Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

1. Post-Scoping Notice for University of Connecticut Ice Hockey Arena Development

Municipality where it would be located: Mansfield, CT

CEPA Determination:  Beginning on May 21, 2019, the University of Connecticut published the first of three Notices of Scoping (https://www.ct.gov/ceq/cwp/view.asp?a=987&Q=608858 ) to solicit public comments for this proposed action in the Environmental Monitor.

A public scoping meeting was held on June 11, 2019.

Comments were received during the public comment period and at the Public Scoping Meeting, with responses as follows:

  • A letter was received from Patricia Bisacky of the CT Department of Public Health Drinking Water Sections stating that “the project does not appear to be in a public water supply source water area; therefore, the Drinking Water Section has no comments at this time”.  RESPONSE:  Noted.
    •
  • A letter was received from Town of Mansfield Mayor Paul M. Shapiro with the following comments:
          Wetlands – It appears that the preferred site will involve significant direct wetland impacts.  The town strongly encourages the University to seek ways to reduce these direct impacts as well as provide substantial mitigation of any resulting impacts. Suggestion is for the University to consult with the town’s Environmental Planner and Conservation Commission during the preparation of the EIE with regard to potential mitigation measures. RESPONSE: The University will seek ways to reduce direct wetland impacts and mitigate as necessary.

          Stormwater – The Town is concerned with the location of the project within the Eagleville Brook watershed and the expansion of surface parking (increased impervious surfaces) and impacts to the watershed and water quality of the brook because of this expanded parking.  Town encourages ways to reduce the impervious footprint of the development through Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure practices.  RESPONSE:  The University shares the Town's concern about the watershed and the design team will explore ways to mitigate impacts accordingly.

          Off Campus Parking and Traffic Impacts – The Town would like to see the addition of the Stafford Road/South Eagleville Road intersection be added to the list of primary intersections to be evaluated in the Traffic Study. The Town emphasized as they did in their comments on the Athletic District (Stadia) Project that the intersection of Separatist Road/South Eagleville Road is of particular concern and that they want it assessed in the Traffic Study.  The Town also requests that the University coordinate with them on the event management parking and transportation plans due to the proximity of residences to the facility and because off-campus roads offer the most convenient access to Lot I.  RESPONSE:  The University will conduct additional traffic counts and include the additional intersection in its traffic impact study.  The University will also continue to coordinate with the Town and State Police on its event management plan as it relates to any off-campus impacts.
After consideration of the comments received, the University of Connecticut has determined to proceed with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).

Agency contact:


Name:

 John Robitaille, Sr Project Manager

Agency:

 UConn | University Planning, Design & Construction

Address:

 31 Ledoyt Road, Unit 3038, Storrs, CT 06269-3038

Phone:

 (860) 486-5930

Fax:

 (860) 486-3117

E-Mail:

 john.robitaille@uconn.edu

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


What Happens Next: The University of Connecticut is preparing an EIE and it will be published in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.