Connecticut Integrated Water Quality Report Public Comment Period Now Open

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is making available the draft State of Connecticut Integrated Water Quality Report (IWQR) for public review and comment (Public Notice) from June 6, 2022 to July 6, 2022. Interested persons may obtain copies of the draft IWQR on the CT DEEP website at https://www.ct.gov/deep/iwqr. Hard copies of the IWQR may be requested by contacting DEEP.IWQR@ct.gov. The IWQR has been prepared by the CT DEEP to fulfill requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) under Sections 305(b) and 303(d). The final document will be submitted to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) following the Department’s consideration of comments received.

2022 Connecticut Integrated Water Quality Report (IWQR) Factsheet shares a great snapshot of why this report is important, and what information feeds into this report. The Fact Sheet also shares a summary of Connecticut’s waters safety for swimming, boating, fishing, and supporting fish and aquatic life. The 2022 Report also includes new information on the development of a new Database for Ambient Monitoring Data, a Biological Condition Gradient Web Application and a web application to view and download information relevant to the IWQR.

Written comments on the draft IWQR must be received by CT DEEP by July 6, 2022 in order to be considered prior to submission of the final IWQR to US EPA. Electronic comments are preferred and should be directed electronically to Rebecca Jascot at DEEP.IWQR@ct.gov. Please use subject line “IWQR 2022 Comments.” Comments may also be submitted in paper form to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, Water Planning and Management Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127, Attn: Rebecca Jascot.

A public informational meeting has been scheduled by CT DEEP on: June 15, 2022 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) via ZOOM. Register in advance for this meeting: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpdOGhrz8uHdakwnFi6FPytqu5TH7pblZb

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. CT DEEP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request an accommodation contact CT DEEP at 860-418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov. Thank you for your participation.