November 2, 2021
- Notice of Scoping for the Ox Brook Flood Control Master Plan, Bridgeport.
- NEW! Notice of Scoping for Southbury Training School Farm Building Demolition, Southbury.
- NEW! Notice of Scoping for Wellington at Madison, Multifamily Housing, Madison.
- NEW! Notice of Scoping for Enfield Manor – Elderly/Disabled Housing Development, Enfield.
Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)
No notice for additional time has been submitted for publication in this edition.
- Post-Scoping Notice for Crestwood Drive Water Main Extension, Naugatuck.
Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)
- Notice of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Naugatuck Valley Regional Wastewater Study, Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour.
- Record of Decision for City of Bridgeport Facilities Planning for East Side and West Side Wastewater Treatment Plants, Bridgeport.
No Determination of Adequacy Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
No State Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on November 16, 2021.
Subscribe to e-alerts to receive an e-mail when the Environmental Monitor is published.
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 the Ox Brook Flood Control Master Plan
Project Title: Ox Brook Flood Control Master Plan and Environmental Impact Evaluation
Addresses of possible locations: Various locations along Ox Brook in the City of Bridgeport, extending from Elton Rogers Park at the north end to Lincoln Boulevard at the south end of the Project (See Figures 1 and 2 below).
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Bridgeport
Project Description: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is funding the implementation of Phase 1 of the Ox Brook Flood Control Master Plan, a six-phase project. Phase 1 of the Project has progressed through permitting level design with permit applications submitted, while the remaining Phases (Phases 2-6) are at the preliminary design phase. Note that the overall Project is anticipated to take decades to complete and that funding has only been identified for Phase 1 at this time. The Project is being proposed to address a long history of flooding along the corridor, resulting in roadway flooding and repeated damages to properties along Ox Brook. The Project is located generally along Ox Brook in the City of Bridgeport, CT, roughly extending from Elton Rogers Park at the north (upstream) end (off Kaechele Place) to Lincoln Boulevard at the south (downstream) end (between Lincoln Ave. and Garfield Ave.).
The six phases of the Project are:
• Phase 1: Construction of a storage impoundment within Elton Rogers Park, via rehabilitation of the existing dam and construction of two dikes within the park property, to provide storage and reduce the peak flow discharged to Ox Brook.
• Phase 2: Three main components: (1) construction of a detention pond for storage within Svihra Park with a 18-inch outlet pipe to Island Brook, (2) construction of 3,850 linear feet of 9-ft x 5-ft box culvert in Wayne Street, Bronx Avenue, and Hunting Street, to divert Ox Brook flows to the new detention area, and (3) construction of a 12-ft x 5-ft box culvert to reroute a segment of Ox Brook from a point approximately 100 feet south of Rocton Avenue along Amsterdam Avenue, through several backyards, down Tremont Avenue to Wayne Street to Quince Street. From Quince Street, a 60-inch diameter pipe will discharge flow back to the existing Ox Brook channel. The remainder of the flow would be discharged to the 9-ft x 5-ft box culvert at Wayne Street. The existing Ox Brook channel in the affected reach would remain in place to convey local runoff.
• Phase 3: Channel and crossing improvements from Lincoln Boulevard upstream to Quince Street. Open channel segments would be improved to either a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-sections within this reach. Five street crossings would be improved with box culverts.
• Phase 4: Channel and crossing improvements from Rocton Avenue to Burnsford Avenue. Open channel segments will be improved to either a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-sections within this reach. The culvert beneath Burnsford Avenue would be replaced. Three additional crossings would be improved with larger diameter culverts.
• Phase 5: Channel and crossing upgrades from Burnsford Avenue upstream to Lourmel Street. The existing open channel segment between Burnsford Avenue and Stoehr Place would be improved to a trapezoidal cross-section. Between Lourmel Street and Stoehr Place, the existing brook is piped and improved sections will be installed, ranging in size from 54-inches to 84-inches in diameter.
• Phase 6: Construction of the Island Brook diversion to the Elton Rogers Park storage area. This will consist of approximately 650 LF of 10-ft x 3-ft box culvert in Old Town Road. This phase would also include the construction of an 18-inch pipe discharging flow from the dam to Ox Brook at Lourmel Street.
CT DEEP will be preparing an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) which will incorporate comments from the scoping meeting and evaluate the No Action alternative, the Master Plan alternative, subalternates within the Master Plan, and other Flood Protection Measures.
