Council on Environmental Quality Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the September 24, 2025, meeting of the Council on Environmental Quality (Council) held in person at 79 Elm Street, Hartford and via Zoom.
MEMBERS PRESENT: (Remote) Keith Ainsworth (Acting Chair), Linda Bowers, Aimee Petras, William Warzecha, Cinzia Lettieri, Timothy Bishop, David Kalafa, and (in person) Christopher Donnelly
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Paul Aresta (Council - Executive Director), Ryan Carboni (Council – Environmental Analyst), Jordan DiDomenico (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)), Becca Dahl (Office of Policy and Management (OPM)), and Justine Phillips-Gallucci (OPM). Members of the public that spoke: Gabriel Slaughter
1. Call to Order: Establishment of a Quorum
At 9:30 AM, Ainsworth called the meeting to order, took attendance, and confirmed that there was a quorum of Council members present.
There was a brief discussion regarding quarterly in-person meetings, and it was the consensus of the Council to continue the option to meet in person each quarter.
2. Approval of minutes of August 27, 2025
Bowers made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the Council’s meeting on August 27, 2025; seconded by Warzecha. The motion was approved unanimously with Kalafa and Donnelly abstaining because they were not present at the August 27 meeting.
Warzecha made a motion to revise the agenda to add Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) Petition 1690; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Citizen Comment Period
There were no citizen comments.
4. Citizen Complaints and Inquiries Received
- Aresta reported that Council staff contacted DEEP to inquire if there are audit provisions for agreements/contracts between DEEP and municipalities, and if so, are there enforcement mechanisms. He added that DEEP responded by 1) providing information that there are audit requirements, and 2) noting that if an entity does not comply with the audit requirement(s) or other provision(s), they may be denied funding in the future and/or the state might request the funds be returned or offset amounts of funds for future awards.
- Aresta reported that the Council was notified that a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was filed with the state, but the Council has not received the FOIA request or any request to provide information and no action is needed at this time.
- Carboni reported that the Council received an inquiry regarding the reporting procedure for spotted lantern fly. He added that Council staff directed the individual to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, which has an online survey/reporting form.
- Carboni reported that the Council received an inquiry from a member of the press regarding a Notice of Scoping for the Former Windsor Street Data Center in Hartford. He added that Council staff provided some information regarding the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) process and the contact information for the sponsoring agency.
- Carboni reported that the Council received a follow-up inquiry regarding a complaint that was possibly submitted to DEEP regarding potential impacts to wetlands resulting from forestry operations in Newtown. He added that Council staff inquired to DEEP and are awaiting a response to confirm 1) if the complaint was received by DEEP, and 2) the status of the investigation regarding the complaint.
5. Executive Director’s Report
- Draft schedule for 2026
Aresta reviewed the draft schedule for Council meetings for 2026 and noted that the meetings are mostly scheduled for the fourth Wednesday in each month, except for November and December, which will be on the third Wednesday, due to the holidays.
Lettieri made a motion to approve the proposed schedule for Council meetings for 2026; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
Gabriel Slaughter asked about the inquiry from a member of the press regarding a Notice of Scoping for the Former Windsor Street Data Center in Hartford. Aresta reiterated that Council staff responded by providing information regarding the CEPA process and directed the individual to the sponsoring agency.
- Annual Report
Aresta reviewed preliminary data for the 2025 annual report, including greenhouse gas emissions, forests, lobster landings, water quality, and marine species. There was general discussion regarding the data and suggestions for refinement. Kalafa questioned if there were data for marine mammals in Long Island Sound. Aresta responded that Council staff would inquire if there are data for marine mammals in Long Island Sound.
6. State Agency Actions
a. DEEP
- Updated Forest Resource Management Plan Centennial Watershed State Forest: Easton Reservoir Block
Aresta reported that a draft Updated Forest Resource Management Plan (FMP) for the Centennial Watershed State Forest: Easton Reservoir Block (ERB) was recently released. He noted some confusing language in the draft FMP and indicated that draft comments have been developed that address invasive species, wetlands and watercourses, wildlife, and a suggestion for clarification of some text and maps. Donnelly noted that the draft FMP did a very good job identifying the priorities for the ERB and suggested that more information on how deer browse will be addressed in the draft FMP would be helpful.
Donnelly made a motion to approve draft comments regarding the draft FMP; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
- Release-Based Remediation Working Group (RBWG) – Update
Aresta reported that the RBWG held a meeting on September 9 and there was discussion regarding training for the new class of environmental professionals; the functions and status of the REACT database; and plans for a new RBWG 2.0 that will assess implementation of the new program and regulations.
- Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Building a Regional Composting Facility for Southeastern Connecticut in Preston
Aresta reported that DEEP developed an EIE because DEEP proposes to provide funds to the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) to construct the first large-scale aerobic food waste composting facility in southeastern Connecticut. He reviewed why an EIE was developed for the provision of grant funds and noted that draft comments have been developed that address noise, state and federally listed species, and the clarification of certain information to better assist the public to assess the information. Kalafa questioned if methane was considered in the EIE. Aresta responded that greenhouse gas emissions were addressed in the EIE.
Lettieri made a motion to approve the draft comments regarding the EIE for Building a Regional Composting Facility for Southeastern Connecticut in Preston; seconded by Donnelly. The motion was approved unanimously with Warzecha abstaining.
- Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for a Regional Composting Facility in Kent
Aresta reported that DEEP developed an EIE because DEEP proposes to provide funds to the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority (HRRA) to construct a solar-powered regional in-vessel composting facility at the Kent Transfer Station to process food scraps on site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address noise, state and federally listed species, and the clarification of certain information to better assist the public to assess the information.
Petras made a motion to approve draft comments regarding the EIE for a Regional Composting Facility in Kent; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
- 2024 Draft Integrated Water Quality Report (IWQR)
Carboni reported that DEEP released the draft IWQR that was prepared to satisfy the reporting requirements of Sections 305(b) and 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). He reviewed some of the key findings from the draft IWQR and noted that draft comments have been developed that suggest clarification/additional information regarding certain chemicals and the criteria for the designation of certain lakes as “fully supporting”, and that the IWQR include an explanation for significant changes from the previous report. Bowers questioned if the percentage of wadeable streams in Connecticut that meet the aquatic life use support goals matches the data depicted in the chart for the annual report. Aresta responded that he will review the IWQR and provide additional information to answer the question.
Petras made a motion to approve draft comments regarding the 2024 draft IWQR; seconded by Kalafa. The motion was approved unanimously.
b. Connecticut Siting Council (CSC)
Comments recommended:
- Petition 1688 (solar, Manchester)
Carboni noted that Council staff reviewed a proposal by Greenskies Clean Energy to construct and operate a 1.2-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in Manchester. He summarized the environmental characteristics of the proposed project and site and noted that draft comments have been developed that address noise, visibility, wetlands, farmland soils, and public water supply/spill prevention.
Bishop made a motion to approve the draft comments for Petition 1688; seconded by Warzecha. There was general discussion regarding the development of solar facilities on agricultural soils and agrivoltaics. The motion was approved unanimously.
No comments recommended:
- Petition 1645A (Solar, Mansfield)
Carboni reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from VCP Mansfield LF to amend the approval of Petition 1645 for the development of a 1.8 MW solar facility in Mansfield. He added that the amendment would entail changes to the access road and electrical interconnection.
- Petition 1689 (telecom, Fairfield)
Carboni reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from Cellco Partnership to modify an existing electric transmission line structure in Fairfield. He noted some environmental characteristics of the proposed site and project.
- Petition 1690 (energy, Haddam – East Haddam)
Ainsworth noted that he will recuse himself for this item and Donnelly agreed to serve as Acting Chairman. Aresta reported that Council staff reviewed a proposal from Eversource to upgrade an approximately 1.5-mile portion of two electric transmission lines between Haddam Substation and East Haddam Junction, including an approximately 2,300-foot section that spans the Connecticut River and adjacent upland areas. Aresta noted the purpose of the proposed project is to increase reliability of the electric system by addressing asset condition issues. Ainsworth disclosed that he represents the Connecticut River Gateway Council (CRGC) and noted that the CRGC’s position is for the CSC to have a Certificate proceeding for regulatory review of the proposed project.
7. Other Business
Aresta noted that there will be a public meeting and opportunity for public comment regarding Connecticut’s Climate Action Planning activities on October 8, 2025, from noon to 2:00 PM.
Aresta noted that the Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 9:30 AM and it will be a remote meeting.
Donnelly made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:01 AM; seconded by Bowers. 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.)