The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a draft consent order requiring the owner of Old Killingly Pond to restore water levels, following an emergency drawdown that significantly reduced the body of water. As first reported by ctmirror.org, the agency cited concerns over habitat loss for protected species after the pond shrank to roughly one-quarter of its previous size.
Why It Matters
The enforcement action highlights the tension between infrastructure safety and environmental preservation in Connecticut. While state officials prioritized public safety by draining the pond due to dam instability, the resulting ecological impact on protected plant and animal habitats has triggered regulatory intervention to restore the water body.
What Happened
Last October, state regulators authorized an emergency drawdown of Old Killingly Pond, located on the border between Connecticut and Rhode Island. The decision was made after concerns arose regarding the structural integrity of the stone dam that has held the pond in place for more than a century. Wright Investors’ Service Holdings (WISH), the entity identified as the dam owner, carried out the drawdown.
Within months, the water level dropped dramatically, leaving much of the pond bed exposed. Susan Rosenstone Larrow, who has lived on the pond for 40 years, noted the stark change in the landscape. “I like painting rocks, I never thought I’d have this many to chose from,” Larrow told the The Connecticut Mirror, referencing the newly exposed shoreline.
DEEP determined that continued low water levels would adversely impact habitats for protected species, including specific populations of damselflies. In response, the agency sent a draft consent order to WISH on Tuesday, outlining requirements for necessary repairs and restoration.
By the Numbers
40 years — Susan Rosenstone Larrow’s residence on Old Killingly Pond
Over a century — duration the stone dam held the pond in place
One quarter — pond’s size after drawdown compared to former size
October (last year) — timing of emergency drawdown authorization
Tuesday — date DEEP announced enforcement action
Zoom Out
The situation at Old Killingly Pond reflects broader challenges in managing aging infrastructure across the Northeast. Many dams built in the 19th and early 20th centuries require significant maintenance or replacement, often forcing regulators to balance immediate safety risks with long-term environmental stewardship. Similar disputes have arisen in other states where emergency interventions for public safety inadvertently harm local ecosystems.
What’s Next
Graham Stevens, head of DEEP’s Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, indicated that the agency is seeking a cooperative resolution. “Tuesday’s letter essentially invites WISH to enter into an agreement to make the necessary repairs to the dam,” Stevens told the The Connecticut Mirror. If WISH accepts the terms, the consent order will formalize the repair timeline and restoration requirements. Failure to comply could lead to further legal action by the state.