Reviews of environmental damage in Conn. under way

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Several government agencies and nonprofit groups have begun assessing the environmental damage to Connecticut's shoreline caused by Superstorm Sandy.

The Oct. 29 storm damaged scores of homes along the coast, pushed sand from beaches into neighborhoods and led to discharges of raw and partially treated sewage into Long Island Sound.

Groups including Save the Sound are compiling information on beach erosion and changes to wildlife habitats. They also are awaiting an initial assessment being led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation of ecological damage along the entire Eastern Seaboard.

Connecticut environmental officials are collecting information on damage to coastal areas and marine life.

Environmental activists are planning to use the assessments to make recommendations to government officials on how to better protect shoreline areas during major storms.