LAKE CHAMPLAIN. the problem of phosphorus in

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1 the problem of phosphorus in LAKE CHAMPLAIN The effort to preserve the water quality of Lake Champlain has run into significant problems over the years. Research has determined that the primary cause of the harmful algal blooms plaguing the lake is an excess of phosphorus entering from non-point sources within its watershed. These sources are diffuse and various, ranging from roadside erosion, to excess stormwater runoff, to agricultural pollution. In 2003 Vermont created the Clean and Clear Action Plan to address the issue, but since then many people have become frustrated by the discrepancy between the amount of money spent and the lack of immediate visible results. A 2010 estimate showed roughly 100 million dollars had been spent on public programs to improve water quality in Lake Champlain. Due to these shortcomings, the EPA has recently taken over revision of the Total Maximum Daily Load of phosphorus for Lake Champlain. This process will take time, but in the mean time there are numerous opportunities to affect change on a local level through the power of Town Plans. Figure 1

2 table of the importance of a CONTENTS the importance of a town plan how to use this document model water quality language lakeside towns Ferrisburgh Panton Addison Bridport Shoreham Orwell TOWN PLAN valley towns Vergennes Waltham New Haven Weybridge Middlebury Cornwall Salisbury Whiting Leicester mountain towns Monkton Starksboro Bristol Lincoln Ripton Goshen 94 results Len Britton observes St. Albans Bay algae blooms. In the state of Vermont, Town Plans provide vision and direction for the growth and of cities and towns. Local governments have planning boards composed of residents who volunteer their time to shape the future of their towns. In Addison County, these boards, with help from the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, draft the Town Plans and submit them for approval every few years. The Plans are legally binding documents and as a result, the goals and policies set forth in them must be carried out to the extent that resources allow. Many towns in Addison County have concerns about water quality. Sedimentation, spread of pathogens, and nutrient enrichment are only a few of the problems that planners must address in their efforts to preserve the vital natural, economic, and aesthetic resources of their communities. Fortunately, there is great potential to address these issues at a local level. Many of the programs and regulations are in need of revision to ensure the continued health of Vermont s rivers and lakes. In many cases the necessary change is as simple as replacing weak words with strong ones. There is a world of difference, in terms of policy implementation, between the word discourage and the word prohibit. Town Plans lay the foundation for zoning bylaws, which are where many specific regulations and tangible implementation requirements can be found. The power of the Town Plan is that strong and effective Town Plan language can make effective zoning bylaws possible. Zoning bylaws are not written unless they have some precedent in or connection to the Town Plan. Strong plan language can also result in the creation of new programs, and the adoption of new or improved regulations where necessary. Zoning bylaws are the implementation of the ideals and direction provided by Town Plans. If Plans are firm and explicit in their policy language, appropriate zoning bylaws will follow. Town Plans can also call for additional support from and involvement in existing programs, as well as collaboration with non-profit organizations and citizen groups. Town Hall, Panton, Vermont Figure 3 This report highlights good policy language in current Town Plans and makes recommendations concerning elements that are either missing or in need of revision. In this report, you will first find a Model Town Plan with strong policy language to protect water quality, and then you will find town-by-town documentation of and recommendations for water quality policy in Addison County s current Town Plans. Our analysis pays particularly close attention to language related to the establishment and maintenance of riparian buffer strips and a call for the incorporation of Act 110, legislation that makes financial and technical assistance available for the establishment of riparian buffer zones, where it is relevant. Figure 2 3

3 how to use this document This document is meant to serve primarily as a resource for Town Planners and other stakeholders for writing a plan that is sensitive to water quality issues. model water quality language section heading sub-section content to be included example language from an Addison County Town Plan evaluating Town Plans strong weak The model plan divides the broad issue of water quality into five manageable categories. The categories are not meant to correspond with each towns distinctive plan, but instead provide a comprehensible framework for understanding the content. Sub-sections include the recommended issue to be addressed as well as examples of existing good language from Addison County Town Plans. In the second part of this document, the Town Plans from each of the twenty-one towns in Addison County are analyzed for the inclusion of strong water quality language. The document follows the same organization as the model plan and grades the language