Environmental Monitor

July 25, 2017

  1.   State Conservation and Development Policies: The Plan for Connecticut, 2018-2023 (State C & D Plan) - Revised Draft Available
  2.   NEW! Connecticut State Water Plan Final Draft Report: Notice of Request for Written Comments
  1.   Replacement Bridge #04067, Cedar Hill Rd., Stamford 
  1.   Briar Cliff Booster and Long Meadow Water Main Extension, Bethel
  2.   NEW! State Pier Complex Improvements, New London
  3.   NEW! Spruce Ridge, Pawcatuck
  4.   NEW! East Side Pressure Zone Improvements, Southington
  1.   REVISED! - ERRATA ADDED WITH NEW COMMENT DEADLINE Seaside State Park Master Plan, Waterford
  2.   Franklin Sewer and Water Main Extension, Franklin
 
     No Proposed Land Transfer has been submitted for publication in this edition.
 
The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on August 8, 2017.
 
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Notices in the Environmental Monitor are written by the sponsoring agencies and are published unedited. Questions about the content of any notice should be directed to the sponsoring agency.

 
Special Notices
1. Conservation and Development Policies: The Plan for Connecticut, 2018-2023 (State C & D Plan)

The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has published a revised draft of the Conservation and Development Policies: The Plan for Connecticut, 2018-2023 (Draft State C&D Plan), in accordance with CGS Section 16a-28(b).  The Draft State C&D Plan, including the Draft Locational Guide Map, can be viewed at:  https://www.ct.gov/opm/cwp/view.asp?a=2990&Q=587532&PM=1.

OPM, in cooperation with Regional Councils of Governments (COGs), will schedule, publicize, and conduct formal public hearings on the Draft State C&D Plan in each of the state’s nine planning regions over a five-month period.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on October 16, 2017.

Written comments should be sent to:

Name:        Daniel Morley

Agency:      Office of Policy and Management

Address:     450 Capitol Avenue, MS #54 ORG

                 Hartford, CT 06106-1379

Fax:           860-418-6486

E-Mail:       Daniel.Morley@ct.gov

This notice is published in the Environmental Monitor at the request of the Office of Policy and Management to provide notice of the availability of the revised draft of Conservation and Development Policies: The Plan for Connecticut, 2018-2023. There is a strong link between this plan and CEPA.


2. Connecticut State Water Plan Final Draft Report: Notice of Request for Written Comments

The State Water Planning Council (WPC) is soliciting and collecting public comments on the Connecticut State Water Plan Final Draft Report.  A copy of the draft plan and associated resources can be found at www.ct.gov/water.

Members of the public may submit written comments on the plan.  Comments must be filed no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2017. 

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. 22a-352(c), the (WPC) is required to provide a time period of not less than one hundred twenty days for public review and comment of the State Water Plan Draft Report prior to finalizing the State Water Plan Report and submitting it to the legislature.  The WPC will fully consider all written and oral comments concerning the proposed state water plan and will make the electronic text of the finalized state water plan available on www.ct.gov/water, along with a report summarizing all public comments received, and (2) the changes made to the finalized state water plan in response to such comments and the reasons for such changes.

Written comments may be submitted electronically (recommended) or by mail.

      To submit comments electronically, complete the web-based comment form at the following link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CT_StateWaterPlan.  This form provides the option to either (1) upload comments as a PDF or Word document (maximum size 16MB), or (2) input comments in a text box directly on the form.

      To submit hard-copy comments by mail, send a letter to:

Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, CT 06051

ATTN:  State Water Plan Draft Report Comments

All comments submitted using the methods above will become part of the formal public record and posted to www.ct.gov/water for viewing.

Please report any technical issues you are experiencing with this website to the site administrator at wpc@ct.gov.


Scoping Notices

"Scoping" is for projects 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.

 The Following Scoping Notice has been submitted for review and comment.

  
1. Notice of Scoping for the Replacement of Bridge No. 04067 - Cedar Heights Road over Rippowam River

Municipality where proposed project might be located: Stamford

Project Location:  Cedar Heights Road over Rippowam River approximately 2,500 feet east of its intersection with Ridge Road.  

Project Description: Bridge No. 04067 is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places; and consists of concrete encased steel interior beams with a stone façade and a reinforced concrete deck superstructure supported by stone masonry abutments and wingwalls. There is a bronze memorial marker attached to the bridge identifying it as the "Old Wire Mill Bridge" with a date of 1930.  The existing structure length and width measure 32 feet and 34 feet, respectively.  The bridge roadway curb-to-curb width is 29.75 feet and the approach roadway measures 28 feet, providing for two lanes (one in each direction) of vehicular traffic. Cedar Heights Road is functionally classified as an Urban Local Road, and has an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume of approximately 3,200 vehicles per day.

Bridge No. 04067 is considered to be structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.  Up to 40% of the concrete encasement area is hollow.  Fascia beams exhibit crack separation with heavy efflorescent and rust seepage on the underside.  The exposed steel beams exhibit heavy rust with section loss.  The structure has been deemed eligible for replacement.        

