Expanding Access to DEEP Information
DEEP is expanding access to our document records, maps, and data, and deepening our engagement with stakeholders through 20BY26 Goals 9, 10, 13, and 20.
Goal 9 sets out a strategic vision for modernizing DEEP’s record management and integrating this system with other IT systems through new online tools to access files and through map viewers. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024).
Latest Progress (as of October 1, 2025)
In Q3 2025, DEEP completed scanning and digitization of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) files in collaboration with an outside vendor, the State Librarian, and Connecticut’s IT Services (BITS), and started uploading files to DEEP’s Online Document Portal.
DEEP’s PCB unit continued preparing its records for scanning and digitizing.
DEEP kicked off its partnership with Industrial Economics (more info in Goal 7) to integrate geospatial analysis into permitting decision making.
As a reminder, DEEP encourages the public to directly search for documents and information using online resources before submitting a FOIA request through GovQA. These self-service data portals save researchers’ time and DEEP staff resources, and most importantly, provide answers faster. DEEP updated its FOIA webpage with charts outlining the type of documents and datasets located on DEEP’s online search portal.
Up NextDEEP will continue to upload LUST files to DEEP’s Online Document Portal and prepare PCB records for scanning. Which programmatic datasets are you interested in seeing in the Online Document Search Portal? Please feel free to let us know at DEEP.20BY26@ct.gov.
GOAL 9 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Spring 2025
Continuing with our efforts to put our records online, in Q2 2025, DEEP began preparing all PCBs Unit records for vendor scanning.
DEEP also selected and retained a vendor, Industrial Economics, Inc. (IEc), for the development of the Cumulative Impacts tool that is required by the EJ Law (see Goal 7).
Winter 2025
DEEP overhauled its GIS Open Data Hub with funding from OPM and contractors from ESRI. The branding and layout are now in-line with other state agency GIS Hubs, increasing usability, accessibility, and data transparency. We will provide continued education to the public on our data sharing systems via our websites and through responses to inquiries.
DEEP trained FOIA liaisons throughout the agency on the GovQA platform. Each Bureau at DEEP now has a FOIA lead. In Q1 2025, we received 490 FOIA requests and closed 61% so far; over the past year, we achieved an overall closure rate of 82%.
In Q1 2025, DEEP prepared all Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) records for vendor scanning. DEEP also re-started its Records Management Committee with representatives from each Bureau, together with Assistant Records Management Liaison Officers.
Fall 2024
DEEP updated public data available on our map viewers and data portals. Analytics show that these public data sources are in daily use, viewed thousands of times, and downloaded frequently. DEEP’s CT Geodata Portal updates this quarter include Natural Diversity Database (November 2024) and water pollution control facilities (December 2024). DEEP’s Open Data Portal is also regularly populated with data additions on topics such as hazardous waste, spill incidents, and underground storage tanks. Every quarter, DEEP receives hundreds of FOIA requests, ranging in complexity. We received about 1,300 requests by the end of Q4 2024 and achieved an annual fulfillment rate of 72%.
Summer 2024
DEEP’s Property Layer was accessed 435,757 times via our GIS Open Data Hub this quarter; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act application received 630 views since its release in February; and the Brownfield Inventory Application has received 280 views since the beginning of the year.
DEEP received close to 1,000 Freedom of Information Act requests by Q3 2024, of which 72% have been fulfilled. Over 500 requests were received in Q3 alone. Reports for emergency response unit documents are the most requested. These documents can be found directly by the requestor on our Online Documents Search Portal without going through the FOIA process.
Winter and Spring 2024
DEEP’s new Online Document Search Portal went live with a short instructional video; we updated the land surveyor submission criteria to include GIS-based property layers for faster integration with the DEEP-owned properties layer; we updated the Freedom of Information Act webpage; and the State Emergency Response Commission released a new map viewer.
Building off DEEP’s Goal 9 work to enhance access to public records, DEEP’s strategic IT vision in Goal 10 focuses on developing more sophisticated and efficient IT systems to improve the functionality, both internally and externally, for critical programs. These innovations will help us better manage data management for pollution release areas, process e-payments for fees, receive documents from the public, and allow the e-filing of permits, all on one platform. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024).
