In addition, there will be remediation of the soil in the parking lot and of the drainage system.  

These transformers had not been used in several years.  The older equipment was replaced by an outdoor, non-PCB, cabinet transformer.  Manufacturing of PCBs is now banned; however existing equipment that contains PCBs can continue to be used for the remainder of its useful life but must be labeled and inspected quarterly and maintenance records kept. The remediation of PCB contamination can be very costly.  Since newer, more energy efficient, non-PCB transformers were being used at this site, the owner could have removed the equipment prior to it leaking and prevented costly clean up, fines and contamination. For more information, visit DEEP's PCB web page.

 Municipalities Can Help Slow Spread of EAB

Many Connecticut municipalities are concerned about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and what will happen if this invasive, non-native insect arrives in their community. Will there be a relatively large number of dead or dying ash trees that will need to be handled? To be prepared for this, municipalities should know the size of their ash tree population, especially ash trees along streets and in other public areas. An up-to-date street tree inventory is an important component. Early detection of infested trees is helpful in guiding a policy of "Slow the Spread," and in identifying individual trees that can be saved by appropriate treatment. Municipalities are in a position to provide leadership to the community by helping their residents recognize the seriousness of the threat posed by EAB and guiding them towards appropriate action.

Purdue University's Emerald Ash Borer Cost Calculator can be used to compare various EAB control strategies. Inventory data on the local municipal ash population is needed in order to do the calculations specific to a municipality. Figures are developed both as to cost and also effect on tree population over time. More information is available at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station's EAB web page.

Newsletter for Municipal Inland Wetlands Agencies

A new e-newsletter is being produced by DEEP's Wetlands Management Section that is tailored for municipal inland wetlands agencies.  It will provide timely announcements, updated guidance, and opportunities to share  information.  Two issues have been produced and are archived on the website. To join the mailing list, or to unsubscribe from the list, please use this link or the link provided at the bottom of each newsletter.

Connecticut State Parks Centennial Update

The celebration of 100 years of Connecticut State Parks officially kicked off at Dinosaur State Park in August with inspiring comments (video link) from Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty and Rocky Hill Mayor Timothy Moriarty.  Fourteen days later, a 195-mile cross-state excursion began, highlighting 17 state parks and encompassing 31 communities. The SoJourn (Summer Outdoor Journey) started at Quaddick State Park in the northeast corner of CT and ended at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The 20 SoJourners traveled predominantly by bicycle, but also by steam train, canoe, kayak and river boat. Along the way the travelers were greeted and addressed by many community officials, including First Selectman Norman Needleman in Essex, and State Senator Ed Meyer, and State Representatives Patricia Widlitz and Lonnie Reed in Madison. Concluding ceremonies at Sherwood Island took place amid welcoming cheers from friends, family, sponsors, state and local officials, including congratulations from First Selectman Gordon Joseloff of Westport and State Senator Toni Boucher and State Representatives Gail Lavielle and Jonathan Steinberg.

CT State Parks SoJourn 2013 Video Montage

 Watch for news of the 2014 Sojourn which will begin in the western hills and traverse the state west to east ending at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford.  Watch for more information on this and other upcoming activities on DEEP's State Parks 100 web page.

Efficiency Measures Reduce Energy Use and Costs

The benefits of energy efficiency in state and local government facilities was dramatically demonstrated with an announcement that the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has selected NORESCO to lead the implementation of an approximately $30 million energy make-over at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH), located in Middletown. The comprehensive energy retrofits, to be paid for through future guaranteed energy savings, will bring much-needed and highly efficient energy systems and equipment to the CVH campus, which first opened its doors in 1868 and where operations are constantly challenged by aging infrastructure. 

This is the first project out of the gate under Connecticut's new standardized energy savings performance contracting program, that allows state agencies and municipalities to enter into performance contracting agreements with energy service companies.  These contracts enable agencies and municipalities to upgrade facilities and reduce energy costs, while creating jobs and driving investment in Connecticut's economy.  The program has a number of support mechanisms - like pre-approved contractors, on-call advisors, standardized contract templates, and targeted financial assistance - which will help ensure a streamlined approach and successful projects. This program is administered by the Lead by Example program, a  collaborative effort involving DEEP and several other state agencies and non-profit foundations. 

EV Charging Station Grant Awards

The wide spread introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs) will enhance our energy security by shifting transportation fuel from imported fossil fuels to locally-generated electricity from domestically-produced fuels. In an effort to further develop the EV infrastructure, a number of Connecticut businesses, municipalities, colleges and universities will be selected to receive funding from DEEP to install publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at more than 40 new locations. These grants will increase access to EV charging units, alleviating motorists' concerns about being unable to recharge before completing a trip. These grants also bring Connecticut closer to its goal of establishing EV infrastructure so that every EV driver is within a 15 minute (or less) drive to a publicly accessible charging station. The grantees will be listed on EVConnecticut's website soon. Check the website in the near future for a second grant program for municipalities.

