Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

1. Post-Scoping Notice for Norwalk First Taxing District - Grupes Dam Rehabilitation

Addresses of Possible Project Locations: On Silvermine River, off Valley Road and Deep Valley Road in New Canaan.

Municipalities where it would be located: Norwalk and New Canaan.

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On July 5, 2022, the Department of Public Health (DPH) published a Notice of Scoping in the Environmental Monitor for the rehabilitation of Grupes Reservoir Dam, which is classified by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) dam safety regulations (RCSA 22a‐409) as a Class C, or "high hazard" dam, meaning that if the dam were to fail, it could result in probable loss of life, major damage to habitable structures and residences, damage to critical utilities and infrastructure, and great economic loss.

A public scoping meeting was held on September 19th, 2022 at 1:00 PM.

Public Comments were received during the public comment period and at the Public Scoping Meeting. A synopsis of the comments received and a summary of DPH responses are included in the DPH Memorandum of Findings. 

After consideration of the comments received, DPH has determined: the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the CEPA. The agency’s conclusion is documented in a DPH Memorandum of Findings and an Environmental Review Checklist.

Agency contact:

Name:             Mr. Eric McPhee
Agency:          Department of Public Health – Drinking Water Section
Address:        410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12DWS, PO Box 340308,
                       Hartford, CT 06134-0308
E-Mail:           dph.sourceprotection@ct.gov
Phone:           860-509-7333

 

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring State agency:

Agency:          Department of Public Health, Hearing Office
Address:        410 Capitol Avenue, MS #13PHO
                       Hartford, CT 06134-0308
E-Mail:           DPH.foi@ct.gov
Phone:           860-566-5682

 

What Happens Next: The Department of Public Health expects the project to go forward. This is anticipated to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.