Safeguarding public drinking water by managing land uses within mapped wellhead protection areas.

Program Basics

Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area (APA) Program protects major public water supply wells located in sand and gravel aquifers. Within designated APAs, certain new land uses that involve hazardous materials are restricted, and existing regulated businesses must register and follow Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Shared Responsibilities: The program is administered collaboratively by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), municipalities, and public water companies.

What activities are regulated:

New or existing activities that use, store, handle, or dispose of hazardous materials may be regulated within APAs. Existing facilities typically must register; new proposals may require a permit from the local Aquifer Protection Agency. New regulated activities are prohibited from moving into the Aquifer Protection Area.

  • On‑site storage/handling of hazardous substances and petroleum products
  • Certain manufacturing, repair, or maintenance activities
  • Waste management and material processing involving hazardous constituents

Note: See DEEP guidance and Stamford’s local regulations for category lists, thresholds, and the below BMP requirements.

Best Management Practices (BMPs):
  • Secondary containment for storage and transfers
  • Spill prevention and response procedures
  • Good housekeeping, labeling, and employee training
  • Proper waste storage and vendor documentation
  • Regular inspections and recordkeeping

Who Does What

CT DEEP (State)

Program Administration
State regulations, standards, and guidance; approves APA maps and local regulations.
Training & Support
Assists municipal agencies and provides training for local officials and board members.
Direct Regulation
Regulates major facilities, state facilities, and public service companies located within APAs.
Public Education
Promotes groundwater protection statewide.

City of Stamford (Local)

Aquifer Protection Agency
The Stamford Zoning Board serves as the local Aquifer Protection Agency.
Inventory & Mapping
Maintains local APA boundaries and inventories regulated land uses.
Registration & Permits
Registers existing regulated facilities and issues permits for new regulated activities.
Oversight & Outreach
Monitors compliance with BMPs and educates residents and businesses.

Registration & Permitting

Facilities within the APA that conduct regulated activities must register with the City of Stamford. New regulated activities may require a permit. Application materials should demonstrate compliance with BMPs and any state/local requirements.

How to Register an Existing Facility

  1. Use the Interactive APA Map to confirm your property is within the Aquifer Protection Area.
  2. Review the DEEP Municipal Manual and Stamford guidance to determine if your operations are regulated.
  3. Prepare registration materials (business information, site plan, material storage/handling, BMPs, spill response, and contact of environmental coordinator).
  4. Submit your registration and fee to the City of Stamford Aquifer Protection Agency (Zoning Board).
  5. Maintain records and renew/update as required.

Apply for a New Regulated Activity Permit

  1. If you are considering opening or are currently operating a business within the APA, first determine whether your business would be performing 'regulated activities' or exempt activities.  Fill out this form prior to meeting with staff: Determination of Regulatory Status in Aquifer Protection Area
  2. Schedule a pre‑application discussion with APA staff.
  3. Provide plans and narratives describing proposed processes, materials, storage, secondary containment, wastewater handling, and BMPs.
  4. Demonstrate consistency with state/local regulations and that the activity will not adversely affect the aquifer.
  5. Attend public hearings if required; respond to staff/board comments.
  6. Implement conditions of approval; maintain compliance and reporting.

Aquifer Protection Area Staff

Staff

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