Notice of Scoping for Building a Regional Composting Facility for Southeastern Connecticut
Address of possible location: 132 Military Highway (Route 12), Preston, CT 06365
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Preston
Project Description: Utilizing a grant award from the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) through its Materials Management Infrastructure 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.
Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a public scoping meeting. Such requests must be made by: Friday, May 30, 2025.
Additional information about the project can be viewed in person at 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT, and online at: MMI Grant Page
Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to
Name: Michael T. Looney
Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT. 06106
E-Mail: Michael.Looney@ct.gov
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:
Name: Michael T. Looney
Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106
E-Mail: Michael.Looney@ct.gov
What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.