Press Release: 2024 Watershed Inspections to Begin

The Metropolitan District (MDC) will be conducting its state-mandated annual watershed sanitary survey and inspection program beginning in April. The purpose of the program, which will continue through November, is to prevent contamination of the MDC’s drinking water supplies as a result of septic system failure, erosion, runoff, and other potential pollutants.

Routine watershed sanitary surveys are required by Section 19-13-B102 (b) of the Connecticut Public Health Code.

Property inspections will take place in the towns of Barkhamsted and Hartland on the Barkhamsted Reservoir watershed; in New Hartford, Burlington, Harwinton, Torrington and Winsted on the Nepaug Reservoir watershed; and in the towns of Avon, Simsbury, Bloomfield and West Hartford on the West Hartford and Reservoir No. 6 watersheds.

Routine field inspections take only a few minutes and will be conducted by MDC’s Watershed Inspector who carries appropriate MDC identification and drives an authorized MDC vehicle. The Inspector does not enter homes; the inspection is limited to the exterior portions of the real property. In 2023, the MDC inspected 1020 watershed properties.

If a violation or an issue is detected, it is reported to the property owner and health officials as required by law. Property owners may receive more information by contacting the MDC Watershed Management Unit, Barkhamsted Water Supply Division at 860-278-7850 extension 3120. A video short on the watershed program is available on the MDC’s YouTube Channel.

Download PDF of Press Release (CT)
Download PDF of Press Release (Mass)

Integrated Plan Monthly Report to CT DEEP

Public Act 23-204 Integrated Plan Monthly Report to CT DEEP February 2024

Public Act 23-204 Section 141
ASSISTANCE TO MDC FOR SEWER UPGRADES AND REPAIRS / Report to DEEP and Legislature

By February 1, 2024, and then generally monthly, the act requires MDC to submit a report to DEEP and the Environment and Planning and Development committees with (1) a description of any repairs and improvements begun or completed in the previous month under the program; (2) an itemized accounting of expenditures; and (3) a list of projects the district started but has been unable to complete due to permitting issues, including the nature of the issues. MDC’s first report must also have a detailed description of the scope of all projects it anticipates undertaking, with the estimated schedule for each project. After the first report, MDC does not need to submit a report in months that it does not undertake repairs or improvements under the program.

Integrated Plan Consent Order 2023 Annual Report Information

2023 MDC Annual Report Cover Letter
2023 Annual Report Presentation DRAFT REVISED (3 new slides 8-10 added to describe additional sewer separation work scope and proposed schedule change)
2023 Annual Report March 14, 2024 Meeting Agenda

In accordance with its Modified Consent Order, dated July 24, 2023, the Metropolitan District (MDC) will
conduct a public meeting to provide 1) an update on Consent Order projects completed and under
construction, 2) a schedule for Consent Order projects under construction or yet to start construction,
and 3) a status of use of minority and disadvantaged business enterprises on its Consent Order Projects.
This meeting includes a report on the 4th quarter of 2023 and 2023 annual report on the Consent Order
Projects.

The meeting will take place on March 14, 2024, at 6:00 P.M., at the MDC Headquarters, located at 555 Main Street, Hartford, CT.

The general public may also attend remotely via Webex call-in:
415-655-0001; access code 2313 207 0974#
or via Webex video link: Meeting Video Link

Comments or questions on the Integrated Plan 2023 Annual Report may be submitted via email to DistrictClerk@themdc.com until April 1, 2024.

Responses to questions and comments will be posted on the MDC’s website www.themdc.org by May 1, 2024.

Background Information
Consent Order – Integrated Plan document
North Hartford Sewer Improvement Projects page

Integrated Plan Report to CT DEEP (Public Act 23-204)

Public Act 23-204 Integrated Plan Monthly Report to CT DEEP January 2024

Public Act 23-204 Section 141
ASSISTANCE TO MDC FOR SEWER UPGRADES AND REPAIRS / Report to DEEP and Legislature

By February 1, 2024, and then generally monthly, the act requires MDC to submit a report to DEEP and the Environment and Planning and Development committees with (1) a description of any repairs and improvements begun or completed in the previous month under the program; (2) an itemized accounting of expenditures; and (3) a list of projects the district started but has been unable to complete due to permitting issues, including the nature of the issues. MDC’s first report must also have a detailed description of the scope of all projects it anticipates undertaking, with the estimated schedule for each project. After the first report, MDC does not need to submit a report in months that it does not undertake repairs or improvements under the program.

Press Release: MDC to Open Community Outreach Office to Support North Hartford Sewer Improvement Projects

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MDC TO OPEN OUTREACH OFFICE TO SUPPORT NORTH HARTFORD SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Community Outreach Office scheduled to open in February

For Immediate Release

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Metropolitan District (MDC) announced today that the organization has recently secured a location for a dedicated Community Outreach office at 179 Barbour Street in Hartford. The office will serve as a central hub for engaging with the local community and ensuring open lines of communication throughout the duration of the North Hartford Sewer Improvement Projects construction.


Recognizing the importance of this location to the community, the office will serve as a space for addressing concerns, providing project updates, and actively seeking feedback from residents and stakeholders as well as provide workforce development opportunities for the community.  An official opening and ribbon cutting are planned for February with an open house to follow in the spring.

MDC’s North Hartford Sewer Improvement Projects, a significant undertaking, began in July 2023. The work includes multiple sewer separation, rehabilitation and lining work to upgrade local infrastructure in North Hartford.  Establishing a dedicated office will support current and future work and will further streamline communication channels and ensure that stakeholders are well-informed about the project’s progress, potential disruptions, and any necessary information.

MDC has two active sewer separation projects that have already seen significant progress; one on Durham Street (24 properties) and the other on Woodstock and Branford Streets (72 properties) with another to begin this year on Westland Street (126 properties). In addition, a Sewer Rehabilitation and lining project in the Tower Avenue area is ongoing with similar projects slated to begin this year in the Granby/Blue Hills, North Meadows and Gully Brook areas. These projects are achieving a 30% Hartford resident workforce goal, imposed by the MDC.


“We understand that construction projects can sometimes cause inconvenience and disruption to the local community,” said Scott Jellison, MDC CEO.  “Our experience with having local outreach offices for previous construction projects was successful, and we want to ensure that residents have a place to actively engage with us throughout the duration of project.  A visible presence in our construction area neighborhood helps demonstrate MDC’s commitment to rebuilding North Hartford. I want to recognize community leader Mr. Steve Harris and our Hartford MDC Commissioners for helping make this happen.”

Office hours and contact information for the new office will be made available in the coming weeks.

Public Act 23-204 Report on Sewerage and Stormwater Projects by Hartford and MDC

Public Act 23-2004 Report (download)

Public Act 23-2004 Section 145
REPORT ON SEWERAGE AND STORMWATER PROJECTS BY HARTFORD AND MDC
Requires Hartford and MDC to report to DEEP and the legislature on sewer and stormwater projects and flooding prevention plans. The act requires Hartford and MDC to jointly submit a report by January 1, 2024, to DEEP and the Environment and Planning and Development committees that describes (1) the status of any planned or underway long-term projects in Hartford that are intended to improve the city’s sewerage or stormwater infrastructure and (2) their plan to mitigate or prevent future flooding issues, including the feasibility of investing in green infrastructure. The report must be published on DEEP and MDC’s websites.