Air Amnesty Program's Deadline for Applications is May 1^st

To date, 401 schools representing 100 school districts and private institutions have agreed to voluntarily participate in the Air Permit Amnesty Program. The objective of the amnesty program is to advance the efficient use of energy and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations that protect human health and the environment. If you can benefit from this program, you must act soon because this amnesty program will end on May 1, 2014. If your school district is interested, there is still time to complete an Equipment Survey and receive amnesty for non-compliance issues. Please contact jared.millay@ct.gov if you have any questions regarding the program.

Connecticut REVolutionary Dealer Awards

Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association and DEEP are partnering on a joint program that recognizes the leadership and good work of licensed Connecticut new car dealers who are putting Connecticut motorists on the road to clean fuels and vehicles. The  Connecticut REVolutionary Dealer Award program is made up of two awards, one being presented to the dealer that sells or leases the highest number of new electric vehicles (EVs) including plug-in hybrids and the other award will go to the dealer who sells or leases the most EVs as a percentage of total sales, during the period from February 1 - July 31, 2014.

DEEP Commissioner Klee with Connecticut Auto Retailers

Connecticut is leading the nation in developing ways to encourage residents and businesses to buy electric and zero emission vehicles when making transportation purchases. It is estimated that there are already more than 180 publicly available charging stations in our state, many located at auto dealers. To learn more about how Connecticut plans to increase the number of clean vehicles on the roads by 2025, check out  Connecticut's Path to Clean Fuels and Clean Vehicles-Draft Action Plan. Please let us know if you have any thoughts on how to 'spark' sales and use of electric vehicles in Connecticut by contacting us at EVConnecticut@ct.gov.     

New and Expanded Recycling Web Pages

DEEP has published updated web pages that may be useful for your business or government agency in improving management of solid waste and increasing  reuse and recycling at your work site or throughout your town or city. These improved web pages are consistent with DEEP's focus on transforming the way our state manages solid waste to a more sustainable materials management approach.

You can find these pages through the Reduce/Reuse/Recycle and the Municipal Recycling Resource Center pages, or with these direct links:  

Textiles Reuse & Recycling  (new)

Full Cost Accounting  (expanded)

Composting & Organics Recycling  (expanded)

Organics Recycling Planning Tool (updated) 

Food Residual Generation Interactive GIS Map (new) 

Food Waste Reduction & Recovery  (new)

Commercial & Institutional Food Scrap Recycling Pilot Projects  (expanded)

For more information, contact K.C. Alexander at 860-424-3239.

Risk-Based Decision Making for Remediating Sites

As part of the transformation of the Remediation program, DEEP is

Amey Marrella speaks on behalf of the CT Fund for the Environment at the March public meeting.

evaluating Connecticut's risk-based decision making processes for remediation of contaminated sites. This evaluation will include an analysis of human and ecological risk assessment and risk management tools used to protect human health and the environment in the Remediation Standard Regulations or "RSRs." CDM Smith was selected as the contractor for this project. A public meeting was held in March to gather initial feedback from stakeholders.

At the completion of the tasks required for this project and as outlined in the proposal, CDM Smith will provide a report to DEEP. It will summarize the results of the tasks, public comments, and benchmarks Connecticut's existing approaches to risk assessment, risk management, and risk-based decision making against best practices used by other regulatory bodies, governmental agencies, or independent councils and coalitions. A meeting with the stakeholders will be held in the fall  to review the results of the study.  More information: DEEP: RSR Revision Concepts - Risk-Based Decision Making 

Brownfields Update: New Champions

Brownfield redevelopment is a vital component of Connecticut's smart growth. When a Brownfield is redeveloped, it strengthens the state's economy, removes environmental pollution that poses a risk to public health, and lessens pressure on our shrinking green space.  To further move this important effort along, Connecticut now has two new brownfield redevelopment champions -- Mark Lewis at DEEP and Tim Sullivan at the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Mark Lewis, DEEP's Brownfields Coordinator, will work with all our partners, internal and external, to prioritize important Brownfield projects.  He will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating the DEEP's review of permits and approvals associated with the most critical projects. Prior to accepting this position, Mark worked in the Remediation Division for 20 years.

