Connecticut environmental regulators say they are preparing new rules to clarify existing provisions covering the reporting of spills or discharges of hazardous liquids, wastes or gases.
The state Department of Environmental Protection says it is acting on business claims, led by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, that DEP’s spill-reporting rules are unclear.
Currently, all spills or discharges – no matter how big or small — must be reported. The DEP’s proposed new rules would specify when and what details that must be reported as well as identify exceptions and exemptions to reporting requirements.
 “No one wants to see a spill or discharge occur – and Connecticut’s business work hard to prevent them from happening,” DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella said in a statement. “But when these types of incidents do occur, businesses need clear rules on what they must do to comply with Connecticut’s statutory reporting requirements.”
The agency will conduct two public hearings Sept. 22 – from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — and Oct. 5 – from 10 a.m. to noon; 1:30 to 4 p.m; and 6 p.m. until all comments are heard – in the Phoenix Auditorium at DEP’s Hartford headquarters at 55 Elm St.
It also is gathering written comment sent to David Sattler, DEP Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, 79 Elm St., Hartford, 06106-5127.
Following the public hearings and comment session, DEP will evaluate comments on the proposed regulations and then issue proposed final regulations.Â
The proposed final regulations must be approved by the General Assembly’s Regulations Review Committee before taking effect.
