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



DEEP is eager to engage the community in its permitting and policymaking process. Whether you’re seeking a permit, want to share your opinions about potential permits that could affect your area, or want to help shape environmental policy, we are here to listen and to assist you in any way possible.

About the Permitting Process

We encourage all potential participants, or stakeholders, to understand how the permitting process works so they can better engage in this process. Here are a few resources you may find helpful:

How to Engage the Surrounding Community

Keep in mind that before any permit applications can be filed that involve applicable facilities in Environmental Justice Communities, an Environmental Justice Plan must be submitted for review by email to Edith Pestana of the Environmental Justice Program at edith.pestana@ct.gov.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful in putting together your Environmental Justice Plan:

How to Participate in Public Hearings

The Office of Adjudications conducts hearings and issues written decisions in contested cases regarding environmental permitting, licensing, and enforcement matters as requested or required by law. The Connecticut Judicial Branch is also committed to making its processes accessible to people who speak other languages. You can read more about their language access plan here.

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.