Connecticut Environmental Policy Act
An Environmental Permitting Fact Sheet
Program Overview
The purpose of the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act, often referred to as "CEPA," is to identify and evaluate the impacts of proposed State actions that could have the potential to significantly affect the environment. This evaluation enables the State agency proposing or funding a project to judge the appropriateness of proceeding with the action in light of its environmental impacts. The process also provides opportunity for public review and comment through an early public scoping process as well as later review of any Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).
Authorizing Statutes
Sections 22a-1a through 22a-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) as amended by Public Act 03-123
Regulations
Applicability
Each State department, institution or agency responsible for the primary recommendation or initiation of a State action, as defined by CGS Section 22a-1c, including an individual activity or sequence of planned activities proposed to be undertaken or funded, in whole or in part, by the State, is responsible for conducting an environmental assessment of such action. An Environmental Classification Document (ECD) lists typical agency actions that are subject to CEPA review.
Early Public Scoping Process
The sponsoring agency may hold a public scoping meeting at which certain details of the proposed action will be presented including, but not limited to, a description of the action, its purpose and need, potential sites, any limitations of those sites, and any potential alternatives to the action.
Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)
Environmental impacts include those involving: air and water quality; ambient noise levels; public water supply systems; groundwater, flooding, and erosion or sedimentation; natural land resources and formations, including coastal and inland wetlands; historic, archeological, cultural, or recreational resources; natural communities, including critical animal or plant species and their habitats; resident or migratory fish or wildlife species; use of pesticides, or toxic or hazardous materials; aesthetic or visual effects; disruption of an established community or neighborhood; displacement or addition of substantial numbers of people; substantial increase in traffic; substantial increase in the type or rate of energy use; or creation of a hazard to human health or safety.
Review and Processing
Public Participation
A public hearing is required during the public scoping process, or upon notice of the EIE, if requested by 25 people or a group representing 25 people.
Note: CEQ's Environmental Monitor webpage provides a range of background information on the CEPA process including how to request a public meeting and what to expect at a scoping meeting.Contact Information
Office of Environmental Review
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
860-424-4114
Fact Sheet: DEP-FS-009
Content Last Updated on October 31, 2011