July 22 2026 Meeting Minutes

DRAFT MINUTES

THESE DRAFT MINUTES HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY STAFF AS A RECORD OF WHAT OCCURRED AT THE MEETING. AT THE NEXT MEETING, COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL REVIEW THESE MINUTES AND MIGHT MAKE CORRECTIONS BEFORE APPROVING THEM. READERS SHOULD RELY ON THE APPROVED VERSION FOR A COMPLETELY ACCURATE RECORD.

1. Call to Order: Establishment of a Quorum
   At 9:30 AM, Petras called the meeting to order, took attendance, and confirmed that there was a quorum of Council members present.
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2. Approval of minutes of June 24, 2026
   Bowers made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the Council’s meeting on June 24, 2026; seconded by Warzecha. The motion was approved unanimously with Rodosevich abstaining because she was not present at the previous meeting.
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3. Citizen Comment Period
   
   • Amy Ziffer commented on DEEP’s lack of enforcement regarding noise regulations in the state and a decision in a recent court case regarding the Noise Control Act of 1972.
     
     
   • Susan Masino commented on the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) program/process and noted that just because there’s no indication of an NDDB record doesn't mean that there aren’t environmental resources present. Masino also noted that a pond, located next to Millwrights on West Street in Simsbury, almost went dry and might be associated with a water diversion.
     
     
   • Jill Paterson commented on a proposed practice golf facility for the University of Connecticut in Mansfield. Paterson noted the potential impacts on water resources in the watershed and conifers on the proposed site. 
4. Citizen Complaints and Inquiries Received 
   
   • Carboni reported that a few more individuals contacted the Council to register concerns regarding DEEP’s proposal to modify existing easements to allow the construction, maintenance and operation of a natural gas pipeline. He added that Council staff replied to the individuals and provided information on the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) process, including opportunities for public participation.
     
     
   • Carboni reported that Council staff followed up on the complaint in Westbrook regarding the location of boulders near a revetment that could impede access for the public. He added that Council staff spoke with staff from DEEP’s Land and Water Resources Division (LWRD) who indicated that there was no violation of the Coastal Management Program; however, the property owner may be amenable to improving access.
     
     
   • Carboni reported that the Council received an inquiry/complaint about potentially contaminated soil in Easton. He added that Council staff provided the individual with contact information for DEEP’s Remediation Division.
     
     
   • Carboni reported that the Council received an inquiry regarding the opportunity to speak at an upcoming Council meeting about a proposed practice golf facility for the University of Connecticut in Mansfield. He added that Council staff responded with details about speaking at Council meetings.
     
     
   • Carboni reported that the Council received another inquiry regarding participation in Council meetings. He added that Council staff responded with details about speaking at Council meetings. Aresta added that the Council received correspondence from the individual that highlighted concerns about noise and enforcement of regulations/ordinances for the control of noise, which was provided to Council members. Aresta suggested a few actions that the Council could consider to better address enforcement for the control of noise.
     
     
   • Carboni reported that the Council received comments yesterday from a citizen regarding the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) Study Recommendations and Scope of the NDDB Mapping Modernization Project. He added that the citizen’s comments express support for the recommendations to increase NDDB program staffing, expertise and funding, and do not support 1) efforts to reduce or eliminate the need for field studies as part of the application and NDDB review process for permitting and 2) a mitigation banking program.
     
     Frank Zitkus commented that the NDDB program should focus on effectiveness not efficiency and should provide additional education/training resources for municipal agencies; noted concerns about the potential impact of forest management activities on state-listed species; and questioned a recent modification to a NDDB map that previously depicted an NDDB buffer area the town of Hebron.
     
