Input Requested on Connecticut's Green Plan

 

DEEP is updating the Connecticut Comprehensive Open Space Acquisition Strategy (Green Plan) through 2020 to best achieve statewide open space goals. The Green Plan is a document that intends to be a guide for land acquisition that will meet the statewide open space protection goal of conserving 21% of Connecticut's land base as open space by year 2023. Among other plan components, an action strategy is proposed for acquiring key lands identified as capable of providing certain benefits, for example buffers to climate change, wildlife habitat, and recreational trails.

 

How can we improve your open space plan? Municipalities, land conservation organizations, and the general public are encouraged to review and comment on the Green Plan. The new draft Green Plan, a previous version of the plan, and more can be found on DEEP's Green Plan webpage . Your comments can be submitted to jamie.sydoriak@ct.gov or CT DEEP, Land Acquisition and Management Unit, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106. The comment period will close on June 1, 2016.

One of DEEP's LEAN Teams maps the current permitting process.

 

DEEP Displays Lean Diversity at 2016 Statewide Showcase

DEEP participated in the third annual Statewide Lean Showcase, held last month at the State Capitol which featured the experience of state agencies with the customer-focused, process improvement initiative. After eight years and close to 80 projects, DEEP is very familiar with this year's event theme, "The Way We Do Business," which prompted eighteen participating agencies to exhibit how Lean thinking has changed the way their agency operates. Lean has been a key tool in streamlining DEEP business processes, resulting in timelier and more consistent and effective service to our customers.  

 

The DEEP display featured seven projects that used the Lean model in innovative ways to maximize results for our customers. These interdisciplinary teams engaged in traditional (5 days), mini (2-3 days, narrow scope) and "Check Lean" Kaizen events focused on unique opportunities for energy and environmental protection, including information technology, energy efficiencies, administration, permitting and enforcement, and  natural resources. For example, a traditional, spin-off Lean initiative, Electronic Underground Storage Tank (UST) Registration, gives the UST owner/operator control of their own information in an online registration option, which reduces the wait-time and waste of paper forms. For more information, visit the DEEP and LeanCT websites.

Higganum Reservoir Dam, Haddam is a Class C, High Hazard dam owned by the State. Photo: Liz Napier

New Safety Standards and Regulations for Dams

 

DEEP has implemented new provisions of a state law requiring owners of dams (public and private) to take more responsibility for them. Regulations adopted in February 2016 require dam owners to:

• Have their dams inspected by a professional engineer. Required frequency of inspections are based on the hazard class assigned to the dam - from every two years for High Hazard Dams to every 10 years for Low Hazard Dams; and
• Prepare Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for every high and significant hazard dam they own. Dams are considered to be of High or Significant Hazard if their failure poses a risk to downstream residents and properties.

An EAP is a document that defines conditions which require a response, and provides a clear direction for action. DEEP has a template for an EAP available on its Dam Safety Program website . DEEP recently notified 478 dam owners that EAPs for high and significant hazard dams must be completed by 2017. (DEEP owns 96 dams that require EAPs.) Questions about the new standards may be directed to Dam Safety staff at 860-424-3706 or DEEP.DamSafety@ct.gov.

Ramp and Float; Photo: DEEP OLISP

New Species of Rock Snot Discovered in Connecticut

Connecticut Company Heat-Treats Firewood

The January/February 2016 issue of Connecticut Wildlife magazine , which is published by the DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources, features an article on a local company, Back to the Basics , in Terryville, that heat-treats firewood to kill insects, including emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Owner Dave Perugini purchases logs harvested from sustainably managed forests in Connecticut and then cuts and splits the logs to firewood size. Once heat-treated in a kiln, the wood is insect-free and ready to be burned immediately. Back to the Basics and other businesses in the Connecticut Grown Program for Forest Products are listed on  DEEP's website.

Mosquito Season is Upon Us

	Image: ID Guide to Mosquitoes of CT, CAES

Connecticut's Mosquito Management Program (MMP), is a collaborative effort of DEEP, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), and the Department of Public Health (DPH). Together, these agencies monitor mosquito populations and humans for the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and provide technical assistance to municipalities, businesses, and residents concerning mosquitoes and their control. Zika virus is yet another mosquito-borne pathogen that has made its way into the Western hemisphere. In healthy humans, Zika is a relatively mild condition and most cases go unnoticed. However, it is passed human to human by the bite of an infected mosquito and, more recently, the CDC has determined that Zika can be passed through sexual transmission. Of particular concern, Zika can cause birth defects, including a condition called microcephaly where babies are born with abnormally small heads and brain damage. More information at www.cdc.gov.

 

2016 Ozone Season in Connecticut

 

In 2015, prompted by increasing evidence of ozone's negative health effects, the U.S. EPA adopted a more stringent ozone health standard, lowering the standard from75 ppb to 70 ppb (over an 8-hour period).  DEEP has worked diligently since 1975 to implement common sense air pollution control strategies to help reduce the frequency and magnitude of ozone exceedance days.  With the new lower ozone standard, however, expect to see more ozone exceedance days in 2016 in Connecticut.   DEEP encourages everyone but especially day care providers, summer camps and elder care/senior centers to subscribe to the AQI forecast for information regarding ground level ozone, its health effects, what to do on a high ozone day, and most importantly, what you can do to help reduce ground level ozone in your own backyard.