Project Maps: Click here for maps for this project for general locations of the project area and phases: Figure 1: Locus Map; Figure 2: Project Phasing Plan
Additional mapping can be viewed at Ox Brook Scoping, and please contact Fred Riese at 860-424-4110 to arrange to view in-person at CT DEEP at 79 Elm Street.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Thursday, November 4, 2021
There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Monday, October 18, 2021
TIME: 7:00pm EST
PLACE: Virtual/ Zoom
NOTES: The meeting will be held virtually using Zoom and can be accessed using the following link and passcode:
Meeting ID: 927 2412 2339 Passcode: 958744
Individuals with limited internet access can listen tot he meeting by calling 646 876 9923 and entering the Meeting ID/ Participant Code when prompted.
https://gza.zoom.us/j/92724122339
Written comments and/ or questions about the meeting or project should be sent to the following (Please use "Ox Brook" in the subject line for emails):
Name: Fred Riese
Agency: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106
Phone: 860-424-4110
Fax: 860-424-4053
E-Mail: Frederick.Riese@ct.gov
What Happens Next: CT DEEP will prepare an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). The EIE will be available for public comment in late fall/winter of 2021/2022. A Post-Scoping Notice will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
2. Notice of Scoping for Southbury Training School Farm Building Demolition
Project Title: Department of Agriculture – Southbury Training School Farm Building Demolition
Location: Corner of Spruce Brook Rd., Purchase Brook Rd. and Cassidy Rd. in Southbury
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Southbury
Project Description: This project would involve demolition of certain buildings within property under the custody and control of the Department of Agriculture, in the town of Southbury. While the Department has undertaken an Adaptive Re-Use Study in hopes of restoring some or all of the buildings, demolition has become necessary due to safety and vandalism concerns, prohibitive restoration costs, and the fact that none of the farmers leasing land from the Department of Agriculture at the property have an agricultural use for the subject buildings and structures. The buildings identified for demolition are as follows:
- Farm Cottage #1 and #2 (building #’s 4 and 1 on the attached diagram);
- Foreman’s house and the associated garage (building #’s 2 and 3 on the attached diagram);
- Triplex farmhouse (building #18);
- Transformer house (building #6);
- Milk house and smokestack (building #7);
- Bunker silo (building #11); and
- Abattoir (identified by name, located along Cassidy Road).
Project Map and Photos: Click here to view a map of the project area. Click here to view photos of the buildings targeted for demolition.
Other Materials: Click here for a letter from State Historic Preservation Office, relevant to this project. Click here to see the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, which includes these buildings.
Written comments: Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on December 3, 2021.
Public Scoping Meeting: Any person may ask 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 Agriculture, as the sponsoring agency, must schedule a Public Scoping Meeting. Such requests must be made by November 12, 2021.
Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent by fax or e-mail to:
Name: Stephen Anderson
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Address: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 703, Hartford, CT 06103
Fax: (860) 920-3134
E-Mail: stephen.anderson@ct.gov
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents: Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, requests can be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, using the process outlined on the Department of Agriculture website. Click here to go to the website.
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.
3. Notice of Scoping for Wellington at Madison, Multifamily Housing
Address: 131 Cottage Road
Municipality: Madison, CT
Project Description:
The proposed project is multifamily residential for 31 housing units in six structures on a 2.86 acre site at 131 Cottage Road in Madison. Providing high quality rental housing to families with a range of incomes (80% affordable, 20% market rate) is the goal of the non-profit developer. The site design aims to create a neighborhood feel by incorporating the renovation of a historic home and barn and newly constructed condominium-style buildings centered around a village green area.
The property is in a transitional zoned district and a high opportunity area within walking distance to neighborhood amenities including retail and commercial facilities and public transportation. The site plan includes a community center, parking, landscaping, and stone walkways and sidewalks. The project includes the renovation of the historic Henry Josiah Meigs House c1808-1810 which is listed on the State Registry of historic places. The State Historic Preservation Office has reviewed the work and has determined that there will be no adverse effects to historic resources. A property easement has been entered at the north edge of the site. The project will include on-site septic systems engineered to meet all local and state public health requirements. All other services will be provided by public utilities. The development has received local planning and zoning approvals from the town of Madison.
Although a portion of the site is currently in the 500 year flood plain, the actual ground elevations are above the 500 year flood elevation of 11.5 feet. Because of this discrepancy, an application has been filed for a FEMA Letter of Map Amendment. Obtaining a flood management certification from CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection will be a secondary measure of flood safety if required. The ground floor finished floor elevations will be more than two feet above the 500 year flood plain and all new housing units will have dry and safe egress from the flood plain limits.
Project Maps:
Click here to view a Vicinity Map for the project area.
Click here to view a Site Plan of the project.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Thursday, December 2, 2021.
Any person may 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 Friday, November 12, 2021.
Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to:
Name: JaCinta Frazier
Agency: Department of Housing
Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: DOH.CEPA@ct.gov
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
Name: JaCinta Frazier
Agency: Department of Housing
Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: DOH.CEPA@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: Randi Pincus, Staff Attorney
Agency: Department of Housing
Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: Randi.Pincus@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.
4, Notice of Scoping for Enfield Manor – Elderly/Disabled Housing Development
Address: Enfield Terrace
Municipality: Enfield, CT
Project Description:
The proposed project is a redevelopment of a facility for elderly and disabled individuals for the Enfield Housing Authority as a State Sponsored Housing Portfolio property. The affordability mix will include 56 units for households less than 50% Area Median Income (AMI) and 43 units less than 60% AMI. The plans include demolition of the existing buildings and new construction of 2 three-story buildings containing 99 rental units totaling 109,000 gross square feet on an 11.82 acre site. The relocation plan includes a phased approach as new units are constructed. The new construction will meet all state and federal guidelines for accessibility and energy efficiency. The site is in a Priority Funding area and is serviced by local bus service to shopping, medical offices, and commuter bus lines. The new site plan will include a community center, laundry, parking, greenspace, emergency access roads, and a walking path.
Environmental site assessments do not identify any recognized environmental concerns or areas of concern. The existing buildings will be fully abated of all hazardous materials prior to demolition. The State Historic Preservation Office has reviewed project and has determined that no historic properties will be affected. The Enfield local Historic Commission has also approved the project.
The proposed site plan includes the preservation and protection of the existing state wetlands on the eastern portion of the site. The plans have been reviewed and approved by the Town of Enfield Inland Wetlands Commission and the project will meet all required measures and conditions of approval. The location does not include critical habitat or listed species according to state and federal maps and it is not inside of any mapped aquifer protection, watershed, or flood zone areas. There are no farmland activities at this site and the state’s farmland soils map indicates that the site does not contain over 5 acres of farmland soils. The proposed project has received the review and approval of the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission on February 28, 2019.
Project Maps:
Click here to view a Vicinity Map for the project area.
Click here to view a Demolition Plan of the project.
Click here to view the Proposed Site Plan for the project.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
Any person may 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 Friday, November 12, 2021.
Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to:
Name: JaCinta Frazier
Agency: Department of Housing
Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: DOH.CEPA@ct.gov
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
Name: JaCinta Frazier
Agency: Department of Housing
Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: DOH.CEPA@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: Randi Pincus, Staff Attorney
Agency: Department of Housing
Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: Randi.Pincus@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 Crestwood Drive Water Main Extension, Naugatuck
Municipality where project will be located: Naugatuck
Address of Possible Project Location: Crestwood Drive, Naugatuck
CEPA Determination: On March 16, 2021, the Department of Public Health (DPH) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor.
Based on the DPH’s environmental assessment of this project, which includes a review of comments provided by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) dated April 5, 2021, it has been determined that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). The DPH will coordinate with the Connecticut Water Company (CTWC) and Borough of Naugatuck to ensure that the recommendations received during the Scoping period are implemented.
The agency's conclusion is documented in a Memorandum of Findings and Determination and an Environmental Review Checklist.
If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:
Name: Mr. Eric McPhee
Agency: Department of Public Health, Drinking Water Section
Address: 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#12DWS, PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Email: DPH.SourceProtection@ct.gov
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the DPH at dph.foi@ct.gov.
What Happens Next: The DPH has determined that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). The DPH expects the proposed project to go forward. This will be the final notice of this project 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
1. Notice of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Naugatuck Valley Regional Wastewater Study
Municipalities where proposed action is to be located: Ansonia, Derby, Seymour
Project Description: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), together with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), evaluated potential wastewater treatment consolidation alternatives for five municipalities in the Naugatuck Valley. The purpose and need of this study are to identify and evaluate feasible and cost-effective options for reducing the number of treatment facilities while addressing the wastewater treatment challenges faced by the participating municipalities, in order to lower their future wastewater treatment costs and enhance treatment capacity, reliability, and environmental quality. The facilities originally evaluated are located in the municipalities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck and Seymour. The final recommendation of the study is for a regional wastewater utility providing service to Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour.
The NVCOG received a grant award from the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to conduct a study of regional wastewater treatment alternatives for several communities that are burdened by deficient treatment facilities, regulatory compliance citations, and/or the high cost of upgrading or maintaining individual wastewater treatment facilities.
Phase 1 of the study analyzed existing conditions and capacities at facilities in the participating towns and included community outreach to each of the participating municipalities. Phase 1 was completed in spring 2019 and resulted in a broad list of potential alternatives that required more thorough evaluation.
Phase 2 of the study narrowed down the list of alternatives, only those alternatives considered to be prudent and feasible were the subject of a more extensive technical and engineering analysis. The resulting Environmental Impact Evaluation has identified a preferred alternative.
The public can view a copy of this EIE here: Naugatuck Valley Regional Wastewater Study. It can also be accessed at the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments website at: NVCOG Wastewater Regionalization Final Report.
Scoping Notice and Post Scoping Notice: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection published a Scoping Notice on November 5, 2019 and a Post-Scoping Notice on September 21, 2021 in the Environmental Monitor.
Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public hearing by sending such a request to the address below by October 15, 2021. If a public hearing is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a public hearing.
Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: December 6, 2021.
For questions on this EIE or to send your written comments about this EIE, please contact:
Name: Stela Marusin, Sanitary Engineer III
Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
E-Mail: Stela.Marusin@ct.gov
What happens next: DEEP will review the comments received and may conduct further environmental study and analysis or amend the evaluation. DEEP will prepare responses to the substantive issues raised in review of and comment on the EIE and any supplemental materials or amendments. Those responses and all supplemental materials and comments shall be made available in a "Record of Decision" which will appear in the Environmental Monitor for public inspection.
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
1. Record of Decision for City of Bridgeport Facilities Planning for East Side and West Side Wastewater Treatment Plants
Addresses of Possible Project Location: East Side Water Pollution Control Facility, 695 Seaview Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607 and West Side Water Pollution Control Facility, 205 Botswick Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607
Municipality where proposed action is to be located: City of Bridgeport
Project Description: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is administering funds from the Clean Water Fund for the City of Bridgeport to upgrade two Wastewater Treatment Plants. The City of Bridgeport owns and operates two wastewater treatment plants that serve the combined sewer overflow (CSO) community, where both sanitary sewage and stormwater are carried in a single pipe. The wastewater treatment plants are the subject of Administrative Order AOWRMU19001 issued by DEEP on March 1, 2019. In response to this order, a facilities plan was submitted to the DEEP on November 24, 2020. Through the Environmental Monitor, the engineering report was submitted for scoping, post-scoping, and a Public Hearing was held. Based on the engineering report, comments received during scoping, and at the public hearing, an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) was completed.
Updates will be made to two wastewater treatment plants (the 13.9-acre West Side plant and the 8.3-acre East Side plant) in southern Bridgeport to bring the facilities into compliance with public safety and environmental health. Work will include the retention and retrofitting of much of the existing facilities, as well as the construction of new buildings, and demolition of several buildings and structures on the sites which will occur entirely within the current parcel boundary. Following local and state approvals of the concepts, the design phase is expected to start Spring 2022 with completion of both plants expected by October 2028.
The City of Bridgeport is already under an enforcement action to upgrade both wastewater treatment plants. The enforcement will be updated to memorialize the schedule of the treatment plant upgrades.
Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On June 8, 2021, DEEP published a Notice of Availability of an Environmental Impact Evaluation, in accordance with Section 22a-1d of CEPA, in the Environmental Monitor.
DEEP held a virtual public hearing on October 29, 2020.
Comments were received from the Town of Trumbull. DEEP has reviewed and approved the prepared responses to the substantive issues raised in the comments on the EIE and on supplemental materials or amendments. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's conclusion is documented in the Record of Decision for the proposed action.
Agency contact:
Name: Ann Straut, Sanitary Engineer 3
Agency: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Address: 79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106
E-Mail: ann.straut@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.
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. OPM's determination regarding the Record of Decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
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 they 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.
