Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee
Scope of Study
Approved April 11, 2000
CONNECTICUT SITING COUNCIL
Established in 1971, the Connecticut Siting Council has siting jurisdiction in a number of areas including: energy, telecommunications, hazardous waste disposal, low level radioactive waste management, and ash residue management facilities.
Developers of new or modified facilities regulated by the council must obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need from the council prior to beginning construction. The council reviews applications and conducts public hearings on proposed projects. The specific steps in the certification process and timeframes for completing them are established in statute and council regulations.
The council's primary purpose is to balance the need for adequate and reliable public services at the lowest reasonable cost to consumers with the need to protect the environment and ecology of the state. The council also reviews and monitors development and management plans required of all facilities granted certificates. Responsibility for overseeing completed facilities is shared by the council, the state environmental protection department, and officials of the sited municipalities.
Administratively located within the Department of Public Utility Control, the council operates as an autonomous body with its own administrative staff. Council membership is statutorily dictated and varies depending on the type of proceeding being conducted.
AREA OF FOCUS
This study will examine the policies, procedures, and overall operation of the Connecticut Siting Council. In particular, the study will focus on the council's ability to balance the need for the facilities it oversees with the need to protect the environment, public health, and safety.
AREAS OF ANALYSIS
· Scope of jurisdiction, powers, duties, role, and responsibilities of the council
· Major council activities including certification process and overseeing completed projects
· Development and implementation of criteria used in evaluating applications
· Adherence to statutory timeframes and overall efficacy of process
· The council's relationship with municipalities and other governmental bodies