DEEP's Village Green Monitoring Station:
Science in Action

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded the installation of six stand-alone solar and wind powered air monitoring stations throughout the U.S. This effort, known as the Village Green Project , fits air quality monitors that measure both ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) along with weather conditions into a park bench. These monitors, sometimes referred to as "Next Generation" monitors due to their small size and relatively low cost, provide high quality data and need very little power to operate. DEEP's Village Green station is made from recycled materials and is located on the Plaza outside of the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford.

 

The Village Green project puts science into the hands of citizens, allowing the public to access local air quality information from DEEP's bench and the five other benches through on-site displays and a mobile-friendly website . Students, teachers, community organizations and researchers are encouraged to access the real-time data the bench produces to understand air quality and how events such as weather changes or near by sources of air pollution can change local conditions.

Connecticut State Parks Update

 

The Nature Center at Meigs Point at Hammonasset Beach State Park is nearing completion. The target opening date remains Memorial Day weekend and the finish work is advancing rapidly. This new Nature Center, a model of cooperative success between the Friends of Hammonasset and Connecticut State Parks, will offer interpretive exhibits based on years of experience obtained at the existing Nature Center which has been in operation since 1972. Nature Center progress can be followed regularly on-line.

 

The Thames River Heritage Park which embraces the historic districts, shopping and dining areas along the Thames River in New London and Groton is fast approaching its own opening day with the recent appointment of water taxi operators, Jackie and David Dietrich. The three stop taxi crossing includes stops at two state Parks: the Civil War era Fort Tr umbull on the New London side, the Revolutionary War Fort Griswold Battlefield on the Groton side and the City Pier in Downtown New London. The Friday - Sunday water taxi (depicted in sketch above) is expected to follow up on the success it enjoyed in its initial trial run late in 2014. Follow the Heritage Park updates for taxi schedules, highlighted tour stops and other special event days.

Celebrating 150 Years of Natural Resource Conservation in CT

	Click on image to enlarge.

   

DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources is now celebrating its 150th Anniversary. Joining in the celebration are the Divisions of Wildlife, Inland Fisheries, Marine Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police, as well as many partners. Throughout 2016, we are looking back at our history and also looking ahead to the future of natural resources in our state. Along the way, we are highlighting efforts taken throughout the past 150 years to conserve and enhance our fish, wildlife, and forests for all to use and appreciate. Check out a historical issue of our bimonthly magazine, Connecticut Wildlife (and a get a subscription to continue reading about our 150-year history). Follow along with the celebration and participate in special events to be held year-long. Visit our CT Fish and Wildlife Facebook page often to keep up-to-date on the celebration!

FRWA Developing Watershed Plan for Pequabuck River

The Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) is in the process of developing a watershed based plan to address nonpoint source (NPS) water quality impairment issues affecting the Pequabuck River, a tributary to the Farmington River.   The Pequabuck River watershed encompasses portions of seven municipalities, including: Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Wolcott, and includes the drainage areas of the Poland River and Coppermine Brook. FRWA is developing the plan in consultation with the watershed municipalities and other important stakeholders such as the Pequabuck River Watershed Association. The goal of the plan is to identify sources of NPS impairments and develop strategies to address these sources. This plan can then be used by watershed communities and other stakeholders as a fundraising tool, and long-term roadmap for addressing water quality impairments within the Pequabuck River watershed, to clean up the river and restore its value as a community amenity. FRWA has engaged the services of Princeton Hydro, Inc. to help develop the plan. Funding for the project is provided, in part, by the DEEP NPS Pollution Management Program through a United States Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant.

Click on image of Pequabuck River Watershed to enlarge. Graphic: Farmington River Watershed Association

Wildlife Encounters - A Few Reminders on What to Do

Spring in Connecticut comes with a variety of issues related to wildlife. Here are some tips to avoid conflicts between people and wild animals:

Bears, Coyotes and Foxes:

Do not approach or try to feed bears , coyotes and foxes . Remove any food sources, such as garbage, pet food, bird feeders and suet, from yards. Report any bears on DEEP's Bear Sighting Form . Print out an informational Be Bear Aware poster for use at parks, campgrounds, etc. and a sign for hiking trails.

"Orphaned" Wildlife:

Young animals may appear to be "orphaned" but the adult is probably close by, waiting for you to leave. It is best to leave the animal alone. If you are absolutely certain a wild animal has been injured or orphaned, before touching or moving it contact DEEP's Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011, or contact a DEEP authorized wildlife rehabilitator. To protect fragile young wildlife, people are urged to keep cats indoors and dogs on leashes. Countless numbers of rabbits, squirrels, birds and other wildlife fall prey to pets every year.

Wildlife Problems:

Many wildlife species, such as squirrels and raccoons, will use houses or other buildings for shelter and as a place for raising young. DEEP's website provides information on how to handle problems with wildlife . A licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator can be hired if professional assistance is needed for solving common problems.

Rabies Awareness:

To prevent exposure to rabid animals : 1) Vaccinate pets against rabies and 2) Never approach any animal, domestic or wild, that is acting disoriented or is unusually tame or aggressive. Suspected rabid animals should be reported to the local police or animal control officer. If local authorities cannot be reached, contact DEEP at 860-424-3333.