Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

train passing wetlands

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITOR
The official site for project information under
the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act

June 3, 2008
Scoping Notices
   1. NEW! Parking Garage at Transportation Center, Stamford
   2. NEW! Parking Garage at Union Station, New Haven
   3. Housatonic River Basin Natural Resources Restoration Project,
       North Canaan, Salisbury, Cornwall, Sharon, Kent, Litchfield, Sherman,
       New Milford, Roxbury, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Southbury, Newtown,
       Beacon Falls,  Seymour, Derby, Shelton, and Stratford.
   4. Improvements to the Merritt Parkway/Route 7/Main Interchange, Norwalk
   5. Construction of Two Classroom Buildings, Storrs
   6. Danbury Branch Rail Line Alternatives Analysis, Fairfield and
       Litchfield Counties
Environmental Impact Evaluations
   1. Improvements to the New Haven Rail Yard Maintenance Facility
   2. Town of Oxford Road Infrastructure Project
State Land Transfers

   There are no state land transfers posted for public notice or comment in this edition.

The next issue will be published on June 17 , 2008.
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Scoping Notices
Scoping Notices have been issued for the following state projects.  These projects are in the earliest stages of planning.  At the scoping stage, detailed information on a project's design, alternatives, and environmental impacts does not yet exist.  Sponsoring agencies are asking for comments from other agencies and from the public as to the scope of alternatives and environmental impacts that should be considered for further study.  Send your comments to the contact person listed for the project by the date indicated.

1. Notice of Scoping – Parking Garage at Transportation Center , Stamford

Project Description: The project will consist of the demolition of the original parking garage and construction of a new parking garage for a minimum of 1000 spaces at the Stamford Transportation Center.  The multi level garage will be located on the state owned parcel adjacent to Station Place as shown on the attached graphic.  This project will include salvaging or renovating the original pedestrian bridge that spans from the garage connecting to the station building.  Parking impacts and temporary relocation alternatives will be developed as part of this effort.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:July 3, 2008 .

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below.  If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.

Written comments may be addressed to:

Name :

Mr. Eugene Colonese

Agency :

State of Connecticut Department of Transportation

Address :

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington , CT 06131

Tel:

203-789-7189

If anyone desires to review additional information, or have other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name :

Mr. Scott A. Hill

Agency :

State of Connecticut Department of Transportation

Address :

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington , CT 06131

Phone :

860-594-3298

Fax:

860-594-3375

E-Mail :

Scott.Hill@po.state.ct.us

The agency expects to release a Draft Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in late 2008.

2. Notice of Scoping – Parking Garage at Union Station, New Haven

Project Description: The project is the construction of a new parking garage with a minimum of 670 spaces at Union Station in the city of New Haven .  The multi level garage will be located on the state owned parcel between the Church Street Overpass and Union Station as shown on the attached mapping.  This project will include a pedestrian bridge that will span from the garage connecting to Union Station on the southerly face as well as circulation improvements within the station itself.  This project is considered Phase 1 of a larger initiative to bring transit oriented development type opportunities to the area

Project Map: Click here for a graphic of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:July 3, 2008 .

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below.  If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.

Written comments may be addressed to:

Name :

Mr. Eugene Colonese

Agency :

State of Connecticut Department of Transportation

Address :

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06131

Tel:

203-789-7189

If anyone desires to review additional information, or have other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name :

Mr. Scott A. Hill

Agency :

State of Connecticut Department of Transportation

Address :

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06131

Phone :

860-594-3298

Fax:

860-594-3375

E-Mail :

Scott.Hill@po.state.ct.us

The agency expects to release a Draft Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in late 2009.

3. Notice of Scoping for the Housatonic River Basin Natural Resources Restoration Project

Municipalities where proposed projects might be located: North Canaan, Salisbury, Cornwall, Sharon, Kent, Litchfield, Sherman, New Milford, Roxbury, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Southbury, Newtown, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Derby, Shelton, and Stratford.

Project Description: The Connecticut SubCouncil of the Housatonic River Natural Resource Trustee Council is reviewing projects for potential disbursement of the Connecticut portion of the Housatonic River Natural Resource Damages (NRD) recovery funds.  The NRD funds were obtained from the General Electric Company (GE) as compensation for the injury to natural resources and natural resource services resulting from the release of hazardous materials into the Connecticut portion of the Housatonic River from the GE facility in Pittsfield, MA.  The project will result in the development and implementation of a restoration plan.  Projects under consideration include those that propose to restore aquatic natural resources, riparian and floodplain natural resources, and recreational uses of natural resources.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map of the project area.

