Sec. 22a-612. Legislative finding regarding mercury.
Sec. 22a-614. Multistate clearinghouse.
Sec. 22a-618. Exemptions from restrictions on sale or distribution of mercury-added products.
Sec. 22a-621. Restrictions on sale or distribution of elemental mercury.
Sec. 22a-622. Restrictions on sale or distribution of elemental mercury to a dental practitioner.
Sec. 22a-623. Exemptions for mercury-added products with certain manufacture dates.
Sec. 22a-624. Public education program.
Sec. 22a-625a. Mercury thermostat collection and recycling programs established by manufacturers.
Sec. 22a-626. Orders to correct or abate violations.
Sec. 22a-627. Action in the superior court.
Sec. 22a-612. Legislative finding regarding mercury. The General Assembly finds that mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the environment, and that in order to create and maintain a healthful environment and protect public health, the virtual elimination of the discharge of anthropogenic mercury should be pursued.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-613. Definitions. As used in sections 22a-612 to 22a-625, inclusive:
(1) “Mercury” means elemental mercury and mercury compounds;
(2) “Mercury-added product” means a product, commodity, chemical or component of a product that contains mercury or a mercury compound that is intentionally added for any reason. “Mercury-added product” includes, but is not limited to, formulated mercury-added products and fabricated mercury-added products. “Mercury-added product” does not include any packaging component, as defined in subdivision (3) of section 22a-255h;
(3) “Formulated mercury-added product” means a mercury-added product that is sold as a consistent mixture of chemicals, including, but not limited to, laboratory chemicals, materials used for cleaning, maintenance or disinfection, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, coating materials, acids, alkalites, bleach, pharmaceutical products, stains, reagents, preservatives, fixatives, buffers and dyes;
(4) “Fabricated mercury-added product” means a mercury-added product that consists of a combination of individual components that combine to make a single unit, including, but not limited to, mercury-added measuring devices, lamps and switches;
(5) “Mercury fever thermometer” means a mercury-added product that is used for measuring body temperature, but does not mean a digital thermometer that includes a removable button cell battery containing mercury;
(6) “Mercury-added novelty” means a mercury-added product intended mainly for personal or household enjoyment or adornment, including, but not limited to, products intended for use as practical jokes, figurines, adornments, toys, games, cards, ornaments, yard statues and figures, candles, jewelry, holiday decorations, footwear, other items of apparel or similar products. A product is not a “mercury-added novelty” solely on the basis that it includes a removable button cell battery containing mercury;
(7) “Manufacturer” means any person that (A) produces a mercury-added product, or (B) serves as an importer or domestic distributor of a mercury-added product produced outside the United States. In the case of a multicomponent product, “manufacturer” means the last manufacturer to produce or assemble the product, unless the multicomponent mercury-added product is produced outside the United States, in which case “manufacturer” means the importer or domestic distributor;
(8) “Person” means any individual, organization, partnership, joint venture, association, firm, limited liability company, corporation or other entity, and includes a municipality, the federal government, the state or any instrumentality of the state, or other governmental entity and any officer or governing or managing body of any partnership, association, firm or corporation or any member or manager of a limited liability company;
(9) “Vehicle” means any device capable of being moved upon a public highway and any device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, but does not include devices moved by human or animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks;
(10) “Scrap metal” means used or discarded items that consist predominantly of ferrous metals, aluminum, brass, copper, lead, chromium, tin, nickel or alloys;
(11) “Solid waste” means unwanted or discarded solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material, including, but not limited to, demolition debris, material burned or otherwise processed at a resources recovery facility or incinerator, material processed at a recycling facility, sludges or other residue from a water pollution abatement facility, water supply treatment plan or air pollution control facility;
(12) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 2; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subdiv. (12), effective July 1, 2011.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-614. Multistate clearinghouse. The commissioner shall participate in the regional multistate clearinghouse to assist in carrying out the requirements set forth in sections 22a-612 to 22a-625, inclusive, to act as the designated agent of the clearinghouse for the purposes of receiving notifications and submissions of information as required by sections 22a-612 to 22a-625, inclusive, and to help coordinate reviews of the manufacturers' notifications regarding mercury-added products, applications for phase-out exemptions, collection system plans, disclosures of mercury-added content, applications for alternative labeling or notification systems or both, education and outreach activities, and any other functions related to sections 22a-612 to 22a-625, inclusive.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 3; P.A. 03-123, S. 15.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-123 made a technical change, effective June 26, 2003.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-615. Notification. (a) On and after January 1, 2003, no person shall offer any mercury-added product for sale or distribute any such product for promotional purposes in this state unless the manufacturer or its designated industrial trade group gives prior notification in writing to the commissioner or the regional multistate clearinghouse described in section 22a-614 as provided in this section. Such notification, in a form prescribed by the commissioner, shall at a minimum include (1) a brief description of the product or category of products to be offered for sale or distributed; (2) an identification of each product by its mercury content in one of the following ranges: Less than zero to five milligrams, greater than five milligrams to ten milligrams, greater than ten milligrams to fifty milligrams, greater than fifty milligrams to one hundred milligrams, greater than one hundred milligrams to one thousand milligrams and greater than one thousand milligrams; (3) the actual total amount of mercury in each product; and (4) the name and address of the manufacturer and the position, address and phone number of a contact person at the manufacturer. The manufacturer or its designated industrial trade group shall revise the information in the notification whenever there is significant change in the information or when requested by the commissioner or the regional multistate clearinghouse.