found in each town along the way. The document also includes individualized recommendations for how to improve and add to the existing language. The ranking system, while subjective, is meant to help highlight areas of Town Plans that we feel need the most work. Weak symbols may highlight s or undesirable language while strong symbols may highlight good language that still has room for improvement. model water quality language 1. natural resources surface water The Plan identifies all surface water in the area. The Plan acknowledges water quality as an issue, specifically highlighting the effects of phosphorus. Surface waters are valuable as a water source, recreation areas, habitat for wildlife and vegetation, and an aesthetic resource. These values can be diminished by pollution, alteration, or overuse. This resource is complex and has been adversely affected by runoff, invasive species, and other biological factors. Shoreham The Plan indicates the quality of all surface water in the area, ideally in cooperation with the Addison County River Watch Collaborative. Cooperate with the Otter Creek River Watch in monitoring the river s water quality. The Plan includes tangible ways to improve water quality. groundwater The Plan indicates the quality and current state of town groundwater. wetlands The Plan inventories all wetland areas in the Town. Weybridge Monitor actions of towns and state and federal agencies that directly affect Weybridge s surface water quality and intervene as appropriate, prohibit or control the removal of gravel from streambeds and banks. Weybridge Cornwall has sparse groundwater potential and every effort needs to be made to maintain its quality and quantity and protect recharge areas and aquifers. Most of the areas with good groundwater potential are near the Cornwall Swamp and the Lemon Fair. The quality of groundwater varies with some areas of town reporting varying concentrations of sodium and sulfur in the groundwater, while others report good quality. There are no Source Protection Areas in Cornwall, since there are no public water supplies. Cornwall The Plan includes tangible ways to improve groundwater quality. Pay special attention to aquifers and groundwater protection and explore the of regulations that would create a groundwater protection overlay district to provide additional review of land uses within designated Source Protection Areas and restrict that could contaminate public water supplies. Orwell See Vermont Significant Wetlands Inventory The Plan indicates the importance of wetlands to watershed ecosystems. Cornwall s wetlands, ranging from the large, nationally significant Cornwall Swamp to the smallest Class III wetland, are recognized as performing numerous ecological functions of importance to the broader ecosystem of the town and the entire Champlain Valley. Some, if not all, of these functions are very important to human communities and human welfare. Cornwall The Plan includes a wetland protection plan. The Plan references Vermont State Wetlands Rules. fish, wildlife & ecosystems The Plan discusses the connection between the Town, water quality, and ecosystem health. The Plan provides a tangible protection plan. 4 5

4 recreation The Plan references water-related recreation in the Town. 2. municipal water systems sewage/septic systems The Plan inventories the town s municipal sewage system or on-site septic systems. Sewage disposal is accomplished using on-site disposal, i.e. septic tanks and leach-field systems Whiting The Plan requires that homeowners follow state regulations for septic systems and take necessary steps to reduce water quality threats. Vermont s Environmental Protection Rules that govern septic system placement are designed to prevent health hazards and pollution, and contamination of drinking water supplies to ensure adequate supplies of potable water. Development in Monkton follows State regulations for the treatment of septic system wastewater. Monkton limitations The Plan identifies limitations for sewage and septic systems. drinking water The Plan explains the source of drinking water. The Plan makes a connection between water quality and drinking water quality. The Plan highly recommends that residence test their drinking water following the guidelines set by the VDH in order to test for pollutants and contaminants. Common sources of contamination from human activities include storage tanks, municipal landfills, illegal dumps and dumping, septic tanks, road salting and runoff, and some agricultural activities. The Plan addresses the capacity of the drinking water supply, the treatment process, and the threats of degraded water quality on drinking water supply. If served by the Tri-Town Water District or Lake Champlain, the Plan should connect the effect of Lake Champlain s water quality to the quality of the drinking water supply. 