Wastewater

TOWN OF SOUTH HERO
WASTEWATER COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A MEETING ON February 21,2023
Present: Committee Members: Peter Zamore, Chair; George Harwood, Clerk; Bob Buermann; Bob Krebs; Nate Hayward; Emily Hackett NWRPC; Robert Clark, Otter Creek;- Members of the Public Robert Firevoid

• The chair called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM
• The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with changes.
• Peter and Robert reviewed the actions of the committee subsequent to the last meeting. Among the most notable activities were as follows:
• The eleven possible test pit sites were reviewed.
• The test pit permission letters were distributed to the owners of the identified test pit sites on or before November 22,2022.
• Among those who have responded to the letter and have tentatively agreed to test pits were Davis Hill, David Wendell Property, Island Acres and Allenholm Farm.
• Robert reported that the digging of the test pits will not begin until the ground thaws in the spring in order to accommodate soils tests and archeological review. He also noted that the most promising sites seemed to be Allenholm Farm, and the Wendell property, identifying Island Acres and the Davis Hill property as a “second tier” possibility.
• It was also noted that we should contact Camp Takumta regarding test pits, and that portions of Island Acres and Allenholm were subject to conservation easements that would require amendments to permit wastewater systems on the properties.
• Robert noted that the 60% report should include the estimated cost of wastewater systems, design options, and wastewater capacities available, possibly using a cost per gallon analysis, as suggested by Bob Krebs.
• It was suggested that we, at least, do research on the definition of our goals, cost responsibility for the system and options for priority of user entitlements.
• The committee discussed the necessity and sequence for landowner negotiations, public outreach, financing, wastewater system design, plans for ownership and operation of the systems, user priorities, and state permit approval.
• Peter inquired as to other town’s experience with this program. Various towns were identified and will be contacted.
It was noted that Robert will be filing the annual priority list application and that construction must be complete by August 2026.

Respectfully Submitted: George Harwood, Clerk

TOWN OF SOUTH HERO

WASTEWATER COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF A MEETING ON OCTOBER 24,2022

Present:  Committee Members:  Peter Zamore, Chair; George Harwood, Clerk; Bob Buermann; Bob Krebs; Nate Hayward; Dea Devlin; Gretta Brunswick; Emily Hackett NWRPC; Robert Clark, Otter Creek;- Members of the Public Robert Firevoid and Joan Falco.

• The minutes of the meeting on August 8, 2022, were approved.
• Robert Clark reviewed the initial properties on which test pits might be dug. He then told us how the possible test pit properties were identified, including a review of the soils map and identified any rights of way and proximity to property boundaries. He also indicated that the next step would be to contact the property owners and seek permission to dig the test pits.
• After some discussion it was agreed to hold off contacting the selectboard until we have further information including the position of the land trust. We also decided to delay any further action until we can establish some talking points and a letter to the landowners has been mailed and confirm the boundaries and owners of the properties, although some members of the committee offered to speak with some of the proposed property owners with whom they felt that they could approach without sending the letter prior to the mailing.
• Robert Clark indicated that sixty per cent of the project has been completed. The next step is for Otter Creek is to outline the estimated costs and alternative septic system set-ups.
• The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 pm

TOWN OF SOUTH HERO
WASTEWATER COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A MEETING ON August 8, 2022
By Zoom
Present: Committee Members, Peter Zamore, Chair; George Harwood, Clerk; Bob Buermann; Bob Krebs. NRPC, Greta Brunswick and Dea Devlin. Vermont DEC, Lynnette Claudon and Emily Hackett. Otter Creek Engineering, Robert Clark. Public, Bob Fireovid.
On motion of Bob Krebs, seconded by George Harwood, the minutes of the June 13 and June 20, 2022 meetings were approved.
Lynnette Claudon introduced Emily Hackett, who will be taking over from Lynnette on behalf of the Vermont DEC. Lynnette and Robert Clark described the status of the committee’s request for state funding. The state has approved the request for a reimbursable loan for $48,020, as part of a larger loan of up to $125,000 relating to a preliminary feasibility study. The request is currently being reviewed by the underwriters, a process that may take 1-2 months. Lynnette also indicated that the FY 2022 draft Intended Use Plan also includes tentatively allocated funds for up to a $125,000 reimbursable loan for a preliminary wastewater system design and permitting analysis, and up to a $1.5 million 90% subsidized loan for construction, if the project proceeds that far.
Robert Clark then reviewed the first stage of the draft wastewater feasibility study (30% report) previously circulated to the committee. He reviewed the various sections of the report, including background, study area, study goals, regulatory requirements, community engagement and existing conditions in the South Hero and Keeler Bay villages. He also described further analysis needed to identify the potential need for additional wastewater capacity and potential suitable soils for wastewater disposal. He also discussed the responses to the survey sent to landowners in the villages. He suggested that the committee hold a public hearing when the study is more complete. The committee agreed to send further comments on the draft study to Peter, who will forward them to Robert.
Respectfully Submitted

Peter Zamore, Chair