(b) Any mercury-added product for which federal law preempts state authority over notice requirements is exempt from the requirements of this section.
(c) With the approval of the commissioner, the manufacturer or its designated industrial trade group may supply the information required in subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of subsection (a) of this section for a product category rather than an individual product.
(d) Public disclosure of trade secrets submitted to the commissioner pursuant to this section shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 14. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 14, the commissioner may provide the regional multistate clearinghouse described in section 22a-614 with copies of such information and the commissioner, in consultation with the clearinghouse, may compile or publish analyses or summaries of such information, provided the analyses or summaries do not identify any manufacturer or reveal any confidential information.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 4; P.A. 03-123, S. 16.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-123 made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) and (d), effective June 26, 2003.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-616. Ban on sale or distribution of mercury-added novelties, mercury fever thermometers, mercury dairy manometers and mercury button cell batteries. Restriction on use of mercury amalgam. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-617, on and after July 1, 2003, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes in the state any mercury-added novelty. A manufacturer that produces or sells mercury-added novelties shall notify retailers that sell mercury-added novelties about such product ban and inform such retailers of how to dispose of the remaining inventory in accordance with the hazardous waste provisions of this title.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-617, on and after January 1, 2003, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes mercury fever thermometers except by prescription written by a physician, a physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse. A manufacturer of mercury fever thermometers shall provide the buyer or the recipient with notice of mercury content, instructions on proper disposal and instructions that clearly describe how to carefully handle the thermometer to avoid breakage and on proper cleanup should a breakage occur.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-617, on and after July 1, 2003, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes mercury dairy manometers. A manufacturer that produces or sells mercury dairy manometers shall notify retailers about the provisions of this subsection and how to dispose of the remaining inventory properly in accordance with this title. The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture, shall examine the feasibility of implementing a collection and replacement program for dairy manometers, and shall implement such a program within available appropriations.
(d) On and after July 1, 2003, no vocational dental education or training school shall use mercury amalgam unless such school has developed and implemented a plan approved by the commissioner that assures best management practices are used to prevent discharge of mercury into the waters of the state, any pollution abatement facility or subsurface sewage disposal system, and to properly handle and recycle or dispose of waste elemental mercury and amalgam. Such plan shall provide for an education program for students regarding the hazards of mercury and best management practices.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-617, on and after July 1, 2011, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes button cell batteries containing mercury or any product containing such batteries, except: (1) A battery containing mercury described as an Hg-silver oxide battery that is used exclusively in a medical device to automatically deliver insulin to a person may be sold or distributed for promotional purposes until January 1, 2015; and (2) silver oxide batteries and any product containing silver oxide batteries may be offered for sale or distributed for promotional purposes until July 1, 2012. A manufacturer that produces or sells button cell batteries containing mercury or any product containing such batteries shall notify retailers about the provisions of this subsection and how to dispose of the remaining inventory property, except a battery containing mercury described as an Hg-silver oxide battery that is used exclusively in a medical device to automatically deliver insulin to a person and silver oxide batteries and any product containing silver oxide batteries, in accordance with this title.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 5; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 06-181, S. 4; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; 11-231, S. 1; P.A. 16-39, S. 52; P.A. 21-196, S. 51.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 06-181 added Subsec. (e) prohibiting, on and after July 1, 2011, the offer for sale or distribution for promotional purposes of button cell batteries containing mercury or products containing such batteries, effective July 1, 2006; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subsec. (c), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-231 amended Subsec. (e) by adding exception to ban, until January 1, 2015, for batteries containing mercury described as an Hg-silver oxide battery that is used exclusively in a medical device to automatically deliver insulin and exception to ban, until July 1, 2012, for silver oxide batteries and any product containing silver oxide batteries, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 16-39 amended Subsec. (b) by adding reference to advanced practice registered nurse; P.A. 21-196 amended Subsec. (b) by adding reference to physician assistant.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-617. Restriction on sale or distribution of mercury-added products. Working group on regulation of certain mercury-added products. (a) Except as provided in section 22a-618, except for products that contain a mercury-containing lamp used for backlighting that cannot feasibly be removed by the purchaser and except for specialized lighting used in the entertainment industry such as metal halide lights, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes any mercury-added product if: (1) After July 1, 2004, the mercury content of the product exceeds one gram in the case of fabricated mercury-added products or two hundred fifty parts per million in the case of formulated mercury-added products; (2) on and after July 1, 2006, the mercury content of the product exceeds one hundred milligrams in the case of fabricated mercury-added products or fifty parts per million in the case of formulated mercury-added products, except for high intensity discharge lamps containing more than one hundred milligrams of mercury, but less than one gram of mercury, including, but not limited to, metal halide lamps, mercury vapor lamps, mercury capillary lamps, mercury-xenon short-arc lamps and mercury short-arc lamps; and (3) on and after July 1, 2013, high intensity discharge lamps containing more than one hundred milligrams of mercury, but less than one gram of mercury, including, but not limited to, metal halide lamps, mercury vapor lamps, mercury capillary lamps, mercury-xenon short-arc lamps and mercury short-arc lamps.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2003, the commissioner shall convene a working group which shall include, but not be limited to, government representatives from other northeastern states to (1) evaluate advances in technology and make recommendations regarding the regulation of mercury-added products that have a mercury content in excess of ten milligrams or ten parts per million but less than one hundred milligrams or fifty parts per million and specialized lighting used in the entertainment industry such as metal halide lights, and (2) evaluate the uses of lamps that have a mercury content of not less than one hundred milligrams and not more than one gram and alternatives to such lamps and make recommendations regarding the regulation of lamps that have a mercury content of not less than one hundred milligrams and not more than one gram. Within such working group, the commissioner shall convene a subgroup which shall include, but not be limited to, industry trade groups for mercury-containing lamps to develop a plan in accordance with section 22a-620 to provide for the collection of such lamps. The working group shall finalize its recommendations regarding subdivision (1) of this subsection and the subgroup shall make its recommendations not later than July 1, 2004. The working group shall make its recommendations regarding subdivision (2) of this subsection not later than January 1, 2005.
(c) In the case of a product that contains one or more mercury-added products as a component, the phase-out limits specified in subsection (a) of this section apply to each component part or parts and not to the entire product.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 6; P.A. 04-151, S. 10; P.A. 06-181, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 04-151 amended Subsec. (b) to designate existing provision re duties of working group as Subdiv. (1), add Subdiv. (2) re evaluation of uses of lamps that have a mercury content of not less than one hundred milligrams and not more than one gram, require working group to make recommendations on evaluation under Subdiv. (2) not later than January 1, 2005, and make conforming changes, effective May 21, 2004; P.A. 06-181 amended Subsec. (a) to add exception in Subdiv. (2) re high intensity discharge lamps containing more than one hundred milligrams of mercury, but less than one gram of mercury, and to add Subdiv. (3) prohibiting the offer for sale or distribution for promotional purposes, on and after July 1, 2013, of high intensity discharge lamps containing more than one hundred milligrams of mercury, but less than one gram of mercury, effective July 1, 2006.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-618. Exemptions from restrictions on sale or distribution of mercury-added products. (a) The commissioner shall exempt a mercury-added product from the limits on total mercury content set forth in subsection (a) of section 22a-617 if the level of mercury or mercury compounds contained in the product are necessary to comply with federal or state health or safety requirements. In order to obtain such exemption, the manufacturer shall provide the commissioner with, and notify the regional multistate clearinghouse described in section 22a-614 of, information that demonstrates such necessity.
(b) A manufacturer of a mercury-added product or category of products may apply to the commissioner and notify the clearinghouse for a modified or conditional exemption from the limits on total mercury content set forth in subsection (a) of section 22a-617 provided such exemption shall be for not more than four years.
(c) The manufacturer shall apply for a modified or conditional exemption (1) not later than one year before the effective date of the limit for which the exemption is being requested in the case of an existing product or category of products, or (2) prior to the sale or distribution in the case of promotional purposes of a new product or category of products.
(d) An application for a modified or conditional exemption shall (1) document the basis for the requested exemption or renewal of exemption, and (2) describe how the manufacturer will ensure that a system exists for the proper collection, transportation and processing of the product or products at the end of their useful life.
(e) In determining whether to grant a modified or conditional exemption for a product or category of products the commissioner shall consider (1) whether a system exists for the proper collection, transportation and processing of the mercury-added product, including, but not limited to, a system for the direct return of a waste product to the manufacturer or a collection and recycling system that is supported by an industry or trade group, or other similar private or public sector efforts, and (2) whether each of the following criteria is met: (A) Use of the product is beneficial to the environment or protective of public health or protective of public safety; (B) there is no technically feasible alternative to the use of mercury in the product; (C) there is no comparable product, other than a mercury-added product, available at reasonable cost; and (D) with respect to a renewal of an exemption, reasonable efforts have been made to remove mercury from the product.
(f) Prior to issuing a modified or conditional exemption, the commissioner shall consult with the clearinghouse, states, Canadian provinces and regional governmental organizations to promote consistency in the implementation of this section.
(g) The commissioner may renew, for a period of not longer than four years, a modified or conditional exemption one or more times if (1) the manufacturer applies for the renewal, and (2) the commissioner finds that the manufacturer meets the requirements for such exemption and that the manufacturer has complied with all the conditions of the original approval.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 7; P.A. 03-123, S. 17; P.A. 04-109, S. 11.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-123 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), effective June 26, 2003; P.A. 04-109 amended Subsec. (a) to make technical changes, effective May 21, 2004.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-619. Labeling requirements. Advisement re mercury. Exceptions. Alternatives. Lamps containing mercury. (a) Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, on and after July 1, 2004, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes any mercury-added product unless both the product and either its packaging or care and use manual are labeled in accordance with this section, any regulations adopted under this section or the terms of any approved alternative labeling or notification granted under subsection (h) of this section. A retailer shall not be found in violation of this subsection if the retailer lacked knowledge that the product contained mercury.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, if a mercury-added product is a component of another product, the product containing the component and the component shall both be labeled as provided in this section, provided such component may feasibly be removed from the product by the purchaser. The label on a product containing a mercury-added component that can be feasibly removed shall identify the component with sufficient detail so that the component may be readily located for removal.
(c) All labels contained on packaging shall be clearly visible prior to sale and all labels required on the product packaging or in the care and use manual shall be sufficient to inform the purchaser, using words or symbols, that mercury is present in the product and that the product should be properly disposed of or recycled in accordance with the hazardous waste provisions of this title.
(d) Labels affixed to the product shall be constructed of materials that are sufficiently durable to remain legible for the useful life of the product.
(e) On and after July 1, 2004, any person offering a mercury-added product for sale through a catalog, or distributing such product for promotional purposes shall clearly advise in writing the purchaser or recipient prior to the time of sale or distribution that the product contains mercury. On and after July 1, 2004, any person offering a mercury-added product for sale by telephone shall clearly advise the purchaser or recipient prior to the time of sale that the product contains mercury. Such requirements shall apply to such transactions in which the purchaser or recipient is unable to view the labels on the package or the product prior to purchase or receipt.
(f) The manufacturer of a product shall be responsible for product and package labels required under this section, unless the wholesaler or retailer agrees in writing to accept the responsibility of implementing an alternative to the labeling requirements of this section provided such alternative is approved under subsection (h) of this section.
(g) (1) Manufacturers shall meet all the requirements of this section for large appliances, including, but not limited to, washers, dryers, ovens, including microwave ovens, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or portable heaters sold in a store where such appliances are on display, except that no package labeling shall be required; (2) manufacturers shall meet all the requirements of this section for mercury fever thermometers, except that no product labeling shall be required; (3) in the case of vehicles, (A) manufacturers shall meet the product labeling requirements of this section for vehicles by placing a label on the doorpost of the vehicles that lists the mercury-added components that may be present in the vehicle, and (B) manufacturers shall not be required to label the mercury-added components of the vehicle; (4) manufacturers of products that contain a mercury-containing lamp used for backlighting that cannot feasibly be removed by the purchaser shall meet the product labeling requirements of this section by placing the label on the product or its care and use manual; (5) manufacturers shall meet all the requirements of this section for button cell batteries containing mercury, except that no labeling shall be required; (6) in the case of products that contain button cell batteries containing mercury as the only mercury components, manufacturers shall meet the packaging requirements of this section by including a label in the product instructions, if any, and on the packaging, and no further product labeling shall be required; (7) manufacturers of fluorescent lights and high-intensity discharge lamps shall meet the labeling requirements of this section by labeling the product packaging and placing the symbol “Hg” on each lamp; (8) manufacturers of medical equipment not intended for use by nonmedical personnel are exempt from this section; and (9) manufacturers shall meet this requirement for luminaires not sold through retail sales channels by providing information on their web sites and in catalogs.
(h) (1) A manufacturer may apply to the commissioner and the regional multistate clearinghouse described in section 22a-614 for an alternative to the requirements of subsections (a) to (g), inclusive, of this section if: (A) Compliance with the requirements is not feasible; (B) the proposed alternative would be at least as effective in providing presale notification of mercury content and in providing instructions on proper disposal; or (C) federal law preempts state authority over labeling.
(2) The commissioner may approve, deny, modify or condition a request for an alternative to the requirements of subsections (a) to (g), inclusive, of this section. An approval shall be for a period of no more than two years and may, upon continued eligibility under the criteria of this section and compliance with the conditions of its prior approval, be renewed. Requests for renewals shall be submitted ninety days before the expiration of the approval. Prior to approving an alternative, the commissioner shall consult with states, Canadian provinces and regional government organizations to insure that the commissioner's labeling requirements are consistent with those of other jurisdictions in the region. The commissioner may revoke an approval for cause.