School Bus Company Recognized for Greening Fleet

John Dufour, President and Leslie Sheldon, Operations Manager

 All-Star Transportation President John Dufour has been named a 'Sustainability All-Star' by Green Fleet magazine based on his efforts in "greening" the company's fleet of school buses. This year All-Star Transportation became the first school bus company in Connecticut to purchase propane-driven vehicles and today its entire fleet of 51 buses serving the Torrington Public Schools is running on propane. In addition to reducing emissions, the use of propane is cutting fuel costs, which are paid directly by the school district. The district also gets a 50-cent per-gallon tax reimbursement for switching to an alternative fuel, as well as a fuel tax exemption of 18-cents per gallon. Along with propane-fueled school buses, the company also utilizes a half dozen hybrid vehicles for its bus safety monitoring operations. All-Star Transportation is the largest privately-held school bus company operating solely in Connecticut, providing school bus transportation services to 30 communities in Litchfield, New Haven, Hartford and upper Fairfield Counties.

Clean Vessel Act Program 

Since 1993, DEEP has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Sportfish Restoration Program to manage the federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program.  CVA is a user-pay, user-benefit program, deriving funding from motor boat fuel and fishing tackle excise taxes to install and operate marine sanitary disposal facilities or pumpouts to remove recreational marine sewage from vessels in Long Island Sound (LIS).  Connecticut now has 98 stationary and portable pumpout facilities, 21 pumpout vessels and 21 dump stations along the coast, plus one pumpout vessel in Candlewood Lake.  Due to partnerships that DEEP enjoys with the marine industry, all of LIS is designated as a no-discharge-area.   In 2012, CT CVA grantees collected over 500,000 gallons of recreational marine sewage from vessels -- which is significant for water quality improvement and the health of the ecosystem.  CVA funds are used to design, engineer, and permit these facilities, as well as to purchase, install and maintain them.  The maximum federal reimbursement per grant is 75% of the actual project cost.  Grantees are responsible for a 25% match.  For information on how your marina could benefit from the CVA program, contact Kate Brown. 

Water Quality Standards Adopted as Regulations

After a year in the making, DEEP's Water Quality Standards Regulations became effective on October 10th for use in state programs. These regulations were proposed under the authority of Sec. 22a-426 of the CT General Statutes, which required the formal adoption of the state's Water Quality Standards as regulations.  There were no substantive changes to the existing standards as part of this rulemaking.   While the actual regulation may have little substantive changes for regulated entities, it did change the format of the Standards. Regulated industries and communities are advised to now reference and utilize the newly adopted regulations.

With the regulatory adoption process completed, DEEP is moving forward with its Triennial Review of the Standards. The review will evaluate the need to update or revise the Standards to remain consistent with state and federal law and to ensure that they reflect the best available science and support sound water quality management policies to improve and protect Connecticut's water resources.  The federal Clean Water Act requires that DEEP undertake a review of its Water Quality Standards and Criteria every three years. Additional information is available on DEEP's Water Quality Standards and Classifications web page.

EPA Proposes Standards for New Power Plants

After finding that carbon pollution endangers the public health and welfare in 2009, the Clean Air Act (CAA) required U.S. EPA to take a number of steps to reduce carbon pollution from a variety of sources. Last month, EPA took the latest step and proposed standards to reduce carbon pollution from new natural gas and coal fired power plants that have yet to be built.  

The new proposed standards were issued under the authority of section 111 of the CAA, which authorizes EPA to issue pollution standards for new sources and states to issue standards for existing sources. EPA's proposal would limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to 1000 pounds per megawatt hour (lbs/MW-h) for new large natural gas power plants and 1100 lbs/MW-h for new coal fired power plants and increase compliance flexibility for new power plants. Along with the new proposal, EPA is also beginning an outreach effort with states, industry and local governments to help address pollution from existing power plants.

2013 Ozone Season Wrap Up

The 2013 ozone season officially began on May 1st and ended

Click on image to enlarge

on September 30th. Air quality in Connecticut exceeded the federal health based standard of 75 ppb (over an 8-hour period) on 18 days this season. Ozone forms when air pollution from combustion sources like power plants and motor vehicles reacts in strong sunlight. Connecticut typically measures high ozone concentrations on very hot summer days, when temperatures greater than 85 degrees F and wind patterns transport large amounts of air pollution into our state from the metropolitan Mid-Atlantic areas and large power plants of the Ohio Valley.  

Since U.S. EPA strengthened the ozone standard in 2008, the average number of ozone exceedance days recorded in Connecticut is 18. While DEEP has worked diligently since 1975 to implement common sense air pollution control strategies to help reduce the number of ozone exceedance days (see Connecticut Ozone Exceedances Trends 1975-2013), it is difficult to adequately address the problem of transported air pollution into Connecticut from upwind sources.  To learn more, visit DEEP's 2013 Ozone Season Forecasting Summary.