The Things We Do For You

The Office of Adjudications conducts informational and evidentiary hearings and issues written decisions in contested cases regarding environmental permitting, licensing, and enforcement matters where such hearings are requested by a party or the public or required by law. Hearing officers make findings of fact and determine questions of law based on issues presented in a particular case. Such cases may arise under any of the Department's regulatory programs and involve the application of substantive and procedural law to the factual record established in each case. Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, the Department's Rules of Practice, and all other relevant laws. The Office of Adjudications additionally offers mediation services in contested and non-contested matters throughout DEEP to assist in resolving issues in place of the hearing process.
Website: Office of Adjudications
Contact: DEEP.Adjudications@ct.gov

Climate Planning

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Equity & Environmental Justice

The Office of Equity and Environmental Justice focuses, for the agency and its partners, on (1) Environmental Justice, (2) Tribal Affairs, and (3) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the agency. This office supports meaningful community engagement and public participation, promotes environmental justice and equity considerations in decision-making throughout the Department, facilitates government-to-government consultation with tribes, and effectuates meaningful DEI reforms. This office also facilitates the CT Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC), which is a body of representatives from environmental justice communities and organizations, who advise the Commissioner on issues relating to current and historic environmental injustices. Lastly, our office works across DEEP’s Air, Waste, and Water Permit Programs to facilitate the environmental justice permitting process as outlined in CGS 22a-20a.
Website: Our Commitment to Environmental Justice
Contact: DEEP.EJ@ct.gov

Environmental Review & Strategic Initiatives (ERSI)

The Office of Environmental Review & Strategic Initiatives (ERSI) conducts environmental reviews related to actions of state and federal agencies with potential for significant environmental impacts (e.g., CT Siting Council, CEPA, and NEPA); facilitates requests from municipalities to conduct annual drawdowns in state-owned lakes; catalyzes partnerships with private businesses to accomplish pollution prevention (e.g., BetterBev initiative with craft beverage manufacturers); conducts special studies required by newly enacted state laws (e.g., report on nature-based solutions required by P.A. 25-125); and coordinates communications and metrics related to DEEP’s federal and state grant initiatives.
Website: ERSI Overview
Contact: DEEP.ERSI@ct.gov

Innovative Partnerships & Planning (IPP)

The Office of Innovative Partnerships and Planning (OIPP) houses the Client Concierge Service, providing next-level permit assistance and a central point of contact for projects. The Concierge Team coordinates between divisions within DEEP and with other state and federal agencies. OIPP also provides strategic planning and leads process improvement and innovations to increase the transparency, efficiency, and predictability of the services that DEEP provides to the residents and businesses of Connecticut. Staff in OIPP conduct stakeholder outreach on broad topics that crosscut the agency’s work. OIPP coordinates agency-wide enforcement and compliance initiatives, policies, and practices, as well as the administration of Supplemental Environmental Projects. This office provides agency-wide support for legislation, regulations, information technology, and permitting processes.
Websites: Permits and Licenses | 20BY26 Initiative | DEEP's Municipal Hub | Enforcement | Compliance Assistance
Contact: DEEP.Concierge@ct.gov

Land Acquisition & Management

The Land Acquisition and Management (LAM) Office is the real estate group for the agency. LAM handles all DEEP land purchases to expand CT’s system of parks, forests, wildlife management areas, etc. LAM also manages several state and federal grant programs for open space protection and park improvements, coordinates statewide planning for open space protection and administers and manages requests by others for land rights across DEEP properties. The key programs include the Green Plan, the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant, The Urban Green and Community Garden Grant, The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program, The Highlands Conservation Fund Grant, the Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program and encroachment enforcement and property management. The LAM team’s mission is to safeguard DEEP’s land holdings and help expand open space in CT.
Website: Open Space

Legal

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Communications (860) 424-4100:

Provides for the internal and external coordination and dissemination of information concerning environmental protection and natural resource management policies, programs and regulatory actions;
Directs and coordinates media relations;
Encourages active public participation in environmental programs; and
Produces and coordinates production of assorted publications and marketing materials.
Oversees the agency’s web site – from the development of content to the overall maintenance

Legislative Affairs (860) 424-3001:

Provides a central source of information on environmental legislation and regulations; and
- Prepares, submits and monitors legislative proposals and regulations concerning environmental matters.

Energy & Technology Policy

Affordable Housing and Energy Retrofits

Advance energy equity and affordability for residents in affordable housing through targeted policies and programs
Reduce energy burden for low- and moderate-income households through weatherization, decarbonization, and the remediation of weatherization barriers that limit access to these services.
Support statewide emission reduction goals by focusing on the affordable housing sector through participatory and inclusionary practices that improve the public health and wellness of vulnerable communities
Strengthen local economies by investing in overlooked markets and create jobs across the green economy

Oversees the following programs and initiatives:

Residential Energy Preparation Services (REPS) program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Developing the two federally funded home energy rebate programs:
- Home Energy Rebate Program (HER)
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR)
Developing an Affordable Energy Retrofit Revolving Loan and Grant Fund

Building & Transportation Decarbonization

Research opportunities, challenges, and technologies that inform equitable and inclusive policy development centered around lowering energy bills and decarbonizing the building and transportation sectors.
Advance the impact of equitable statewide energy efficiency, demand management, and electrification investments
- Oversee the State’s Conservation & Load Management (C&LM) programs which provide energy efficiency and demand management offerings that lower consumers energy bills
- Support state facility energy affordability and sustainability improvements through the GreenerGov Initiative
Manage the transition of residential, commercial, and transportation sectors from fossil fuels to affordable zero-emission alternatives
Support and sustain a highly qualified and diverse clean energy workforce

Federal and Regional Energy Policy

Works with other Connecticut agencies and agencies in other New England states to advocate for regional and federal policies and rules that are consistent with Connecticut’s state policies of a reliable, affordable, and clean electricity grid
Engages in and advocates in processes at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the New England Power Pool, the New England States Committee on Electricity, and ISO New England
Facilitates regional collaboration between CT DEEP and other New England states (and other states as appropriate) to pursue federal funding related to improving electricity grid resiliency and reliability
Focuses on reforms in transmission planning and deployment to ensure ratepayers get the most benefits out of money spent on transmission development in the region

Telecommunications and Broadband

Ensures the universal availability and accessibility of high quality, affordable telecommunications services to all residents and businesses in the state.
Promotes the development of effective competition as a means of providing customers with the widest possible choice of services.
Facilitates the efficient development and deployment of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, including open networks with maximum interoperability and interconnectivity.
Encourages shared use of existing facilities and cooperative development of new facilities where legally possible, and technically and economically feasible.
Develops broadband policy in collaboration with the Office of Policy and Management and other state agencies and entities
Develops and implements programs to leverage federal funding and other funding sources for equitable broadband deployment and access
Provides representation and technical support to the agency and Executive Branch in appearances and proceedings before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority in matters related to telecommunications, broadband, and associated infrastructure shared with other utilities, and in proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission
Coordinates with other states' broadband offices to expand broadband regionally and nationally
Coordinates with DEEP's energy and environment teams to deploy broadband in conjunction with other programs

Environmental Conservation

Fisheries Division (860) 424-3474

Manages fishery resources to provide sustainable populations and public benefit commensurate with habitat capability and relevant ecological, social and economic considerations;
Manages fisheries for diadromous species consistent with interjurisdictional management plans;
Manages and enhances inland and diadromous fish populations and fisheries;
Operates three fish hatcheries to support recreational fishing;
Stocks trout, salmon, walleye, channel catfish and northern pike;
Protects and conserves aquatic habitat and associated riparian zones by reviewing and commenting on permit applications for development, water diversion and habitat alteration; and
Conducts public awareness and educational programs to promote an understanding and appreciation for fishing, aquatic resources and aquatic habitat.

Marine Fisheries Program (860) 434-6043

Manages marine fish and crustacean resources to provide optimum sustained benefit to user groups while assuring the diversity, abundance and conservation of populations commensurate with habitat capability and relevant ecological, social and economic considerations;
Conducts monitoring and research programs;
Manages fisheries for marine species consistent with interjurisdictional management plans;
Protects and conserves marine living resources and habitat by commenting on permit applications for development and habitat alteration; and
Conducts public awareness and outreach activities to promote an understanding of fishery management programs and marine aquatic resources.

