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 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 has a FOIA lead. In Q1 2025, we received 490 FOIA requests and closed 61% so far, and increased our overall annual closure rate from 72% to 82%. DEEP encourages the public to directly search for information using easy and available 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 you with answers faster.
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.
Up Next
DEEP’s LUST files will be scanned and digitized by working with a vendor, the State Librarian, and DAS BITS. DEEP will conduct refresher, internal training for records management.
GOAL 9 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
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 Winter 2025)
A big win for financial processing and time saving for our customers - 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.
Also in Q1 2025, 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 elements (i.e., stories) developed, and construction underway (see progress chart below).
Up Next
DEEP will add an e-payment link to all invoices for permit applications, invoices, annual fees starting in Q2 2025. We also will continue to develop the SIP and REACT systems, including user testing to ensure proper functionality.
GOAL 10 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
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 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 agency-wide 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.
DEEP’s outreach by the numbers:
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.
Up Next
DEEP will launch CTDEEP.News, a centralized info hub that will streamline access to our diverse information resources and will be cleaning up old and unnecessary webpages to ensure accessible and high-quality information can be found on our webpages.
Stay tuned for an interactive map viewer of ConneCTed Communities grant awards and a multi-channel outreach campaign, beginning in April 2025.
DEEP’s Bureaus of Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation is holding an Open House in April 2025 in Bridgeport, and Open Houses for other Bureaus will follow later this year and into 2026.
DEEP’s Park Connect CT will provide guided excursions to various State Parks this Summer:
- Dino Day at Dinosaur State Park on August 2, 2025
- Saltwater Fishing and Harkness Memorial Excursion at Fort Trumbull & Harkness Memorial State Parks on August 9, 2025
- Hopeville Pond Boating Day on August 23, 2025
- Beach Day at Meigs Point at Hammonasset State Beach on September 6, 2025
GOAL 13 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
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 Winter 2025)
DEEP continues work on various metrics dashboards.
Up Next
DEEP will deploy its metrics dashboards on a new Central Dashboard on DEEP’s website.
To obtain more metrics for decision-making on waste-related matters, DEEP has issued a Request for Proposals for an updated Waste Characterization Study, the first since 2015. The proposal deadline is June 13, 2025, and the projected study completion date is October 2026.
GOAL 20 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
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.
Summer 2024
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 July 2025