Fall 2024 Activity
Design & Engineering Tasks
Munn Site Wastewater Loading Test
As a requirement of the Indirect Discharge Permitting process, this loading test evaluates the capacity of the Munn site to attenuate wastewater without adversely affecting the water quality of the receiving water, the Mad River.
VT DEC will use the results to determine water quality discharge limitations for the proposed wastewater treatment facility. Effluent from the Waterbury Wastewater Treatment Plant will be used for the test.
Preparation of the Munn Site for the loading test will commence 9/21-9/22/24, initially consisting of tree/brush removal and test trench construction. A 21k gallon storage through October and November.
Topographic Surveying, Environmental, & Cultural Resources Fieldwork
Initial topographic surveying took place over the summer.
- From 9/23/24 to 11/30/24, additional surveying, mapping of wetlands and rare plants, and reviewing cultural resources (such as archaeologically sensitive areas and historic sites) will occur.
- While most of the work will be in road rights-of-way, DuBois & King’s field crews may be required to go onto private property in some areas. Notification of this fieldwork will be mailed to adjoining property owners throughout the project area by 9/20/24.
Communication & Outreach Tasks
Property Owner Discussions
Outreach and discussion with project priority parcels are positive and ongoing.
Most property owners have responded to the Engineering Technical Team’s (ETT) initial outreach efforts, with 90% of respondents expressing interest in connecting to the proposed wastewater infrastructure.
The project design includes four pump stations to be located on private property. The ETT have been leading these property owner discussions, all of which have been overwhelmingly positive. The ETT will be providing easement recommendations to the Selectboard this fall.
Funding Tasks
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD)
The town is seeking United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) grants and loans (to be repaid by affordable user fees) to support the project.
Regional Project Priority List Application
The project team is drafting an application to include the Waitsfield Community Wastewater Project on Central VT’s 2025 Regional Project Priority (RRP) List.