Senate Bill No. 1404, also known as Public Act No. 25-6, seeks to modernize the legal framework for cleaning up contaminated sites in Connecticut by aligning it with a new release-based cleanup program. The bill amends section 22a-134rr of the general statutes, changing "first adopted" to "effective after adoption" to clarify the timeline for reporting and remediating environmental releases. It requires individuals who create or maintain a release to report it upon discovery and remediate it according to new standards, establishing liability for non-compliance. Additionally, the definition of "Transfer of establishment" in section 22a-134 is revised to apply only to transactions occurring on or before the effective date of the new regulations, with exemptions for certain conveyances, including foreclosures and transfers to family members or trusts.

The bill also introduces significant amendments to environmental regulations, particularly regarding the remediation process. Effective October 1, 2025, the requirements of Section 22a-6u will apply only to specific releases not covered by other sections. It repeals Section 22a-133y, allowing licensed environmental professionals to conduct Phase II and Phase III assessments and remediation plans without the previous date restriction of January 1, 1996. The bill emphasizes procedural requirements for remediation, including public notification and submission of remedial action plans to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, with a provision that final reports will be deemed approved unless audited within sixty days. It also mandates property owners to maintain records of remedial actions for ten years and outlines conditions for recording environmental use restrictions, ultimately aiming to streamline the remediation process while ensuring environmental protection and public awareness.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
CE Joint Favorable:
File No. 488:
Public Act No. 25-6: