October 6, 2020
Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA ) Project Inventory now available.
All submissions to the Council should be sent electronically to: peter.hearn@ct.gov.
- NEW! Proposed Generic Environmental Classification Document, submitted at the request of the Office of Policy and Management.
- Notice of Scoping for Interchange Improvements to I-91, I-691 and Route 15, Meriden and Middletown.
- NEW! Notice of Scoping for Ramp Widening I-95 NB Exit 27A, Bridgeport.
- NEW! Notice of Scoping for City of Bridgeport Facilities Planning for East Side and West Side Wastewater Treatment Plants, Bridgeport.
Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)
- NEW! Notice of Time Extension for Post Scoping Notice for Post-Scoping Notice for UConn Structures Demolition – Spring Manor Farm Project, Mansfield.
No Post-Scoping Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)
No EIE Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
Agency Record of Decision
No Record of Decision has been submitted for publication in this edition.
No Determination of Adequacy Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
No State Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on October 20, 2020.
Subscribe to e-alerts to receive an e-mail when the Environmental Monitor is published.
Inquiries and requests to view or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency.
Special Notice
1) Proposed Generic Environmental Classification Document
The proposed Generic Environmental Classification Document (ECD) is available for review and comment. The Generic ECD is a list of typical agency actions that may have significant environmental impacts, and is used by most state agencies in determining if a proposed action warrants further evaluation under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA), and to what extent. A state agency proposing an action which may significantly effect the environment must consult with its applicable Environmental Classification Document (ECD) to determine whether or not public scoping is required.
Any agency that does not have its own ECD as approved by OPM in accordance with Sections 22a-1a-4 and 22a-1a-5 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, shall use the Generic ECD prepared and maintained by OPM.
Click here to view a copy of the proposed Generic ECD.
Click here to view a red-lined copy of the proposed Generic ECD.
Written comments on this proposed Generic ECD will be accepted until 5:00pm Friday, November 20th, 2020.
Send comments to:
Name: Matthew Pafford, Environmental Analyst
Agency: Office of Policy and Management
Address: 450 Capitol Avenue, MS# 54 ORG, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379
Email: matthew.pafford@ct.gov
Scoping Notice
"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. Read More
1) Notice of Scoping for Interchange Improvements to I-91, I-691 and Route 15
Municipalities where proposed action might be located: Meriden and Middletown
Project Description:
This scoping notice is for three separate projects having independent utility within the I-91, I-691, and Route 15 interchange area. The purpose of these projects is to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety associated with crashes caused by congestion and weaving. Originally, the proposed improvements were to be addressed as part of one large project, however, based on project size, scope, construction costs, and available funding, CTDOT determined that three smaller independent projects would be a much more manageable and cost effective approach.
State Project No. 79-240: Interchange Improvements to I-91 Southbound, I-691 Eastbound, and Route 15 Southbound. The proposed improvements include the following:
I-91 Southbound
- Provide operational lanes from Exit 19 (Baldwin/Preston Avenue) to Exit 18 (I-691 WB) and from the Route 66/I-691 WB On-ramp to the East Main Street Off-ramp (Exit 17)
- Provide a two-lane exit ramp to I-691 WB
- Relocate the access to Route 15 SB and realign the exit ramp to East Main Street
- Resurface the highway pavement to the Wallingford town line
Route 15 Southbound
- Provide a two-lane exit ramp from I-691 EB
- Relocate the ramps to and from East Main Street
- Relocate the exit ramp to I-91 SB
- Widen the highway to accommodate the new two-lane ramp from I-91 SB
State Project No. 79-245: Improvements to the I-691 Eastbound Off-ramp to I-91 Northbound. The proposed improvements consist of providing a two-lane exit ramp from I-691 EB to I-91 NB and an operational lane on I-91 NB from the On-ramp from I-691 EB to the Middletown rest area.
