The following document is a proposed “generic” Environmental Classification Document (ECD) for use by most State agencies to determine whether an agency action requires evaluation under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).  This ECD is being noticed according to Section 22a-1a-5 of the Regulations of the Connecticut State Agencies.

 Proposed "generic" ECD (.doc)

Existing

Generic (agencies other than DOT, DPH, DEP, & DECD)

Environmental Classification Document of
Certain State Agencies
Prepared Pursuant to Section 22a-1a-4
of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies

1993 Revision

I. Typical actions for which environmental impact evaluations will always be prepared:

None.

II. Typical actions whose degree of impact is indeterminate but that could have significant environmental impacts. For each of these actions, when one is proposed, an environmental assessment shall be undertaken to determine whether an environmental impact evaluation or a finding of no significant impact shall be prepared:

a. Construction of, addition to or major alteration involving a change in use of a State leased/purchased or owned facility involving 100,000 sq. ft. of floor space if the facility is located in an urban center or urban conservation area and does not encroach upon any existing preserved open space, preservation area or conservation area as defined by the locational guide map and definitional criteria of the Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut, or 25,000 sq. ft. or more of floor space if the facility is located outside such areas. A facility is defined as one or more concurrently planned or envisioned structures on a site, the sum total of which would equal or exceed the applicable figure for the given location.

b. Construction of new paved roads or lane additions to existing roads at any state facility, the cost of which would equal or exceed $500,000.

c. Construction of new State leased/purchased or owned parking lots, garages, or additions thereto, that provide for a capacity of 200 vehicles or more.

d. Construction of new State-owned dams or dam changes resulting in a permanent change in water level.

e. Construction of new or expanded sewage treatment plants, hazardous waste or low level radioactive disposal facilities and coal fired heating plants at State facilities.

f. Demolition or major alteration of any building, structure, or site listed on the State Register of Historic Places unless certification is obtained from the State Historical Commission that there will be either no significant adverse historical impact or no feasible or prudent alternative to the proposed action.

g. Any other action that may significantly affect the environment in an adverse manner. The significance of a likely consequence should be assessed by the agency in connection with its setting, its probability of occurring, its duration, its irreversibility, its controllability, its geographic scope and its magnitude.

Actions that have no environmental impact and for which environmental assessments are not required, except as noted in f above, include repairs and renovations of state facilities, replacements of a structure's architectural features, interior construction and/or renovations, additions and/or renovations to lighting, fire alarm, heating/cooling and mechanical systems, roof repairs, chimney repairs, etc.

III. Any and all joint federal/state actions for which environmental impact documents are prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act shall be recognized as meeting CEPA requirements provided that such environmental impact documents are circulated in accordance with CEPA regulations.

For Further Information, Contact:
Dimple Desai, (860) 418-6412 ; dimple.desai@ct.gov