3. Notice of Scoping for UConn Main Accumulation Area

Municipality where proposed project might be located: Mansfield

Address of Possible Project Location: UConn North Campus Parcel G Site located between the existing North Hillside Road and C Lot on the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus, Mansfield, Connecticut

Project Description: UConn proposes to construct a new centralized facility for the temporary storage of chemical, biological/medical, and low-level radioactive wastes from the University’s academic research and teaching laboratories and facility operations on the Storrs campus. The University’s existing facility, known as the Main Accumulation Area (MAA), is located within the Fenton River watershed and the drainage basin of the Willimantic Reservoir, which is a public water supply. Although the facility has been operated safely since it was established in 1989, the University recognizes the public concern that remains about the location of the facility within the public water supply watershed.

The existing MAA facility, which is currently located on Horsebarn Hill Road, is sufficient to serve the current needs of the University and meets or exceeds state and federal requirements for safety and environmental protection. To protect public health and the environment and to ensure regulatory compliance, these wastes are managed by the UConn Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as University health and safety policies and procedures. However, space on the existing site is limited, resulting in poor circulation for waste transport vehicles, its design is inconsistent with state-of-the-art MAA facilities at other comparable research institutions, and the facility will likely not meet future needs based on planned research growth at the University.

To address these concerns, UConn convened an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from the Town of Mansfield, Windham Water Works, local watershed organizations, the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources, and University of Connecticut staff from Public Safety, Environmental Policy, and Residential Life. The Advisory Committee conducted a siting study to identify and assess potential sites for an upgraded MAA facility. The study recommended a prioritized list of alternative sites, with the North Campus Parcel G site, located between the existing North Hillside Road and C Lot, being the preferred alternative. An Environmental Impact Evaluation will be prepared to further evaluate the preferred site as well as other alternatives considered, including the existing location (i.e., the No Action alternative).

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: May 16, 2013

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

Date:      Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Time:      7:00 p.m. (Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m. to allow review of informational materials.)

Place:      Room 146, UConn Bishop Center; One Bishop Circle; Storrs, CT

Written comments should be sent to:

Name:    Jason Coite

Agency:   UConn - Office of Environmental Policy

Address: 31 LeDoyt Road, U-3055; Storrs, CT 06269

Fax:        860-486-5477

E-Mail:   jason.coite@uconn.edu

If you have questions about the Public Scoping Meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, please contact Mr. Coite as directed above.

UConn expects to release an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in September 2013.