DEEP has released a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop Hartford's waste-to-energy plant and other facilities owned by the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA). The final RFP, which will call for plans to dramatically increase recycling and decrease the incineration of waste, will be issued later this fall and will launch an eighteen-month process to identify a developer for the system of facilities known as the Connecticut Solid Waste System Project. More information, including the draft RFP, is available at www.ct.gov/deep/ResourceRediscovery. Comments on the draft are welcome through October 27, 2015.

Outdoor Wood-Fired Furnace Incentive Program: Round 2 

   

Hydrilla (photo: Army Corps of Engineers)

Highly Invasive Hydrilla Found in Coventry Lake

In late September, DEEP announced that a very highly invasive aquatic plant has been found in Coventry Lake (Wangumbaug Lake) in Coventry. An aquatic plant biology class at the University of Connecticut found several fragments near the boat launch that was confirmed as hydrilla. Hydrilla, which is not native to the United States, has become a major problem in southeastern states and is beginning to spread into the Northeast. Hydrilla spreads aggressively; forms dense mats of vegetation; easily outcompetes and displaces native plants; alters aquatic habitats; interferes with recreational activities; and is very difficult to control once established.

 

The source of the plant fragments is unclear at this time and DEEP is currently arranging to have Coventry Lake surveyed to determine the extent of the hydrilla infestation, as well as the most effective control method. Additionally, DEEP's Boating Division will increase staff presence at the boat launch to inspect boats and trailers and to provide information on invasive species and proper boat decontamination methods. Read the full news release for more information and precautions for boaters, anglers, and other recreational users to prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals, including hydrilla.

The grants are open to all CT-based K-12 schools, with preference f o r schools registered with the CT GreenLeaf Schools program. Maximum grant i s $1,500, which can be used to fund projects from field trips to the purchasin g of equipment for staff to better comply with recycling requirements. Grant applications are due November 15, 2015.  More information at www.RecycleCT.org

Free Webinars on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The Governor's Council on Climate Change has launched an innovative webinar series focusing on how municipalities, businesses, and other organizations across North America are leading on climate change. The series kicked off in September with a presentation on the Stamford 2030 District, followed by one this earlier this week on land use policies to protect the climate. Other scheduled webinars include presentations on:

Many different types of fluids and parts are required to keep vehicles running - but if these are improperly managed, they can have a negative impact on air and water quality. Improper management can also expose employees to hazardous chemicals and lead to fines and increased liability for a business or municipality. DEEP has a compilation of fact sheets, known as Pit Stops, which includes environmental regulations and BMPs pertaining to vehicle repair and fueling. The Petroleum Storage and Dispensing and Waste Tanks, Filters and Fuel Fact Sheets have been recently updated and a new fact sheet was created to provide further guidance for fueling stations located in aquifer protection areas.

Avian Influenza - Reporting Dead Wild Birds

Current scientific evidence indicates that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI; bird flu) usually involve the death of a large number of waterfowl or shorebirds as opposed to individual birds that people may find on their property. As a result, when it comes to surveillance of dead wild birds as an early detection measure, DEEP will primarily focus on events that involve large numbers of birds. At this time, individual birds that are found dead will not be routinely tested especially if they are backyard birds - robins, sparrows, pigeons, cardinals, etc. - which are not considered to be highly susceptible to bird flu. DEEP is, however, interested in all mortality events and will follow up on those that are indicative of a potential HPAI or other wildlife disease outbreak.

View along the shore at Seaside State Park

DEEP is required to review and update the Connecticut Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species List every five years in accordance with the Endangered Species Act that was passed in 1989. The Act recognizes the importance of our state's plant and animal populations and the need to protect them from threats that could lead to their extinction. The last update was done in 2010, and the most current revision for 2015 revision is now complete and became effective on August 5, 2015.

Visit DEEP's Endangered Species webpage to view the 2015 Endangered Species Brochure, a summary of recent change, and other information about endangered species in Connecticut.

New England Cottontail  (photo: Paul J. Fusco)

On September 11, 2015, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewe ll announced that a public-private partnership that united foresters, farmers, bird watchers, biologists, hunters, and other conservationists has saved the New England cottontail from needing protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. The once common New England cottontail was classified as a candidate for Endangered Species Act protection beginning in 2006 when widespread habitat loss greatly impacted its population. Voluntary restoration ef forts on private lands played a critical role in increasing and connecting young forest habitat to over 4,400 acres by removing trees and invasive sp ecies, planting native shrubs, and creating brush piles.

Connecticut has been engaged in all facets of the New England Cottontail Regional Initiative since its inception in 2009. Although DEEP is celebrating the success of efforts to date, work will continue for many years to ensure long-term stability of the New England cottontail. Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's New England Cottontail Conservation webpage for more information about conservation efforts of Connecticut's only native rabbit.

You may be familiar with the pollinating habits of bees and butterflies, but there are many others to explore, such as flies, beetles, moths, and wasps. All are necessary for the variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables that we enjoy every day.
Unfortunately, pollinators of all kinds are in decline in Connecticut and around the world, but you can help! You can improve pollinator habitat by taking simple steps to manage your property to be pollinator-friendly. Learn about pollination and the many pollinators found in Connecticut by visiting DEEP's new Pollinators in Connecticut webpage . Take part in improving the pollinator population in our state that is vital to the production of fruits, nuts, and vegetables.