     
   • Carboni reported that the Council received two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking purchasing records. He added that the FOIA requests were provided to DEEP since it must be processed through their GOVQA system and DEEP has all the financial records.
5. Executive Director’s Report
   
   
   • Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) presentation Carboni provided an overview of CEPA and the Council’s role in the CEPA process. He noted that the CEPA process begins when a sponsoring agency proposes to undertake or recommend an action that can significantly affect the environment but does not include activities where state agencies have no discretion or emergency measures. Carboni noted that the Council publishes the Environmental Monitor that might include notices required by the CEPA regulations with information for proposed actions. Aresta and Carboni responded to Council members’ questions and provided clarification regarding the ability for the public to provide comments during the CEPA process; the content of the Environmental Review Checklist (ERC); review of agencies’ ERCs and the documentation and process for an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE); DEEP’s review of CEPA actions; and opportunities to request a scoping meeting or hearing by the public. Eric Hammerling commented that DEEP’s Office of Environmental Review and Strategic Initiatives reviews CEPA materials and shares those materials with a group of over 100 subject matter experts throughout DEEP who may also provide comments.
     
     
   • Advisory Council for Sec. 16 of Public Act. 26-127 (Solar Siting)
     Aresta reported that the Advisory Council met remotely on July 20 and there was a discussion of the requirements of Public Act 26-127, Section 16; the objectives and structure of the Advisory Council; the formation of workgroups; and next steps. Donnelly noted that he would likely participate in the siting working group and the Advisory Council might meet in August.
6. State Agency Actions
   a. DEEP:
   
   • Forest Resource Management Plan Mohawk State Forest
     Aresta reported that DEEP released an updated forest management plan (FMP) for the Mohawk State Forest (MSF). He added that DEEP plans to undertake silvicultural treatments on approximately 700 acres, invasive plants treatments on approximately 600 acres, and mark all boundaries. Aresta noted that draft comments have been developed that suggest that DEEP clarify information for Old Forestland Management Sites (OFMS); clarify how wetland areas would be identified and protected; identify measures to ensure a “healthy forest”; identify state and federally-listed species and include any recommended protective measures; clarify information for measures to address invasive species; identify measures to address unauthorized/illegal activities; and clarify if there would be any potential impacts on cultural resources. Aresta and Donnelly responded to a question from Rodosevich and noted that the draft FMP addressed core forest.
     
     Warzecha made a motion to approve the draft comments for the FMP for the MSF; seconded by Donnelly. The motion was approved unanimously.
     
     
   • Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF) Draft Recommendations - Year 8< Aresta reported that DEEP will be finalizing its draft recommendations for Year 8 of the SCEF program addressing the program’s price cap and bid preferences. He added that draft comments have been developed that suggest increasing the bid preference for the development of solar projects on landfills and brownfield sites; increasing the bid preference for solar canopies; providing an additional bid preference for solar projects that are located on landfills, brownfields and as solar canopies if the projects provide additional reliability benefits; and providing a bid preference for development of solar on projects on rooftops and previously developed land.
     
     Donnelly made a motion to approve the draft comments for the SCEF recommendations; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
     
     
   • NDDB Study Recommendations and Scope of NDDB Mapping Modernization Project Aresta reported that DEEP issued a notice seeking public input regarding ways to strengthen and improve implementation of the NDDB program. He added that a draft study was completed and he summarized the key findings. Aresta noted that draft comments have been developed that address a number of the questions identified in the public notice, including a recommendation that DEEP not reduce the frequency of required applicant surveys. Rodosevich suggested two revisions to the draft comments, including a recommendation to enhance education of the NDDB program for municipal agencies. There was general discussion regarding support for additional staff resources to implement the recommendations identified in the study.
     
