Are You Ready for Connecticut’s New Release-Based Cleanup Regulations Program?
If you own property, are planning a real estate transaction, or are preparing for construction or redevelopment in Connecticut, important regulatory changes are coming—and they may affect you sooner than you think. Starting March 1, 2026, Connecticut’s new Release-Based Cleanup Regulations (RBCRs) will significantly change how environmental releases are identified, reported, and addressed.
What makes these regulations different is when obligations are triggered. Under the RBCRs, action is no longer tied to the sale or transfer of a property. Instead, requirements can be triggered simply by becoming aware of a release, whether through environmental testing, site observations, or other evidence. That means new responsibilities may arise during everyday activities like due diligence, renovations, or sampling to properly dispose of excess soil during a construction project. Depending on the type and severity of a release, reporting timelines may range from as little as one day to as long as a year. Some lower‑risk releases may be resolved quickly, while others may require ongoing oversight and annual fees. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) will have authority to audit closures and assess penalties for noncompliance.
Understanding how the RBCRs apply to your property—or a property you are considering—is essential for avoiding delays, unexpected costs, and regulatory exposure.
Take Action Now
The most successful transitions to the RBCR framework will start before March 1, 2026. Whether you’re evaluating a site, planning a project, or responding to newly discovered environmental conditions, early guidance can make all the difference.
Contact Brent Henebry, LEP to discuss how the new Release-Based Cleanup Regulations may impact your property or project.
Fuss & O’Neill has 9 Licensed Environmental Professionals (LEPs) on staff to support your project.
About Brent Henebry, LEP
Brent is a technical leader in Fuss & O’Neill’s Environmental practice, specializing in investigating and remediating environmental releases, including PFAS. He has led assessments at sites ranging from small residential properties to million‑square‑foot manufacturing facilities and has completed dozens of successful LEP verifications. Brent serves on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) and is a past president. EPOC represents the interests of Licensed Environmental Professionals and works with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and other stakeholders on evolving regulations and programs in Connecticut, including the upcoming move to a Release-Based Reporting System.
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