(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a person who sells mercury-added lamps to the owner or manager of any industrial, commercial or office building or to any person who replaces or removes from service outdoor lamps that contain mercury shall clearly inform the purchaser in writing on the invoice for the lamps or in a separate document that the lamps contain mercury, a hazardous substance that is regulated by federal and state law, and that they may not be placed in the solid waste destined for disposal. Retail establishments that incidentally sell mercury-added lamps to purchasers are exempt from the requirements of this subsection. A person who contracts with the owner or manager of an industrial, commercial or office building or with a person responsible for outdoor lighting to remove from service mercury-added lamps shall clearly inform in writing the person for whom the work is being done that the lamps being removed from service contain mercury and what the contractor's arrangements are for the management of the mercury in the removed lamps.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 8; P.A. 03-123, S. 18; 03-276, S. 1; P.A. 06-181, S. 3; P.A. 08-124, S. 31.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-123 made a technical change in Subsec. (h)(1), effective June 26, 2003; P.A. 03-276 added “and high-intensity discharge lamps” in Subsec. (g)(7), effective July 1, 2003; P.A. 06-181 amended Subsec. (g)(7) to add “and placing the symbol “Hg” on each lamp” and to added Subsec. (g)(9) re luminaires not sold through retail sales channels, effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 08-124 made technical changes in Subsec. (g), effective June 2, 2008.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-620. Plan for collection of mercury-added products. Report on collection system. Exemptions. (a) On and after July 1, 2003, no person shall offer any mercury-added product for sale or distribute any such product for promotional purposes unless the manufacturer either on its own or in concert with other persons has submitted a plan to the commissioner for a system that reasonably enables the collection of such products. If a mercury-added product is a component of another product, the collection system shall provide for removal and collection of the mercury-added component or collection of both the mercury-added component and the product containing it.
(b) The collection system shall include (1) a public education program to inform the public about the purpose of the collection program and how to participate in it; (2) a targeted capture rate for the mercury-added product or component; (3) a plan for implementing and financing the collection system; (4) documentation of the willingness of all parties to the system to implement the proposed collection system; (5) a description of the performance measures to be utilized and reported by the manufacturer to demonstrate that the collection system is meeting capture rate targets; (6) a description of additional or alternative actions that will be implemented to improve the collection system and its operation in the event that the program targets are not met; and (7) a recycling or disposal plan.
(c) Not later than July 1, 2004, and biennially thereafter, the manufacturer or entity that submitted the plan on behalf of the manufacturer shall submit a report to the commissioner and to the regional multistate clearinghouse described in section 22a-614 on the effectiveness of the collection system. The report shall include an estimate of the amount of mercury that was collected, the capture rate for the mercury-added products or components, the results of the other performance measures included in the manufacturer's collection system plan, and such other information as the commissioner may require. The commissioner shall make such reports available to the public.
(d) The cost for the collection system shall not be borne by state or local government.
(e) The commissioner shall review any impediments identified pursuant to subdivision (7) of subsection (b) of this section and the regulations adopted under this title governing handling of waste from mercury-added products and, if necessary, may amend regulations as appropriate to facilitate collection.
(f) The following are exempt from the provisions of this section: (1) Formulated mercury-added products intended to be consumed in use, including, but not limited to, reagents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other laboratory chemicals; (2) fabricated mercury-containing products where the only mercury is contained in a component that cannot feasibly be removed by the purchaser including, but not limited to, electronic products whose only mercury-added component is a mercury-containing lamp used for backlighting provided such manufacturer or trade association maintains a web-based service to provide information on recycling and safe disposal of such products; (3) photographic film and paper; (4) a manufacturer or trade association of mercury-containing lamps that maintains a toll-free telephone number and an Internet-based service to provide information on recycling and safe disposal of such lamps and directs consumers to such telephone number and service on any statutorily-required package label; (5) button cell batteries containing mercury; and (6) any other product for which the commissioner determines a collection plan is not feasible.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 9; P.A. 03-123, S. 19, 20; P.A. 06-181, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-123 made a technical change in Subsecs. (c) and (f), effective June 26, 2003; P.A. 06-181 amended Subsec. (f) to add new Subdiv. (5) re button cell batteries containing mercury and redesignate existing Subdiv. (5) as Subdiv. (6), effective July 1, 2006.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-621. Restrictions on sale or distribution of elemental mercury. Except as provided in section 22a-622, no person shall offer for sale or distribute for promotional purposes or provide elemental mercury without providing a Material Safety Data Sheet, as defined in 42 USC 11049. On and after July 1, 2003, the seller, distributor or provider shall require the purchaser or recipient at the time of receipt of any elemental mercury to sign a statement that the purchaser or recipient (1) will use the mercury only for medical, research or manufacturing purposes; (2) understands that mercury is toxic and that the purchaser will store, use and otherwise handle exposure to such mercury in accordance with state and federal law; and (3) will dispose of the elemental mercury in accordance with state and federal law.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 10.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-622. Restrictions on sale or distribution of elemental mercury to a dental practitioner. No person shall offer for sale, distribute for promotional purposes or provide elemental mercury to a dental practitioner without providing a Material Safety Data Sheet, as defined in 42 USC 11049. On and after July 1, 2003, such dental practitioner shall (1) use the mercury only for dental purposes; (2) store, use and otherwise handle exposure to such mercury in accordance with the accepted guidelines of the American Dental Association, state and federal law and any applicable best management practices adopted by the state; and (3) dispose of the elemental mercury in accordance with state and federal law.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 11.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-623. Exemptions for mercury-added products with certain manufacture dates. (a) The following shall be exempt from section 22a-615: (1) Mercury-added products, excluding motor vehicles, that have a code or date of manufacture indicating they were manufactured prior to January 1, 2003, (2) mercury-added products, excluding motor vehicles, for which the manufacturer provides documentation that the product was manufactured prior to January 1, 2003, (3) motor vehicles with a code or date of manufacture prior to October 1, 2003, or (4) motor vehicles for which the manufacturer provides documentation that the product was manufactured prior to October 1, 2003.
(b) The following shall be exempt from sections 22a-617 and 22a-619: (1) Mercury-added products, excluding motor vehicles, that have a code or date of manufacture indicating they were manufactured prior to January 1, 2004, (2) mercury-added products, excluding motor vehicles, for which the manufacturer provides documentation that the product was manufactured prior to January 1, 2004, (3) motor vehicles with a code or date of manufacture prior to October 1, 2003, (4) motor vehicles for which the manufacturer provides documentation that the product was manufactured prior to October 1, 2003, or (5) mercury-added products with a written certification of a dealer of antiques that to the best of such dealer's knowledge, the product date of manufacture is prior to January 1, 2004, where the certification shall be retained by the owner of such product. For the purposes of this subsection, “dealer of antiques” means a person whose primary business is buying or selling items that are at least twenty-five years old.
(c) The following shall be exempt from section 22a-620: (1) Mercury-added products, excluding motor vehicles, that have a code or date of manufacture indicating they were manufactured prior to July 1, 2003, (2) mercury-added products, excluding motor vehicles, for which the manufacturer provides documentation that the product was manufactured prior to July 1, 2003, (3) motor vehicles with a code or date of manufacture prior to October 1, 2003, or (4) motor vehicles for which the manufacturer provides documentation that the product was manufactured prior to October 1, 2003.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 12; P.A. 07-223, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 07-223 restructured Subsecs. (a), (b) and (c) and added Subdiv. designators therein and amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (5) re products with written certification of dealer of antiques and defining “dealer of antiques”.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-624. Public education program. (a) The commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies, may implement a comprehensive program for public education, outreach and assistance for manufacturers, households, waste generators, local and regional solid waste management agencies, businesses, health care facilities, scrap metal processors, recyclers, dismantlers, institutions, schools and other interested groups. Such program may focus on the hazards of mercury; the requirements and obligations of individuals, manufacturers and agencies under sections 22a-612 to 22a-623, inclusive, and voluntary efforts that individuals, institutions and businesses can undertake to help further reduce mercury in the environment. The commissioner, in conjunction with manufacturers of mercury-added products and other affected businesses, may promote the development and implementation of such public education and technical assistance programs.
(b) The commissioner may cooperate with other states and Canadian provinces and regional organizations in developing public education, outreach and assistance programs.
(c) The commissioner may develop an awards program to recognize the accomplishments of those persons who exceed the minimum requirements of sections 22a-615 to 22a-623, inclusive, and who excel at reducing or eliminating mercury in air emissions or releases.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 13.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-625. Exemption for pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical products, biological products and substances sold without a prescription. The provisions of sections 22a-612 to 22a-625, inclusive, shall not apply to pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical products, biological products or any substance that may be lawfully sold over the counter without a prescription under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, 21 USC 301 et seq. For purposes of this section, “Biological product” means a virus, therapeutic serum, toxin, antitoxin, vaccine, blood, blood component or derivative, allergenic product or an analogous product, or arsphenamine a derivative of arsphenamine or any other trivalent organic arsenic compound used for the prevention, treatment or cure of a disease or condition of human beings.
(P.A. 02-90, S. 14.)
History: P.A. 02-90 effective July 1, 2002.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-625a. Mercury thermostat collection and recycling programs established by manufacturers. (a) For the purposes of this section:
(1) “Department” means the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection;
(2) “Manufacturer” means any person who sells, sold, offers for sale, offered for sale, distributes or distributed a mercury thermostat in this state under a brand or label owned by such person or licensed to such person;
(3) “Mercury thermostat” means any thermostat intended for installation in a residential, commercial or industrial building that uses a mercury switch to sense and control room temperature through communication with heating, ventilating or air conditioning equipment. “Mercury thermostat” does not include any thermostat used to sense and control temperature as part of a manufacturing process;
(4) “Retailer” means any person who sells thermostats of any kind directly to homeowners or other nonprofessionals through any selling or distribution mechanism;
(5) “Wholesaler” means any person who is engaged in the distribution and wholesale sale of thermostats and other heating, ventilation and air conditioning components to contractors who install heating, ventilation and air conditioning components;
(6) “Contractor” means any person engaged in the business of installing, servicing or removing thermostats and other heating, ventilation and air conditioning components; and
(7) “Qualified contractor” means any contractor who employs seven or more service technicians or installers or who is located in an area outside of an urban area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau.
(b) Not later than April 1, 2013, each manufacturer shall, individually or collectively: (1) Establish a mercury thermostat collection and recycling program to collect, transport and properly manage any out-of-service mercury thermostat received at any participating collection site in this state; (2) make a collection container available to any wholesaler, retailer, qualified contractor or municipality that participates as a collection site in such mercury thermostat collection and recycling program and requests such a container; (3) include with each collection container provided to any wholesaler, retailer, qualified contractor or municipality information regarding the proper management of mercury thermostats as universal waste; (4) charge no fee or other charge to any person that participates in such collection and recycling program, except that such manufacturer may charge each wholesaler, retailer, qualified contractor and municipality that participates in such manufacturer's mercury thermostat collection and recycling program and that receives one or more collection containers a one-time program administration fee of not greater than seventy-five dollars; (5) for the period of April 1, 2013, to April 1, 2016, inclusive, conduct educational and outreach efforts concerning such mercury thermostat collection and recycling program, including, but not limited to: (A) Promoting the availability of collection containers to wholesalers, retailers, qualified contractors and municipalities in the state; (B) educating contractors and homeowners on (i) the importance of properly managing out-of-service mercury thermostats, (ii) the opportunities for the collection and recycling of such thermostats, and (iii) the availability of manufacturer mercury thermostat collection and recycling programs; (C) providing signs to participating collection sites to prominently post information for contractors and consumers concerning the collection and recycling of out-of-service mercury thermostats; and (D) supplying written materials, for reproduction by participating wholesalers and retailers, that may be provided to customers at the time of purchase or delivery of a thermostat and that include information on the importance of properly managing out-of-service mercury thermostats and the opportunities for the collection and recycling of such thermostats; and (6) beginning April 1, 2014, and annually thereafter, submit a report to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that includes the following information: (A) The number of mercury thermostats collected and recycled by such manufacturer pursuant to such mercury thermostat collection and recycling program during the previous calendar year; (B) a self-evaluation of the effectiveness of such manufacturer's mercury thermostat collection and recycling program that is certified to be substantially accurate by a competent third party who is acceptable to the commissioner; (C) an accounting of the administrative costs incurred by such manufacturer in the course of administering such mercury thermostat collection and recycling program during the previous calendar year; and (D) a list of wholesalers, retailers, qualified contractors and municipalities that requested collection containers from such manufacturer during the previous calendar year.
(c) On and after July 1, 2014, any wholesaler or qualified contractor shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this section if such wholesaler or contractor participates as a collection site in a manufacturer's mercury thermostat collection and recycling program, as described in subsection (b) of this section, or by collecting mercury thermostats and managing the disposal of such mercury thermostats in accordance with any applicable federal and state universal waste rules. Any wholesaler or retailer that participates as a collection site pursuant to a manufacturer's mercury thermostat collection and recycling program shall post visible signs at such wholesaler's or retailer's location concerning the collection and recycling of mercury thermostats.
(d) On and after July 1, 2014: (1) Any manufacturer who fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not sell, offer for sale or distribute any thermostat in this state; (2) any wholesaler or qualified contractor who fails to participate as a collection site in a manufacturer's mercury thermostat collection and recycling program shall not sell, offer for sale or distribute any thermostat in this state; and (3) no wholesaler or qualified contractor shall sell, offer for sale or distribute any thermostat in this state from any manufacturer who is not in compliance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.
(e) On and after July 1, 2014, no person shall dispose of a mercury thermostat in the commercial or municipal waste stream or in any manner other than the recycling of such mercury thermostat or the disposing of such mercury thermostat as hazardous waste. On and after July 1, 2014: (1) Any contractor who replaces a mercury thermostat from a building shall recycle such mercury thermostat or deliver such mercury thermostat to a wholesaler, retailer or municipality that participates as a collection site for the collection and recycling of such mercury thermostats; (2) any contractor who demolishes a building shall remove all mercury thermostats from such building prior to demolition and shall recycle such mercury thermostats or deliver such mercury thermostats to a wholesaler, retailer, qualified contractor or municipality that participates as a collection site for the collection and recycling of such mercury thermostats; and (3) any person who replaces a mercury thermostat from any location in this state that is a part of any energy efficiency or weatherization program supported or administered, in whole or in part, by any department, agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of the state, or conducted as a result of any statutory requirement shall deliver such mercury thermostat to any wholesaler, retailer, qualified contractor or municipality that participates as a collection site for the recycling of such mercury thermostats. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may enforce the provisions of this subsection.
(f) (1) On and after April 1, 2014, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall maintain and post on the department's Internet web site a list of wholesalers, retailers, qualified contractors and municipalities that are collection sites for out-of-service mercury thermostats.
(2) Not later than January 1, 2017, the department, in accordance with section 11-4a, shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment concerning the effectiveness of the manufacturer mercury thermostat collection and recycling programs established pursuant to this section. Such report shall be based, in part, on the reports submitted by manufacturers to the department pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and shall include recommendations for any revisions to such programs, including, but not limited to, any necessary statutory revisions and any recommendations concerning the repeal of such programs.
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the participation of any municipality in any manufacturer's mercury thermostat collection and recycling program.
(h) No owner or operator of any solid waste disposal facility shall be found to be in violation of the provisions of this section, provided such owner or operator: (1) Makes a good-faith and consistent effort to comply with the provisions of this section; (2) posts, in a conspicuous location at such facility, a sign stating that mercury thermostats are not accepted at such facility; and (3) notifies, in writing, all collectors registered to deposit solid waste at such facility that mercury thermostats are not accepted at such facility.
(P.A. 12-54, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 12-54 effective May 31, 2012.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-626. Orders to correct or abate violations. (a) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may issue, modify or revoke orders to correct or abate violations of this chapter, including, but not limited to, any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter. Any such order may include remedial measures necessary to correct or abate such violations. Such orders may be issued to any person who violates any provision of chapter 446d or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(b) Each order issued under this chapter shall be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a state marshal or indifferent person. If a state marshal or indifferent person serves the order, a true copy of the order shall be served, and the original, with a return of such service endorsed thereon, shall be filed with the commissioner. The order shall be deemed to be issued upon service or upon deposit in the mail. Any order issued pursuant to chapter 446d shall state the basis on which it is issued.
(c) Unless a person aggrieved by an order files a written request for a hearing before the commissioner not later than thirty days after the date of issuance, such order shall become final. If requested, the commissioner shall hold a hearing as soon thereafter as practicable. A request for a hearing shall be a condition precedent to any appeal. The commissioner may, after the hearing or at any time after the issuance of the order, modify such order by agreement or extend the time schedule therefor if the commissioner deems such modification or extension advisable or necessary, and any such modification or extension shall be deemed to be a revision of an existing order and shall not constitute a new order. There shall be no hearing subsequent to or any appeal from any such modification or extension.
(d) After hearing, the commissioner shall consider all supporting and rebutting evidence and affirm, modify or revoke such order in the commissioner's discretion and shall so notify the recipient of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(e) The final order of the commissioner shall be subject to appeal as set forth in sections 4-183 and 4-184, except that any such appeal shall be taken to the superior court for the judicial district of New Britain.
(P.A. 06-76, S. 27; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 06-76 effective October 1, 2007; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2011.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-627. Action in the superior court. (a) Whenever, in the judgment of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, any person has engaged in or is about to engage in any acts, practices or omission which constitute, or will constitute, a violation of any provision of this chapter, or any regulation adopted or order issued pursuant to this chapter, at the request of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Attorney General may bring an action in the superior court for the judicial district of New Britain for an order enjoining such acts or practices, to order remedial measures, or for an order directing compliance and, upon a showing by the commissioner that such person has engaged in any such acts, practices or omissions, a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order or other order may be granted.
(b) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, any regulation adopted or order issued pursuant to this chapter, shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars per day, to be fixed by the court, for each offense. Each violation shall be a separate and distinct offense and, in the case of a continuing violation, each day's continuance thereof shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense. The Attorney General, upon request of the commissioner, shall institute a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district of New Britain to recover such penalty.
(c) If two or more persons are responsible for a violation of any provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, any regulation adopted or order issued pursuant to this chapter, such persons shall be jointly and severally liable under this section.
(d) Any action brought by the Attorney General pursuant to this section shall have precedence in the order of trial as provided in section 52-191.
(P.A. 06-76, S. 28; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 06-76 effective October 1, 2007; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2011.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |
Sec. 22a-628. Criminal negligence. False statement, representation or certification. Knowing violation. Penalties. (a) Any person who, with criminal negligence, violates any provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, any regulation adopted or order issued pursuant to this chapter, or who makes any false statement, representation or certification in any application, notification, request for exemption, record, plan, report or other document filed or required to be maintained under this chapter, shall be fined not more than twenty-five thousand dollars per day for each day of violation or be imprisoned not more than one year, or both. A subsequent conviction for any such violation shall carry a fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars per day for each day of violation or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both.
(b) Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, any regulation adopted or order issued pursuant to this chapter, or who makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, notification, request for exemption, record, plan, report or other document filed or required to be maintained under this chapter, shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars per day for each day of violation or be imprisoned not more than three years, or both. A subsequent conviction for any such violation shall be a class C felony, except that such conviction shall carry a fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars per day for each day of violation.
(P.A. 06-76, S. 29; P.A. 08-124, S. 32; P.A. 13-258, S. 122.)
History: P.A. 06-76 effective October 1, 2007; P.A. 08-124 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), effective June 2, 2008; P.A. 13-258 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute provision re class C felony for provision re imprisonment of not more than 10 years.
A violation of the competitive bidding provision of section is not a per se violation of the antitrust act. 333 C. 672.
| (Return to Chapter Table of Contents) |
(Return to List of Chapters) |
(Return to List of Titles) |