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. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Microfiber Pollution

fish, washing machine and jacket
 
What are microfibers?
Microfibers are synthetic, microscopic fibers that come from synthetic materials, including polyesters and polyamides. Microfibers are used to make mats, knits and weaves for apparel. These tiny fibers are very small and almost invisible. Human activity has led to microfiber pollution in oceans and rivers. 
Microbeads are different than microfibers. Microbeads are plastic microscopic microspheres used as exfoliating agents in cosmetics and personal care products such as toothpaste, body scrubs, and face wash. Federal and CT legislation has been enacted banning the use of microbeads because they are detrimental to the environment. CT DEEP's Municipal Wastewater division is overseeing the state's activities on microbeads and more information is available on DEEP's

 

microfibers

What harm do they pose towards the environment? 
Microfibers are found in our oceans coming from many sources including textiles, and we know that the shedding from synthetic clothing is very problematic. In each wash, plastic fibers from synthetic clothing are leaving washing machines and going into rivers and oceans. Sewage plants and waste water treatment plants are unable to effectively remove all of these microfibers. The presence of microfibers in the environment and in seafood is concerning, especially when the potential impacts on wildlife and on human health are in question. Microfibers are one of the most common plastic debris found in invertebrates, fish and marine mammals.

Final Report to the CT General Assembly 

The microfiber pollution working group has issued a final report which was submitted to the legislature in January 2020.  

NEW for 2020!  Report to the Legislature on the Findings of the Synthetic Microfiber Working Group

What is the Microfiber Pollution Working Group?
In February of 2018, the Connecticut House passed HB 5360 (Public Act 18-181) An Act Concerning Revisions to Certain Environmental Quality and Conservation Programs.  Section 6 establishes a working group of representatives from both the retail and apparel industry and the environmental community to focus on synthetic microfiber pollution. This working group is meeting in order to develop consumer awareness and education programs in order to present information regarding synthetic microfibers in clothing to the public.
The working group’s first meeting was held on September 18th, 2018:
Second meeting -  November 14, 2018 meeting:
 
Scientific Studies:

Questions?

For additional information regarding this topic, contact Tom Metzner at 860-424-3242.

 

Content Last Updated February 2020