Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5143
Title: AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.
Vote Date: 3/4/2022
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/25/2022
File No.: 59
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF THE BILL:
Rep. Christine Palm, 36th Dist. Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo, 111th Dist.
Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, 17th Dist. Rep Gary A. Turco, 27th Dist.
Rep. Michael A. Winkler 146th Dist. Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
Rep. Emmanuel Sanchez, 24th Dist. Sen. Will Haskell, 26th Dist.
Rep. Josh Elliott, 88th Dist. Rep. Lucy Dathan, 142nd Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To address the problems posed by the invasive plants in our water ways by establishing an
Office of Aquatic Invasive Species.
Substitute language LCO 2696
Added provisions establishing a Save Our Waters account requiring coordination with the
Invasive Plants Commission and education and signs at boat launches concerning DEEP'S
aquatic invasive plants technique for use by boat operators.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT
Lori Brown. Executive Director, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
We support the bill but would like it strengthened with several provisions:
Expedite restoration of the position of invasive plants coordinator
Establish a repository for data on invasive species within the state
Expand the states education efforts about invasive species.
Implement penalties for plant sellers that fail to educate consumers about proper handling
and disposal of specific species.
Margot Burns, Environmental Planner, Lower Ct. River Valley Council of Governments
The lower Connecticut River Valley communities are concerned about the pervasive aquatic
invasive plant Hydrilla verticillate and the threat it poses to the Connecticut River. If this plant
is allowed to spread the damage would be devastating. In 2016 River COG report valued
the annual benefit for the Lower Connecticut River Valley Region from marinas at $19.7
million. We ask DEEP to expand its Clean, Drain and Dry Program and boat ramp steward
training program. Please increase public education, signage and boat washing stations.
Keith Cagle, President, Friends of Connecticut Sportsmen
The Fisheries Advisory Council agrees that an Office of Aquatic Invasive Species is important
and could conduct aquatic invasive species research. We would like the new office to control
efforts to better monitor ecosystems and fisheries and also to include native plant restoration
among its responsibilities.
Jennifer Carlson, Executive Director, Connecticut River Museum
We support the bill but there should be increase funding for DEEP'S aquatic invasive washing
stations, signage at all boat launches, public education programs explaining the clean, drain
& dry program and establishing a "Save Our River" license plate to support these education
efforts.
Alicea Charamut, Executive Director, Rivers Alliance
We support an Office of Aquatic Invasive Species but there already exists the Invasive Plants
Council as established in statue (cgs 22a-381 through 22a-381e). This council has not met
for many years but already provides the representation needed. The following are our
options for increasing funds
1. Establish a "Save our Waterways" license plan
2. Create a fine for municipalities for discharge water containing invasive plants into
Connecticut waterways.
Patrick Comins, Executive Director, The Ct. Audubon Society
The spread of invasive species is not limited to the Connecticut river watershed area there
we recommend the new Office of Aquatic Invasive Species coordinate with environmental
organizations and entities with local expertise. We recommend the following modifications,
Include authority to combat terrestrial and wetland invasive species and expand beyond
plants 2. Increase funding for DEEP's aquatic invasive washing stations infrastructure,
including signage at all boat launches; 3. Fund a public education program explaining the
DEEP's "Clean, Drain & Dry" program; 4. Establish a "Save Our River" license plate,
proceeds of which would help fund these educational efforts. (Please note this is different
from the existing plate to help ponds and lakes.) 5. Several nongovernmental organizations
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are working in the invasive species arena and we suggest removing reference to any specific
organizations, but rather to coordinate with the appropriate NGO working on the issue locally.
Connecticut River Gateway Commission
The Connecticut River is the state's ecological "gem" and if invasive aquatic plants are
allowed to spread within its coves and tributaries the damage will be devastating. The
Connecticut River is an economic driver thru eco-tourism and the recreational boating
industry. Establishing this office of Aquatic Invasive Species is an important first step.
James Berardino, Connecticut Water Works Association
The creation of this office serves as a first step in mobilizing Connecticut's environmental
stewards and would enable them to respond to new issues as they arise. This will assist
Connecticut's water companies along with its municipalities, public health agencies,
endangered species and ultimately the taxpayers.
Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs, Nature Conservancy
This proposal is right on target and are supportive but we think there are additional provisions
that will strength the bill as follows.
Support greater funding for DEEP's aquatic invasive washing stations infrastructure and
include signage at all boat launches
. Support a public education initiative or program that helps explain DEEP's "Clean, Drain &
Dry" program
Create an invasive related license plate where the funds raised could support the above
related educational efforts
Penalties for knowingly discharging water containing aquatic invasive
Betsy Gara, Executive Director, COST
Invasive species and cyanobacterial blooms are an increasing concern for our state water
companies. They grow rapidly and are difficult to eradicate and can create permanent and
serious problems.
John Hall, Executive Director, The Jonah Center for Earth and Art
For years we have helped remove invasive water chestnuts from the Mattabassett and
Coginchaug river. We have managed to keep the main channel relatively clear but the
infestation has grown worse in the shallow areas. We have no support from the state but
have received guidance from the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service.
William Hyatt, Vice Chair Connecticut Fisheries Advisory Council
The proposed Office of Aquatic Invasive species should conduct AIS research, serve as a
repository for state-wide date, perform regular surveys, educate the pubic and provide
guidance to municipalities. We also believe it should be part of the Invasive Plant Council.
FAC recommends two additional items.
1. Control items need to be monitored to avoid damaging ecosystems and fisheries
2. Include native plant restoration as part of the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species
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Brian Lanoue, Representative, State of Connecticut
I am further recommending the following to be added to H.B. 5143
"Amend section 14-21aa of the general statutes to (1) Define "aquatic invasive species" using
criteria established by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, (2) divide any funds
deposited into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account equally at fifty
per cent between lakes, rivers and ponds, and (3) establish funding priorities in the following
order: (A) State-owned bodies of water, (B) state-operated boat launches, and (C) largest to
smallest bodies of water, based on acreage."
This addition will help establish a fair and equal playing field for all.
Bill Lucey, Save the Sound
The proposed Office of Aquatic Invasive Species should be integrated into the Invasive Plant
council for coordination with stakeholders. We would like to see an increase in the
monitoring of herbicides. Though an essential tool for managing invasive species there is
excessive use that has killed plants and also fish and amphibians in smaller Ct. ponds.
William Hyatt, Connecticut Federation of Lakes
CFL has concerns with the new Office or Aquatic Species being responsible for coordinating
AIS species throughout the state and serving as liaison among existing organizations. These
two can be better served by reinvigorating the Invasive Plants Council. We are also
concerned with AIS tapping into the revenue generated by the AIS boat fee established by
PA 19-190.
Jason Patlis, President, The Maritime Aquarium
The presence of invasive species in Connecticut is a concern for the state's economy and
environment. The establishing of this new office will address and help study aquatic invasive
species.
Lori Vitagliano, Government and Public Relations, Regional Water Authority
The establishment of this office will strengthen and provide an additional method to address
concerns regarding aquatic invasive species across the state.
Over 29 other people also submitted testimony is support of the bill
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed
Reported by: Pamela Bianca Date: March 31,2022
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