(a) For purposes of this section, “consulting services program” means a program within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that is substantially similar to the consulting services program administered by the Labor Department's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, under which program civil penalties are not incurred and notices of violations are not issued as the result of the consultation process, provided any noncompliance identified by the consultation process is limited to minor violations, as defined in section 22a-6s, and reasonable efforts are made by the regulated entity to comply with environmental laws and regulations.

(b) Not later than September 1, 2010, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall commence negotiations with the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the purposes of creating a consulting services program within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(c) Not later than October 31, 2010, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall reallocate existing resources and adjust existing policies to implement such consulting services program in accordance with any applicable requirement of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. If United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements are incompatible with the implementation of such consulting services program, the commissioner shall consult with representatives from regulated entities to implement alternative programs to provide compliance assistance for businesses and municipalities. Such alternative programs may include, but need not be limited to, training sessions or other materials made available on the department's Internet web site, best management practices manuals and any other form of compliance assistance.

(P.A. 10-158, S. 8; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 10-158 effective June 9, 2010; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” and “Department of Environmental Protection” were changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” and “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”, respectively, effective July 1, 2011.