May 18, 2021

Special Notice

    The 2020 edition of the Council's Annual Report, Environmental Quality in Connecticut, has been published.

Scoping Notice

1. Notice of Scoping for Replacement of Stiles Bridge - Route 191 over the Scantic River, East Windsor.
2. NEW! Cancellation of Notice of Scoping for Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility Relocation, East Windsor and Willington.
3. NEW! Cancellation of Notice of Scoping for Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility Relocation, Griswold.
4. NEW! Notice of Scoping for Replacement of Bridge No. 04152, West Cedar Street over Five Mile River, Norwalk.

Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)

    No notice for additional time has been submitted for publication in this edition.

Post-Scoping Notice

1. Post-Scoping Notice for Ramp Widening of I-95 NB Exit 27A to Route 8 NB, Bridgeport.
2. Post-Scoping Notice for UConn Structures Demolition – Spring Manor Farm Project, Mansfield.

Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)

Agency Record of Decision

    No Record of Decision has been submitted for publication in this edition.

OPM Determination of Adequacy

    No Determination of Adequacy Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.

State Land Transfer

The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on June 8, 2021.
 
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Inquiries and requests to view or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency.

Scoping Notice

"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. Read More 

1. Notice of Scoping for Replacement of Stiles Bridge - Route 191 over Scantic River

Address of possible location: Route 191 over Scantic River. Mile point 2.73 of Route 191

Municipality where proposed action might be located: East Windsor

Project Description: The Stiles Bridge (Bridge No. 01524) was built in 1925 and rehabilitated in 1987, and is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  It is a 76-foot span steel truss on reinforced concrete with a curb-to-curb width of 27 feet 10 inches. It carries one lane of traffic in each direction, and has an estimated average daily traffic of 1,500 vehicles. The proposed project scope is to replace the existing bridge.  Replacement is required based on the findings of the latest Bridge Inspection Report in which the bridge was found to be in serious condition. The proposed new structure will be a multi girder steel superstructure on reinforced concrete abutments. 

An approximate 9-month closure of Bridge No. 01524 and a corresponding detour of pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be required. The estimated project cost is $9 million, and is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% Federal funds and 20% State funds. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023 based on availability of funding and approval of permits.

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: Friday May 21, 2021.

There will be a Virtual Public Scoping Meeting for this proposed action:

DATE: Tuesday May 4, 2021

TIME: 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Virtual

NOTES: The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live.  A Question & Answer session will immediately follow the presentation.  Instructions on how to access the meeting and on how to provide comments or ask questions, can be found on the project webpage at: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTEastWindsor46-127

During the Q&A session and the comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at DOTProject46-127@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail. 

Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Mr. Ken-Taro Plude by email at Ken-Taro.plude@ct.gov - allow one week for processing and delivery.

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (800) 779-3152 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 3998306. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings at: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department's Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109.  Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.  

Comments and/or questions about the meeting or project (email preferred) should be sent to:

Name: Mr. Ken-Taro Plude, Project Engineer

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

E-Mail: DOTProject46-127@ct.gov

Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference Project No. 46-127 in your voicemail.

 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: Ms. Alice M. Sexton

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.

2. Cancellation of Notice of Scoping for Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility Relocation

Addresses of Possible Project Locations:  Apothecaries Hall Road & Windsorville Road, East Windsor (“East Windsor Site”); Ruby Road, Willington (“Willington – Ruby Site”); and Eldredge Mills Road, Willington (“Willington – Eldredge Site”).

Municipalities where proposed project might be located: East Windsor and Willington

Project History:  The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (CTDESPP), Division of State Police (CSP) originally proposed to relocate its existing Firearms Training Facility and Program located on Nod Road in Simsbury to a new site. The proposed sites were:

• East Windsor Site: located south of Apothecaries Hall Road, west of Windsorville Road, and east of a railroad line.  The site was comprised of two parcels: parcel IDs: 048-65-007 (124.8 acres) and 057-65-001 (98 acres).  Total Site acreage: 222.8 acres.
• Willington – Ruby Site: located east of Ruby Road (Route 320) and north of Cosgrove Road.  The site was comprised of two parcels: parcel IDs: 33/019-00 (315.99 acres) and 33/017-00 (10.59 acres).  Total Site acreage: 326.58 acres.
• Willington – Eldredge Site: located at the end of Eldredge Mills Road (west of Ruby Road [Route 320]) and east of River Road.  The site was comprised of three parcels: parcel IDs: 33/004-00 (105.71 acres), 33/012-00 (41.7 acres), and 33/001-00 (5.61 acres).  Total Site acreage: 153.02 acres.

Agency Determination: The CTDESPP, CSP has since determined it is not feasible to undertake the project, as described the last time a notice appeared in the Environmental Monitor on May 5, 2015, because of issues unrelated to the environmental review requirements of the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).

Any questions can be directed to:

What Happens Next: The proposed project is cancelled. Should the project be proposed at a future date, the CEPA process will be initiated again with a new Scoping Notice announcing that intent.

3. Cancellation of Notice of Scoping for Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility Relocation

Addresses of Possible Project Locations:  100 and 101 Lee Road

Municipalities where proposed project might be located: Griswold

Project History:  The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Division of State Police originally proposed to relocate its existing Firearms Training Facility and Program, currently located on Nod Road in Simsbury, to a 110± site at 100 and 101 Lee Road in Griswold, CT.

Agency Determination: The DESPP has since determined it is not feasible to undertake the project, as described the last time a notice appeared in the Environmental Monitor on May 22, 2018, because of issues unrelated to the environmental review requirements of the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).

Any questions can be directed to:

What Happens Next: The proposed project is cancelled. Should the project be proposed at a future date, the CEPA process will be initiated again with a new Scoping Notice announcing that intent.

4. Notice of Scoping for Replacement of Bridge No. 04152, West Cedar Street over Five Mile River

Address of possible location:  West Cedar Street over Five Mile River approximately 800 feet west of Richards Avenue

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Norwalk

Project Description: Bridge No. 04152 is a single span structure that was constructed in 1910 and is comprised of a stone masonry arch supported by stone masonry abutments. The total structure length and width measure 28 feet and 22 feet, respectively. The bridge roadway has a curb-to-curb width of 19 feet, and an approach width of 19 feet. The bridge and approach roadways provide for two narrow lanes (one in each direction) of vehicular traffic. There are no shoulders on either side, and there are no pavement markings spanning the bridge. A pedestrian walkway structure comprised of timber decking on steel beams supported by extensions of the bridge stone masonry substructure abuts the southerly bridge fascia.

The bridge is functionally obsolete due to its Deck Geometry Appraisal Rating and its Approach Roadway Alignment Appraisal Rating. Given the relatively high Average Daily Traffic of 4,728 (2016 data), a 28-foot clear bridge roadway width is required to satisfy minimum functional sufficiency criteria for Deck Geometry rating. The functionally obsolete Deck Geometry rating precipitates the functionally obsolete Approach Roadway Alignment rating because the narrow bridge creates a significant reduction in vehicle operating speed from that which is characteristic of West Cedar Street. The bridge is also vulnerable to scour, which is evidenced by the presence of localized scour holes that have exposed the abutment footings.   

Based on the functional obsolescence and scour critical classification of the existing bridge, the project involves a full replacement of the structure. It is anticipated that the proposed replacement bridge will be a clear span structure of a curb-to-curb width that satisfies minimum functional sufficiency criteria and current geometric design standards. It is likely that the new bridge will also accommodate an inboard sidewalk along the south side as opposed to the present separate sidewalk structure configuration.

The existing bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (CTSHPO) has determined that its replacement will result in an Adverse Effect to historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.  CTDOT will work with CTSHPO to develop the mitigation measures required for the impact to the bridge.  

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

Project Photographs: Click here to view photographs of the Bridge.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, June 18, 2021

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the contact 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 Friday, May 28, 2021.

A Virtual Public Information Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.  Meeting Minutes can be viewed by Clicking Here.

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting (E-mail preferred) should be sent to:

Name: Kevin Fleming, Transportation Planner

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Environmental Planning

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

E-Mail: dot.EnvironmentalPlanning@ct.gov  

If you have questions about this project, contact (E-Mail preferred):

Name: Marc Byrnes, P.E., Project Engineer

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Division of Bridges

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

Phone: 860-594-3489

E-Mail: Marc.Byrnes@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: Ms. Alice M. Sexton

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.

Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)

If an agency is unable to publish a Post-Scoping Notice within six months after the comment period for scoping, the agency will publish an update with an action status and an estimate as to when a Post-Scoping Notice will be published. Such an update will be published by the agency at six-month intervals until the Post-Scoping Notice is published. Read More

Post-Scoping Notice

A Post-Scoping Notice is the determination by a sponsoring agency, after publication of a Scoping Notice and consideration of comments received, whether an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) needs to be prepared for a proposed State action. Read More

1. Post-Scoping Notice for Ramp Widening of I-95 NB Exit 27A to Route 8 NB

Municipality: Bridgeport

CEPA Determination: On October 6, 2020, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed project in the Environmental Monitor.

A virtual public scoping meeting was held on October 27, 2020. A recording of the presentation can be found on CTDOT's Virtual Public Meeting Page.

Various comments were received during the public comment period and at the Virtual Public Scoping Meeting from the public as well as one State agency - the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP).  A synopsis of comments received and CTDOT's responses are included in the Environmental Review Checklist.

After consideration of the comments received, CTDOT has determined that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).  CTDOT's conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings & Determination and an Environmental Review Checklist.

  Agency contact: (Email Preferred)

Name: Kevin Fleming, Transportation Planner

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Policy and Planning

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

Phone: 860-594-2924

E-Mail: Kevin.Fleming@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: Ms. Alice M. Sexton

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

Phone: 860-594-3045

E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov

What Happens Next: CTDOT expects the proposed project to go forward. This will be the final notice for this project in the Environmental Monitor.

2. Post-Scoping Notice for 
UConn Structures Demolition – Spring Manor Farm Project

Address of Possible Project Location:  104 Spring Manor Lane

Municipality where it would be located: Mansfield

CEPA Determination: 

On March 3, 2020, the University of Connecticut (University) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. The comment period closed on April 2, 2020. On October 6, 2020, the University posted a Notice of Time Extension after a pause in project planning due to impacts related to the pandemic.

Based on the University’s environmental assessment of this project which includes a review of comments provided by the State Historic Preservation Office (click here) and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (click here), dated March 27, 2020, the University has made a determination that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). The University has coordinated with SHPO to address their recommendations, and that agreement can be reviewed here. The responses to DEEP comments can be viewed here.

The University’s assessment and conclusion is documented the project’s Environmental Review Checklist and the Memorandum of Findings and Determination.

Agency contact:

Name:  Paul Ferri

Agency:  UConn Division of Public Safety - Environmental Health and Safety

Address:  3102 Horsebarn Hill Road, Unit 4097, Storrs, CT 06269

Phone:  (860) 486-9295

E-Mail: paul.ferri@uconn.edu

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring State Agency.

What Happens Next:

The University expects the proposed action, to go forward. This is the final notice of the action to be published in the Environmental Monitor.

EIE Notice

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). Read More 

Agency Record of Decision

After an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) is developed, an agency will prepare a concise public record of decision, which takes into consideration the agency’s findings in the EIE, and any comments received on that evaluation. Read More 

OPM's Determination of Adequacy

After an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) is developed. the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) will determine if the EIE is adequate. If not, OPM will specify the areas of inadequacy with reference to CEPA or the CEPA regulations and specify the corrective action required. Read More 

State Land Transfer Notice

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 process. 

CEPA Project Inventory

The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) maintains a list of projects the have entered the CEPA process. It shows each project's status. The inventory can be found here.

All inquiries and requests of the Council should be sent electronically to: peter.hearn@ct.gov.

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