Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Connecticut Brownfield Liability Relief Programs

DEEP and the Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment (OBRD) work closely together to provide liability relief for cleanup and redevelopment of Brownfields in Connecticut. Information regarding these programs is provided below.

former Ansonia Copper & Brass

Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup (ABC) Program

  • For bona fide prospective purchaser who is not responsible for the pollution associated with the brownfield property and is not affiliated, directly or indirectly, with a person or entity responsible for any such pollution
  • Must apply and be accepted prior to property acquisition
  • Property must be unused or significantly underutilized 5 years prior to enrollment, as determined by DECD
  • Redevelopment must provide regional or municipal benefit
  • No obligation to investigate and remediate off-site, but must eliminate off-site migration of pollution
  • Provides liability relief from State and third parties
  • Exempt from the Property Transfer Act and reporting and scheduling requirements of the Release-Based Cleanup Program, however, subject to Significant Environmental Hazard reporting and abatement requirements
  • Eligible for free Covenant Not to Sue
  • Authorized by CGS Section 32-768
  • No fee to apply, however, the property must enroll and remain in DEEP’s Voluntary Remediation Program (CGS Section 22a-133x) which requires a $3,250 fee.

Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization Program

  • For bona fide prospective purchaser, innocent property owner, or contiguous landowner, who is not responsible for the pollution associated with the brownfield property and is not affiliated with a person or entity responsible for any such pollution
  • Bona fide prospective purchasers must apply and be accepted prior to property acquisition
  • No obligation to investigate and remediate off-site, but must eliminate off-site migration of pollution
  • Must investigate and remediate pollution within site boundaries
  • Provides liability relief from State and third parties
  • Program includes incentives to reduce fee by remediating quickly
  • No fee for municipality, but new owner must pay when acquiring from municipality
  • Exempt from the Property Transfer Act and reporting and scheduling requirements of the Release-Based Cleanup Program, however, subject to Significant Environmental Hazard reporting and abatement requirements
  • Portion verifications allowed if site investigation complete and remediation started
  • How to Apply 
  • Authorized by CGS Section 32-769
  • The fee is 5% of the assessed land value based on most recent grand list, which is payable in two equal installmentsto DEEP.
  • BRRP Fee Payment Form

Municipal Brownfield Liability Relief Program (MBLR)

  • Provides State and third party liability relief

  • Exempt from the Property Transfer Act and reporting and scheduling requirements of the Release-Based Cleanup Program, however, subject to Significant Environmental Hazard reporting and abatement requirements

  • Not required to fully investigate or cleanup the site but must be good stewards of land and:
    • comply with the requirements of the Significant Environmental Hazard Program, as applicable
    • make good faith efforts to minimize the risk to public health and the environment
    • submit a plan and schedule that outlines the proposed steps to facilitate investigation, remediation, and redevelopment
  • Authorized by  CGS Section 22a-133ii
  • No fee to apply

DEEP.Brownfields@ct.gov

Content Last Updated November 20, 2025