Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Bypass Reporting for Municipalities

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) oversees required sewage bypass reporting.  This page provides information for operators who are required to report to DEEP. 

For public information, please see Sewage Right-to-Know Information.  If you are a member of the public and see a spill, please contact the local water pollution control authority or police department for immediate assistance. 

Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 22a-427 prohibits pollution or discharge of wastes. No person or municipality shall cause pollution of any of the waters of the state or maintain a discharge of any treated or untreated wastes in violation of any provision of this chapter.

CGS Section 22a-424a(c)(2) requires that, not later than two hours after becoming aware of any sewage spill, the operator of a sewage treatment plant or collection system shall submit an electronic report to DEEP.  CGS Section 22a-424a(e) requires that any report to DEEP that is required pursuant to section 22a-430-3 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall be submitted as an electronic report.

New Reporting Requirements in 2024

Within one hour: Connecticut General Statute (CGS) 22a-450 requires that if a release exceeds 100 gallons within a 24-hour period OR reaches a waterway, wetland, or catch basin the reporter must call the DEEP Emergency Response Unit at 860-424-3338 or toll-free 1-866-DEP-SPIL (1-866-337-7745), 24 hours/day. When a call is made, record the time called, the name of the DEEP staff you spoke with and and the case number.  Please see the Spill Fact Sheet for more information and the Sewage Release Notification Flowchart to aid you in reporting future sewage spills.

Spills Fact Sheet - FINAL

Sewage Release Notification Requirements Flowchart 2024

Authorized Electronic Reporters

A new subscriber agreement will be required for ALL systems as of May 2021.  The new subscriber agreements are due back to the department on or before July 1, 2021.  A new subscriber agreement must be done for new hires or when switching municipalities/companies.

Authorized Electronic Report Forms

You must: 1) Submit a complete Subscriber Agreement Application, 2) Take the online training, and 3) Submit the form at the end of the training. After those 3 steps occur, you will be assigned a user name and password to utilize the following link:

Reporting Tips for the new system:
Reporting Non-Electronically

If the electronic reporting system is not functioning or there is an emergency at the facility that impedes electronic reporting (no electricity, flooding, etc), the operator of the facility or collection system is still required to notify DEEP within 2 hours of becoming aware of a bypass event.  You may call  (860) 424-3704 during normal business hours or DEEP’s Emergency Spill Response Unit at (860) 424-3338 at all other times.  It is important to remember that you must speak to a DEEP official and that it is unacceptable to leave a voice mail message.  Once the event impeding electronic reporting has cleared, the operator is required to submit the event electronically.

For additional information regarding the Municipal Wastewater Program, please contact the Municipal Facilities section by e-mail or call us at 860-424-3704.

Content last updated on October 9, 2024