Blue-Green Algae Guidance for Local Health Departments

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut.  These microscopic organisms often go unnoticed and cause no harm.  However, when nutrient loading exceeds certain levels, a water body can experience nuisance blue-green algae blooms that may produce and release toxins.  When blue-green algae blooms release toxins, people and animals using the water body for recreation can be affected. It is important to note that not all algae blooms are harmful blooms but it is not possible to determine the type of algae within the bloom without a more detailed evaluation.

A blue-green algae bloom in a Connecticut lake.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health and DEEP, in collaboration with the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health, have produced guidance for local health officials regarding blue-green algae blooms. This document outlines the rationale for a response and presents a plan for surveillance and intervention designed to protect the public's health at lakes or ponds used for recreation.

Visit the DEEP website for additional information on blue-green algae blooms.

Clean Water Fund: New Funding List for Municipal Projects  

The Connecticut Clean Water Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities for planning, design and construction of wastewater collection and treatment projects. The draft FY14 -15 Priority List proposes a two year, $896 million funding strategy for a number of wastewater infrastructure projects, including nitrogen removal projects to meet the goals for Long Island Sound; phosphorus removal projects to comply with new effluent limits; and combined sewer overflow (CSO) improvement projects to meet Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) goals in our state's largest cities. 

Similar to previous Priority Lists, the current draft includes reserves for planning, design, small community, and Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG).  This Priority List also introduces several new types of funding reserves for:

• Strengthening the resiliency of wastewater infrastructure;
• Incorporating green infrastructure principles into wastewater infrastructure;
• Exploring alternate means of renewable energy;
• Rehabilitating pump stations and sewer systems; and
• Extending sanitary sewers to solve an existing community pollution problem.

Wildlife Action Plan: Get Involved

Connecticut is currently revising its Wildlife Action Plan to establish a framework for proactively conserving our fish and wildlife and their habitats for the next decade. Connecticut's list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need also is being revised. This entire effort involves adding new information on climate change and its impacts to wildlife conservation, updating resource mapping, refining conservation threats, and incorporating information gained through the implementation of the first Wildlife Action Plan completed in 2005. The revision also will include the identification of new or revised conservation actions to help advance wildlife conservation over the next decade.

Participation by conservation partners, academic institutions, and the public is the key to making the revised Plan an effective tool for conserving Connecticut's diversity of wildlife resources for future generations. Now is the time to provide input while the Plan is being revised. Take an opportunity to read through the original plan (called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy) that was approved by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in January 2006. Then submit comments to the DEEP Wildlife Division via email (deep.wildlifeactionplan@ct.gov) or on the Get Involved webpage.

Electric Vehicle Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

If your city or town is considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or an EV charging station, now is the time to join the EV movement. The following are some funding sources available to municipalities in Connecticut:

• The Connecticut Department of Transportation's Clean Fuel Program. These grants allow you to add electric vehicles to your fleets without requiring replacement of existing fleet vehicles.  For those of you installing or contemplating EV charging stations, these grants could help you to lead by example by purchasing an electric vehicle for use with the charger.
• Redeem your Town's Clean Energy Community Points. The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund has approved towns use of their energy efficiency and renewable energy points to be redeemed for clean energy systems such as EV charging stations.
• DEEP's EVConnecticut Campaign has awarded charging infrastructure grants to 74 towns, businesses, and schools to build 96 new Level 2 charging stations. DEEP hopes to have additional EV charging incentives available in the near future.

Information and required forms for any upcoming EV incentive programs in Connecticut will be posted at EVConnecticut.   

EnergizeCT's Business Sustainability Challenge

DEEP promoted the 3E's, Energy, Environment and Economy, through EnergizeCT's Business Sustainability Challenge (BSC) during its February 2014 Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee (HWAC) meeting. More than 100 interested stakeholders took advantage of the free training event, which was held Yale's new West Campus located in Orange. The program featured two companies; Specialty Printing, LLC and Unicorr Packaging Group that shared their experiences with the BSC and a presentation on the BSC and other energy efficiency programs from Connecticut's electric utilities, United Illuminating and Northeast Utilities. Both companies recounted how they learned to incorporate LEAN into their processes, and as a result, saved money, reduced environmental liability and their carbon footprint, and stayed competitive in the global marketplace. (Materials presented during the HWAC event) For more information on HWAC, including how to subscribe to the listserv, visit www.CT.gov/DEEP/HWAC.

