May 17, 2022
- Notice of Scoping for Intersection Improvements on Route 10 & 322, Removal of Bridge 00518 and Replacement of Bridges 00646 & 05753, Southington and Cheshire.
- Notice of Scoping for Revised Scope - Replacement of Bridge No. 00162 (I-95 over Metro North Railroad) and Bridge No. 00161 (I-95 over First Avenue), West Haven.
- NEW! Notice of Scoping for Elimination of Bridge Nos. 00388 and 00389 (Route 17) and Construction of Roundabout, Glastonbury.
Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)
- NEW! Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for South Campus Residence Hall at the University of Connecticut, Mansfield.
No Post-Scoping Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)
- Notice of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Mirror Lake Improvements at the University of Connecticut, Mansfield.
No Record of Decision Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
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 June 7, 2022.
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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 Intersection Improvements on Route 10 & 322, Removal of Bridge 00518 and Replacement of Bridges 00646 & 05753
Address of possible location: Route 10 and Route 322
Municipalities where proposed action might be located: Southington and Cheshire
Project Description: The purpose of the project is to remove or replace structurally deficient and/or functionally obsolete bridges and improve intersection geometry. This project involves the removal of Bridge No. 00518, which carries Route 10 over Route 322, and the construction of a new at-grade intersection between those two roadways. Approximately 1,525 feet of Route 10 will be reconstructed by this project, and the Route 10 profile will be lowered to meet Route 322 at-grade. The proposed Route 10 horizontal alignment follows the existing horizontal alignment. The Route 10 profile will be lowered to meet Route 322 at-grade. Bridge No. 00646 (Route 10 over the Ten Mile River) is a concrete arch culvert that was constructed in 1936. As a result of lowering the Route 10 profile, the fill over this structure will be reduced from 9 feet to 2 feet. Due to the age of this structure and the risk of damaging it during construction, it was determined that Bridge No. 00646 would need to be replaced. Approximately 950 feet of Route 322 will be reconstructed by this project. The proposed Route 322 horizontal alignment follows the existing horizontal alignment. The profile is proposed to be raised approximately 3 feet to be above the 100-year flood plain. Bridge No. 05753 (Route 322 over Ten Mile River) is being replaced, as it has been determined to be structurally deficient. Approximately 550 feet of Old Turnpike Road will be reconstructed by this project. The proposed horizontal alignment of Old Turnpike Road will be modified to provide an improved geometry at the Route 10/Old Turnpike Road intersection. The proposed profile closely follows the existing profile. New traffic signals are proposed at the Route 10/Route 322, the Route 322/ Old Turnpike Road and the Route 10/Old Turnpike Road intersections. Sidewalks are proposed throughout the 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: Friday June 3, 2022.
There will be a public scoping meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Monday May 16, 2022
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Virtual Meeting
NOTES: The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. A Question and Answer session will immediately follow the presentation. The presentation will be recorded. Instructions on how to access the meeting and on how to provide comments or ask questions can be found at the project website prior to the meeting: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTSouthington131-190.
Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Jeffrey Pfaffinger, P.E., Project Manager, by email at jeffrey.pfaffinger@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-2767. Allow one week for processing and delivery.
Persons with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 566-5916 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 9977843. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line, (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 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.
The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. 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 CTDOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library.
Comments, questions about the public meeting, or questions about the project should be sent to (email preferred):
Name: Mr. Jeffrey Pfaffinger, P.E., Project Manager
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: DOTProject131-190@ct.gov
Phone: In addition to written comments, individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment during the meeting or during the comment period that follows by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference Project 131-190 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. Notice of Scoping for Revised Scope - Replacement of Bridge No. 00162 (I-95 over Metro North Railroad) and Bridge No. 00161 (I-95 over First Avenue)
Municipality where proposed action might be located: West Haven
Project Description: This project was originally scoped in the Environmental Monitor on September 21, 2021 and a public scoping meeting was held on October 14, 2021. The original scope included replacing and widening Bridge No. 00162 to accommodate an additional southbound vehicular lane, as well as reconstructing approximately 2,200 feet of I-95, including the southbound Exit 43 off-ramp. Bridge No. 00162 will be widened to accommodate three 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-foot operational lane, a 16-foot left shoulder and a 12-foot right shoulder in the southbound direction. The northbound direction will consist of three 12-foot travel lanes, a 16-foot left shoulder, and a 12-foot right shoulder.
Since the previous scoping, it was determined that in order to address the substandard super-elevation through the curve within the project limits, the roadway reconstruction will be extended an additional 800 feet to the west, requiring the replacement and widening of Bridge No. 00161 (I-95 over First Avenue). Bridge No. 00161 will be raised to provide a minimum 14-foot 6-inch underclearance and the standard super-elevation requirement will be achieved at this location. The reconstructed Bridge No. 00161 will accommodate three 12-foot travel lanes, a 5-foot left shoulder, and a 10-foot right shoulder in the southbound direction. The northbound direction will consist of three 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-foot acceleration lane, a 5-foot left shoulder, and a 10-foot right shoulder.
Project Maps: Click here to view maps of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday June 3, 2022.
Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the contact 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 the close of business on: Friday May 13, 2022.
Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to (Email preferred):
Name: Mr. Kevin Fleming, Transportation Planner
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Policy and Planning
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: DOT.EnvironmentalPlanning@ct.gov
If you have questions about the project, contact:
Name: Mr. Alvaro Garcia Jr., Transportation Supervising Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-3353
E-Mail: Alvaro.Garcia@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.
3. Notice of Scoping for Elimination of Bridge Nos. 00388 and 00389 (Route 17) and Construction of Roundabout
Address of possible location: Bridge No. 00388 carries Route 17 Northbound (NB) over Route 17 Southbound (SB) Ramp 007.
Bridge No. 00389 carries Route 17 SB Ramp 007 over New London Turnpike.
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Glastonbury
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to address deficiencies identified during inspections. Based on field inspections, engineering analysis and a review of CTDOT's Bridge Inspection Reports, the deck of Bridge No. 00388 was found to be in poor condition. The bridge was found to be functionally obsolete due to the existing minimum vertical clearance being less than current CTDOT design criteria for an existing bridge over a freeway. The following concerns were noted with Bridge No. 00388:
- Large areas of map cracking and hollow sounding concrete on the underside of the deck
- Deck deterioration of 30 percent
- Areas of peeling paint
- Cracks in abutments
The proposed project involves the removal of the superstructure of Bridge No. 00388. The superstructure and substructure of Bridge No. 00389 (Route 17 SB Ramp 007 over New London Turnpike) will also be removed. The existing Bridge No. 00388 span under Route 17 NB will be filled and a new roadway will be constructed on top of the filled span. The Route 17 SB Ramp 007 pavement will be removed from the beginning of the ramp to the New London Turnpike/Oak Street intersection. Route 17 SB Ramp 005 will be reconfigured at the intersection with New London Turnpike and a new roundabout will be constructed.
A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of New London Turnpike, Oak Street and Williams Street E. In addition, there may be some work on the Route 17 NB on-ramp from the New London Turnpike which would include reconfiguration of the ramp and pavement removal.
Project Maps: Click here to view a map of the project area. Click here to view the pavement limits of the project.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: June 27, 2022.
There will be a public scoping meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Monday June 13, 2022
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Virtual Meeting
NOTES: The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. The presentation will be recorded. Instructions on how to access the meeting and on how to provide comments or ask questions can be found at the project website prior to the meeting at: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTGlastonbury53-189.
Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Jonathan Kang by email at Jonathan.Kang@ct.gov or by phone at 860-594-2754. Allow one week for processing and delivery.
Persons with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 1-888-566-5916and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 9977843. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. 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 here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library.
Visit the project webpage for options for Apple users. During the Q&A session and the comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave questions or comments via email (preferred) at DOTProject53-189@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling 860-944-1111. Please reference project No. 53-189 in your voicemail.
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, questions about the public meeting, or questions about the project should be sent to (email preferred):
Name: Mr. Jonathan Kang, Transportation Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: 860-594-2754
E-Mail: Jonathan.Kang@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: CTDOT 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
1. Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for South Campus Residence Hall at the University of Connecticut
Address of Possible Project Location: Gilbert Road
Municipality where proposed action would be located: Mansfield
Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On November 16, 2021, the University of Connecticut published a Notice of Scoping (https://portal.ct.gov/CEQ/Environmental-Monitor/Environmental-Monitor-Archives/2021/November-16-2021) to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. The University is currently unable to publish its determination regarding this action.
Action Status: Evaluating comments and developing design.
Estimated Publication Date: The University of Connecticut estimates a Post-Scoping Notice will be published in the Environmental Monitor on or before November 8, 2022.
If you have questions about the proposed action, contact:
Name:James Libby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Agency: University Planning, Design and Construction
Address:31 LeDoyt Rd, Unit 3038, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3038
Fax: (860) 486-3117
E-mail: james.libby@uconn.edu
What Happens Next: The University of Connecticut 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 CEPA. A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
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
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 Mirror Lake Improvements at the University of Connecticut
Project Title: Mirror Lake Improvements
Address of Possible Project Location: Mansfield Road at the University of Connecticut, Storrs
Municipality where it would be located: Mansfield
Project Description: The University of Connecticut proposes to make improvements to Mirror Lake – an approximately 5-acre stormwater basin on the University’s Storrs Campus. The proposed project consists of the following elements:
- Dam safety improvements, including replacing the existing spillway with a stepped spillway and raising the dam’s earthen embankment
- Stormwater management improvements, including the rerouting of several discharge points into sedimentation forebays and regrading of upstream and downstream slopes
- Dredging and improvements to aquatic ecosystems, including the use of hydraulic and mechanical dredging to remove accumulated sediments and restore the lake depth
- Landscape improvements, including littoral zone plantings and site-specific amenities that enhance cultural benefits and improve access to the water’s edge
The Mirror Lake Improvements project was identified in UConn’s Campus Master Plan as a key near-term landscape project aimed at amplifying the University’s commitment to sustainable, resilient landscapes and enhancing Mirror Lake’s function as a ceremonial entry to the South Campus. This project will be an opportunity for the University to improve the Lake’s hydrological performance and natural aesthetic, while also expanding access to the water’s edge and celebrating the Lake as an important cultural asset and entry point to the campus.
Map of Proposed Action: Mirror Lake EIE Figure ES1 Proposed Action
Scoping Notice and Post-Scoping Notice: Beginning on November 16, 2021, the University of Connecticut published the first of three Notices of Scoping in the Environmental Monitor. A public scoping meeting was held virtually on December 8, 2021, and the 30-day comment period closed on December 16, 2021. The University of Connecticut published a post-scoping notice on February 22, 2022 in the Environmental Monitor.
The University has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE). The public may view a copy of this EIE at Mirror Lake Improvements EIE _webor the University Planning, Design and Construction’s project webpage at www.updc.uconn.edu/mirror-lake. A hard copy may be made available for viewing upon request.
Comments on this EIE will be accepted until 5 pm on: Friday, May 20, 2022
There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on:
DATE: Wednesday, April 13, 2022
TIME: 6:30 pm EDT
PLACE: Virtual
NOTES: The meeting will be held virtually on GoToWebinar. You may register to attend using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/992478990610264335. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting (including an option to join by phone). A link to the recording will be available shortly after the hearing at http://updc.uconn.edu/mirror-lake.
Written comments and/or questions about the meeting, project, or the EIE for this project should be sent to the following agency contact (email preferred) (Please use “Mirror Lake EIE” in the subject line):
Name: Ian Dann, Project Manager
Agency: University of Connecticut, University Planning, Design and Construction
Address:31 LeDoyt Rd, Unit 3038, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3038
Phone:(860) 486-6503
E-Mail: ian.dann@uconn.edu
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted at https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/.
What Happens Next: The University of Connecticut will review the comments received and may conduct further environmental study and analysis or amend the EIE. The University will also prepare responses to substantive issues raised in review of the comments received. Those responses, and all supplemental materials and comments, will be made available in a Record of Decision that will appear in a future issue of the Environmental Monitor.
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 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.