Latest Progress (as of October 1, 2025)
In Q3 2025, DEEP’s e-payment portal received about 600 invoices, and processed each within 24 hours, since its launch in April 2025, making it easier for applicants and other customers to conduct business with DEEP. DEEP saw the volume of check payments decrease with this new, more efficient system. At the same time, DEEP saw an increase in the volume of paid client balances due to outstanding fees being more easily visible on the e-payment portal. Implementation of the e-payment portal has freed DEEP’s Accounts Receivable Office to work on backend data improvements that will improve project management.
DEEP continues to develop and test the Stormwater Industrial Permit (SIP) and Release Cleanup Tracker (REACT) systems to ensure proper functionality before launch. The SIP will enable online application filing through ezFile, and REACT will support cleanup project milestone tracking, document submittal, and regulatory compliance. The Adjudications Docket System has progressed through the discovery & design phase to the construction phase. Its internal and external functionality will provide increased public transparency, access to case details, public engagement, e-filing of case material, and greater efficiency for the hearing process.
Up Next
DEEP projects launch of its SIP module in Q4 2025 and REACT and the Adjudications system in Q1 2026. To accommodate the new e-filing modules, we will be redesigning our Online Services webpage.
GOAL 10 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Spring 2025
A big win for financial processing and time saving for our customers - In Q2 2025, DEEP and BITS completed and deployed the e-payment portal for use across all programs, simplifying and expediting payments to the Department. DEEP added the e-payment link to all invoices for permit applications, invoices, annual fees starting in Q2 2025; we have processed around 400 payments so far.
DEEP and BITS started the development of the Stormwater Industrial Permit (SIP) Application and continued building the internal and external functionality of the Release, Environmental Assessment, and Cleanup Tracking (REACT) system.
DEEP procured a vendor for the development of a new Adjudications Docket System, which will provide increased public transparency and efficiency.
Winter 2025
In Q1 2025, DEEP and BITS completed testing on the e-payment portal for use across all programs, simplifying and expediting payments to the Department. DEEP and BITS started the development of the Stormwater Industrial Permit (SIP) Application and continued building the internal and external functionality of the Release, Environmental Assessment, and Cleanup Tracking (REACT) system, with hundreds of design elements developed, and construction underway.
Fall 2024
DEEP and BITS continued work on the construction and development of REACT and electronic payment platforms. DEEP and BITS have also started the discovery and design process for a stormwater electronic permitting platform. The Adjudications Office selected a docket management system and public portal.
Summer 2024
DEEP and BITS identified hundreds of functional and technical features to be included in the new online tracking system, which we named the Release, Environmental Assessment, & Cleanup Tracker (REACT). We listed example documents and applicable regulations and statutes, and we inventoried GIS map layers that will be integrated into the system. We completed 3 development cycles (sprints) that included 70 user stories to test and build the system. We then identified requirements and initiated data migration tasks to integrate our existing data management system with the new platform.
Winter and Spring 2024
DEEP and BITS outlined the activities included in processing electronic payments and tracking release cleanup cases. We began refining the processes to register users on the online platform to allow document and payment submittals.
Through Goal 13, DEEP is deepening its engagement with stakeholders, with a focus on inclusivity and equity. Enhanced outreach and partnerships are fundamental to DEEP’s success in serving its mission. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024).
Latest Progress (as of October 1, 2025)
In Q3 2025, DEEP:
- Improved the accessibility of online information so that anyone can digest and read the content of our webpages, documents, and online applications by implementing a new federal standard requiring these changes by April 1, 2026.
- Continued cleaning up outdated webpages with updates to DEEP’s Recycling webpages.
About 1,000 new subscribers are joining our email newsletter campaigns each week.
