2013 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 22a - Environmental Protection
Chapter 446j - Dams and Reservoirs
Section 22a-401 - (Formerly Sec. 25-110). Powers and duties of commissioner.

All dams, dikes, reservoirs and other similar structures, with their appurtenances, without exception and without further definition or enumeration herein, which, by breaking away or otherwise, might endanger life or property, shall be subject to the jurisdiction conferred by this chapter. The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall formulate all rules, definitions and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and not inconsistent therewith. The commissioner or his authorized representatives may enter upon private property to make such investigations and gather such data concerning dams, watersheds, sites, structures and general conditions as may be necessary in the public interest for a proper inspection, review and study of the design and construction of such structures and of the environmental impact of such structures on the inland wetlands of the state. The commissioner may, when necessary, employ or make such agreements with geologists, other engineers, expert consultants and such assistants as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(1949 Rev., S. 4728, 4729; 1957, P.A. 364, S. 16, 17; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 130; P.A. 73-571, S. 7, 9; P.A. 75-237, S. 1, 2; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 13-197, S. 1.)

History: 1971 act replaced water resources commission with commissioner of environmental protection; P.A. 73-571 required commissioner to review and study environmental impact of structures on inland wetlands; P.A. 75-237 required owners of dams, dikes, etc. to notify commissioner of any transfer of ownership; Sec. 25-110 transferred to Sec. 22a-401 in 1983; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 13-197 deleted requirement that owners notify commissioner within 10 days of the transfer of ownership of a dam.