Environmental Monitor

May 6, 2014 

  1.    Springborn Dam Removal, Enfield
  2.    Marlborough Center Water Main, Marlborough
  3.    Department of Veterans' Affairs Cemetery Expansion, Middletown
  1.    Property Acquisitions, Meriden
  2.    NEW! Atlantic St. / Henry St. Intersection Improvements, Stamford
  1.     STEM Residence Hall University Of Connecticut, Mansfield
  2.     New Engineering and Science Building, Mansfield
 
     No state land transfer notice has been submitted for publication in this edition. 
               

The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on  May 20, 2014.
 
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Scoping Notices

"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.


The following Scoping Notices have been submitted for review and comment.

1. Notice of Scoping for Springborn Dam Removal

Municipality where proposed project is located: Enfield

Address of Project Location: Dam is on Scantic River in Scitico section of Enfield, adjacent to 504 Hazard Avenue

Project Description: The Springborn dam, owned by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is located on the Scantic River in Enfield.  It is a run-of-river dam built in 1890 to provide power for an adjacent mill.  The structure has deteriorated over time and is considered to be in very poor condition.  The dam currently consists of the failed remains of timber crib over stone masonry.

It is the goal of the Department to remove the dam in order to eliminate a public safety risk and reconnect habitat by restoring a stretch of free-flowing river.  Contaminated sediments in the impoundment will be identified and excavated prior to dam removal.

Project objectives include:

·         Eliminate a public safety risk

·         Eliminate a migratory barrier to diadromous fish and eastern brook trout

·         Promote the restoration of runs of American shad, river herring, sea lamprey, and American eel

·         Remove contaminated sediment from the river to eliminate exposure hazard to reacreationalists and downstream residents (in the event of dam failure) and strengthen the long-term resiliency of the aquatic organisms

·         Restore natural riverine functions (e.g. sediment transport, restoration of floodplain functions and values, maintenance of normal thermal regimes, re-establishment of natural riverine vegetative communities)

Project MapsClick here to view a map of the project location.
                       Click here to view an aerial photograph of the dam.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:  May 9, 2014

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 Department of Energy & Environmental Protection will schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.  Such requests must be made by April 18, 2014. 

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

Name: Jennifer L. Perry, P.E.
Agency: Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse
Address: 79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
Phone: 860-424-3802
Fax: 860-424-4075
E-Mail: jennifer.perry@ct.gov

If you have questions about a public meeting, or other questions about the project or scoping, contact Ms. Perry as directed above.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Any person with a disability who may need a communication aid or service may contact the agency's ADA Coordinator at 860-424-3194 or at deep.hrmed@ct.gov.  Any person with limited proficiency in English, who may need information in another language, may contact the agency's Title VI Coordinator at 860-424-3035 or at deep.aaoffice@ct.gov.  ADA or Title VI discrimination complaints may be filed with DEEP’s EEO Manager at (860) 424-3035 or at deep.aaoffice@ct.gov.


2. Notice of Scoping for Marlborough Center Water Main

Municipality where proposed project might be located: Marlborough

Address of Possible Project Location: East Hampton Road (Route 66), North Main Street, South Main Street and School Drive

Project Description: The Town of Marlborough proposes to construct a water system to provide public water supply to an area currently supplied by individual wells and non-community public water systems.  The existing wells in the area suffer from various water quality issues and the water system is intended to address the need for an adequate and safe water supply.  The Town has been awarded a grant through the 2013 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to fund a portion of this project.

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, May 8, 2014

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.  Such requests must be made by April 18, 2014.

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

Name: Mr. Eric McPhee
Agency: Department of Public Health
Drinking Water Section
Address: 410 Capitol Avenue, MS #51WAT
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Fax: 860-509-7359
E-Mail: DPH.SourceProtection@ct.gov

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

Name: Ms. Patricia Bisacky
Agency: Department of Public Health
Drinking Water Section
Address: 410 Capitol Avenue, MS #51WAT
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Phone: 860-509-7333
Fax: 860-509-7359
E-Mail: Patricia.Bisacky@ct.gov

3. Notice of Scoping for the CT Department of Veterans' Affairs Cemetery Expansion

Municipality where proposed project might be located: Middletown

Address of Possible Project Location:  317 Bow Lane

Project Description

Located at 317 Bow Lane in Middletown, Connecticut, the State Veterans’ Cemetery is the largest State-operated cemetery in Connecticut. The site is set on 24 acres of land, approximately 12 of which are developed. The site currently accommodates approximately 7,400 occupied burial sites, an administration building within which is a nondenominational chapel, and an internal vehicular travelway to access the burial sites. The cemetery was established in 1985.

