Overview

Environmental Compliance 
The purpose of the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) is to identify and evaluate the impacts of proposed state actions which may significantly affect the environment.  This evaluation provides the decision maker with information necessary for deciding whether or not to proceed with the project.  The process also provides opportunity for public review and comment.  The Office of Capital Projects' 4-Step Process will assist our clients in understanding the environmental due diligence requirements needed in order for the sponsoring agency (DECD) to comply with its CEPA obligations.

The Generic Environmental Classification Document helps determine whether a CEPA study of a proposed action may be required. If DECD feels that the potential exists for significant impact, it will solicit comments from the public and other state agencies to determine whether there are any special issues or concerns regarding that project. This scoping process should be performed at a very early point in project planning to help ensure that it considers relevant environmental concerns in an adequate and timely manner.

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is a mandated review office under the DECD for state-sponsored undertakings under the authority and regulations of CEPA. Section 22a-1a-3 (a) (4) of the implementing regulations specifies that consideration of environmental significance shall include an evaluation concerning the "disruption or alteration" of a historic, architectural, or archaeological resource or its setting.

The SHPO staff work with the Office of Capital Projects in order to integrate cultural resource consideration as a component of state agency project planning efforts. Any DECD-funded project that may impact historic or archaeological resources is subject to SHPO review before the project commences. 

The Connecticut Flood Management Program requires certification, or an exemption, for all state actions within floodplains. The floodplain is considered to be the area located within the limits of the 100-year flood. The floodplain for a critical activity means the area located within the limits of the 500-year flood. Critical activity includes the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste and the siting of hospitals, housing for the elderly, schools or residences.  Additional information regarding Flood Management Certification such as the DEEP Permitting Fact Sheet and Pre-Application Guidance can be found below.   

For certain minor activities within a regulated floodplain, DECD has been granted a “General Certification” by DEEP. When all work on a project consists of minor activities, DECD will certify the project through the general certification. 


Engineering/Construction Compliance
DECD has prepared the bidding, contracting, and construction guidelines to assist clients through the agency’s requirements and policies. The professional services selection guidelines below have been prepared to ensure fairness and equal opportunity to all firms and to secure the highest possible measure of professional service for a fair and reasonable fee. 

Professional Services Selection Process

Bidding, Contracting & Construction Guidelines

These guidelines reference definitions, client responsibilities, categories of work, project planning to ensure CEPA compliance and various state agencies’ laws and regulations, the requirements of a publicly advertised competitive bid process for construction activities, selection and contracting for construction, DECD’s progress monitoring of construction, and the required documents from bidding on through to construction closeout.  

DECD clients may submit an alternative quality-based selection process to DECD for review and approval or utilize existing DAS contracts for the applicable services.