EAST HAVEN LEGISLATORS REPORT HURRICANE COASTAL PERMITTING INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR STORM VICTIMS

State Senator Len Fasano (R-34th District) and State Representative James Albis (D-East Haven) are informing area residents affected by Hurricane Irene’s devastation that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a fact sheet to assist storm victims in understanding the permitting options available including temporary and emergency authorizations.

“Senator Fasano and I, like all government officials and residents of Connecticut, are concerned for the safety of those whose homes suffered damage, and wish them a speedy recovery and rebuilding process,” Rep. Albis said. “The temporary and emergency authorization from DEEP will aid homeowners in ensuring that their property is safe.”

Sen. Fasano said, “We are all trying to pick up the pieces from this natural disaster, but we can’t do it alone. The state is able to assist and should try in every way. I’m calling on Governor Malloy and his administration to make the restoration process as quick and easy as possible for both residents and business owners along the shoreline.”

According to DEEP:

A temporary authorization has been issued to cover the use of equipment to replace sand that was displaced from beaches as a result of the hurricane. A copy of the authorization, which expires on September 29, is posted on the DEEP website.

An emergency authorization has been issued for riprap placement in eroded areas behind damaged seawalls, and for seawall repairs. In order to be eligible, a seawall must have been previously authorized, have been in place since before 1980, or be protecting infrastructure or a residence that has been in place since before 1980. A copy of the authorization, which expires on December 31, is posted on the DEEP website.

Temporary Authorizations may be issued for some types of temporary repairs that are not covered in the blanket authorizations. To be eligible, the regulated structure or fill must be in place for 30 days or less, be necessary to protect human health or the environment or otherwise necessary to protect the public interest, and must cause only minimal environmental impact.

For more detailed information, please visit the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/.