3. built environment 6 The Plan includes a water quality protection plan to combat degradation due to recreation and high use. runoff The Plan explains how the built environment and/or impervious surfaces are a leading cause of surface water pollution, especially since its control lies much more within the town s regulatory power. Sewage treatment plants, parking lots, highways, fields and forests drain into Otter Creek along its course. To protect surface water quality, inter-municipal coordination, planning and action are needed since activities affecting water quality at any point in the system affect water quality of all downstream points in the system. Waltham Monkton rain gardens Research has found that stream ecosystems become impaired when as little as 10 percent of the catchment is developed as impervious surface (Withers and Jarvie 2008). One stormwater reduction strategy that has gained popularity among homeowners and city planners is the construction of rain gardens. Rain gardens are just like any other landscaped gardens, except that they are planted in depressions which are strategically placed so that during rain events they will collect whatever water flows from nearby impervious surfaces (roofs, parking lots, etc.) The depressions fill, and after the rain is over, the water is absorbed back into to soil. For more information see: shtml The Plan provides solutions for controlling runoff and specifically mentions the goal of controlling phosphorus runoff. construction The Plan uses the Vermont Green Building Network for best practices and recommendations for building codes and encourages or provides incentives for the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in the town. Encourage innovative planning, design and construction of housing that minimizes cost, energy consumption, and environmental impact. Encourage construction that complies with the Vermont energy code, Energy Star efficiency standards, LEED standards, and Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards. siting The plan restricts construction in environmentally sensitive areas and on slopes due to high erosion potential. density The Plan promotes smart growth and cluster, and explains the correlation between and water quality. stormwater The Plan provides an assessment of the stormwater infrastructure in the town. Ripton The Plan encourages the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites. Slope is a significant constraint to ; it can limit the capacity of soils for treating wastewater, as well as increase the potential for unwanted erosion and stormwater runoff. Slopes in excess of 15 percent require special consideration if they are to be developed and those in excess of 25 percent are generally unsuited for. Orwell As clean, reliable water resources are extremely valuable, all possible regulatory measures should be taken to prohibit and discourage that would have an adverse impact on the quality of water supplies in the watershed protection district. The Town should explore the feasibility and desirability of public acquisition of land in the watershed protection district to permanently preserve the quality and availability of these resources. Starksboro Our storm drainage system is not comprehensive; there are few detention ponds or treatment facilities for stormwater. Vergennes The Plan provides plans for mitigating the identified problems. green streets When stormwater runoff is not properly managed, the extra water from storm events pollutes rivers, streams and lakes and can contribute to combined sewer overflows (CSOs), causing even higher phosphorus loads to Lake Champlain. Green street strategies decrease the problems associated with stormwater runoff. By imitating natural conditions with soil and vegetation, they manage runoff at the source. Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Intense of property that results in significant changes to the natural topography of an area or large quantities of impervious surfaces (roof, roads, parking lots, etc.) can also result in flood damage to public infrastructure or neighboring properties due to stormwater runoff. Such runoff will likely result in changes to the streams such as bank erosion and channel instability, and increase water volume, velocity and pollution. Impervious surfaces reduce the amount of rainwater that is absorbed into the soil to recharge groundwater supplies. To the greatest extent feasible, should be planned to manage stormwater in a manner that does not result in increases in the rate or volume of discharge from pre- levels. Orwell 7

5 floodplains The Plan prohibits in floodplains defined by maps from FEMA data. The Town has adopted Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zones and enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program. 4. roads Avoid and other encroachments including fill, dredging, new structures, parking areas, infrastructure and utilities, and unnecessary public investments within the mapped erosion hazard zone, and allow only forestry, agriculture, passive recreation, functionally dependent facilities, limited improvements to existing structures and facilities, and state-recommended channel management activities within this area, subject to Zoning Board review and approval. Ripton erosion The Plan calls for a reduction in roadside erosion and phosphorus runoff and discusses potential solutions. Conduct ongoing efforts to ensure control of water and phosphorous runoff, thus making sure road banks are not eroding into rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands. Direct runoff through well-vegetated areas before it reaches surface waters. The Plan requires that new construction and maintenance follow VTrans Water Quality Best Management Practices. ditches and culverts The Plan addresses the role of road ditches in expanding stream networks. Gravel roads and driveways are a potential source of sediment to the town s surface waters. Every road or driveway can become a conduit for rainwater or snowmelt, eroding the road material and dumping it into nearby streams. Run-off and erosion from poorly constructed or maintained private roads often results in damage to the town roads they intersect with. Private roads and drives need to be constructed and maintained to prevent run-off and erosion from damaging town roads and reducing water quality in the town s water bodies. Currently, the Cornwall Road Commission must assess any new road cut for conformity with state regulations. Cornwall Better Backroads The Plan calls for participation in the Better Backroads program. The Vermont Better Backroads Manual from the Better Backroads Program recommends techniques and actions that can be used to improve the maintenance of graveled roads and drives. Salisbury s private roads and drives should be constructed and maintained to the standards described in these publications. Salisbury salting The Plan addresses the problems caused by salting. Wells are susceptible to natural contamination and pollutants such as leaking petroleum or industrial tanks, road salt, failing septic systems and agricultural chemicals. Ferrisburgh The Plan calls for a reduction or elimination in the use of salt on town roads. 5. buffers and river corridors The Plan should: Strongly encourage or require the adoption of buffers and river corridors; Make a clear connection between establishing buffers and protecting water quality Explain the financial incentives offered by Act 110. The Plan identifies a Riverine Habitat and River Corridor Overlay Area that will promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Lincoln by allowing the river to move within its corridor; mitigate increases in downstream river erosion resulting from ; minimize property loss and damage due to river erosion; and limit land uses and that may pose a danger to health and safety. The Area will also protect water quality, aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and maintain riverine wetlands. Lincoln The Plan calls for the establishment of vegetated or rock-lined roadside stormwater drainage and detention areas where feasible. Engage in road construction and maintenance practices that reduce erosion and sedimentation from town roads, such as reseeding ditches that have been dug out. Cornwall vegetated and rock-lined roadside ditches Figure 7 The establishment and maintenance of vegetated or rock-lined roadside ditches is of great importance in the effort to improve water quality in Vermont. During and after storms, poorly maintained road ditches have been found to greatly expand stream networks, which is unfortunate considering that research conducted in the Little Otter Creek watershed showed that 82% of bad ditches were along roads adjacent to agricultural landuse. Lining ditches with rocks or planting vegetation can slow the flow of stormwater, prevent erosion, and reduce the phosphorous runoff into nearby surface waters. Act 110 Act 110 was passed in Vermont in May 2010 and presents great opportunities for town planners to improve water quality in their communities. The Act s primary goal is to establish a river corridor management program and a shoreland management program which focus on the creation of vegetated riparian buffer zones. These simple strips of vegetated land have been shown to significantly decrease phosphorus levels in adjacent surface waters when stragtegically placed along shorelines. The Act requires that the secretary of administration, after consultation with relevant state agencies, offer incentives to municipalities to encourage adoption and implementation of zoning bylaws that protect shorelands, river corridors and buffers. With Act 110, Vermont s legislators hope to encourage the adoption of their Best Managment Practices and other water quality recommendations by offering financial incentives to willing towns, but admits that If Vermont is to prevent continual degradation of lake habitat and water quality, mandatory statewide protection such as a lakeshore buffer regulation should be seriously considered (Act 110, River Corridor Managment and Lake Shoreland Managment Programs, Report to the General Assembly, p. 4). 8 9

6 town of Ferrisburgh watersheds: current Town Plan adopted in natural resources Lewis - Otter - Little Otter surface water Topography, surface waters, and shorelands are described on pages 13 to 18. For surface water health advisories, readers are directed to the Vermont Department of Health. Long term air pollution and water pollution contribute to surface water problems in municipality (Surface Waters, p. 16). Phosphorous, toxic contamination and water-related health hazards are listed as threats to Lake Champlain (Surface Waters, p. 18). recommendation: The Plan should, beyond stating threats to surface water quality, describe the current state of surface water quality in Ferrisburgh. It should include a tangible and specific water quality protection plan for surface water in the area. groundwater wetlands fish, wildlife & ecosystems Groundwater is extensively discussed in relation to individual wells and contamination (Groundwater, p. 19). All Class II wetlands are required to have a 50 foot buffer according to the plan. Significant wetlands are listed with their acreage on pages 23 and 24. They are home to rare state plants and are some of the highest quality wetlands in New England (Wetlands, p. 23). The Plan states that leaving wetlands intact and designing projects