     Lettieri made a motion to approve the draft comments regarding the NDDB study with the inclusion of municipal agencies, as suggested by Rodosevich, in the last sentence for question 8; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
   
   
   • Updated Forest Resource Management Plan – Nathan Hale State Forest, Nathan Hale Block
     Aresta reported that DEEP released an updated draft FMP for the Nathan Hale State Forest (NHSF). He added that DEEP plans to undertake silvicultural treatments on 239 acres, invasive plants treatments on approximately 130 acres, and mark all 14 miles of boundary. Aresta noted that draft comments have been developed that suggest that DEEP clarify information for OFMS; clarify how wetland areas and vernal pools would be identified and protected; clarify information for measures to address invasive species; clarify extent of core forest and potential impact of forest management activities; and clarify if there would be any potential impacts on cultural resources. Aresta and Donnelly commented on the status and management of areas within the NHSF that are designated as Natural Area Preserves in the draft FMP.
     
     Rodosevich made a motion to approve the draft comments for the FMP for the NHSF; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
   
   
   • Notice of Intent Published on Proposed Updates to Connecticut’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Regulations
     Carboni reported that DEEP published a notice of intent seeking public comments on updating Connecticut’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) regulations. Carboni summarized the intent of the RGGI program, the reasons that DEEP is proposing to amend the regulations, and the proposed changes to the regulations. Rodosevich requested additional information on the RGGI program and clarification of whether the program is effective in reducing emissions. Carboni responded that RGGI is similar to a cap and trade program and Aresta indicated that staff would provide Council members with additional information.
   
   
   • Notice of Withdrawal Draft Comprehensive General Permit for Discharges to Surface and Ground Water
     Carboni reported that DEEP provided notice that the most recent Draft Comprehensive General Permit for Discharges to Surface and Ground Water (Comprehensive General Permit) was withdrawn because Public Act 26-124 amended the definition of “potable water system maintenance or sampling wastewater” for discharges from public and private drinking water treatment systems. Carboni added that DEEP plans to revise and reissue the draft Comprehensive General Permit to conform to the new statutory requirements. 
   b. Connecticut Siting Council (CSC):
   
   • Petition 1713 (energy storage, Manchester ) - No comments recommended
     Carboni reported that the Town of Manchester proposes to construct and operate a 300-kilowatt battery energy storage system in Manchester. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site.
   c. Department of Public Health:
   
   • Notice of Scoping for The Metropolitan District Commission Transmission Main Project
     Aresta reported that the Department of Public Health (DPH) published Notice of Scoping for The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Transmission Main Project in the Environmental Monitor. He added that the MDC public water system is proposing to install a new 30-inch diameter water transmission main from Windsor through portions of Hartford, beneath the Connecticut River and Podunk River, through South Windsor to East Hartford. Aresta noted that draft comments have been developed that recommend that the DPH have an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) completed for the proposed action, and then he reviewed the potential environmental characteristics of the proposed project area.
     
     Rodosevich made a motion to approve the draft comments for the proposed action identified in the DPH scoping notice; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
7. Other Business 
   Aresta noted that the Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2026, and it will be a remote meeting.
   
   Aresta reported that DEEP will prepare a Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES) plan for Connecticut that will examine future energy needs and measures to mitigate certain environmental impacts of Connecticut’s energy use, such as greenhouse gas emissions and emissions of criteria air pollutants. 
   
   Aresta reported that the fourth workshop in a series hosted by DEEP to explore new nuclear technologies in Connecticut has been scheduled for July 22, from 2:00-5:00 PM.
   
   Aresta reported that Council staff will be sending out the miniature alcohol beverage container (Nips) expenditures survey form in mid-September. He added that the annual report subcommittee is open to all interested Council members.
   
   Donnelly requested information on how the proceeds from the RGGI program are expended.
   
   Rodosevich requested information from the NDDB program on why “blobs” or buffer areas might be removed from the NDDB maps.
   
   Rodosevich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:39 AM; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was concluded.
   
   A recording of the meeting¹ is available online (using passcode 6*CNEDi^) 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.)
   
    

_{1 Passcode: 6*CNEDi^
https://ctdeep.zoom.us/rec/share/a63u4ugALfp_u_Ay9dmGVagILwek0jNQQFR_ydIj0Z-KbUj6TyKZ_zstPJShT3Fw.XGetaQetj2OEkR1h}