Additional information about the restoration project can be viewed online at: http://www.housatonicrestoration.org/

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:  Monday June 30, 2008

There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at:

DATE: June 24, 2008

TIME: 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Kent Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Boulevard, Kent, CT

NOTE: The Department of Environmental Protection is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) individuals with disabilities who need information in an alternative format, to allow them to benefit and/or participate in the agency’s programs and services, should call TDD (860) 424-3704 and make their request to the receptionist.  Requests for accommodations to attend meetings and/or educational programs, sponsored by the DEP, must be made at least two weeks prior to the program date.

Written comments (email preferred) should be sent to:

Name: Michael Powers, Restoration Coordinator
Agency: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Inland Fisheries Division
Address: 79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 424-4102
Fax: (860) 424-4070
E-Mail: michael.powers@ct.gov

If you have questions about the public meeting or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact Mr. Powers as indicated above.

The agency expects to release an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in September 2008.

4. Notice of Scoping for Improvements to the Merritt Parkway/Route 7/Main Avenue Interchange

Municipality where proposed project will be located: Norwalk, CT

Project Description: Reconstruction/Improvements to the Merritt Parkway/Route 7 and Main Avenue Interchange.   

Project Maps: Click here to view map one of two

                     Click here to view map two of two

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:  Friday, June 13, 2008. 

There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at: The Norwalk City Hall

DATE:    Thursday May 29, 2008

TIME:    6:30 for the open house

            7:30 for the presentation

PLACE:  Norwalk City Hall 125 East Avenue Norwalk, CT

NOTES:  Additional information about the project can be viewed in person at the Connecticut Department of Transportation Headquarters at the address below

Name: Ms. Jennifer Sweeney
Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Tel: 860-594-3227
E-Mail:

If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name: Mr. Keith T. Hall - Transportation Supervising Planner
Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Phone: 860-594-2926
Fax: 860-594-3028
E-Mail: Keith.Hall@po.state.ct.us

The agency expects to release a Draft Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, inDecember, 2008.

5. Notice of Scoping for Construction of Two Academic Buildings, UConn at Storrs

Municipality where proposed project might be located :  University of Connecticut

Address of Possible Project Location: Fairfield Way, Storrs, CT

Project Description: The University of Connecticut plans to construct:  1) a 136,000 square foot LEED Silver certified classroom and academic office building at the location of the former UConn Co-op, and 2) a 60,000 square foot LEED Silver certified classroom building at the location of the former Pharmacy Building.  These buildings will house the Social Sciences and Humanities programs of Journalism, Modern and Classical Languages, Political Science, Economics, Linguistics, and Communications Sciences.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on June 16, 2008.

There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at:

DATE: June 11, 2008

TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PLACE: Merlin D. Bishop Center, Room 7, One Bishop Circle, Storrs CT

NOTES:

Additional information about the project can be viewed in person at: UConn, OEP, 31 LeDoyt Road, Storrs, CT

Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:

Name: Paul Ferri
Agency: University of Connecticut
Office of Environmental Policy
Address: 31 LeDoyt Road , Unit 3055
Storrs, CT 06269-3055
Fax: (860) 486-5477
E-Mail: paul.ferri@uconn.edu

If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name: Paul Ferri
Agency: University of Connecticut
Office of Environmental Policy
Address: 31 LeDoyt Road , Unit 3055
Storrs, CT 06269-3055
Phone: (860) 486-9295
Fax: (860) 486-5477
E-Mail: paul.ferri@uconn.edu

The agency expects to release an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, inDecember 2008.

6. Notice of Scoping - Danbury Branch Rail Line Alternatives Analysis

Municipalities where proposed project will be located: New Milford, Brookfield, Danbury, Bethel, Redding, Ridgefield , Wilton, Norwalk

Project Description: The project is for proposed improvements to the Danbury Branch of the New Haven Rail Line, an existing single-track railroad between South Norwalk and Danbury, approximately 23.6 miles in length, which is owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and the possible extension of passenger service on about 14.3 miles of existing single track railroad between Danbury and New Milford , which is owned by the Housatonic Railroad Company, Inc. The study will occur in the counties of Fairfield and Litchfield.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:July 25, 2008.

