Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

train passing wetlands

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITOR
The official site for project information under
the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act

May 5, 2009
Scoping Notices
 
  1. NEW! 2007 Comprehensive Campus Master Plan for Western Connecticut State University, Danbury
Environmental Impact Evaluations
  
   1. Two Academic Buildings at UConn, Storrs
   2. Danbury Interceptor Sewer, Danbury
   3. NEW! Old Saybrook Wastewater Management District, Old Saybrook
State Land Transfers
  
   1. Bristol Armory, 61 Center St. - Bristol
The next issue will be published on May 19, 2009.
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Scoping Notices
A Scoping Notice has been issued for the following state project.  "Scoping" is for projects in the earliest stages of planning.  At the scoping stage, detailed information on a project's design, alternatives, and environmental impacts does not yet exist.  Sponsoring agencies are asking for comments from other agencies and from the public as to the scope of alternatives and environmental impacts that should be considered for further study.  Send your comments to the contact person listed for the project by the date indicated.

1. Notice of Scoping: 2007 Comprehensive Campus Master Plan for Western Connecticut State University

Municipality where proposed project might be located: Danbury

Address of Possible Project Location: Westside Campus (Lake Avenue), and Midtown Campus (181 White Street)

Project Description:

The Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) proposes to implement a program of improvements to the Midtown and Westside Campuses at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) (the “Preferred Plans”).  These improvements have been released as part of the approved 2007 Comprehensive Campus Master Plan for Western Connecticut State University, prepared by Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc. in September 2007.  The primary goals and objectives of the improvement program are to:

  • Renovate, upgrade, replace, and expand existing facilities;
  • Relocate functions in existing or new facilities in coordination with the WCSU’s space utilization study;
  • Unify and consolidate core uses of the campus;
  • Utilize existing resources, building on existing strengths, and reinforcing the positive image of the University, community, and State; and
  • Provide a development strategy that establishes need, priority, schedule, and cost effective solutions to the University’s and existing and future needs.

The Campus Plan would be implemented through various projects on campus providing new or renovated academic, administrative, athletic and residential space, new parking garages, landscaping, new quadrangles, linkage of exterior spaces throughout the campus, and demolition of some existing structures.

The Westside Campus project improvements would likely include the following (with approximate gross square feet noted):

  • New Visual and Performing Arts Center with 170,000 gross square feet (gsf) of floor space;
  • Three residence halls, each with floor space measuring 60,000 gsf and with a total capacity of 394 residents;
  • Addition to the Classroom Building of 51,000 gsf;
  • Addition to the O’Neill Center of 25,000 gsf;
  • Two parking garages (one with an associated mini-power plant), each with a capacity for 500 cars;
  • Closing of a portion of University Boulevard and redirection of vehicular and pedestrian flow;

The Midtown Campus project improvements would likely include the following:

  • New Wellness Center (attached to Berkshire Hall), with 39,000 gsf of floor space;
  • Addition to the Student Center of 33,000 gsf;
  • One new residence hall, with floor space measuring 138,000 gross square feet (gsf) and a capacity of 300 residents;
  • One new parking garage (and associated chiller plant) with a capacity for 400 cars;
  • Demolition of the Roberts Avenue Elementary School and closing of the associated street.
  • Demolition of the Richa House and associated garage.

To implement these improvements, the 2015 Campus Master Plan Update is being proposed as part of this EIE.  Below are the preferred conceptual plans for each campus.

Project Figures:                    Low Resolution

Project Vicinity Map(6 MB)   low res (817 kb)

Westside Campus:

Existing Conditions (6.8 MB)  low res (687 kb)

Preferred Plan (2 MB)           low res (544 kb)

Midtown Campus:

Existing Conditions(1 MB)     low res (566 kb)

Preferred Plan(1.2 MB)         low res (615 kb)

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:  June 4, 2009.

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a 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.

Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:

Name:

Keith Epstein, AIA

Title:

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Planning and Technical Services

Agency:

Connecticut State University System

Address:

39 Woodland Street

Hartford, Connecticut  06105

Fax:

860-493-0059

E-Mail:

epsteink@ct.edu

If you have questions about requesting a public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name:

Jeff Bolton

Title:

Supervising Environmental Analyst

Agency:

Connecticut Department of Public Works

Address:

165 Capitol Avenue, Room 275

Hartford, Connecticut  06106

Phone:

860-713-5706

E-Mail:

jeffrey.bolton@ct.gov

The agency expects to release the EIE for this project, for public review and comment, in the fall of 2009.

