Council on Environmental Quality Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the August 27, 2025, meeting of the Council on Environmental Quality (Council) held via Zoom.

MEMBERS PRESENT: (Remote) Keith Ainsworth (Acting Chair), Linda Bowers, Aimee Petras, William Warzecha, Cinzia Lettieri, Tim Bishop, and Denise Rodosevich.

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Paul Aresta (Council - Executive Director), Ryan Carboni (Council – Environmental Analyst), Jordan DiDomenico (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)), Eric Hammerling (DEEP), Bruce Wittchen (Office of Policy and Management (OPM)), Becca Dahl (OPM), and Justine Phillips-Gallucci (OPM). Members of the public that spoke: Brian Coleman, Alison Hilding, Lynne, Joann Delenick, Laura Cahn, and Katherine Bennett.

1. Call to Order: Establishment of a Quorum
At 9:31 AM, Ainsworth called the meeting to order, took attendance, and confirmed that there was a quorum of Council members present.

2. Approval of minutes of July 23, 2025
Rodosevich made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the Council’s meeting on July 23, 2025; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.

3. Citizen Comment Period

• Lynne commented on air pollution and concerns regarding volatile organic compounds and ozone. Lynne requested information on air quality and discussed a few proposals for liquid fuel storage infrastructure in the New Haven area.
  
  
• Joann Delenick commented on the increase in particulate matter and air quality near the airport in the New Haven area.
  
  
• Brian Coleman commented on housing near the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Mansfield and potential impacts on wetlands, stormwater, and water quality. Coleman suggested that UConn should provide housing for students directly on UConn’s campus.
  
  
• Katherine Bennett commented on the increase in particulate matter, noise, traffic, and odors near Tweed-New Haven Airport and the potential health effects of increased air pollutants.
  
  
• Laura Cahn commented on fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide air quality standards, the liquid fuel storage proposals, and litter created by discarded miniature alcohol beverage containers (Nips).
  
  
• Alison Hilding suggested that a task force be established to address housing needs at UConn in Mansfield. Hilding also commented on the possibility of developing student and affordable housing on the Depot Campus and/or near the former Mansfield Apartments in Mansfield to minimize environmental impacts in Mansfield.

4. Citizen Complaints and Inquiries Received

• Carboni reported that Council staff contacted DEEP to inquire if there is an audit provision for agreements/contracts between DEEP and municipalities for such projects, and if so, what is the enforcement mechanism. He added that DEEP responded that more time was needed to review some of the project documentation. Aresta noted that the provisions for audit and enforcement is a programmatic question and not necessarily related to just one action or agreement.
  
  
• Carboni reported that the Council received two additional inquiries regarding the Army Corps of Engineers’ (ACOE) demonstration of herbicide treatments to control hydrilla in Connecticut. He added that Council staff provided them with relevant information from ACOE and DEEP. Carboni summarized the ACOE’s public information meeting for the project that was held on August 6, 2025.
  
  
• Carboni reported that the Council received a complaint regarding a potential water chestnut infestation in Savin Lake in Lebanon. He added that Council staff contacted DEEP Fisheries for information regarding assistance via the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program and directed the individual to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s Aquatic Invasive Plant Program.
  
  
• Carboni reported that the Council received a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for electronic records for all purchase orders or similar documents issued by the Council from 2020 to 2025. He added that the FOIA request was forwarded to DEEP and DEEP responded that they had already provided the information sought under a previous request.
  
  
• Carboni reported that the Council received a complaint regarding forestry operations that could potentially impact wetlands in Newtown. He added that the complainant was provided with information regarding DEEP’s Land and Water Resources Division contacts and their complaints form, and other relevant information.
  
  
• Carboni reported that the Council received a few complaints regarding Tweed-New Haven Airport’s proposed expansion that focused on public health impacts of noise and air emissions related to increased traffic and aircraft, and environmental justice. He added that the complainants were provided with information including contact information for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DEEP Bureau of Air Management, and the DEEP Environmental Justice Program; a link to the FAA’s Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD); and contact information for the Tweed Airport Operator to report complaints regarding airport operations and/or noise.
  
  
• Aresta reported that the Council received inquiries from two individuals from East Granby regarding potential impacts associated with increased traffic from a proposed development in their town. He added that Council staff responded via phone and email to 1) provide information regarding the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA), and 2) refer the individuals to the Connecticut Department of Transportation to address the traffic issues.
  
  
• Aresta reported that the Council received a complaint regarding potential impacts to wetlands associated with the construction of housing in Mansfield. He added that he contacted the Manfield Environmental Planner /Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) regarding the complaints and was provided with information that addressed each of the complaints.
  
  
• Aresta reported that the Council recently received a response to a letter directed to DEEP that included complaints regarding the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed forest management activities identified in the draft Forest Resource Management Plan (FMP) for The Preserve State Forest (TPSF) and the applicability of CEPA. Aresta added that DEEP’s response suggested that FMPs do not warrant scoping, but certain forest management activities could result in scoping under CEPA, which might conflict with the provisions of DEEP’s draft agency-specific Environmental Classification Document.

5. Executive Director’s Report

• Regional Water Authority application for land disposition- 233 Skiff Street, Hamden
  Carboni noted that the Regional Water Authority (RWA) is applying for the disposition of 0.32 acres of watershed land located at 233 Skiff Street in Hamden. He summarized the characteristics of the building and property and noted that no comments were recommended.
  
  
• 2025 Nips Survey
  Aresta summarized changes that were made to the Nips survey to simplify the collection of data and reduce confusion. He added that the survey will be distributed on September 19. Aresta also noted that the amount of funds that were distributed to the municipalities was approximately $4.8 M for the last 12 month period.
  
  Rodosevich made a motion to add to the Council’s legislative agenda/recommendations to have another agency/entity undertake the analysis of how the Nips funds are used; seconded by Ainsworth. The motion was approved unanimously.
  
  
• Website Accessibility Update
  Aresta reported that significant progress has been made in identifying webpages that are exempt from the accessibility requirements.

6. State Agency Actions 
a. DEEP

• Notice of Fine Particulate Matter and Sulfur Dioxide Air Quality Standards and a Fine Particular Matter Impact Level 
  Aresta noted that DEEP made available a notice of a proposal to amend the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) regarding air quality standards as a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP). He summarized the proposed changes to the RCSA and noted that the Council could provide comments in support of the proposed changes.
  
  Rodosevich made a motion to provide a letter of support for the proposed changes for more stringent air quality standards; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
  
  
• Notice of Scoping for Proposed Modification of Easements to Allow a 199-psig Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline Within Portions of Hurd State Park and Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail, East Hampton, Haddam/Higganum, and Middletown. 
  Aresta noted that DEEP submitted a scoping notice to allow for a natural gas pipeline across and under state property including Hurd State Park and Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail. He added that the Council provided comments to the CSC regarding Petition 1679 for electric transmission  infrastructure in the same area. Ainsworth suggested that it might be efficient to consider installing the electric and natural gas infrastructure beneath the Connecticut River at the same time, and that the Council should 1) notify the Siting Council that this proposed project exists, and 2) to notify DEEP to see if there can be some environmental efficiencies by coordinating the two applications within the easement. 
  
  Rodosevich made a motion to make sure that both agencies (the Siting Council and DEEP) are aware of both actions to try to gain environmental efficiencies; seconded by Lettieri. There was discussion regarding the potential environmental impacts and technical feasibility of installing both the electric and natural gas pipeline infrastructure underground within the same easement. The motion was approved unanimously.

b. Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) 
Comments recommended:

• Petition 1683 (solar, Woodbury)
  Carboni noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Greenskies Clean Energy to construct and operate a 2.75-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in Woodbury. He summarized the environmental characteristics of the proposed project and site and noted that draft comments have been developed that address visibility, water quality/spill control, wetlands and vernal pools, and wildlife.
  
  
• Docket 542 (telecom, Stonington) 
  Carboni noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Towers LLC to construct a 150-foot tower within a 50 square foot compound in the northwest portion of the property located off Pequotsepos Road in Stonington. He summarized the environmental characteristics of the proposed project and site and noted that draft comments have been developed that address wetlands and potential flood hazards.
  
  
• Docket 543 (telecom, Washington) 
  Carboni noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Towers LLC to construct a 140-foot tower within a 50 square foot compound in Washington.  He summarized the environmental characteristics of the proposed project and site and noted that draft comments have been developed that address core forest and wetlands, with attention toward the wetland restoration plan.  He added that the draft comments include a suggestion that the Applicant assess the possibility of moving the access road and facility compound to minimize impacts on those resources.
  
  
• Petition 1685 (solar, Willington)
  Aresta noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Willington Solar One to construct and operate a 1.9-MW solar PV system in Willington.  He noted that draft comments have been developed that address wildlife and visibility/tree removal.
  
  
• Petition 1686 (solar, Morris)
  Aresta noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Greenskies Clean Energy LLC to construct and operate an approximately 5-MW solar PV facility located in Morris. He summarized some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed project and site and noted that draft comments have been developed that address wildlife (clarification of the Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) requirements), visibility, and water protection/spill prevention.
  
  
• Docter 492A (solar, East Windsor)
  Aresta noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Gravel Pit Solar to modify Docket 492’s Certificate to construct and operate an additional 30 MW of solar capacity to the previously approved project (120 MW). He added that some of the new parcels would be used for the proposed solar panels and others would be used to convey the electricity, and a portion of the proposed expansion would be located on properties that have already been approved by the CSC for solar projects. Aresta noted that draft comments have been developed that address farmland, wetlands and vernal pools, and noise.
  
  Petras made a motion to approve the comments for the petitions and the applications; seconded by Warzecha. The motion was approved unanimously.

No comments recommended:

• Petition 1681 (solar, North Branford)
  Carboni reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from Jefferson Solar LLC to construct and operate a 2.0-MW solar PV facility in North Branford. He noted some environmental characteristics of the proposed site and project.
  
  
• Petition 1682 (solar, Groton)
  Carboni reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from VCP Groton to construct and operate a 4.9-MW solar PV facility at the former Groton Landfill in Groton. He reviewed some characteristics of the proposed site and project and noted that the petitioner would also seek approval from DEEP for post-closure use and authorization for disruption of a solid waste disposal area.
  
  
• Petition 1684 (solar, Scotland)
  Carboni reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from Greenskies Clean Energy to construct and operate a 4.6-MW solar PV facility in Scotland. He noted some environmental characteristics of the proposed site and project.
  
  
• Petition 1687 (solar, Plainfield)
  Carboni reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from Plainfield Solar One to develop a 4.0-MW solar PV facility in Plainfield. He noted some characteristics of the proposed site and project.

7. Other Business 
Aresta noted that the Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2025, and it will be a hybrid (in-person or remote) meeting.

Aresta reported that DEEP issued a notice of a draft expedited request for proposals (RFP) to procure new, advanced stage solar and wind generation resources at risk of losing eligibility for certain federal tax credits. He added that changes to federal tax laws require that solar and wind generation resources be in service by the end of 2027 to qualify for certain production and investment tax credits, but the in-service date requirement does not apply to solar and wind generation resources that begin construction by July 4, 2026.

Lettieri made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 AM; seconded by Warzecha. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was concluded.

A recording¹ of the meeting is available online and by email request of the Council (email to: CEQ@ct.gov). (Disclaimer: The transcript associated with the meeting recording is computer-generated and may contain typos that have not been edited.)