Connecticut is working to better understand ways to manage roadside trees in order to achieve the right balance between maintaining roadside safety and utility reliability and retaining the benefits of trees and the quality of life they support. Though no easy task, two of the premier research institutions in Connecticut have stepped in to lead the way, not just locally but nationally.  

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the University of Connecticut have begun a program known as Stormwise. The goal of Stormwise is to bring together various partners to combine forest management techniques with approaches taken from arboriculture and utility vegetation management to reduce tree-related storm damage to power lines and roads. This program will eventually be seen as a collection of techniques and a process that draws all parties who have a connection to roadside trees into the discussion as it find ways to address often competing concerns, expectations, and requirements. Stormwise is supported by the DEEP Division of Forestry and receives funding from the U.S. Forest Service and the Connecticut Light & Power Company.

DEEP Joins U.S. Food Waste Challenge

DEEP is proud to be the first state government agency to have joined the U.S. Food Waste Challenge. The goal of the Challenge is to lead a fundamental shift in how we think about and manage food and food waste in this country. Through this program, USDA and U.S. EPA challenge producer groups, processors, manufacturers, retailers, communities, and other government agencies to join their efforts to:

• Reduce food loss and waste,
• Recover wholesome food for human consumption, and
• Recycle discards to other uses including animal feed, composting, and energy generation.

  Signage on lid of food scrap collection container at DEEP

Towns Hunt for Connecticut's Healthiest Streams

2013 RBV monitoring locations Click on map to enlarge.

The RBV program is administered by DEEP staff each fall (September through November). Volunteers are trained to collect and identify the insects and other 'macroinvertebrates' that live on the stream bottom. The RBV program classifies the most sensitive of these organisms as "Most Wanted." Finding four or more 'Most Wanted' organisms is a strong indication of high water quality or a 'healthy' stream segment. In 2013, 33 of the sites monitored met the criteria to be confirmed as a healthy stream segment - this was the greatest percentage of sites with 4 or more macroinvertebrates in 10 years.  More about how your municipality can participate in the "treasure hunt" to find Connecticut's healthiest streams at www.ct.gov/deep/RBV.

Businesses, Institutions and Government Getting Waste Wise

Norwalk Hospital and The Orchards at Southington are among those Connecticut facilities taking advantage of the tools made available through U.S. EPA's WasteWise program.  These WasteWise partners were recognized for going above and beyond when it comes to reducing the amount of waste they generate.  The program encourages tracking and measuring as an important step in making changes.  "We've been recycling since 1998 but with being part of WasteWise, we've looked even harder for ways to reduce; like finding a dish detergent that uses 95% less packaging waste and composting kitchen food scraps," noted Patricia Hooper, Executive Chef at The Orchards.  The overall goal of WasteWise is for the facility to cut costs while also cutting emissions and reducing pollution.  

Connecticut currently has 22 partners, including colleges, government agencies, non-profits, and businesses such as hotels, retailers, manufacturers, medical service providers, construction companies, and more. DEEP is a Waste Wise partner.  In 2012, the agency avoided GHG emissions that are equivalent to taking 51 cars off the road, the electricity needed to power 12 households, or 27,800 gallons of gasoline.  To get started at your business or agency, visit EPA's website or contact the WasteWise Helpline at 800-EPA-WISE.

Emerald Ash Borer: A Concern for Municipalities

EAB galleries underneath the bark of a heavily-infested tree. Click on the image to see the galleries close up. Photos: Gabriela Doria

The emerald ash borer (EAB), an

invasive insect first discovered in Connecticut in 2012, should now be a priority for cities and town in

Connecticut. The insect is currently known to be in 16 municipalities in four counties and will likely occur throughout the state before too many years. EAB's presence in a community means the potential loss of all unprotected ash trees. The resulting dead trees will be of major concern as these trees become hazardous and the towns must respond.

The Tree Wardens' Association recently hosted a workshop, funded in part by DEEP Forestry, which presented strategies for municipalities to deal with EAB. This workshop stressed planning for EAB's arrival to reduce costs and save trees. Full details regarding the response to EAB and DEEP's role in combating the insect can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/eab. An article on the EAB Cost Calculator, a management planning tool, has also been posted.

Communities Receive Tree Grants and Designations

Just in time for Arbor Day, (April 25), DEEP announced 15 urban forestry grants to encourage tree planting and tree management best practices in communities across the state and also designated 19 communities as a Tree City USA for their commitment to tree care during the past year. The largest urban forestry grant of $30,000 was awarded to the Urban Resources Initiative (URI) in New Haven, which will use the funding to advance outreach through a Comprehensive Urban Forestry Marketing Strategy.

Nineteen Connecticut communities were designated Tree Cities USA for their exemplary tree care and maintenance program.  In addition, the University of Connecticut (UConn) earned the designation of being Connecticut's first ever Tree Campus USA.  UConn is now one of only about 200 schools so honored across the country.  (List of grant recipients and Connecticut's new Tree City USA communities)

Explosions & Near Riots in the Past; Now Peaceful on the Air Line

The Air Line Trail State Park Trail takes its name from a line drawn in the 1860s from New York to Boston (through the "air" so to speak) to illustrate the shortest railroad route between the two cities. A completely new line proved impractical so the "Air Line" used existing rails from New York to Middletown and broke ground eastward. Pick and shovel labor, and occasionally nitro glycerin, was the construction norm. One Monday morning in 1870 while removing a failed explosive charge by pickaxe, a spark produced predictable results. The newspapers reported: 'Two Men Killed, Several Wounded . . . Explosion Result of Carelessness and Rum.' Less than a year later, the line was bankrupt and workers were unpaid for three months. As creditors came to take their tools, eighty laborers holed up in a Colchester barn daring them to advance. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and the project was completed.

One hundred years later, the railroad had run its course and was transformed into a linear state park. Today hikers, walkers, joggers and bicyclists enjoy the 50-mile Air Line State Park Trail as it passes through 10 eastern Connecticut towns on its nearly intact route from Middletown to northeast Connecticut. A recently completed video series showcases town-by-town highlights of things to see and do on and off the trail.

Salamanders have been disappearing at alarming rates in recent years. The decline of these four-legged amphibians can be attributed to a number of human activities, including habitat loss and increased chemical pollution. Homeowners and landowners can take several measures to ensure that salamanders find hospitable conditions in yards or nearby wetlands. (more details)   

New EPA TIER 3 Requirements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized new Tier 3 vehicle and fuel standards. The new rule, which will take effect in 2017, sets emissions standards for passenger cars, light and medium-duty trucks and some heavy-duty vehicles as well as sets new fuel sulfur limits. Cars and trucks are responsible for a great deal of air pollution in Connecticut: 40% of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and 49% of nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions. These pollutants contribute to climate change and smog, respectively.

The new rule reduces harmful pollutants from cars and trucks by 60-80%, depending on the pollutant and requires vehicle pollution control equipment last for 150,000 miles. In addition, EPA's new rule will harmonize federal and California vehicle standards, which Connecticut adopted in 2013, and ensure all vehicles meet the more stringent emissions limits already in place in our state. The largest impact of the Tier 3 standards in Connecticut will come from the new fuel standards, which lower the sulfur content of gasoline from 30ppm to 10ppm starting in 2017. This requirement will allow emissions reduction equipment on the almost 3 million vehicles registered in the state to do a better job of limiting smog-forming pollution.   

Connecting Sustainable Forestry and Renewable Energy

A biomass boiler provides heat for the Lakeville, CT school.

A sawmill based in eastern New York and Supreme Forest Products, which owns and operates Hinman Lumber in Burlington, Connecticut, currently hold the contracts to supply the 5,400 tons of wood chips required annually. The locally-grown and sustainability-harvested wood from this sawmill is recognized under the Connecticut Grown Forest Products Program. Information about large woody biomass heating systems at U.S. Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center or Biomass Energy Resource Center. More about sustainable forest management at the DEEP Division of Forestry's webpage.