Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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Chemical Management and Climate Resilience
be prepared
CT’s businesses can be prepared to "weather the storm"
Connecticut was hit with at least 5 major storms plus lesser weather events since 2010.  It is important to make your business and property resilient to natural hazards and reduce the risk of  on-site chemicals causing pollution. Storm events can result in property damage, loss of inventory, and environmental contamination and liability. Accidental releases of toxic chemicals have also put communities and emergency responders at risk. 
Working together, businesses and local emergency officials can increase awareness and take steps to reduce risk and protect human health and safety.
Find out what you can do:
Tools, Outreach Materials & Resources for Businesses:

CT Toxic Users Map

The CT Toxic Users & Climate Risk Viewer is a tool for businesses as well as local and state emergency preparedness and response planners. Layers include 
  • the national flood hazard zones,
  • hurricane evacuation areas,
  • facilities that are EPCRA Tier 2 filers,
  • RCRA hazardous waste generators,
  • storage/ disposal facilities, and
  • Toxic Release Inventory reporters. 
A layer with sea level rise will be added in the future. 
Business, especially those that store hazardous chemicals, materials and/or wastes on site can assess the vulnerability of their location to climate-related natural hazards and take action to prevent damage or contamination from toxic on-site materials.  
EPCRA-regulated facilities subject to CGS 22a-610(e) can assess risk and update hazard mitigation plans and applicable evacuation plans accordingly.
Guidance Documents:
Interactive Guide for Businesses:
  • Is Your Business Prepared? An interactive GIS story map with information, suggestions and links - available Fall 2019
Free Online Training:
  • How Managing Chemicals Can Help Your Business Weather the Storm - available March 2020

    The online training will be useful for a variety of businesses that use or sell chemicals and
    store hazardous waste onsite. It provides information on how to mitigate the impacts
    of a natural hazard, save money, and prevent risks to human health and the environment
    from toxic chemicals. Topics covered include the importance of reducing chemicals,
    switching to less toxic ones, using BMPs to be more resilient as well as provide tools
    and resources to assess if your facility is at risk during a storm.
Local, Regional, and State Emergency Planning:
Municipalities and regions can utilize their Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans (NHMP) to promote best management practices to prevent pollution from chemical releases from businesses in the event of a natural hazard. NHMPs that are due for an update can include new initiatives aimed at chemical management, utilize DEEP's information and promote through municipal websites and social medial.
Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans with chemical management initiative:
DEEP offers to meet with/make presentations for COGs, municipalities, LEPCs and other emergency response officials, business associations and others to provide detailed information about our project, promote outreach materials and training and provide technical assistance.  
Other Resources & Links:
Last updated September 2019