DEEP conducted numerous stakeholder engagement events in Q3 2025:
- ParkConnectCT expanded access to outdoor recreation across Connecticut State Parks. Boating Day at Indian Well State Park introduced participants to safe paddling and water safety. Dinosaur State Park Day offered educational fossil activities for families. Saltwater Fishing at Fort Trumbull & Harkness Memorial State Park taught beginner fishing skills and conservation practices. Finally, Beach Day at Meigs Point, Hammonasset State Park, provided shoreline recreation and environmental learning experiences.
- DEEP’s Office of Industry and Outdoor Experiences offered a survey to gather input on what types of experiences, services, and amenities communities would like to see issued in our parks.
- We submitted Connecticut’s Draft State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), a federally mandated blueprint for the conservation of fish, wildlife, rare plants, and the habitats they rely upon, to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for review. DEEP also launched the Conservation Action Tracker, which allows partners to inform DEEP about projects they are working on throughout the state using interactive maps and increases volunteerism opportunities.
Up NextDEEP will launch CTDEEP.News, a centralized information hub that will streamline access to our diverse information resources. DEEP will continue to clean up old and unnecessary webpages to ensure accessible and high-quality information can be found on our webpages.
We are working to modernize the DEEP Events calendar, including its connectivity to other state calendars, where applicable
In the fall, we continue our series of Open Houses on October 9, with the Air Bureau at DEEP’s Windsor Lab, kicking off with a SIPRAC meeting in the morning and ending with a CEEJAC meeting.
GOAL 13 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Spring 2025
In Q2 2025, DEEP conducted the following communications and outreach:
- Updates DEEP's Recycling webpages.
- Agency Innovation Fair at the Capitol.
- Bureaus of Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation - April Open House in Bridgeport.
- New Outdoor Industry & Experience Newsletter through Campaign Monitor (see Goal 16: Partnerships in Parks).
- LinkedIn Campaign for the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program, providing funding to municipalities to facilitate low-income and multi-family curb-to-curb home and business broadband infrastructure in underserved areas that will result in high-speed service.
- ConneCTed Communities Grant Program: MDU Intake Survey, helping DEEP identify multi-family property owners and operators that may benefit from internet service improvements.
- Interactive map viewer of ConneCTed Communities grant awards.
- New Tribal Affairs website to enhance government-to-government relations with Connecticut's Tribal Nations.
- Final 2024 CT Clean Hydrogen Roadmap and webpage dedicated to compiling all DEEP-led clean hydrogen-related activities and detailing how clean hydrogen can drive decarbonization, stimulate economic growth, and advance environmental justice.
Winter 2025
DEEP launched a new Public Notices webpage and added new categories for non-permit-related public comment topics. We are also continuing our conversion to Campaign Monitor, a modern email marketing platform. DEEP established an internal Limited English Proficiency Workgroup of volunteers that offer translation and interpretation support for 14 languages.
In the first quarter of 2025, DEEP hosted several major stakeholder engagement efforts:
- Relaunch of the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management (CCSMM) in January 2025 (Past Meeting Minutes and Materials)
- Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) meeting in January 2025
- Conservation & Load Management Plan (2025-2027) Request for Information (RFI) on program design options, responses due by January 17, 2025
- Publication of survey results for the Connecticut State Wildlife Action Plan through the monthly Wildlife Highlights newsletter
- In support of the 2025 revision of Connecticut’s State Wildlife Action Plan, DEEP staff presented a workshop at the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s annual meeting in March 2025
- Ongoing roundtables and informational webinars on broadband connections to underserved communities
DEEP’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is now online. We have also added to our fleet of All-Terrain Wheelchairs, now totaling 14 at state parks throughout Connecticut. DEEP received a Bronco Wildlife Grant to improve trail accessibility.
Fall 2024
With the Q4 2024 progres
s report, DEEP launched a new e-book format for 20BY26 reporting, improving the user experience for reading updates on the initiative, and streamlining our work to provide this information to the public. DEEP updated its Stakeholder Participation and Outreach webpage to make it easier for the public to access stakeholder work groups and contacts. We established a quarterly newsletter to provide conservation and advocacy groups with implementation updates on the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) and tabled at the Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions event in November 2024.
DEEP hosted an agency-wide Innovation Fair in December 2024 for municipalities, legislators, and the general public in the Gina McCarthy Auditorium at DEEP Headquarters in Hartford. Forty-five posters represented programs across DEEP, showcasing a taste of what DEEP does.
DEEP's Office of Telecommunications and Broadband continued outreach and engagement efforts hosting a total of 21 events, directly connecting with 425 stakeholders to drive awareness and program participation with quarterly roundtables for Internet Service Providers; State, Tribal, and Local Governments; and Community Organizations in collaboration with DAS's Commission for Educational Technology and the Connecticut Education Network. We published the 2024 Connecticut Broadband Report, highlighting Connecticut’s progress in closing the digital divide through strategic interagency collaboration and targeted initiatives and providing a comprehensive evaluation of advancements and ongoing challenges in achieving universal broadband access and adoption. We launched a new easy to use survey for property owners, managers and tenants to help fast-track eligibility for multi-family homes that need better broadband wiring through the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program.
Summer 2024
DEEP achieved the following:
- Hosted an Open House for the Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse with 8 informational posters on topics ranging from Stream Flow to Brownfields and many great conversations with consultants, municipal officials, environmental attorneys, and DEEP staff from other bureaus.
- Launched its new State Parks calendar on the State Parks website.
- Expanded equitable and sustainable access to Connecticut State Parks and Forests, DEEP started an all-terrain wheelchair program at 5 State Parks and Forests - Dinosaur State Park; Gillette Castle State Park; Harkness Memorial State Park; Rocky Neck State Park; and Topsmead State Forest – using Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. In September 2024, Dinosaur State Park hosted an all-terrain wheelchair event, and DEEP made a training video with trail maps for the public.
- Closed stakeholder surveys on Connecticut's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) with a total of 224 responses; DEEP will convert this feedback into actionable items in the Plan to preserve the state’s biodiversity.
- Developed, in collaboration the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), a listing of all available broadband programs across all state agencies; engaged with EducationSuperHighway on connecting with stakeholders in Distressed Municipalities who are aware of Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDUs) in need of wiring upgrades as part of DEEP’s ConneCTed Communities Grant Program; and attended Congressman Joe Courtney’s Federal Resource Fair to share information with community partners about the BEAD and ConneCTed Communities Grant programs.
- Established an internal Language Bank with staff who can provide language support during agency outreach as part of improving Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in communications with stakeholders.
- Improved communications with Campaign Monitor, transitioning or decommissioning over 50% of our newsletters and e-mail lists to consolidate communications on one platform for greater effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility.
Winter and Spring 2024
DEEP updated its Contacts Webpage for faster assistance and set up a new email marketing and public awareness platform with Campaign Monitor for better flow of targeted information. DEEP engaged thousands of stakeholders for feedback on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), and Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD).
Goal 20 in 20BY26 makes DEEP’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and reach the state’s carbon reduction goals by 2040 more transparent with a new Metrics Dashboard. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024)
Latest Progress (as of October 1, 2025)
Up Next
DEEP will deploy its metrics dashboards on a new Central Dashboard on DEEP’s website. The projected waste study will begin in Q1 2026, with a completion date around October 2026.
GOAL 20 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Spring 2025
DEEP is creating metrics dashboards to more effectively and transparently share the environmental data we collect and the meaning of that data to the public. To obtain more metrics on waste-related matters, DEEP has issued a Request for Proposals for an updated Waste Characterization Study (Solicitation # DEEP042525SW to close on June 20, 2025), the first since 2015.
Winter 2025
DEEP worked to train staff on Power BI and created more metrics dashboards.
Fall 2024
DEEP set up a framework for the metrics dashboards and completed the first group of pilot dashboards for waste, renewables, and grant funding opportunities.
Spring 2025
DEEP identified approximately 20 potential datasets in the categories of waste, energy, water, air, and conservation from across our agency. We began two pilot dashboards using Power BI, with data from the 2022 Annual Solid Waste Report and renewable energy technology deployment in Connecticut.
Winter and Spring 2024
This stakeholder-suggested goal was launched in August 2024.
Content last updated February 2026.