Clean Water Initiative Overview August 25, 2015

The Clean Water Initiative would represent the most comprehensive effort ever taken by the community to improve and protect our water resources.

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A series of plans, regulations, programs, and capital projects, designed to improve and protect the community’s water resources.

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What is the Clean Water Initiative?

Pollutant levels in our waters are above recommended levels

High pollutant levels create health and/or environmental problems

Poor water quality diminishes the community’s property values and quality of life

Aging and inadequate storm water infrastructure is damaging public and private property

Areas of Town are not served by drainage systems

State and local storm water requirements for redevelopment and infill are not stringent enough

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Why is it needed?

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What are the expected results?

Improve and protect our water resources

Reduce health risks and environmental problems associated with water pollution

Protect public and private property from storm water damage

Preserve and enhance the value of all property within the community

Improve the quality of life for all residents

High phosphorus, bacteria and other pollutants in our streams and Lake Champlain

Sub-standard septic systems within Malletts Bay Aging and Inadequate drainage systems Town wide Areas not served by drainage systems Alternative revenues for storm water management Increased pollution control measures for future redevelopment or infill development

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What specifically will be addressed?

Water quality management plans Malletts Bay area storm water system Low impact development standards Storm Water Utility Septic system management Malletts Bay sewer system extending from Burlington’s

North Treatment Plant along Heineberg Drive, Prim Road, West and East Lakeshore Drive to Goodsell Point.

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What are the main components?

The following groups are involved with at least some components of the CWI:

Colchester Fire District #2 Colchester Selectboard Colchester Planning Commission Colchester Conservation Commission Storm Water Advisory Committee Area businesses Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

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Who is involved?

Different components of the CWI may advance sooner than others. The entire CWI will likely take upwards of 5 years or longer to initiate.

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When will this happen?

What is the estimated cost?

This initiative is in the preliminary stages where reliable cost estimates are not yet available. As this information is developed, it will be provided to the public.

Possible funding options may include:

State and federal grants Low interest loans Local Option Tax revenues only as approved by Colchester

tax payers Utility user fees

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How will it be paid for?

The 2010-2014 Integrated Water Resources Management Plan The 2012 Economic Development Action Plan The 2012-2022 Community Strategic Plan, (The Heritage Project) The 2014 Town Plan The 2015 Malletts Bay Initiative and Public Charettes The 2015 creation of a citizen Storm Water Advisory

Committee Public hearings for Storm Water Ordinances, Floodplain and Shoreland District regulations, and Zoning regulations Public meetings of the Selectboard, Planning Commission,

and Colchester Fire District No. 2 Interviews with the media, weekly news letters, and social

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What has been done so far to involve and inform the public?

Yes. As the CWI is further developed, additional outreach and education will occur which will include:

Public information forums Live call-in shows Information provided through social media Project web site Public hearings Approval of expenditure items by voters12

Will there be additional efforts to inform and involve the public?

Continued planning and development Secure treatment capacity from the City of Burlington Verification of project cost estimates Identification of funding sources Public outreach and education to all stakeholders

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What are the next steps?

Thank You!