Connecticut Energy Market Lead Steve Kochis recently spoke on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (CTDEEP) public informational forum, which focused on enhancements to the Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) Program. Because of the trusted relationship Steve has built over more than 15 years of working with CTDEEP, he was nominated to represent the consulting community on the panel and provide insights into how these updates will affect Connecticut businesses.
The NDDB program maintains a centralized database of state-listed endangered and threatened species; this data informs the review process of proposed projects that require DEEP permits, including energy infrastructure developments in the state. The complexity of the NDDB review process can result in elongated review timelines, causing project delays and increased costs.
After conducting a study to improve the NDDB program, CTDEEP identified strategies to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of endangered species impact reviews. The topline recommendation was to implement enhanced, proactive mapping of endangered species, which would decrease or even eliminate the need for field surveys and significantly shorten environmental review timelines.
Combined with DEEP’s recent permitting process improvement initiative—which included better communication, expanded staffing, and investing in an automated review system—the suggested enhancements will modernize the NDDB program and streamline the environmental review process, saving developers time and money.
“These improvements to the NDDB program are another significant step towards making energy development projects less challenging, more efficient, and more feasible for developers,” said Steve.
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