The proposed construction involves replacement of the existing bridge with galvanized steel beams and reinforced concrete deck superstructure system supported on reinforced concrete abutments and wingwalls.  The new structure will be built on the existing vertical and horizontal alignment, will be 28 feet curb-to-curb, and utilize 12 foot travel lanes and 2 foot shoulders.  Full height parapets will be utilized along the length of the structure and will transition into metal guiderail on both approaches.  Precast arch fascia panels and stone veneer are proposed to match the aesthetics of the existing bridge.  Cedar Heights Road will be closed during construction.  Traffic will be staged for the duration of the project (approximately 8-9 months).  Access to adjacent properties will be maintained at all time during construction.        

Project Maps:  Click here to view maps of the project area.

Project Pictures: Click here to view pictures of the bridge.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:  Friday August 11, 2017

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.  Such requests must be made by the close of business on Friday July 21, 2017.

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

Mr. Mark F. Carlino, Transportation Planning Director
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Policy and Planning
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
dot.environmentalplanning@ct.gov

If you have questions about this project, contact:

Mr. Marc Byrnes, Project Engineer
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Engineering and Construction
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
860-594-3489
Marc.Byrnes@ct.gov

 
Post-Scoping Notices: Environmental Impact Evaluation Not Required
 
This category is required by the October 2010 revision of the Generic Environmental Classification Document for State Agencies. A notice is published here if the sponsoring agency, after publication of a scoping notice and consideration of comments received, has determined that an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) does not need to be prepared for the proposed project.


The Following Post-Scoping Notices have been submitted for publication in this edition.

1. Post-Scoping Notice for the Briar Cliff Booster Station and Long Meadow Water Main Extension

Municipality where project will be located: Bethel

CEPA Determination:  On May 16, 2017, the Department of Public Health (DPH) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor

Based on the DPH’s environmental assessment of this project which includes comments provided by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) dated June 9, 2017, it has been determined that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under CEPA.  The DPH will coordinate with the Bethel Water Department to ensure that the recommendations by the DEEP are implemented.

The agency’s conclusion is documented in a Memorandum of Findings and Determinationand an Environmental Assessment Summary.

If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:

Mr. Eric McPhee
Department of Public Health
Drinking Water Section
410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12DWS
P O Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
860-509-7333
860-509-7359
dph.sourceprotection@ct.gov


What happens next:
The DPH expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.


 2. Post-Scoping Notice for State Pier Complex Improvements

Municipality where project will be located:  New London, CT

CEPA Determination:  On May 16, 2017 the Department of Economic & Community Development upon the request of the Connecticut Port Authority published a Notice of Scoping (https://www.ct.gov/ceq/cwp/view.asp?a=987&Q=593536&PM=1) to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor.  During the scoping period, the Conecticut Port Authority received comments from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.  

The Connecticut Port Authority has taken those comments into consideration and has concluded that the project does not require the preparation of Environmental Impact Evaluation under CEPA.

The agency's conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determinationand Environmental Assessment Checklist.  

If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:

Mr. Joseph Salvatore
Connecticut Port Authority
505 Hudson Street - 3rd Floor
Hartford, CT 06106-7106
email: 
joseph.salvatore@ct.gov

What happens next: The Connecticut Port Authority expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.


3. Post-Scoping Notice for Spruce Ridge

Municipality where project will be located:  Pawcatuck, CT

CEPA Determination:  On May 16, 2017 the Department of Housing published a Notice of Scoping (https://www.ct.gov/ceq/cwp/view.asp?a=987&Q=593536&PM=1) to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental MonitorDuring the scoping period, the Department of Housing received comments from theDepartment of Energy & Environmental ProtectionDepartment of Public Health - Drinking Water SectionDepartment of Public Health - Environmental Health Section, and the Office of Policy & Management.  

The Department of Housing has taken those comments into consideration and has concluded that the project does not require the preparation of Environmental Impact Evaluation under CEPA.

The agency's conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determinationand Environmental Assessment Checklist.

If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:

Name:  Jennifer Ponte

Agency:  Department of Housing

Address:  505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106

Fax:  (860) 706-5741

E-Mail:  Jennifer.Ponte@ct.gov

What happens next: The Department of Housing expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.

4. Post-Scoping Notice for East Side Pressure Zone Improvements

Municipality where project will be located:  Southington

CEPA Determination:  On May 2, 2017, the Department of Public Health (DPH) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor.

Based on the DPH’s environmental assessment of this project which includes comments provided by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection  (DEEP) dated May 24, 2017 and the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) dated June 2, 2017, it has been determined that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under CEPA. The DPH provided a response to OPM  dated June 30, 217.  The DPH will coordinate with the Southington Water Department to ensure that the recommendations by the DEEP are implemented.

The agency's conclusion is documented in a Memorandum of Findings and Determination  and an Environmental Assessment Summary.

If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:

Name:

Mr. Eric McPhee

Address:

Department of Public Health
Drinking Water Section

410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12DWS
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308

Phone:

860-509-7333

Fax:

860-509-7359

E-Mail:

dph.sourceprotection@ct.gov


What happens next:
The DPH expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.



