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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Water Quality Reclassification

All the waters, both surface waters and ground waters, of the state are currently assigned a classification. In accordance with section 22a-426(f) of the Connecticut General Statutes, a person may request a change in the surface or ground water quality classifications. Such reclassifications are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be consistent with the standards and criteria established by the Connecticut Water Quality Standards.

Ground Water Reclassifications Applications for changes to ground water classifications are due March 30 of each year. The procedure is set out in section 22a-426(f) of the Connecticut General Statutes and the criteria for consideration are set out in Section 22a-426-7(k)(2) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Amendments to the Remediation Standard Regulations were adopted on February 16, 2021. The amendments include a provision for Alternative Groundwater Protection Criteria, which allow for less stringent groundwater clean-up standards for sites where the long-term goal is GA, but there is no existing or potential use of the groundwater for drinking.  Applicants interested in submitting a request for a Ground Water Classification Change should first review this new provision to determine whether conditions at their site meet the Alternative Groundwater Protection Criteria. 

Questions regarding ground water reclassifications may be directed to Traci Iott at (860) 424-3082 or Traci.Iott@ct.gov

Archive of Ground Water Quality Reclassifications
Surface Water Reclassifications
For information on surface water reclassification, contact Traci Iott at (860) 424-3082 or traci.iott@ct.gov 

Content last updated on April 6, 2023