Wildlife Division (860) 424-3011

Manages the wildlife resources of the state to provide stable, healthy populations of diverse wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species, in numbers compatible with both habitat carrying capacity and existing land use practices;
Coordinates the research and management of wildlife with other state and federal agencies;
Assists municipalities in assessing and addressing problems caused by wildlife;
Works with municipalities and other state agencies in assessing and mitigating the impact of land-use on threatened and endangered species;
Conducts public awareness and technical assistance programs to enhance privately-owned habitat and promote an appreciation for and understanding of the value and use of wildlife;
Assists the public with wildlife-related problems;
Manages wildlife habitat in state forests and wildlife management areas;
Regulates hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for all harvestable wildlife species within Connecticut;
Manages public hunting opportunities on state-owned, state-leased and permit-required areas;
Conducts conservation education and safety programs to promote safe and ethical hunting practices;
Monitors and manages the state's mosquito population levels to reduce the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) in cooperation with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and Department of Public Health;
Restores degraded tidal wetlands to promote native vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat;
Addresses wildlife diseases and coordinates with other state and federal agencies on One Health responses; and
Leads implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan.

Forestry Division (860) 424-3630

Manages state-owned forest lands for long term health and vigor, as well as multiple uses;
Provides technical assistance to forest landowners for wood production, recreation, watershed management, wildlife habitat and aesthetics;
Conducts an urban tree planting and management program; and
Conducts a forest fire prevention control program, including training for municipal fire departments, provision of specialized fire equipment, administration of federal funds to rural fire departments, and participation in the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission.

Geology

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Office of Planning, Coordination, and Fiscal Management (860) 424-3010

Coordinates long-range planning for the management of Connecticut's fish, wildlife, forest and related land and water resources and coordinates the efficient and effective use of bureau fiscal and human resources.

State Parks and Public Outreach

Administers the planning, development, operations and maintenance of the lands and facilities within the state park system;
Provides for water-based recreation within the state inland waters and coastal beaches;
Manages a system of campgrounds based on natural resource sites;
Establishes and manages a statewide recreational trail system and administers a comprehensive Recreational Trails Grant program;
Manages and operates historic and cultural sites;
Documents, manages and maintains collections of objects, photographs, and other archival documents related to the cultural and natural history of Connecticut
Provides for special events and tourism enhancement;
Provides environmental educational resources and professional development, including climate education, for local boards of education, teachers and other educators;
Leads multidisciplinary educational programs which connect lifelong learners to the local and statewide environment and cultural history to develop sense of place and environmental stewardship;
Collaborates with and support other CT state offices, and NGO’s on environmental outreach and education initiatives and presentations.
Creates and coordinates participatory, outdoor recreational experiences for teens and young adults to gain valuable work experiences through seasonal employment and external partnerships

Outdoor Industry & Experiences

Develops partnerships with the private sector to expand outdoor recreation experiences in State Parks.
Supports efforts to expand and protect equitable access to outdoor recreation experiences.
Promotes the development of the state’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.

Environmental Conservation Police

Enforces fish and wildlife, shellfish, boating, park and forest laws and regulations, as well as criminal and motor vehicle laws in parks and forests.
Build trust through open, respectful communication between officers and visitors to our park systems and outdoor enthusiasts through regular outreach events, forums, and public meetings.
Supports mentorship programs with youth encouraging outdoor recreation by creating positive intervention initiatives.
Ensure that citizens of the State have clear access to information, resources, and points of contact within the Division.

Boating

Administers the legislatively mandated Boater Certification and Boating Safety Education Programs;
Provides oversight for the construction, operation and maintenance of the state's 117 boat launches;
Administers the abandoned boat process, marine event permit, marine dealer vessel numbering, hull identification numbering, municipal boating ordinance review, and boating accident reporting programs;
Issues permits for regulatory markers to aid in the regulation and safety of boat traffic;
Provides technical assistance on regulatory applications to municipalities and state agencies to improve navigation safety;
Provides environmental education to boaters regarding boat sewage and best management practices for operation and maintenance of recreational vessels; and
Administers the Boating Infrastructure Grant and tthe Clean Vessel Act Grant programs.

