Town of South Hero
Wastewater Committee
Minutes of a Meeting on January 6, 2025
Present: Sue Arguin, Bob Buermann, Nate Hayward, Steve Robinson, Peter Zamore; Greta
Brunswick (NRPC), Emily Hackett (DEC), Achouak Arfaoui (DEC), Dave Carter (Selectboard),
Cliff Jenkins (NRPC) Joan Falcao (Planning Commission).
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 pm.
On motion of Bob Buermann and second of Sue Arguin, the minutes of the October 7,
2024 meeting were approved.
Peter Zamore indicated that he attended a DEC wastewater workshop in Barre last Friday
with participants from state agencies, town wastewater committees, grant funders and others.
Peter then reviewed the current status of the project. He indicated that 10 test pits were
dug on parcel 6 of the Lavin property on December 5 th and 30 th . The preliminary analysis
suggests that approximately 3800 gallons per day of capacity may be available. He then
discussed the potential for a spray or drip system project design, which may increase the amount
of capacity. There followed a discussion of the various requirements and limitations of those
systems, and of the fact that it will likely be addressed only in general terms in the upcoming
Preliminary Engineering report (PER).
Peter and Nate then reported on the status of the Lavin property acquisition. An appraisal
and environmental site assessment are underway, and the closing is expected to occur in May.
Peter reported that we are still awaiting a complete PER from Otter Creek Engineering.
Peter then indicated that Sue Arguin will be heavily involved in grant funding efforts,
including potential grants from the Northern Borders Regional Commission and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. He also stated that it is the selectboard’s
desire that the project be funded, if possible, without a bond repayable out of property tax
revenues.
There was also a general discussion of the fact that many aspects of the project have not
been fully developed, such as funding and user eligibility, but that there will be ample
opportunity for public input in the future. In addition, the wastewater committee acts only in an
advisory capacity to the selectboard, which is responsible for all decisions.
Peter then discussed the information session scheduled for January 16 at 6 pm at the
library. There will be presentations by the wastewater committee on the project, the selectboard
on its perspective on the project and the acquisition of the Lavin property, and by the Planning
Commission on its efforts to advise the selectboard on appropriate uses of the Lavin property.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 pm.