Advancing DEI through Collaborative Climate Action: Community Stakeholders, the MDC & CT DEEP Partnership

This case study examines a groundbreaking collaboration between the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) and the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), that exemplifies how public agencies can prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in addressing pressing environmental challenges following significant wet weather events that empowered a community to ask tough questions. Facing a Consent Order from CT DEEP to comply with the Clean Water Act, the MDC has embarked on an ambitious mission to redefine compliance with controlling CSO discharges and rehabilitating aging infrastructure. The North Hartford Sewer Improvement Projects represent a pivotal phase within the MDC's Integrated Plan/Clean Water Project, outlined in a Consent Order with CT DEEP that prescribes a new project scope. The projects encompass three key categories: expedited sewer separation, lining and rehabilitation, and private property work. With this approach, the MDC strives to set a new standard acknowledged by CT DEEP regulators. Moving away from traditional approaches of conveyance and storage of wastewater during wet weather events, the MDC aims to prioritize the well-being of the communities it serves over mere side benefits arising from capturing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) at rivers. The Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) redefined the project's vision, extending past infrastructure renewal; it aimed to create a more equitable and inclusive urban environment while simultaneously addressing climate change impacts through engineering and the five areas below. 1. Equitable Resource Allocation: The collaboration with all parties redirected tax dollars, spearheaded a new 50% grant program from CT DEEP, and passed new State legislation to not only meet regulatory compliance, but also to target historically marginalized communities disproportionately affected by wet weather events. This reallocation of resources prioritized equity, ensuring that underserved neighborhoods received infrastructure improvements by investing in the largest asset the urban community has - their homes. The investment in the community came through a Sewer Backup Prevention Program, adding various plumbing fixtures to the basements of private property to protect against sewer surcharging, and a House Connection Program, upgrading the exterior sewer and/or storm drain infrastructure on private property to better handle water table levels and stormwater infiltration. 2. Inclusive Decision-Making: Throughout the planning and implementation phases, CT DEEP and MDC, proactively engaged community members, environmental justice advocates, and local stakeholders. The MDC created the Community Partners Group (CPG) to hold meetings with various stakeholders and residents from specific communities to address impacts to private property from climate change events, and designing solutions that benefit each community. This inclusive approach allowed diverse perspectives to create project designs, and implementation, leading to more community-responsive solutions. 3. Workforce Development: In a concerted effort to further DEI objectives that benefit the local community, the MDC has set an ambitious goal of having Hartford residents contribute 30% of the total work hours on CT DEEP funded projects on the North Hartford projects. To realize this objective, the MDC has initiated a comprehensive workforce development program collaborating with non-government organizations like Ready CT, the CT Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and Capital Workforce Partners. Additionally, the MDC has partnered with the Hartford Public School System and the CT Technical Education Career System (CTECS) Work-Based Learning Program to educate and recruit students for internships and co-op opportunities, with the ultimate aim of fostering full-time employment either within the MDC or with its prime contractors upgrading the aging infrastructure. Taking on this endeavor creates opportunities for professional training programs, apprenticeships, and career pathways, fostering economic empowerment and increasing workforce diversity in the environmental sector for communities that have never been exposed to this sector of work. 4. Climate Resilience: Recognizing the interconnection between environmental justice and climate change, the collaboration integrated climate resilience measures into the MDC LTCP infrastructure upgrades, and focused on protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change. It also empowers stakeholders and residents to be more self-reliant. The benefits will come in various ways; building capacity for the stakeholders and residents to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate change-related challenges, minimizing damages and disruption. By safeguarding vulnerable communities against the impacts from extreme weather events, the MDC LTCP aligned with broader climate action goals, and improves public safety. The process of developing and implementing climate resilience plans involves community engagement and collaboration, fostering community cohesion as residents work together to protect their homes and neighborhoods, ultimately creating stronger social ties, stronger personal independence, and increasing equity in maintaining wealth in personal property assets. 5. Transparent Accountability: The collaboration established transparent reporting mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability. Regular updates to the public and stakeholders emphasized the commitment to DEI principles and allowed for continuous feedback and adaptation. This case study highlights a transformative approach to infrastructure development where DEI is not a secondary consideration, but an integral part of the solution. By redirecting tax dollars to address climate change and comply with a regulatory consent order, Community Stakeholders, the MDC and CT DEEP have demonstrated the profound impact public agencies can have on fostering equity, empowering communities, and building resilience. The lessons learned from this collaboration provide a blueprint for other municipalities and agencies seeking to advance DEI while addressing pressing environmental challenges. In an era where climate change and environmental justice are critical to providing the next generation with a sustainable future, this collaboration serves as a beacon of how coordinated efforts can lead to inclusive and sustainable urban development, while keeping the core objective front and center - the reduction of CSOs in rivers and local waterways and infrastructure improvements, without imposing undue financial burdens on MDC ratepayers funding the Clean Water Project. This paradigm shift is poised to serve as a national model and standard for other CSO-affected communities across the United States.