Environmental Quality

Land and Waters Resources Division (860) 424-3019

Regulates activities in the state’s inland wetlands and watercourses, and actions conducted by the state in floodplains;
Oversees the state’s inland wetlands, aquifer protection areas and floodplain statutes;
Assists municipalities with inland wetlands regulation, flood hazard mitigation planning, and coastal management;
Manages the allocation and quality of water resources through non-consumptive water diversion and 401 water quality certification permitting;
Coordinates departmental policy and programs affecting Long Island Sound and related coastal lands and waters;
Undertakes long-range planning for Long Island Sound, including the Blue Plan;
Implements, oversees and enforces the state's coastal management program, the state Harbor Management Act and State Harbormasters program;
Coordinates the coastal habitat restoration program;
Implements the DEEP coastal permit authorities covering tidal wetlands, coastal structures, dredging and coastal water quality;
Implements the federal consistency program to review federal activities which may affect the state’s coastal resources;
Investigates, initiates and coordinates enforcement actions on violations of inland and coastal regulatory programs;
Serves as designee on the Connecticut River Gateway Commission, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council and the Coastal States Organization;
Administers various funds for research, cleanup, education, public access, seafloor mapping and habitat restoration; and
Administers and coordinates the Long Island Sound Partnership assistance grant.

Remediation Division (860) 424-3705

Oversees the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites under:
- Release-Based Cleanup programs
- Property Transfer Program
- Voluntary Remediation Programs
- Brownfield Programs
- RCRA Hazardous Waste Cleanup (Corrective Action) Program
- State Superfund
- Federal Superfund
Responds to contamination that may pose immediate threats to humans or aquatic life through ensuring Significant hazards and releases are addressed with immediate actions. Administers the Licensed Environmental Professionals’ Program, involving the licensing, renewal, and continuing education of Connecticut’s environmental professionals.
Provides oversight of cleanup compliance determinations that have been signed and sealed by Licensed Environmental Professionals that contaminant releases have been remediated in accordance with Connecticut’s cleanup standard regulations.
Assists individuals whose private or public drinking water supply wells may be at risk of becoming contaminated or have become contaminated as a result of human activity.

Water Planning and Management (860) 424-3704 and (860) 424-3020

Works to restore and protect water resources through water quality and quantity planning and infrastructure management.

Dam Safety Program (860) 424-3706

Regulates dams, dikes and other impounding structures;
Maintains list of registered dams and requires dam owners to periodically inspect and report on the condition of the structures, and prepare Emergency Action Plans;
Permits dam repairs and construction;
Undertakes enforcement for necessary inspections, dam repairs and unsafe conditions as required;
Conducts public outreach to municipalities and dam owners regarding importance of dam safety;
Operates, maintains and repairs state-owned dams and flood control facilities; and
Monitors and responds to flood events.

Municipal Wastewater Program (860) 424-3704

Regulates municipal wastewater treatment plant discharges and related facilities through permitting, inspections and enforcement;
Administers Nitrogen Credit Exchange Program for municipal wastewater treatment plants;
Operates Sewer-Right-to-Know website that displays untreated sewage releases to the public as reported by municipalities
Assists municipalities with planning and upgrading of municipal wastewater infrastructure;
Certifies wastewater treatment plant operators; and
Administers Clean Water Fund and other federal and state grants for domestic wastewater improvement projects.

Watersheds Program (860) 424-3020

Administers Non-Point Source (NPS) Grant Program;
Manages NPS planning and implementation projects;
Oversees development of watershed management plans;
Conducts outreach to municipalities, conservation organizations and general public;
Facilitates watershed management efforts; and
Administers Long Island Sound water quality management.

Water Quality Program (860) 424-3020

Administers surface water quality standards and classifications;
Establishes action plans to restore and protect water quality;
Develops risk based environmental criteria; and
Provides technical support for bureau-wide permit and enforcement actions.

Monitoring Program (860) 424-3020

Monitors inland and marine water quality, including chemical, physical and biological assessment;
Monitors water quality at state beaches;
Monitors stream flow (water quantity);
Monitors and assesses Long Island Sound water quality; and
Provides science based data collection and analysis for water quality initiatives.

Water Quantity Program (860) 424-3020

Manages stream flow regulatory program for surface water releases;
Administers groundwater quality standards and classifications;
Permits consumptive diversions;
Administers the Aquifer Protection Area Program
Coordinates water supply planning; and
Coordinates drought response.