After Scoping, an agency that wishes to undertake an action that could significantly affect the environment must produce, for public review and comment, a detailed written evaluation of the expected environmental impacts. This is called an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).


The Following EIE Notices have been submitted for publication in this edition.

1. Notice of EIE for Seaside State Park Master Plan

Project Title: Seaside State Park Master Plan

Municipality where project is proposed: Waterford

Address of Project Location: 36 Shore Road

Project Description: The Proposed Action is the implementation of a development concept from the Seaside State Park Master Plan.  The Master Plan depicts four potential concepts for the 32-acre site located at 36 Shore Road in Waterford.  A summary of the four alternatives follows:

  • Destination Park- This concept emphasizes passive and active recreation along with a lodging experience.  Existing historic buildings would be restored for lodging and auxiliary uses and the ground and waterfront would be modified and enhanced to support passive and active recreational uses. 
  • Ecological Park- This concept emphasizes maintenance and enhancement of ecological features of the site, both in the terrestrial and waterfront environments.  Under this concepts, the historic buildings would be demolished.
  • Passive Recreation Park-  This concept most closely resembles the Park in its current condition/ use with minimal improvements to the grounds.  Under this concept, the historic buildings would be demolished.
  • Hybrid Park- This concept is an amalgam of the other alternatives.  The historic buildings would be converted to lodging, the grounds would be enhanced, and the ecological habitats would be created or enhanced along the waterfront. 

Project Documents: 

Seaside State Park Location Map

Aerial Photo of Existing Site

Seaside Master Plan EIE

Appendix A: Public Scoping Notice, Presentation and Comments

Appendix B: Economic Impact Analysis

Appendix C: Traffic Study

Appendix D: Coastal Process Study

Appendix E: Phase 1A and Phase 1B Archeological Surveys

Appendix F: List of Preparers

Appendix G: Distribution List

Appendix H: Disclosure Statement

Errata - New (7/11/17)

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: August 25, 2017

Beginning on June 20, 2017, the public can view a copy of this EIE at:

Waterford Town Hall, Town Clerk's Office, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford CT 06385

Town of Waterford Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford CT 06385

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (by appointment only), 79 Elm Street, 6th floor Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Hartford CT 06106

Additional information about this project, including the Master Plan, can be viewed online at www.ct.gov/deep/seaside.

There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on:

DATEMonday, July 31, 2017

TIME: 7:00 PM, doors will open at 6:30 PM

PLACE: Waterford Town Hall Auditorium, 15 Rope Ferry Road

NOTES:  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accomodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.  Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number- 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any hearing, program, or event. 

Additional information about this project can be found online at: www.ct.gov/deep/seaside

Send your comments about this EIE to:

Name: Michael Lambert, Bureau Chief, Outdoor Recreation
Agency: CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106
E-Mail: DEEP.seasideEIE@ct.gov

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

Name: Michael Lambert, Bureau Chief, Outdoor Recreation
Agency: CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106
E-Mail: DEEP.seasideEIE@ct.gov
Phone: 860-424-3030

2. Notice of EIE for Franklin Sewer and Water Main Extension

Project Title: Franklin Water and Sewer Main Extension

Municipality where project is proposed: Franklin

Address of Possible Project Locations:Along Route 32, from Murphy Road to Old Route 32; and along New Park Avenue

Project Description: The proposed project will consist of the design, permitting and construction of approximately 8,000 linear feet of 12" water main, one wastewater pumping station, and 7,500 linear feet of 8-inch and 12-inch gravity sewer. 

The sanitary sewer will run from the connection to the City of Norwich sewer system along a portion of Old Route 32, continuing northerly along State Route 32 to the intersection of Murphy Road.  Wastewater would be transmitted to the Norwich wastewater treatment plant.  The construction of the sanitary sewer extension is being funded by a $5 million grant-in-aid authorized by Public Act 1979-607, Section 21(b)(6)(B).

The water main will run from the interconnection with the City of Norwich Water system on New Park Avenue, and along State Route 32 between the intersections of Old Route 32 and Murphy Road.  The construction of the water main extension is being funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Economic Development Administration.

Project Map:   Franklin Project Area Map and Project Service Map

Project Document: Franklin Environmental Impact Evaluation Sewer & Water Main Extension

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, August 25, 2017

The public can view a copy of this EIE at the following locations:

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse,  2nd floor, 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106 (by appointment only).

Franklin Town Hall, Town Clerk's Office, 7 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Franklin CT 06254

Send your comments about this EIE to:

Name: Ivonne Hall
Agency: Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Address:
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
79 Elm Street, 2nd Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail:
FAX:
(860) 424-4067

If you have any questions on where you can review this EIE, or other questions about the project, please contact:

Name:  Ivonne Hall
Agency:
 Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Address:
 Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT  06106
E-Mail: ivonne.hall@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 424-3754

Other information:

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accomodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.  Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number-711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any hearing, program, or event.



State Land Transfer Notices
 
 Connecticut General Statutes Section 4b-47 requires public notice of most proposed sales and transfers of state-owned lands. The public has an opportunity to comment on any such proposed transfer. Each notice includes an address where comments should be sent. Read more about the process.

 


No Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.


 
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