Record of Decision for Building a Regional Composting Facility for Southeastern Connecticut

Address of Possible Project Location: 132 Military Highway (Route 12), Preston, CT 06365

Municipality where proposed action is to be located: Preston, CT 

Project Description: Utilizing a grant award from the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) through its MMI Grant Program, the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) proposes to construct and operate the first large-scale aerobic food waste composting facility in southeastern Connecticut, fulfilling an infrastructure need in an historically underserved region. The facility will utilize an innovative hybrid compost system, combining aerated static pile (ASP) processing with open windrows for curing, resulting in quicker composting times and reduced operational costs. The facility will be situated on approximately six acres of land owned by the Authority at 132 Military Highway (Route 12) in the town of Preston.  It is anticipated that the volume of source-separated organics diverted will be approximately 5,500 tons per year, and the anticipated volume of wood waste diverted will be approximately 8,500 tons per year.
Local zoning approval for the facility has been acquired, and the required state-level solid waste permit application is currently under review by DEEP. A robust environmental justice public participation plan has also been developed and approved by DEEP, in consideration of Preston’s status as a distressed municipality.

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On November 18, 2025, DEEP published a Notice of Availability of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) in accordance with Section 22a-1d of CEPA, in the Environmental Monitor.

Comments were received from the Council on Environmental Quality and a comment and DEEP's response from the State Historic Preservation Office. DEEP has prepared responses to the substantive issues raised in the comments on the EIE and on supplemental materials or amendments. DEEP's responses and conclusion are documented in the Record of Decision for the proposed action.

Agency contact:

Name: Elizabeth Moore

Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)

Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106

Phone: 860-424-3567

E-Mail: elizabeth.moore@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the above agency contact. 

What happens next: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has submitted the Record of Decision to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) for review. Notice of OPM's determination regarding the Record of Decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.