| OCR Text |
Show CONNECTICUT 177 tection. The Commissioner is to develop comprehensive programs for the prevention and abatement of water pollution, consult and co- operate with other state agencies and with the Federal Government, and make studies on water pollution control.18 The water pollution control program set up by the act includes standards for stream classification, provisions for waste discharge permits, and procedures to enjoin particular acts of pollution. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is directed to set stream quality standards that shall (1) apply to interstate waters within the State, and to those intrastate streams which the Commissioner deems necessary; (2) protect public health and welfare and promote eco- nomic development; (3) preserve and enhance the quality of State waters for legitimate present and prospective uses; and (4) be con- sistent with standards established by the State Department of Health. There are provisions for notice and hearings before the standards are adopted.19 The act provides that a person must obtain a discharge permit from the Commissioner before he can create or initiate any new dis- charge of any substance into the waters of the State. These permits are to be granted only when the Commissioner determines that ade- quate provisions are made to protect the receiving waters. The permits are granted for five-year periods, are renewable, are subject to the requirements that any existing treatment or abatement facility must be maintained and any other requirements and conditions the Com- missioner deems necessary.20 The Commissioner is to periodically review and investigate all sources of discharge operating under these permits.21 The Commissioner has the power to order municipalities,22 or any person, to cease polluting the State's waters,23 and may even order persons to correct conditions that are potential sources of pollution.24 The Commissioner can use both injunctive action25 and penalties2a to enforce these orders. There are provisions for hearings,27 followed by appeal to the courts28 by any party aggrieved by an order of the Commissioner. The Legislature has passed special provisions dealing with water pollution caused by oil or other chemical products.29 These provisions provide that any person may remove oil or chemical substances from the waters and shoreline and be entitled to reimbursement for costs incurred from anv person or corporation responsible for the escape of the oil or chemical substance.30 The act authorizes State financial aid to municipalities for pollu- tion abatement facilities,31 and the State tax laws provide for a 18 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (c). 18 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (e). 20 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (i). 21 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54(j). 23 Conn. Gen. Stat, sec. 25-54 (g). 23 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54(h). 84 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (k). 25 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (n). 28 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (q). 27 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54(o). 88 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54(p). 28 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (bb)-(hh). 30 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (ff). 31 Conn. Gen. Stat., sec. 25-54 (r)-(z) |