around them is often more cost effective than replicating their functions elsewhere (Wetlands, p. 24). The Plan calls for requiring a formal assessment of Class II and III wetlands before (Natural Resources Policies, p. 54). Lake Champlain is a resource of national significance (Surface Waters, p. 18), and Otter Creek and Lewis Creek are regionally important. Ecologically sensitive areas are inventoried (Natural Resources, p.27-28). recommendation: The Plan should include the connection between water quality and ecosystem health in Ferrisburgh. recreation The plan indicates usage of surface water and other natural resources for recreation on page 15. It further states on page 16 that all of Ferrisburgh s surface waters are state designated Class B waters of recreational use (Surface Waters, p ). recommendation: The Plan should identify plans to conserve its surface waters of recreational use. 2. municipal water systems sewage/septic systems limitations Wastewater is treated through individual and shared on-site septic systems (p. 39). Soil and state regulations are described on page 40 as a limiting factor for of sewage and septic systems. Policies include municipal permits being contingent on state and federal permits; maintaining accurate municipality records of approved septic systems; and encouraging the upgrading of old or inadequate septic systems, especially near shorelines, rivers and wetlands. They ensure that all permitted in floodplains, areas of high water table or hydric soils comply with all state and federal laws (Natural Resources Policies, p. 53). recommendation: The Plan should require or incentivize instead of encourage, but the language about upgrading systems near water is valuable. drinking water About half of residences receive their drinking water from private lines from the Vergennes-Panton Water District, which uses treated water from Lake Champlain. Others use groundwater wells that occasionally have nuisance substances such as iron, manganese, and bacteria (Groundwater, p. 19). Policies for wellhead protection and new in recharge areas are on page 53 (Natural Resources Policies, p. 53). recommendation: The Plan should explain how Lake Champlain s water quality affects the quality of drinking water and explain the water treatment process. The Plan should also ensure that private lines are properly treated. 3. built environment runoff The Plan sites agricultural runoff as the leading source of surface water pollution, leading to some eutrophication and algae blooms in lake bays and references the detrimental effects of runoff on wetlands (Surface Waters, p. 16, Wetlands, p. 24). recommendation: The Plan should address the impacts of the built environment and/or impervious surfaces as another leading cause of surface water pollution, especially since its control lies much more within the town s regulatory power

7 construction PUDs (Planned Unit Developments) and other conservation design techniques are described and supported (Land Use Areas and Policies, p ). recommendation: The Plan should use the Vermont Green Building Network for best practices and recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in the town. The Plan should also encourage the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites. siting recommendation: The Plan should restrict construction in or near environmentally sensitive areas and on slopes due to high erosion potential. erosion 4. roads The plan adresses the issue of erosion, but not in the context of roads: The removal of topsoil, sub-soil, sand, gravel and stone should be conditioned through a permit to prevent soil loss, erosion, and environmental damage (Natural Resources Policies, p. 53). Bank stabilization should be recognized as critical to reducing sedimentation and runoff carrying nutrients and require setbacks to reduce erosion (Natural Resources Policies, p. 54). recommendation: The Plan should call for a reduction in roadside erosion and require that new construction and maintenance follow VTrans Water Quality Best Management Practices. ditches density The plan states expansion of in rural areas is threatening habitat (Surface Waters, p. 18). recommendation: The Plan should explain how vegetated and rock-lined roadside ditches reduce erosion and phosphorus loading, and it should create a program for their establishment and maintenance. recommendation: The Plan should provide a goal or framework for this unwanted and be specific about the threat it poses to water quality. The Plan should promote smart growth and cluster, and explain the correlation between and water quality. stormwater better backroads recommendation: The Plan should reference the guidelines created by the Better Backroads program and use the program as a guide for construction and maintenance of town roads. recommendation: The Plan should assess stormwater infrastructure and provide concrete plans for mitigating any problems. floodplains The municipality is enrolled in the national Flood Insurance Program (Flood Hazards, p. 27), and lists policies for in the floodplains (Natural Resources Policies, p. 53). salting 5. buffers and river corridors The Plan explains negative effects of road salting on wells: wells are susceptible to natural contamination and pollutants such as leaking petroleum or industrial tanks, road salt, failing septic systems and agricultural chemicals (Groundwater, p. 19). The Plan includes a requirement for 50-foot buffers of natural vegetation from the top of the banks of all streams, rivers and creeks. A 100-foot or more buffer should be required for water bodies warranting greater protection, Lake Champlain has a 100 foot setback, and there is a 50 foot buffer of natural vegetation for Class II wetlands (Natural Resources Policies, p. 54). recommendation: The Plan should explain the updates and financial incentives established by Act

8 town of PANTON watersheds: current Town Plan adopted in natural resources surface water Lemon Fair - Otter Creek Surface water is adequately represented in the town plan. Lake Champlain is reported to be an environmental, recreational and economic resource for the town and the state (Lake Champlain, p. 55). The Plan indicates goals to reduce phosphorus inputs to Lake Champlain to promote a healthy and diverse ecosystem and provide for sustainable human use and enjoyment of the lake, to reduce toxic contamination to protect public health and the Lake Champlain ecosystem, and to minimize the risks to humans from water-related health hazards in the Lake Champlain Basin (Lake Champlain, p.55). 2. municipal water systems sewage/septic systems limitations Panton has no municipal or community waste disposal systems. All individual properties are served by private septic systems (Community Facilities and Services, p. 33). The Plan says another important consideration for the reduction of phosphorus and prevention of water-related health hazards is the replacement of failed or substandard septic systems. Parent material and soil type in Panton present some barriers to. The Plan indicates that this fact alone will continue to limit or prevent residential, commercial and industrial, particularly without a municipal sewer system (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 62). The plan vision states: We see that in the coming decades we will have to develop alternative options for residential environments, including cluster s with new and innovative septic systems (Vision, p. 3). groundwater wetlands The Plan references a potential groundwater protection area that constitutes the entire shoreland area adjacent to Lake Champlain (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 61). The Plan extensively categorizes Panton soils (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 61 and 62). The Plan reports that the Dead Creek area is a potential Class I wetland candidate, and the town could petition the state Water Resources Board for such a designation to ensure statutory protection of it as a resource (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 61). drinking water 3. built environment The Vergennes-Panton Water District (VPWD) is served by the Arnold Bay Treatment Plant in Panton, which relies upon Lake Champlain for its supply. In the case of an emergency the VPWD is connected to the Tri- Town lines. Water quality concerns due to increase in zebra mussel influx have led to much concern and ongoing research (Community Facilities and Services, p. 33). fish, wildlife & ecosystems The Plan discusses significant habitats and natural areas. The Plan states that it is an objective of the municipality to promote and maintain high quality habitat for fish and wildlife and to protect endangered species. The municipality should consider expanding conservation districts as part of the zoning ordinance and monitor activities to ensure the protection of rare and endangered species (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 59 & 62-64). recreation Panton owns 600 feet of recreational shore frontage at Arnold Bay. Town residents also have access to Button Bay facilities. Otter Creek and Dead Creek are reported as navigable waterways (Recreation, p. 45). recommendation: The Plan should include a protection plan to prevent disturbance and decreased water quality due to recreational use. runoff construction Runoff control is mentioned (Vision, p. 3). To preserve lakeshore character and reduce sedimentation and runoff carrying nutrients like phosphorus and pollutants into the lake, bank stabilization is critical (Lake Champlain, p. 55). The Plan encourages environmentally appropriate site planning and design for new s and construction projects (Historic, Cultural and Scenic Resources, p. 51). recommendation: To continue this vision, the Plan should use the Vermont Green Building Network for best practices and recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in the town. The Plan should also encourage the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites

9 siting The Plan encourages environmentally appropriate site planning and design for new s and construction projects (Historic, Cultural and Scenic Resources, p. 51). recommendation: The Plan should strengthen its language and restrict construction in environmentally sensitive areas and on steep slopes with high erosion potential. ditches recommendation: The Plan should explain how vegetated and rock-lined roadside ditches reduce erosion and phosphorus loading, and it should create a program for their establishment and maintenance. density The Plan states that zoning regulations should be revised to further encourage cluster housing. It also describes regulations regarding setbacks close to the lakeshore (Housing, p. 23 & Lake Champlain, p. 57). better backroads recommendation: The Plan should reference the guidelines created by the Better Backroads program and use