Summary Of Compliance with Committee Recommendations

Recommendation

Status

Comments

DECD should maintain up-to-date list of Special Contaminated Property Remediation and Insurance Fund (SCPRIF) Advisory Board members and appointing authorities.

Full

In 1999, DECD compiled computerized database with specified information.

SCPRIF program materials and procedures should be revised to eliminate requirements that Phase I assessment must be underway when entities submit pre-application and specific re-use plans must exist.

Full

In 1999, SCPRIF pre-application revised: applicants identify site-specific environmental information (which may be a source other than a Phase I assessment) leading them to believe further investigation needs to be done and describe "anticipated redevelopment."

DECD and SCPRIF Board be required to promulgate regulations for SCPRIF, including a description of eligibility criteria required beyond those statutorily specified and the process used to evaluate projects.

Full

P.A. 99-216 required DECD in consultation with SCPRIF board to establish criteria (rather than regulations) including loan application and evaluation procedures. Since 1999, the SCPRIF application package has contained information about eligibility, the application process, and selection criteria.

Additional $3 million shall be authorized for Urban Sites Remedial Action Program (USRAP).

Full

P.A. 99-242 authorized State Bond Commission to use $5 million each in FY 00 and FY 01 for grants-in-aid for identification, investigation, containment, removal, or mitigation of contaminated industrial sites in urban areas.

DECD should rewrite materials to clarify differences between USRAP and Economic Development Initiative Sites Program.

Full

DECD no longer distributes forms combining information about the two programs.

Amend C.G.S. Sec. 12-263m to specify limits on number of years dry cleaning establishments can receive grants and circumstances under which applicant will be ineligible for consideration.

Partial

Under P.A. 99-216, grant recipients cannot be in arrears on any state taxes, but no legislative cap placed on number of years establishments can receive grants. DECD continues to limit recipients to three years of funding.

DECD shall promulgate regulations for operating the Dry Cleaning Establishment Remediation Program, including limitations on eligibility and allowable project costs.

Full

P.A. 99-216 required DECD to establish program criteria (rather than regulations) for eligibility and uses of grant funds. DECD "Guidelines and Eligibility Requirements" lists eligibility requirements and describes uses of funds in broad terms.

DECD should prepare informational mailing about April 1999 dry cleaning grant cycle for distribution with quarterly surcharge forms sent out by Department of Revenue Services.

Full

DECD prepared an informational letter, which the Department of Revenue Service distributed in January 1999.

DECD should sponsor a second cycle of dry cleaning grants in 1999, if April cycle does not attract at least seven new applicants.

Full

DECD received 14 applications during April 1999 cycle (with five from new applicants) and 10 applications during May 2000 cycle.

In 2001, DECD sponsored two cycles. All six of the applications received in March were approved; three of the five applications received in August were approved.

DECD shall report on dry cleaning fund to General Assembly on Feb. 1, 2000, re: program activity and whether grant program and gross receipts tax should continue.

Full

P.A. 99-216 required this report, which DECD submitted to the legislature at the beginning of February 2000.

DEP should complete its planned guidance document for environmental professionals regarding the conduct of site investigations by March 15, 1999.

Partial

DEP released the draft guidance document in June 2000. As of January 2002, no formal comments had been received from organizations representing environmental professionals, although the department still expects to receive some comments. DEP anticipates finalizing the guidance document by May 2002.

DECD should prepare and distribute written summaries of the major brownfield-related programs.

Full

DECD staff attend outreach conferences and provide information about brownfield-related programs. Information about various programs is available in printed form and on the department's web site.

Change incorrect references to subsections.

Full

P.A. 99-216 made appropriate changes.