State Project No. 79-246: Interchange improvements to I-91 Northbound, I-691 Westbound and Route 15 Northbound. The proposed improvements include the following:
Route 15 Northbound
- Provide a new two-lane ramp to I-91 NB
- Provide an additional lane on the exit ramp to I-691 WB
- Reconfigure the ramp to East Main Street
I-91 Northbound
- Reconfigure the ramp to Route 15 NB
- Widen the highway to accommodate the new two-lane ramp from Route 15 NB
- Resurface the highway pavement from the Wallingford town line
Alternatives Analysis Report and Maps: Click Here to view the Alternatives Analysis Report (which includes maps of the project area).
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: October 23, 2020
There will be a virtual Public Scoping Meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Thursday October 8, 2020
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Virtual Meeting
NOTES: The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. A Question and Answer session will immediately follow the presentation. A link to join the virtual meeting will be available at the following location: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT79-240
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 989-9724 and entering the Participant Code: 5891744 when prompted. Individuals with limited internet access can request meeting materials and project information be mailed to them prior to the meeting by contacting Sebastian Cannamela by email at Sebastian.Cannamela@ct.gov or phone at 860-594-2698 prior to September 29, 2020.
Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the meeting and closed-captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording of the presentation will also be posted within 7 days on CTDOT's virtual public meetings website at the following location: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library.
Written comments (email preferred) should be sent to:
Name: Kevin Fleming
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Environmental Planning
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: dot.EnvironmentalPlanning@ct.gov
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
Name: Sebastian Cannamela, P.E., Project Manager
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-2698
E-Mail: Sebastian.Cannamela@ct.gov
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:
Name: Ms. Alice M. Sexton
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-3045
E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov
What Happens Next: CTDOT will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
2) Notice of Scoping for Ramp Widening of I-95 NB Exit 27A to Route 8 NB
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Bridgeport
Project Description: A study along the corridor of Interstate 95 (I-95) west of New Haven investigated the feasibility of constructing an additional through lane in each direction from Greenwich to Bridgeport. As a result of the study, it was determined that several smaller projects with independent utility can be initiated to improve conditions at several locations along the corridor.
The purpose of this project is to relieve traffic congestion and minimize crashes on I-95 NB by increasing the exiting capacity of Exit 27A through the addition of an auxiliary lane. Currently, the vehicle queue lengths for the Exit 27A off-ramp extend upstream past the Exit 27 off-ramp to Myrtle Ave. Exit 27A has a single lane that is approximately one mile in length and opens up to two lanes once beyond the gore area of the exit. Average Traffic Daily (ADT) volumes from 2019 indicate 26,400 daily vehicles exiting I-95 NB via Exit 27A.
The project proposes to provide an additional exit lane from I-95 NB to Exit 27A. This will require the widening of Bridge No. 03532, which carries Exit 27A from I-95 NB to Route 8 over Warren street and South Frontage Road. Since Bridge No. 03532 ties into the same western abutment as Bridge No. 00107 (I-95 NB over Warren Street) and due to the complexity of the existing design, a portion of Bridge No. 00107 will also require steel framing and concrete deck modifications.
The Maintenance and Protection of Traffic and Construction Sequencing are anticipated to include an extended road closure of South Frontage Road and Warren Street at the project location to facilitate widening of Bridge No. 03532. Traffic detours are expected (see link to proposed plans) along with traffic alterations of adjacent local roads. Traffic on the I-95 NB Exit 27A off-ramp will require lane shifts to accommodate bridge work, but a long duration ramp closure is not anticipated.
Project Maps: Click here to view a locus map and aerial of the project area.
Click here to view the proposed project plans.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: November 10, 2020
There will be a virtual Public Scoping Meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Tuesday October 27, 2020
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Virtual Meeting
NOTES: The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. A Question and Answer session will immediately follow the presentation. A link to join the virtual meeting will be available at the following location: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTBridgeport15-382
Individuals with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Ryan D. Martin by email at Ryan.Martin@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-3205. Allow one week for processing and delivery.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 800-369-2192 and entering the Participant Code: 6929067 when prompted.
Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the meeting and closed-captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording of the presentation will also be posted within 7 days on CTDOT's virtual public meetings website at the following location: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library
Comments and questions about the meeting or project (email preferred) should be sent to:
Name: Ryan D. Martin, Project Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: DOTProject0015-0382@ct.gov
Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference Project No. 15-382 in your voicemail.