EIE Notices
The following Environmental Impact Evaluations (EIE) have been completed and are available for review and comment in this edition. 

1. Notice of EIE for Construction of Two Academic Buildings

Municipality where proposed project will be located: Storrs, CT

Address of Project Location:  Fairfield Way

Project Description: The University of Connecticut plans to construct a 136,000 square foot LEED Silver certified classroom and academic offices building at the location of the former UConn Co-op and a 60,000 square foot LEED Silver certified classroom building at the location of the former Pharmacy Building. 

Project Map:  See Site Location Map.

Comments for this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on:

May 21, 2009 (4:30 PM)

The public can view a copy of this EIE at:

University of Connecticut, Office of Environmental Policy

Mansfield Town Hall (Clerk's Office)

Mansfield Public Library

There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on:

Date: May 20, 2009

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: UConn Bishop Center

One Bishop Circle

Storrs, CT  06269-4056

Entrance is off of 195, see:  Directions to Bishop Center

Notes: Doors open at 6:30 pm.  The hearing will conclude at the end of the public comments.

Send your comments about this EIE to:

Name:  Paul E. Ferri, Environmental Compliance Analyst

Agency:  University of Connecticut, Office of Environmental Policy

Address:  31 LeDoyt Road, U-Box 3055, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3055

Fax:  (860) 486-5477

Email:  paul.ferri@uconn.edu

If you have questions about the public hearing, or where you can review this EIE, or similar matters, please contact Paul Ferri at:

Phone:  (860) 486-9295

Email:  paul.ferri@uconn.edu

2. Notice of EIE for Danbury Interceptor Sewer

Municipality where project is proposed: Danbury

Project Description: The City of Danbury has evaluated the long-term wastewater disposal needs for the west side of the City.  The study proposes a project in two phases.  The first phase will consist of a gravity sewer from an existing sanitary sewer at the intersection of Mill Plain Road and Prindle Lane to a proposed pumping station to be constructed on the north side of Interstate 84 (I-84) on property of Interstate Business Center, LLC, and a force main from the pumping station to the existing sewer approximately 250 feet west of Kenosia Avenue.  The second phase will consist of a gravity sewer, starting at the end of the force main constructed under Phase 1, which will be installed parallel to the existing Mill Plain Road Interceptor and be connected to the existing Still River Interceptor east of Seegar Street.  The project area is bounded to the north by Mill Plain Road (Route 6), to the west by the New York State line, to the south by the Town of Ridgefield and Miry Brook Road, and to the east by Route 7.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map depicting the project area.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: June 5, 2009

The public can view a copy of this EIE at:

Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
Planning & Standards Division (2nd Floor)
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106

or at the office of the

Danbury City Clerk
City Hall
155 Deer Hill Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810

The EIE can also be found online at the DEP website by clicking here.

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Hearing on this EIE by sending such a request to the address below by May 1, 2009.  If a hearing is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the Department of Environmental Protection must schedule a Public Hearing.

Send your comments about this EIE to:

Name: Stacy Pappano, Sanitary Engineer
Agency: Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
Planning & Standards Division
Address: 79 Elm St.
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
E-Mail: stacy.pappano@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 424-3362
Fax: (860) 424-4067

If you have questions about a public hearing, or where you can review this EIE, or similar matters, please contact Stacy Pappano as directed above.

3. Notice of EIE:  Old Saybrook Wastewater Management District

Municipality where project is proposed: Old Saybrook

Project Description: The project involves the establishment of a Decentralized Wastewater Management District within the Town of Old Saybrook.  This project will reduce the potential for contamination of groundwater and surface water in the defined focus areas due to sewage discharges from failing and substandard septic systems.  Existing onsite wastewater systems will be evaluated for compliance with the adopted Upgrade Standards and will be upgraded to meet those standards.  The Decentralized Wastewater Management District will encompass all or portions of the following neighborhoods within Old Saybrook: Chalker Beach, Indiantown, Saybrook Manor, Cornfield Park, Cornfield Point, Plum Bank, Great Hammock, Meadowood, Maple Avenue North, Fenwood, Ingham Hill, Oyster River East, Saybrook Acres, Saybrook Point, and Thompson.  Affected properties in each of these neighborhoods are defined in the EIE.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map of the project area.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on:  June 19, 2009

The public can view a copy of this EIE at:

Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
Planning & Standards Division (2nd Floor)
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106

or at the office of the Old Saybrook Town Clerk:

Town Hall
302 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475

The EIE can also be found online at the DEP website by clicking here.

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Hearing on this EIE by sending such a request to the address below by May 15, 2009.  If a hearing is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the Department of Environmental Protection must schedule a Public Hearing.

Requests for a public hearing or written comments about this EIE should be sent to:

Name: Dennis J. Greci
Agency: Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
Planning & Standards Division
Address: 79 Elm St.
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
E-Mail: dennis.greci@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 424-3751
Fax: (860) 424-4067

If you have questions about a public hearing, or where you can review this EIE, or similar matters, please contact Mr Greci as directed above.

   
State Land Transfer Notices
The following state land transfer is posted for public notice or comment in this edition.

1. Notice of Proposed Land Transfer - Bristol

Complete Address of Property: 61 Center Street


Commonly used name of property or other identifying information: Bristol Armory

Number of acres to be transferred:  0.61

Click to view map of property location (3.3 MB)


Description of Property

Below is some general information about the property.  It should not be considered a complete description of the property and should not be relied upon for making decisions.  If only a portion of a property is proposed for transfer, the description pertains only to the portion being transferred.

Brief Description of Historical and Current Uses: The building was built in 1929 and is a 58,546 gross square foot, three story brick building.  The Military Department has continuously usesd the site until Fall 2008.

The property to be transferred contains the following:
 Buildings in use
Buildings not in use
Wooded land

 Nonagricultural fields

 Active agriculture
 Paved areas
 Ponds, streams or other water

Water Supply:   Public water supply   On-site well    Unknown
Waste Disposal:    Served by sewers    On-site septic system    Unknown


Click to view aerial view of property (4.5 MB)

Click to view photographs of property

The Locational Guide Map of the Connecticut Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut identifies the property as being in the following category(ies):
 Regional Center
Neighborhood Conservation Area
Growth Area
 Rural Community Center
 Rural Area
 Conservation Area
 Preservation Area
 Existing Preserved Open Space

The property is in the following municipal zone(s):

Not zoned
Residential
Industrial
 Commercial
 Institutional
 Other:  Downtown Business Zone (BD-2)
 Not known


Special features of the property, if known: unknown

Value of property, if known:
If checked, value is not known.

Type of Sale or Transfer:

Sale or transfer of property in fee

Sale or transfer of partial interest in the property (such as an easement).  Description of interest:

Proposed recipient, if known: TBD

Proposed use by property recipient, if known: n/a

The agency is proposing to transfer the property with the following restrictions on future uses:
 If checked, the state is not currently proposing restrictions on future uses.

Reason the State of Connecticut is proposing to transfer this property: the property is surplus to the Military Department's needs and no reuse proposal was received from state agencies.

Comments from the public are welcome and will be accepted until the close of business on May 7, 2009


Comments may include information that you have about significant natural resources or recreation resources on the property, as well as your recommendations for means to preserve such resources.

Written comments* should be sent to:

Name:

Patrick O'Brien

Agency:

Office of Policy and Management

Address:

 450 Capitol Avenue MS#52 ASP
Hartford, CT 06106-1379

E-Mail:

 Patrick.Obrien@ct.gov
*E-Mail submissions are preferred.
Please send a copy of any comments to:

Name:

Shane P. Mallory, RPA

Agency:

Department of Public Works

Address:

165 Capitol Avenue, G-1

Hartford, CT 06106

E-Mail:

 shane.mallory@ct.gov

What Happens Next

When this comment period closes, the proposed land transfer can take one of three tracks:

1.   If no public comments are received, the sale or transfer can proceed with no further public comment and no further notices in the Environmental Monitor, unless the Department of Environmental Protection elects to conduct a review of the property (see #3).

2.   If public comments are received, the Office of Policy and Management will respond to those comments.  The comments and responses will be published in the Environmental Monitor.  Fifteen days after publication of the comments and responses, the proposed sale or transfer can proceed, unless the Department of Environmental Protection elects to conduct a review of the property (see #3).

3.   If the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) elects to conduct a further review of the property, it may submit to the Office of Policy and Management a report with recommendations for preserving all or part of the property.  The report and recommendations will be published in the Environmental Monitor, and there will be a 30-day public comment period.  The DEP will publish its responses to any comments received and its final recommendation about the property in the Environmental Monitor.  The Office of Policy and Management will then make the final determination as to the ultimate disposition of the property, and will publish that determination in the Environmental Monitor.  Fifteen days after publication of that final determination, the sale or transfer can proceed.


To find out if this proposed transfer is the subject of further notices, check future editions of the Environmental Monitor.  Sign up for e-alerts to receive a reminder e-mail on publication dates.

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Copyright 2006, Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality