Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

August 26 2026 Meeting Minutes

Council on Environmental Quality Meeting Minutes

Minutes of August 26, 2026, meeting of the Council on Environmental Quality (Council) held via Zoom.

MEMBERS PRESENT: (Remote) Timothy Bishop (Acting Chair), Aimee Petras, Cinzia Lettieri, Christopher Donnelly, and Linda Bowers.

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Paul Aresta (Council - Executive Director), Ryan Carboni (Council – Environmental Analyst), and Justine Phillips-Gallucci, (Office of Policy and Management (OPM)). Members of the public who spoke: Brian Coleman, Sena Waver, Francis Pickering, State Representative Joseph Gresko, and Laura Tordenti.

  1. Call to Order: Establishment of a Quorum

    At 9:31 AM, Bishop called the meeting to order.

    It was the consensus of the members present to move to the “Citizen Comment Period” because there was not a quorum of Council members present.

  2. Citizen Comment Period
    • Brian Coleman expressed concerns regarding the proposed golf practice facility, potential impacts of water use at the University of Connecticut (UConn), and the proposed redevelopment of Carriage House Apartments off Hunting Lodge Road in Mansfield.

    • Sena Wazer expressed concerns regarding the Brookfield Compressor Station expansion including, but not limited to, greenhouse gas emissions and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Wazer also raised concerns regarding the process for enforcement, public participation and records management.

    • Francis Pickering expressed concerns regarding noise and the environmental and public health impacts of noise pollution.

    • Representative Joseph Gresko noted that the legislature considered legislation last session to address noise and expressed interest in any suggestions from the Council and others have regarding the control of noise.

    At 9:55 AM, Bishop confirmed that there was a quorum of Council members present.

    Petras made a motion to revise the agenda to move items 5 (noise regulations and enforcement); 7a (Advisory Council, Permit for Iroquois, General Permits, and Reclassification of Groundwater); and Item 7b (Petitions 1714, 1716, 1717, and 1719) to the top of the agenda; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.

     

  3. Control of Noise - Noise Regulations and Enforcement
    Aresta summarized existing statutes and regulations and some of the materials provided by members of the public regarding the control of noise. He added that the Council could consider certain actions including, but not limited to, providing a letter to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino with suggestions for certain actions to better address the control of noise; identifying resources for noise enforcement as a legislative priority; supporting legislation that addresses noise control; and expanding consideration of noise when reviewing projects/permits/plans and developing comments, as appropriate. 

    Petras made a motion to approve the letter to DEEP’s Acting Commissioner Cimino concerning noise; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
  4. State Agency Actions 
    a. DEEP:
    • Advisory Council for Sec. 16 of Public Act. 26-127 (Solar Siting)) 
      Aresta summarized key findings regarding solar proposals submitted to the Connecticut Siting Council and the potential impact of the provisions of Public Act 17-218, which requires certain solar projects to obtain a determination from the Department of Agriculture and DEEP that a proposed project would not materially affect the status of prime farmland and core forest, respectively. Aresta and Donnelly noted that draft comments have been developed that aid in addressing three questions identified in Public Act 26-127, Section 16 related to siting solar facilities. Donnelly suggested that the Council should submit the comments to DEEP in response to the Notice of Proceeding and to also provide the information to DEEP through the Advisory Council, as appropriate.

      Petras made a motion to approve the comments for the Notice of Proceeding public comment period related to the siting of solar facilities; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.

    • Notice of Tentative Determination to Approve Point Source New Source Review Permit Applications - Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
      Aresta reported that DEEP issued a tentative determination to approve New Source Review permits for two new combustion turbine natural gas compressors and two (2) modified combustion turbine natural gas compressors for Iroquois Gas Transmissions System L.P. He added that Iroquois Gas Transmissions System L.P requested a revision to the applications for carbon monoxide (CO) and DEEP provided a comment period for those proposed modifications. Aresta reported that Rodosevich expressed concerns regarding the proposed increase of CO emissions and draft comments were developed that address 1) the potential impact of CO emissions on applicable ambient air quality standards for ground level ozone, and 2) increasing the monitoring frequency for CO for all of the natural gas compressors.

      Donnelly made a motion to approve the comments for the New Source Review Permit Applications; seconded by Petras. The motion was approved unanimously.

    •  Notice of Intent to Renew various General Permits for Diversion of Water for Consumptive Use
      Carboni reported that DEEP provided notice that the agency is renewing several general permits that regulate the diversion of water for consumptive use. He summarized the proposed changes and noted that draft comments have been developed that address definitions, protection of habitat and state-listed species, availability of stream gauge data, estimation of waterbody volumes for non-flowing surface waters, notification to health departments and water utilities, and drought response.

      Petras made a motion to approve the draft comments regarding the General Permits; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
    • The Reclassifications of Ground Water - Ansonia, Cromwell, Waterbury
      Carboni reported that DEEP published a tentative determination to reclassify groundwater at three individual sites in Ansonia, Cromwell, and Waterbury from GA to GB. He summarized why the groundwater classifications were being changed and how it would impact the use of that water. He noted that draft comments have been developed that address notification to the appropriate local health departments/districts and the appropriate public water systems; testing for nearby downgradient drinking water wells; and verifying that structures located on or adjacent to the reclassified lands have not been impacted by volatilizing pollutants. Donnelly and Bishop noted the location of two parcels that are proposed to be designated as GB and their proximity to the Naugatuck River.

      Petras made a motion to approve the comments for the reclassification of groundwater; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
    b. Connecticut Siting Council (CSC):
    Comments recommended:
    • Petition 1714 (solar, North Haven)
      Carboni reported that Greenskies Clean Energy LLC proposes to develop a 3.0-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar facility in North Haven. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address wildlife, farmland soils, and spill prevention.

    • Petition 1716 (solar, Hebron)
      Carboni reported that Hebron Solar One proposes to construct and operate a 3.0 MW solar-based photovoltaic (PV) facility in Hebron. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address core forest, farmland, tri-colored bat, and Northern long-eared bat.

      Donnelly commented on the draft comments for Petition 1716 and expressed concerns regarding the use of the word “indirectly” for the impact to core forest. He suggested changing the comments to indicate that core forest would be directly impacted and suggested adding a sentence that in many cases, the removal of edge forest is effectively removing the total area of core forest.

    • Petition 1717 (solar, Naugatuck)
      Carboni reported that TRITEC Americas, LLC proposes to construct and operate a 3.92-MW ground-mounted solar PV facility in Naugatuck He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address vegetation/core forests, wetlands/vernal pools, and wildlife. Aresta noted suggested revisions by Rodosevich, including adding “given the importance of vernal pools” and a phrase that the Petitioner should be required to eliminate or minimize impacts to wildlife to the maximum extent possible that could result from the vegetation clearing.

      Bishop suggested adding a phrase to the Council’s comments for Petition 1717 that any survey for vernal pools should be done between January and June.

    • Petition 1719 (solid waste/energy, Plainfield)
      Aresta reported that SMART Technology Systems, LLC proposes to construct and operate a 45-megawatt trash-to-energy electric generating facility and associated equipment in Plainfield. He noted that draft comments have been developed that request that the Siting Council schedule a hearing or allow additional time for state agencies and members of the public to submit comments regarding the proposed facility.

      Petras made a motion to approve the draft comments for Petitions 1714; 1716 and 1717, as amended; and 1719; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
  5. Approval of minutes of July 22, 2026
    Petras made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the Council’s meeting on July 22, 2026; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.

    Laura Tordenti expressed concerns regarding the proposed golf practice facility in Mansfield, including potential impacts to groundwater and surface water, chemical use, drainage and erosion, displacement or destruction of wildlife and habitat, and removal of mature vegetation.

  6. Citizen Complaints and Inquiries Received
    • Aresta reported that Council staff contacted DEEP’s Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) to follow up on the inquiry from the last meeting regarding possible changes to the NDDB map for Hebron. He added that the NDDB responded to the questions that were raised and the individual has had direct communications with the NDDB.

    • Aresta reported that Council staff followed up on the complaint regarding the low water level in the pond adjacent to Millwrights on West Street in Simsbury. He added that DEEP indicated that the closest water diversion permittee to the pond is a golf course and that the amount of water withdrawn was well below the permitted diversion. Petras noted that the water level in the pond is now higher and suggested that the condition of the impoundment, the amount of sediment, and extreme drought in the early summer may have been responsible for the lower water level of the pond.

    • Aresta reported that the Council received correspondence regarding the enforcement of noise regulations/ordinances, which was addressed earlier in the meeting.

    • Carboni reported that the Council received a complaint regarding a failing stormwater system at a condominium association in Middletown. He added that Council staff contacted DEEP’s Water Permitting and Enforcement Division (WPED) for stormwater enforcement and DEEP’s Dam Safety Regulatory Program and was informed that the condominium association hired an engineer who is completing a dam registration form.

    • Carboni reported that the Council received a Freedom of Information Act request seeking purchasing records related to certain vendors. He added that the FOIA request was provided to DEEP since it must be processed through their GOVQA system and DEEP has all the financial records.

    • Carboni reported that the Council was copied on a complaint regarding the public health impacts of Fox Hill Lake in Ridgefield, including concerns regarding hydrogen sulfide, cyanotoxins, and anaerobic decomposition. He added that the email was directed to the Commissioners of DEEP and the Department of Public Health (DPH), and additional contacts at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), DEEP, and DPH.

    • Aresta noted that the Council received a letter regarding concerns about the proposed golf practice facility in Mansfield. He added that the individual that sent the comments spoke earlier in the meeting.
  7. Executive Director's Report
    • Annual Report
      Aresta summarized new data for forest birds and possible changes to the format and layout of the annual report indicator pages. He added that the survey for the expenditure of funds for the miniature alcohol beverage containers (Nips) would be sent to municipal contacts in mid-September.
  8. State Agency Actions
    b. Connecticut Siting Council (CSC):
    No comments recommended
    • Petition 1715 (telecom, New Haven)
      Carboni reported that Verizon Wireless is proposing to install a wireless telecommunications facility on the roof of the building in New Haven. He summarized the proposed project.

    • Petition 1718 (solar, Haddam)
      Carboni reported that Greenskies Clean Energy LLC proposes to develop a 3.75- MW ground-mounted solar facility in Haddam. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site.
  9. Other Business
    Aresta noted that the Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2026, and it will be a hybrid meeting.

    Carboni provided an update on issues related to the redemption rate for deposit beverage containers and relevant legislation.

    Petras made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 AM; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was concluded.
    A recording of the meeting1 is available online (using passcode FK69M#ki) 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.)

     1Passcode: FK69M#ki https://ctdeep.zoom.us/rec/share/Fa18nqurIfPKlGDw2zg399HGGRyiPHJWiSHpweNxXOlXeyZpbXdApALfntXaKJwl.fttNcXo0iYBOsnj3