Waste Engineering and Enforcement Division (860) 424-3023

Administers laws and regulations pertaining to the management of solid and hazardous waste, the use of pesticides and the practice of arborculture. Protects human health and the environment by:

Ensuring environmentally sound waste management practices and encouraging resource conservation;
Regulating, inspecting, monitoring and initiating enforcement actions at solid and hazardous waste facilities and landfills as necessary;
Issuing permits to solid and hazardous waste handlers and processing closures for solid and hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities;
Authorizing the use of closed landfills for various activities including generation of renewable energy from solar installations;
Promoting an integrated and safe system of pesticide use which minimizes human and non-target species exposure to pesticides by regulating the manufacture, sale and application of pesticides;
Administering manufacturer-funded electronic waste recycling program that allows residents to drop off used electronics for disposal at no cost at municipally designated collection locations;
Regulating arborists and arborculture;
Investigating complaints regarding mismanagement of solid and hazardous wastes, pesticides and arborculture; and
Provides technical assistance and outreach.

Water Permitting and Enforcement (860) 424-3025

Protects Connecticut’s surface water and ground water by:

Enforcing the state's water pollution control laws;
Regulating storm-water discharges from industrial, commercial and construction activities;
Regulating industrial discharges into surface waters and sewage treatment plants;
Issuing permits for discharges groundwater including from large subsurface disposal systems and agricultural waste systems; Conducting inspections and instituting enforcement actions as necessary; andMonitoring compliance with specific discharge limits.

Emergency Response and Spill Prevention (860) 424-3024

Protects the public and the environment from emergencies resulting from the discharge, spillage, uncontrolled loss, seepage or filtration from substances, materials or wastes
Develops and coordinates oil spill contingency plans for emergency situations;
Provides assistance to the State Emergency Response Commission;
Maintains 24 hours statewide emergency response and assessment capability;
Coordinates and supervises clean-up mitigation activities;
Contracts and funds, where necessary, the emergency clean-up of hazardous chemicals and petroleum spills and leaks; and
Conducting site investigations of pollution using state of the art technology and equipment

Compliance, Regulation and Permitting (860) 424-3024

Regulates and inspects underground storage tanks;
Reviews and approves clean-ups of leaking underground storage tanks;
Regulates, permits and inspects marine terminals;
Inspects and provides oversight for the use, storage, disposal and clean-up of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s); and
Ensures compliance with federal and state laws through outreach, assistance and enforcement.

Landfill Stewardship Operations Unit (860) 424-3024

Manages post-closure care at five (former MIRA/CRRA) regional landfills and the Yaworski landfill;
Operates remedial systems, makes site improvements and manages the properties; and
Ensures regulatory permit compliance

Sustainable Materials Management Policy and Planning

Develop and recommend policies and directions to advance sustainable materials management strategies
Coordinate with Commissioner’s Office on solid waste-related legislation and provide legal research and policy perspectives on proposed and raised bills
Track all MMCA-related legislation during annual sessions of the Connecticut General Assembly
Conduct public outreach and provide education about source reduction, pollution prevention, and recycling
Develop, implement, and manage grant programs such as Sustainable Materials Management Grants , Materials Management Infrastructure Grants (MMI), and Regional Waste Authority Grants (RWA) funded through legislative authorizations
Provide oversight of source reduction and diversion programs including Extended Producer Responsibility programs, container redemption (Bottle Bill) and commerical organics recycling; and
Manage all solid waste data requests from external stakeholders and draft the Department’s Annual Waste Report

Air Planning and Standards

Develops climate change and air quality policy and implements such policy through the development of legislative and regulatory proposals;
Sets standards for air pollution emissions and ambient air quality;
Develops strategies to further protect public health and improve air quality; and
Monitors federal regulatory activity and responds with appropriate state action

Air Engineering and Technical Services Division (860) 424-4152

Implements state and federal air pollution control laws and regulations by issuing permits, performing engineering evaluations, developing stationary source control strategies and promoting pollution prevention opportunities.

Air Compliance and Field Operations Division (860) 424-4152

Investigates complaints;
Inspects sources of air pollution and promotes pollution prevention;
Audits and reviews source monitoring reports and tests to determine compliance;
Maintains and operates the comprehensive Connecticut Ambient Air Quality network; analyzes compliance; and
Takes enforcement action to bring sources into compliance and deter non-compliance.

Radiation Division (860) 424-3029

Sets standards for the safe operation of equipment that produces radiation and for the possession, use, storage, transportation and disposal of radioactive material;
Inspects facilities using radioactive material, x-ray machines and other radiation producing devices; and
Responds to reports of accidents and incidents involving radioactive materials.

Content last updated December 2025

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection