Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Clean Boater Program

Boat Hull Maintenance
Boat paints contain harmful components including metals, solvents, and dyes. Precautions must be taken to prevent paint and paint chips from ending up in the water.
  1. If you are at a marina, check with staff to find out where hull maintenance is allowed at the marina.
  2. Do not work on your hull near the water or on the mudflats at low tide.
  3. Never clean your boat bottom when it is in the water because toxic paint may be removed.
  4. Use a dust-free sander if possible. It will reduce cleanup time and is more enjoyable to use because you won’t be breathing in paint dust.
  5. If you are not using a dust-free sander, use tarps and filter cloth to help collect your scraps.
  6. Keep your work area clean.
  7. Let emptied paint cans and brushes dry before disposing them.
  8. Share your leftover paint with a friend or marina staff rather than throwing it away. Dispose of old paint at a household hazardous waste facility in your municipality, or check with your marine
    professional.
  9. If you are at a marina, ask if your facility has a collection area for boat maintenance waste from boaters. If not, take home and dispose of as household hazardous waste.
  10. Use water based paints and solvents. You can find them at most stores that sell marine paints.
For additional information, refer to the CT Clean Marina Guidebook.

Content Last Updated on December 26, 2019.