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

Press Releases

DEEP News Release Header

06/21/2017

Environmental Impact for Seaside State Park in Waterford Available for Public Review

Public hearing scheduled for Waterford July 31

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that the Environmental Impact Evaluation  (EIE) developed for Seaside State Park is available for public review and comment. The EIE is based upon the Master Plan created in 2016, and evaluates four potential State Park concepts: Destination Park, Passive Park, Ecological Park and Hybrid Park, an amalgam of the other three alternatives.  The goal is to transform the former Seaside Regional Center site into a 32-acre State park.
Under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) an EIE must be conducted for certain projects involving state funding.  The EIE is intended to analyze environmental impacts that may be created by a project, and steps that could be taken to address them.  
To view the EIE: www.ct.gov/ceq/Monitor
Additional information about this project can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/seaside
The public is welcome to view the document in person at the Waterford Town Hall Clerk’s office, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, Ct., or the town of Waterford Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, Ct. 
The EIE may also be viewed at DEEP’s headquarters at 79 Elm Street, Hartford Ct.  To make arrangements to view the document, please contact Michael Lambert at DEEP.seaside.EIE@ct.gov
A public hearing will be held Monday, July 31 in Waterford to accept comments on the EIE.  The public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Town of Waterford Town Hall Auditorium, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, Ct.  Doors will open at 6:30 pm.   Comments on this EIE will be accepted until August 11, 2017.  Comments may be made to DEEP.seasideEIE@ct.gov
Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook