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

Guidance for Utility Company Excavation

The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) currently recommends the following procedure to be followed by utilities that encounter contaminated soil during repair or construction activities. This applies to cases where:

  1. Contaminated soils/waste are encountered on property not owned by the utility, and
  2. Contamination was not created by the utility.

The utility may reuse the contaminated soil in the same excavation within the same area of concern without prior approval by DEEP provided:

    1. Any condition that would be a significant environmental hazard as defined in CGS Section 22a-6(u) is reported by the utility and that the location is identified on a map submitted to the DEEP Remediation Division.
    2. Any excess contaminated material is disposed in accordance with solid and hazardous waste regulations as appropriate.
    3. The upper 1 foot of the excavation is filled with clean fill material or paved.

Any sampling required to make a determination as to whether a significant environmental hazard exists or how excess spoils will be disposed will be the responsibility of the public or private entity performing the excavation.

 

Content Last Updated January 2001