Landfill Remediation and Wetlands Mitigation
Project Background
The state DEP has approved a Remedial Action Plan to close the UCONN landfill and former chemical pits and remove leachate-contaminated sediments from wetlands located along the landfill perimeter, to provide a sustainable solution to the site's current environmental problems. Groundbreaking on this plan is expected to begin this spring, and we are looking for faculty and student clubs interested in utilizing this unique on-campus environmental project for courses of research uses.
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The Wetland Mitigation Plan and Closure Plan outline the future goals to remediate the landfill and former chemical pits, as well as create both parking facilities and ecosystem preservation areas for the beneficial use of the University and its students. For more information on the DEP hearing process and the proposed Plan, please visit the UConn Landfill Project website.
The Land Use and Sustainable Development subcommittee of UCONN's Environmental Policy Advisory Council is also greatly interested in determining both ecological and educational uses of this site during the landfill closure, as well as after the project is completed. These plans include observing and studying wildlife around a constructed vernal pool and existing vernal pool, controlling and preventing growth of invasive species, and maintaining low-impact nature trails around the outer ring of the protected wetlands. Informational signage along the trails will also be discussed by the committee.
One of the major goals of the Land Use and Sustainable Development subcommittee is to find ways to integrate educational usage of this site for all campus departments and disciplines. Many academic departments and student wildlife and conservation clubs have expressed interest in the site or educational use.
Students interested in being matched up with a faculty advisor to pursue an independent research project are encouraged to contact the Office of Environmental Policy at (860) 486-5773.
2005 - 2006 Workgroup Members
| Name |
Department |
| Chet Arnold |
Cooperative Extension Services (CANR) |
| Ken Barber |
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Grad. Student |
| Jack Barclay |
Natural Resources Management & Engineering, Associate Professor |
| Donna Ellis |
Plant Science Department, Cooperative Extension Educator in Residence |
| Jessica Kukielka |
Office of Environmental Policy (OEP) Intern; Agricultural & Resource Economics Undergrad. Student |
| Chris Mason |
Haley & Aldrich (Wetlands Specialist) |
| Les Mehrhoff |
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Scientific Collections Manager |
| Rich Miller |
Office of Environmental Policy (OEP) Director |
| Kyle Noonan* |
Office of Environmental Policy (OEP) Intern; Economics Undergrad. Student (*01/05-08/05) |
| Jim Pietrzak |
Design, Planning, & Construction Management Professional |
| Meghan Ruta* |
OEP Staff; Environmental Science Program Asst. (*01/05-09/05) |
| Dave Schroeder |
Natural Resources Management & Engineering, Professor & Department Head |
| Eric Schultz |
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department, Associate Professor |
| Kristin Schwab |
Plant Science Department (Landscape Architecture), Associate Professor |
| Logan Senack |
Environmental Science Undergrad. Student |
| Kathy Usher |
Honors Program, Program Associate |
| Kent Wells |
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Professor |
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Page last updated 09/29/08.
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