Public Scoping Meetings for this study have been scheduled as follows:

  •      June 17, 2008: New Milford Town Hall (Paul Martin Conference. Room), 10 Main Street New Milford, CT.
  •      June 18, 2008: Wilton Town Hall (Annex Building Meeting Room A), 238 Danbury Road , Wilton, CT 
  •      June 19, 2008: Ridgefield Town Hall (Large Conference Room), 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

The study team will be available at 6:00 p.m., at each of these public meetings, with a brief presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Written comments may be addressed to:

Name: Mr. Carmine P. Trotta
Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Tel:

860-594-2157

If you have questions about the public meeting, wish to review additional information, or have other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name: Mr. Andrew Davis
Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Phone:

860-594-2157

Fax: 860-594-3028
E-Mail: Andrew.H.Davis@po.state.ct.us

The agency expects to release a Draft Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in July, 2011.

EIE Notices
The following Environmental Impact Evaluations (EIEs) have been completed by state agencies and are available for review and comment. 
 

1. Notice of EIE for Improvements to the New Haven Rail Maintenance Facility

Municipality where project is proposed: New Haven

Address of Possible Project Location: The site of the current rail maintenance facility south of Union Avenue and north of Cedar and Hallock Streets.

Project Description: The project consists of the construction of new facilities at the New Haven Yard Maintenance Facility to serve the existing and future fleet of rail cars for the Metro-North Commuter Railroad.  Individual projects are: Construction of new storage yard tracks, component change-out shop with support facilities, service and inspection shop, wheel true shop, maintenance-of-way building, material distribution warehouse, rail car wash facility, heavy repair/paint shop and parking structure. Rehabilitation to: existing storage yards, electrical multiple unit shop, car shop/critical systems repair and diesel shop.  The overall project also includes the removal of the existing stores building, diesel tanks and water treatment/dewatering facility as well as the replacement of the propane tank and wheel true mill.       

Project Maps:  Click here to view a site location map of the project area.

                       Click Here to view a map of the project.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on : July 9, 2008

The public can view a copy of this EIE at: The New Haven City Clerks Office - 200 Orange Street, New Haven CT 06510, The New Haven Free Public Library -  133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06510, The South Central Regional Council of Governments - 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor, North Haven, CT 06473, The Connecticut Department of Transportation - 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Room 2155, Newington, CT 06131

There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on:

DATE: Wednesday June 25, 2008

TIME: 7:00 pm

PLACE: Gateway Community College - 60 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT (Room 160)

Additional information about this project can be found online at:

Send your comments about this EIE to:

Name: Mr. Edgar T. Hurle - Transportation Planning Director
Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike Newington , CT 06051
E-Mail: Edgar.Hurle@po.state.ct.us

If you have questions about the public hearing, or where you can review this EIE, or similar matters, please contact :

Name: Mr. Keith T. Hall - Transportation Supervising Planner
Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike Newington , CT 06051
E-Mail: Keith.Hall@po.state.ct.us
Phone: 860-594-2926

 

2. Notice of EIE for Town of Oxford Road Infrastructure Project

Municipality  where the project is proposed: Town of Oxford, CT

Address of the possible project location: Northern sector of the Town in proximity to I-84 and Waterbury-Oxford Airport

Project Description: The Town of Oxford is planning several road and related infrastructure projects to enhance the Town’s attractiveness for economic development around the Oxford Airport.  The road improvements would provide improved transportation access in the airport vicinity to the commercial and industrially zoned land. The Town has expressed plans to pursue state and federal funding for these infrastructure projects. The first of these will consist of E. Commerce Drive which will connect to the Oxford Airport road system. 

Project Maps:   click here to view a map of the project area

                        click here to view a map of the proposed roads

There is no public hearing scheduled for this EIE :  DECD will hold a public hearing if twenty-five persons or an association having not less than twenty-five persons requests such a hearing by May 2, 2008 (per CGS sec. 22-1d)

Comments on this EIE will be accepted from April 22, 2008 until the close of business on:  June 6, 2008

The public can view a copy of this EIE which will be available from April 15, 2008 at:

  •      S.B. Church Memorial Town Hall,  486 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT 06478
  •     First Selectmen’s Office, 486 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT 06478
  •       Town Clerk’s Office, 486 Oxford Road, Oxford , CT 06478
  •     Oxford Public Library, 486 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT 06478
  •     DECD, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106

Send your comments about this EIE to :

Name: Maya Loewenberg
Agency: Economic and Community Development
Address: 505 Hudson, Hartford, CT 06106-7106 
Fax: 860-270-8157
E-Mail: maya.loewenberg@po.state.ct.us

State Land Transfer Notices
There are no state land transfers posted for public notice or comment in this edition.
 
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