Section 22a-6u of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) requires the owner of property which is the source of pollution causing an environmental hazard to notify the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) after they become aware of such conditions.

A technical environmental professional (TEP), is anyone, including a licensed environmental professional, who collects soil, water, vapor, or air samples to investigate and remediate soil or water pollution as an employee or consultant of a public or private employer. The TEP must notify clients and the owner of a property if, while investigating pollution, a determination is made that an environmental hazard is present.

The significant environmental hazard (SEH) conditions that must be reported to DEP when identified are:

• Public or private drinking water wells in which pollution is detected (above or below an acceptable standard),
• Polluted groundwater within 500 feet of a drinking water well (pollution may threaten drinking water wells),
• Polluted groundwater beneath an occupied building (pollution may pose a risk to indoor air quality),
• Polluted groundwater that discharges to a surface water body (pollution may pose a risk to aquatic life),
• Polluted soil within two feet of the surface (pollution in soil may pose a direct contact risk to humans), and
• The presence of vapors from polluted soil, groundwater or residual free product at levels posing a potential explosion hazard and imminent threat to human health, public safety and the environment.

In some circumstances, if an owner does not notify DEP, the TEP or TEP's client must report the hazard to DEP.

Additional details on the notification requirements can be found in the following documents:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Reporting of 
Significant Environmental Hazards (PDF)

SEH Fact Sheet for Property Owners 

SEH Fact Sheet for Environmental Professionals

Water Supply Well Receptor Guidance Document

Reference Tables for Significant Environmental Hazard Condition Notification Threshold Concentrations:

Reference Table A: Volatile Organic Substances

Reference Table B: Semi-volatile Organic Substances

Reference Table C: Inorganic Substances

Note: The statutory definition of the criteria governs hazard determinations in the event of any discrepancies.

Form and Instructions for Reporting Significant Environmental Hazards:

Word Form / Word Instructions
PDF Form / PDF Instructions

List of Significant Environmental Hazards Reported to the DEP

For further information, please contact the Remediation Division at (860) 424-3705.

Content Last Updated September 10, 2009