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:
Name: Ms. Alice M. Sexton
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov
What Happens Next: The Connecticut Department of Transportation will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
3) Notice of Scoping for City of Bridgeport
Facilities Planning for East Side and West Side Wastewater Treatment Plants
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Bridgeport
Address of Possible Project Location: East Side WPCF, 695 Seaview Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607 and West Side WPCF, 205 Botswick Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607
Project Description: The City of Bridgeport owns and operates two wastewater treatment plants that serve the combined sewer overflow (CSO) community, where both sanitary sewage and stormwater are carried in a single pipe. The wastewater treatment plants are the subject of Administrative Order AOWRMU19001 issued by DEEP on March 1, 2019 requiring a facilities planning report to be submitted to DEEP on or before November 30, 2020. Based on previously submitted engineering reports, inspection reports and parameter testing results, a number of upgrades at both plants will be required by the Administrative Order for the treatment plants to treat to a level that protects human health and the environment. Both plants have exceeded their ability to function properly including a building that was deemed unfit for habitation that had to be demolished.
The following items are being investigated during this facility planning stage:
- Liquid Stream Alternatives
- Solids Processing Alternatives
- Plant Consolidation
- High Flow Management/Maximization of Flow to WWTP(s)
- Operability/ Construction Assessment
- Resiliency to Storms, Flooding and Climate Change
- Outfall Inspection, Improvements, and Necessary Changes
- SCADA Evaluation
- Odor Control Evaluation
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: November 5, 2020. 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 October 16, 2020.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
Name: Ann Straut
Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street Hartford CT 06106
Email: ann.straut@ct.gov
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
Name: Ann Straut
Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street Hartford CT 06106
Phone: 860-424-3137
Email: ann.straut@ct.gov
What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)
If an agency is unable to publish a Post-Scoping Notice within six months after the comment period for scoping, the agency will publish an update with an action status and an estimate as to when a Post-Scoping Notice will be published. Such an update will be published by the agency at six-month intervals until the Post-Scoping Notice is published. Read More
1) Notice of Time Extension for Post Scoping Notice for Post-Scoping Notice for UConn Structures Demolition – Spring Manor Farm Project
Address of possible location: 104 Spring Manor Lane
Municipality where proposed action would be located: Mansfield
CEPA Determination: On March 17, 2020, the University of Connecticut (University) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. The University is unable to publish its determination regarding this action at this time.
Action Status: After a pause in project planning due to impacts related to the pandemic, the Spring Manor Farm Structures demolition planning has restarted. The University and SHPO are working collaboratively to develop a plan to memorialize the Spring Manor Farm buildings.
Estimated Publication Date: The University estimates that a Post-Scoping Notice will be published in the Environmental Monitor on or before December 22, 2020.
If you have questions about the proposed action, contact:
Name: Paul Ferri
Agency: Division of Public Safety – Environmental Health and Safety
Address: 3102 Horsebarn Hill Road, Unit 4097
Storrs, CT 06269
Phone: (860) 486-9295
E-Mail: paul.ferri@uconn.edu
What Happens Next: The University has made a determination that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
Post-Scoping Notice
A Post-Scoping Notice is the determination by a sponsoring agency, after publication of a Scoping Notice and consideration of comments received, whether an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) needs to be prepared for a proposed State action. Read More
EIE Notice
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). Read More
Agency Record of Decision
After an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) is developed, an agency will prepare a concise public record of decision, which takes into consideration the agency’s findings in the EIE, and any comments received on that evaluation. Read More
OPM's Determination of Adequacy
After an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) is developed. the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) will determine if the EIE is adequate. If not, OPM will specify the areas of inadequacy with reference to CEPA or the CEPA regulations and specify the corrective action required. Read More
State Land Transfer Notice
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.
CEPA Project Inventory
The Office of Policy and Management maintains a list of projects the have entered the CEPA process. It shows each project's status. The inventory can be found at ftp://ftp.ct.gov/opm/CEPA/CEPA%20Project%20Inventory.xlsx .
