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GeoInsighter Summer/Fall 2007 Newsletter CT'S RESTORATION OF ITS BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM Return to the Newsletter Index Connecticut (CT) has begun to repoint the building blocks of its Brownfields program with new legislation set to strengthen its structure. With the recent passing of House Bill 7369 (the Bill) and Governor Jodi Rell's signing of Public Act 07-223, an Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Brownfield Task Force, the investigation, cleanup, and redevelopment of environmentally impacted underutilized or abandoned properties has been streamlined. It is anticipated that municipalities, developers, property owners, and not-for-profit organizations will all benefit. The Bill has begun to address possible hurdles, including financial assistance programs, regulatory assistance, and statewide planning. Let's hope the mortar sticks. 
AST systems are also required to meet the containment volumes specified in Env Wm 1402.21. The storage capacity of the secondary containment must be of sufficient volume to contain the entire contents of the largest single tank. If the AST system is not covered to prevent the collection of storm water, the secondary containment area must add an additional capacity of at least 10 percent of the volume of the largest single tank. Alternatively, the volume of the secondary containment must be sized for the additional volume of precipitation that would fall within the containment area over 24 hours during a 10-year storm event. This summer, the NHDES notified owners and operators of AST systems that were not in compliance with secondary containment standards. In lieu of upgrades to the secondary containment, an engineer's certification of the performance of existing site materials (i.e., clay liners) and secondary containment volumes must be submitted to the NHDES. If an AST system currently relies upon a clay-type liner, the material should be evaluated by a professional engineer for permeability in accordance with Env Wm 1402.21. The NHDES urges owners to complete upgrades before May 28, 2008 to avoid enforcement actions. Brian D. Kisiel, P.G. Return to the Newsletter
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