Current issues of concern at the Veterans’ Cemetery include limited capacity for additional grave sites, an inadequate internal access road system, loss of sections of the cemetery due to high water table, code compliance within the administration building, and inadequate parking. 

As of 2012, a total of 7,123 gravesites were utilized.  Projected gravesite utilization for 2013 was 479, bringing total utilization to 7,602 by December 2013. Based on the rate of filling, the cemetery is anticipated to be depleted of space in approximately 4.6 years.

CTDVA intends to construct a 3,000-niche columbarium, 3,200 feet of access driveway, limited parking, and improvements to the existing administration building.  These improvements are needed in order to bring the building up to code, including handicapped access, and to extend the life of the cemetery by approximately ten years, thus providing the necessary time for CTDVA to locate and develop a new state cemetery. Details of the project are described in greater detail in the Draft Environmental Assessment (link below).

Project Map(s)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:  May 22, 2014

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.  Such requests must be made by May 2, 2014.

Additional information about the project can be viewed in person at CT DAS-DCS, 165 Capitol Avenue, Room 482, Hartford, CT 06106  or online at: Draft Environmental Assessment (DCS website).

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

Name:
Jeff Bolton, Supervising Environmental Analyst
Agency:
DAS - Division of Construction Services
Address:
 165 Capitol Avenue, Room 482, Hartford, CT 06106
Fax:
860-713-7250
E-Mail:
Jeffrey.bolton@ct.gov


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

Name:
Jeff Bolton
Agency:
DAS - Division of Construction Services
Address:
165 Capitol Avenue, Room 482, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone:
860-713-5706
Fax:
860-713-7250
E-Mail:

The agency expects to release a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in accordance with NEPA for this project, for public review and comment, in June 2014

Other information: https://www.ct.gov/ctva/lib/ctva/Cemetery_Brochure_rev_4.pdf


 
Post-Scoping Notices:   Environmental Impact Evaluation Not Required 
 
 This category is required by the October 2010 revision of the Generic Environmental Classification Document for State Agencies. A notice is published here if the sponsoring agency, after publication of a scoping notice and consideration of comments received, has determined that an  Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) does not need to be prepared for the proposed project.


The following Post-Scoping Notices have been submitted for publication in this edition.

1. Post-Scoping Notice for Property Acquisition in City of Meriden - 177 State Street and 11 Crown Street 

Municipality where project will be located: City of Meriden

CEPA/NEPA Determination:  On December 3, 2013 and January 7, 2014 the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (CTDECD) published scoping notices, 1. Notice of Scoping for Acquisition of Property on 177 State Street; and 2. Notice of Scoping for Acquisition of Property on 11 Crown Street, respectively, to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor

As mentioned in the scoping notices, the two property acquisitions, were subject to an environmental review in accordance with 24 CFR Part 50 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (U.S. HUD) which satisfies the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) review requirements.  The CTDECD received comments from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection  and the Department of Public Health.    

The activities were subject to an Environmental Assessment in keeping with 24 CFR 50 Subpart E, and have been issued a Finding of No Significant Impact.

The environmental review record and HUD Form 4128 are on file at the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Hartford Field Office located at 20 Church Street (One Corporate Center), 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103-3220 (Contact: Beth A. Held, Environmental Officer, Beth.A.Held@HUD.gov or 860.240.9772).  

If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:

Name:

Binu Chandy

Agency:

CT Dept. of Economic and Community Development

Address:

505 Hudson Street
Hartford CT 06106

Phone:

860.270.8154

Fax:

860.706.5740

E-Mail:

binu.chandy@ct.gov

What happens next: The CTDECD expects the two projects to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the two projects to be published in the Environmental Monitor.


2. Post-Scoping Notice for Atlantic St. / Henry St. Intersection Improvements

Municipality where project will be located: Stamford

CEPA Determination:  On January 22, 2013 the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor.  The original scope required the full acquisition of 745 Atlantic Street, which is listed as a contributing resource to the National Register of Historic Places listed South End Historic District in Stamford (listed in 1986).   The CTDOT received comments from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health, as well as the Historic Neighborhood Preservation Program, Inc.  Since this time, through a collaborative effort with the City of Stamford,  the CT State Historic Preservation Office, the Historic Neighborhood Preservation Program, and the South End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, the project has been redesigned to prevent the acquisition of 745 Atlantic Street.  Click here to view the current design concept. The CTDOT has taken all comments received into consideration and has concluded that the revised project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation under CEPA.

The agency's conclusion is documented in an Environmental Assessment Checklist and a Memo of Findings and Determination.  

If you have questions, you can contact the agency at:

Name:

Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director

Agency:

Bureau of Policy and Planning
Connecticut Department of Transportation

Address:

2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, Connecticut 06131

Phone:

860-594-2931

 

E-Mail:

dot.environmentalplanning@ct.gov

What happens next: The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the project to move forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.


 
 
 After Scoping, an agency that wishes to undertake an action that could significantly affect the environment must produce, for public review and comment, a detailed written evaluation of the expected environmental impacts. This is called an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).

The Following Environmental Impact Evaluations have been submitted for publication in this edition.

1. Notice of EIE for University of Connecticut, Storrs, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Residence Hall

Municipality where project is proposed: Mansfield

Address of Possible Project Location: Alumni Drive on the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus, Mansfield, Connecticut

Project Description: UConn proposes to construct a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Residence Hall next to the Hilltop Residence Halls (Hale and Ellsworth) on Alumni Drive. The proposed residence hall consists of 650 to 800 beds in an 8 or 9-story building or buildings totaling 200,000 to 250,000 gross square feet.  The STEM Residence Hall would provide housing for first-year students and is part of the capital project initiatives in support of Next Generation Connecticut, a program intended to significantly expand educational opportunities, research, and innovation in the STEM disciplines at UConn over the next decade. 

The University has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to further evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action, as well as other alternative sites considered, including the No Action alternative. 

Project Map:

Click here to view a map of the project site of the proposed STEM Residence Hall on Alumni Drive.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on:Friday, June 6, 2014

The public can view a copy of this EIE at:

Mansfield Town Clerk’s Office, Audrey P Beck Municipal Building, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT

Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield, CT

A copy of the EIE will be available here:

Environmental Impact Evaluation: UCONN Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)Residence Hall

A public hearing will be held on this EIE on:

DATE:  May 29, 2014

 TIME:  7:30 p.m., or immediately upon the close of the new Engineering Science Building's EIE public hearing, whichever is later.

PLACE:  Room 146, UConn Bishop Center; One Bishop Circle; Storrs, CT

NOTES: Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m. to allow review of informational materials.

Written comments should be sent to:

Name: Paul Ferri

Agency: University of Connecticut – Office of Environmental Policy

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

Phone: 860-486-9295

Fax: 860-486-5477

Email: paul.ferri@uconn.edu

If you have questions about the public hearing, or other questions about the EIE, contact Mr. Ferri as directed above.


2. Notice of EIE for New Engineering & Science Building,
University of Connecticut, Storrs
 
Municipality where project is proposed:  Mansfield

Address of Possible Project Location: Glenbrook Rd. at University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus

Project Description: The University of Connecticut is seeking to build a New Engineering & Science Building off Glenbrook Road at the Storrs Campus.   This five-story, 118,000 GSF building is proposed to be located between the Chemistry Building and the Psychology/Biology Building, partially within the footprint of the old Central Warehouse, which will be demolished.  The New Engineering & Science Building will serve the university staff and students, offering new laboratories and offices, classrooms, and meeting rooms. New construction associated with this project will incorporate best practices of sustainability with a minimum goal of LEED Silver and conformance with High Performance Building standards.

The University has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to further evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action, as well as other alternative sites considered, including the No Action alternative. 

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:Friday, June 6, 2014

The public can view a copy of this EIE at:

  • Mansfield Town Clerk’s Office, Audrey P Beck Municipal Building, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT
  • Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield, CT

The EIE can also be viewed on line by clicking on the link below:

Environmental Impact Evaluation: UConn Science and Engineering Building

Written comments: from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the end of June 6 2014.
 
There will be a Public Hearing for this project at:
 
Date:       May 29, 2014
 
Time:       7:00 PM
 
Place:      Room 146, UConn Bishop Center; One Bishop Circle; Storrs, CT 06269
 
Notes:    Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m. to allow review of informational materials.

Written comments should be sent to:

Name:    Jason Coite

Agency:   UConn - Office of Environmental Policy

Address: 31 LeDoyt Road, U-3055; Storrs, CT 06269

Fax:        860-486-5477

E-Mail:   jason.coite@uconn.edu

If you have questions about the Environmental Impact Evaluation, please contact Mr. Coite as directed above.


 
 
 
 Connecticut General Statutes Section 4b-47 requires public notice of most proposed sales and transfers of state-owned lands. The public has an opportunity to comment on any such proposed transfer. Each notice includes an address where comments should be sent. Read more about the five-step process.

 


No State Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.



 
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