What is Connecticut ERT?
At its inception in 1969, CT RC&D’s Environmental Review Team (ERT) program was originally developed to respond to the overwhelming number of residential subdivisions that were being approved without adequate consideration of the natural resources. At the time, assistance was given to towns who lacked adequate staff to perform technical reviews and environmental impacts.
Today, an ERT review consists of a natural resources inventory report assembled with summaries written by a team of environmental professionals drawn together from a variety of federal, state, regional and local agencies, and private consultants. Team members vary for each review conducted based on the concerns and requests mentioned in the application.
Explore All the Reports
View all the reports by town that the Environmental Review Team has completed.
How Can the ERT Help You?
The ERT review can provide information about: the physical characteristics of the property, such as the geology, topography, and soils; the biological characteristics of the property, including wildlife and wetland functions; and limitations and opportunities of the site.
We offer a number of other services:
The ERT program provides support to towns and land trusts toward natural resource inventories of property, either owned or under review for open space acquisition. The final ERT report contains recommendations to help improve the site or project.
At this time, the ERT program does not have the professional volunteer resources or funding to provide ERT reviews as part of site plans, subdivisions or other land use applications submitted to towns. Please take time to review the town’s zoning or subdivision applications where reference to ERT review is noted in consultation with your land use attorney.
The Connecticut Environmental Review Team does not provide the following services:
- soil testing, water testing or other laboratory services
- drainage calculations or detailed drainage plans
- soil erosion and sedimentation control plans
- wetland crossing plans
- septic system designs
- evaluation of private property under town review for permitting or for private residents
The team does not make final decisions for town officials or land owners, the reports are non-regulatory, advisory in nature, and public information. It is up to the requesting agency as to how they will use the information provided by the ERT.
Who can apply for an ERT review?
- Chief elected officials of a municipality
- Chairperson of a municipal commission charged with the responsibility of managing the natural resources of the town provided they have the endorsement and support of their respective boards and commissions
- Connecticut land trusts
Private citizens, citizens groups, engineers and developers may not request an ERT assistance.
How to apply
Apply online by following the link below. An incomplete form may be cause for a denial or delay due to lack of information or time. Please enclose a location map with the project boundaries outlined at a scale of 1" = 2000'. Also provide copies of the most recent plans and maps for the project.
Want to join our team?
We are seeking environmental professionals from academia, retirees, other state and local organizations, and the private sector. Individuals can serve as team members and participate in this unique opportunity and valuable service would ideally have the following expertise:
As a team member, your contribution helps to conserve, improve, and maintain Connecticut’s natural resources. ERT team members enjoy opportunities for networking and partnering with other professional organizations and experts. As a team member, you will be asked to participate in a team discussion and site visit on the day of the ERT review, and to then submit a written report on your observations and evaluations of the property. A timeframe will be set for completing and submitting your written report. To join the team, fill out the online submission form below or download the PDF version and mail/email it in to our office. You may contact Jocelyn Lahey with any questions.
Funding for the Environmental Review Team program is provided by CT DEEP's Passport to the Parks Program.