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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

How to Report an Environmental Concern

A healthy environment is critical to every one of us, which is one reason why every one of us also has both the opportunity — and the responsibility — to report potential environmental hazards. If you have concerns regarding environmental issues in your community or workplace, please:

  • Report them to your local officials first — particularly if the issue is related to trash, litter, noise, recycling pickup, and household chemical disposal, including paints, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze. Local officials are often best equipped to address these types of issues.
  • If local officials can’t resolve the issues, then notify DEEP about your concerns.

Click here for more information on how to best report environmental concerns — including what type of information is most helpful.

Environmental Emergencies. If the situation is an emergency — one that presents an immediate threat to public health or the environment resulting from the release or potential release of oil, hazardous chemicals, or radioactive materials into the air, land, or water — please call DEEP’s Emergency Response Unit anytime 24/7.

Boating or Parks Issues. Certain types of environmental-related incidents should be reported directly to the State Conservation Police at 860-424-3333, including:

  • Boating accidents and drownings.
  • Illegal or criminal activity on DEEP Property (parks, forests, boat launches, etc.), such as motor vehicle or boating violations, narcotics, domestic abuse, assault, etc.

How to Spot/Report Illegal Dumping

Take a few minutes to watch these helpful video workshops delivered by state and federal enforcement experts. Not only will you learn what to do if you spot illegal dumping, you’ll learn how the State and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can provide assistance.

Ways to Connect

  • For environmental justice administrative inquiries, please contact Edith Pestana (Program Administrator) at (860) 424-3044 or edith.pestana@ct.gov.
  • For community and education coordination inquiries, please contact Doris Johnson (Outreach & Education Coordinator) at (860) 424-3053 or doris.johnson@ct.gov.