Under the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is required to ensure equal access to all of its programs and services to include individuals who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. DEEP stands by its commitment to ensure non-discrimination rules and policies that no person, on the grounds of race, color or national origin (and other protected groups as required by State and Federal law) be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded or sponsored by DEEP. 

Limited English Proficient persons (LEP): Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English.

LEP Policy: It is the policy of DEEP to take reasonable measures to ensure meaningful communication with LEP individuals who encounter DEEP programs, services, or staff members. Free language assistance may be provided through use of signage, competent bilingual staff, contracted interpreters, and translators, and/or virtual and telephonic services. This policy applies to all staff, programs, program contractors, and operations of DEEP, and will be periodically reviewed and updated to be consistent with agency mission and strategic planning.

Telephonic Language Services: The State of Connecticut including DEEP, have contracted for telephonic language assistance services to enable DEEP staff and individuals who have limited English proficiency to communicate with the use of a telephone.

Language Identification Materials: Printed desk aids have been produced for employees to provide procedural information for accessing language assistance services. Additionally, employees are encouraged to print this language identification resource.

Internet: DEEP has translated several web pages into Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Webpages are automatically translated but if an employee realizes their webpage is not translated, they can work with IT. The translation feature can be accessed by clicking on the button with the gear icon on the top right corner. There is also another button that states "Report an accessibility issue" which directs users to an accessibility webpage complaint form.

Many DEEP publications and informational materials have also been translated and are available upon request. Additional translation of documents can be requested and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

LEP Work Group: As part of our obligations, DEEP will convene an LEP Work Group to facilitate and/or initiate efforts to support this requirement which includes undertaking an extensive “four-factor” analysis to assist program and administrative staff determine language access needs. An agency-wide survey shall be developed, and statistics gathered to obtain the necessary information. The agency shall determine:

1. The number or proportion of LEP persons served or encountered by DEEP;
2. The frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with DEEP programs, activities, or services;
3.  The nature or importance of the program, activity, or service; and
4. The resources available to DEEP and the costs involved with the LEP population.

Based on its findings, the Work Group will draft a language access implementation plan and language access procedures for the Commissioner’s review and adoption. The Work Group will meet annually to consider the current needs of the LEP constituency and whether, based on available resources, any changes or additions to the Policy are necessary.

LEP Coordinator: Please direct any questions regarding this Policy to Jacquelyn.Torres@ct.gov

Title VI Coordinator: Please direct any questions regarding this Policy to DEEP.EJ@ct.gov