Press Releases
03/30/2026
DEEP Study Offers Recommendations to Improve and Streamline the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) Program
Sign Up For Public Informational Meeting on Study Findings to be Held Friday, April 24
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released a study to improve its Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) Program identifying strategies to improve the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of endangered species impact reviews required for DEEP permitting. A public meeting later this spring will give stakeholders and interested members of the public an opportunity to learn about the findings and provide input on next steps to improve the NDDB program. Stakeholders and individuals interested in participating may sign up here to receive more information regarding the format and schedule of the meeting.
Conducted by D.J. Case & Associates, the study considered staff input, stakeholder surveys, and a survey of best practices from other states that conduct similar reviews. The study, released this week, recommends a variety of strategies for strengthening the program’s efficiency and effectiveness, including: improving mapping tools; prioritizing early consultation with applicants; enhancing the survey system; establishing clear initial response timelines; streamlining reviews for recurring activities; extending timing for the validity of determinations; upgrading DEEP’s ezFile system for online submissions; and implementing additional measures to enhance the program’s predictability, efficiency, and transparency.
The topline recommendation is to make investments in mapping similar to other states in the Northeast that have leading endangered species programs. The study found that improved, proactive mapping of species may reduce or eliminate the need for field surveys, significantly shortening environmental review timelines. Field surveys are often time-consuming for applicants because they must be conducted during specific seasons and by a limited number of qualified experts.
This study resulted from legislation proposed by Governor Lamont in 2025 to enhance the predictability of environmental permitting, which was enacted by Public Act 25-84. The study also implements Goal 17 of DEEP’s 20BY26 permitting process improvement initiative. Through Goal 17, DEEP committed to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the NDDB process by better communicating expectations regarding the NDDB review process. DEEP has made significant investments in the NDDB program over the past five years including expanded NDDB staffing by two full-time positions and investing in an automated review system that provides automatic determination letters to 40-45% of review requests, reducing processing time for some applicants and freeing up DEEP staff time to focus on more complicated reviews. As a result of these efforts, most staff reviews take less than 35 days to complete.
“We’re excited to complete this report, which was commissioned by Governor Lamont’s proposed legislation, and to share a set of recommendations that we believe can meaningfully modernize the NDDB program,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Improvements such as investing in predictable mapping have the potential to significantly reduce application timelines, and provide clarity for applicants. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on these recommendations and discussing next steps at the upcoming public meeting.”
The Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) program, administered by DEEP, supports planning, regulatory review, research, and land management to conserve native biodiversity in accordance with the Connecticut Endangered Species Act (CT ESA). The program identifies, documents, and protects rare plants, animals, and their habitats, and maintains a centralized database of state-listed endangered, threatened, and special concern species. This information guides conservation actions and supports the review of proposed projects requiring DEEP permits, therefore playing a critical role in protecting rare and endangered species in Connecticut.
Register for the Friday April 24th, public informational forum on the NDDB Report Findings here: NDDB Report Findings Forum Registration.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110