Newsletters

State-Wide Wastewater and Water Supply Rule Revisions

Draft Rules are currently being reviewed under the legislative process which have changes impacting landowners. Following are excerpts of those changes taken from guidance documents issued recently by the Agency of Natural Resources:

Beginning on July 1, 2007, wastewater systems and potable water supplies that were previously exempt from State regulation may be required to obtain a permit for activities such as construction of new buildings; construction or modification of a wastewater system and/or potable water supply; new connections to an existing wastewater system and/or potable water supply; subdivision of land; and repair or replacement of a failed wastewater system and/or potable water supply.

Following is a summary of the more significant changes to the Rules:

• When a potable water supply or wastewater system fails, a permit is needed to fix it. Failure to get a permit “clouds” the title to the property making it unmarketable. The proposed definitions for a failed system have been made clearer.
• The legislation includes a “clean slate” exemption that grandfathers buildings, campgrounds, lots, wastewater systems, and potable water supplies that were in existence before January 1, 2007. A permit will be required when any action is taken on or after that date. If the wastewater system or potable water supply fails, a variance (best fix) from the Rules is available if no fully complying replacement can be found.
• The use of constructed wetlands and subsurface drip distribution systems for the disposal of wastewater will be allowed in addition to the 20 systems already allowed.
• A new exemption will allow failed single family residence wells to be replaced without obtaining a permit provided the siting of the new water source is done in accordance with the Rules.
• The minimum wastewater system design flow for a single family residence may be changed from three bedrooms to one or two bedrooms.
• The septic system replacement area requirement for mounds will be waived. Also, if a primary in-ground system is designed and constructed to handle 150% of the design flow, a replacement area will not be needed.
• The use of composting toilets will be allowed. In addition, a size reduction of the septic system may be allowed to a size that is necessary to just handle the waste flows from fixtures other than toilets.
• The proposed Rules would make the conversion from seasonal to year-round use for a single family residence exempt provided the design flow does not increase and nothing else is done that would require a permit. The seasonal conversion may still be regulated at the local level through zoning.

Project Achievements

Neshobe Planned Unit Development

We have been developing site plans for Chuck Johnson who owns a large parcel on both sides of Route 7 north of Brandon Village. Working in concert with the office of T.J. Boyle & Associates who are providing the master and landscape planning, we are developing the water supply, wastewater disposal, stormwater, and drainage plans. The project is in the early stages of Town review and will include approximately 97 home sites, 29 condominiums, 17 multi-family units, a community center, commercial/ office space, and a daycare/senior center and will combine the rural setting of the site with the proximity of the village.

Waitsfield Water Supply and Wastewater Projects

The Town of Waitsfield has made major strides since our last report. Last fall, a drilled bedrock well of approximately 200 gallons per minute was completed as the source for a new public water system. This allowed us to put the finishing touches on a Facilities Plan for the project. When completed, the system will provide a totally new public water supply to the historic Waitsfield Village and Irasville, with a combined customer base of about 300 equivalent residential connections. The project will include a 500,000 gallon water storage tank and a 12-inch transmission/distribution main with fire hydrants throughout the Villages.

After completing the 30% level of planning for a new wastewater project, the project scope was divided into phases. The first phase will consist of a sewer collection system for Irasville, pumping and pressure force main about two miles south along Route 100 to the Town-owned Munn site, septic tanks, and a large dispersal field. At a later date, a tertiary treatment facility and expanded collection system will be added allowing for at least 90,000 gallons per day of capacity. The second phase will likely be funded by creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.

A public information meeting was recently held allowing the Selectboard and Task Force to share its plans with the residents. A bond vote on both projects is planned for November.

Roadway Sliding Emergencies

Town of Weybridge: Last year, the Town requested our assistance with a serious earth slide of sections of Field Days Road and Gooseneck Bend Road adjacent to Otter Creek. The condition required closing of the roads. Working with GeoDesign, Inc. of Windsor, we provided project plans to include slope stabilization, road realignment, utility relocation, and right-of-way acquisition. The construction is being completed by G.W. Tatro Construction.

City of Vergennes: MacDonough Drive is a City street with several unstable sections that exhibit sliding and movement in several areas. The City received a grant for planning to stabilize these sites and selected the team of Phelps Engineering and GeoDesign to conduct the engineering. Shortly after initiating the work, a serious slide occurred in one section that required closure to that section of the road. An emergency plan has been prepared, and reconstruction of that portion is planned for this summer.

Personnel Notes

Jim Scott

We want to take a minute to thank Jim Scott for the 20 years of service and hard work he has given Phelps Engineering.

Other than work, Jim enjoys fishing, hunting, running, watching/coaching his daughter Mandy play basketball, and spending time with his wife Dianne. His daughter Samantha is a senior at Johnson State College where she is studying to be a physical therapist, and his daughter Mandy is headed to St. Michaels College where she will play basketball under a full scholarship.

Congratulations Jim, we’re hoping for at least 20 more!