the program as a guide for construction and maintenance of town roads. recommendation: The Plan could develop the language to describe the water quality benefits of cluster housing and setbacks from the lakeshore. salting stormwater The Plan discusses the slow draining nature of the soil, which dramatically impacts the area s ability to deal with excess stormwater (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 62). recommendation: The Plan should explain the negative effects of salting on water quality and require a reduction or elimination of salting on roads. recommendation: The Plan should assess stormwater infrastructure and provide concrete plans for mitigating any problems. floodplains The Plan proposes to consider amending zoning districts to allow for conservation of land areas, such as floodplains (Current and Future Land Use, p. 69). recommendation: The Plan should develop this language and prohibit in floodplains defined by maps from FEMA data. The Town should adopt Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zones and enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program. 5. buffers and river corridors Local regulations should require setbacks in order to prevent increased bank erosion, aesthetic degradation, and pollution. A minimum buffer or filter strip of feet of natural vegetation should remain intact where possible (Lake Champlain, p ). The Plan indicates the value of shoreline vegetation and encourages replanting (Lake Champlain, p. 56). Future planning efforts will focus on adding streamside buffers to zoning regulations and overseeing lakeshore and conservation (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 66). 4. roads recommendation: The Plan should explain the updates and financial incentives established by Act 110. erosion recommendation: The Plan should call for a reduction in roadside erosion and require that new construction and maintenance follow VTrans Water Quality Best Management Practices

10 town of Addison watersheds: 1. natural resources current Town Plan adopted in 2009 surface water groundwater Lemon Fair - Otter Creek The Plan does not inventory the surface waters or watersheds, but does discuss wetlands, shorelands, and natural areas (Natural, Scenic and Historic Resources, p ). recommendation: The Plan should inventory all surface water within the town limits. It should provide the current state of surface water quality in Addison, and include a tangible and specific water quality protection plan for surface water in the area. recommendation: The Plan should identify the current state of groundwater in Addison, include tangible ways to avoid further groundwater pollution, and restrict in areas of sparse groundwater potential. wetlands Addison identifies its wetlands on Map 5. The Plan states that if a wetland is significant under the Vermont Wetland rules, its boundaries must be determined in the field during review of the application and appropriate buffer areas established (Wetlands/Flood Plain, p. 14). recommendation: The Plan should make a tie between water quality and wetland protection, and describe protective measures more thoroughly. fish, wildlife & ecosystems The Plan identifies important wilderness areas (Recreation, p. 6). Its objectives read, Addison seeks to conserve its environmental assets such as scenic vistas, forestlands, wetlands, open waterways, deeryards, the Dead Creek Area, Snake Mountain and Lake Champlain (Statement of Objectives, p.1). recommendation: The Plan should identify how it plans to conserve its environmental assets. recreation The town owns multiple access points to Lake Champlain. The State-owned Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area is world famous for its wildfowl viewing. Snake Mountain also provides hiking and viewing opportunities on State-owned lands (Recreation, p. 6). recommendation: The Plan should indicate how recreation affects local water quality and how protection plans can be implemented to preserve surface water and ecosystem health. 2. municipal water systems 3. built environment sewage/septic systems limitations runoff The Plan identifies the importance of better controlling runoff from (Housing and Development, p. 11). recommendation: The Plan should provide solutions for controlling runoff, highlighting the goal of controlling phosphorus runoff. construction The Plan encourages the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites (Housing and Development, p. 11). recommendation: The Plan should follow the Vermont Green Building Network s best practice recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects. density Addison has no municipal sewage treatment plant, sewage is treated on individual lots by means of septic systems and leach fields (Water/Sewer Services, p. 4). The Plan says, As land is divided into smaller lots, boundary lines are properly identified to allow proper location of on-site sewage (Housing and Development, p. 11). The State regulates sewage disposal on all residential lots and for all public buildings (Water/Sewer Services, p. 4). The Plan states, A provision in 1995 allowed elder cottage housing as accessory dwelling units and exempted these units from certain permitting requirements regarding wastewater and potable water systems (Housing and Development, p. 11). recommendation: No areas should be exempt from wastewater and sewage regulations. drinking water Addison is served by the Tri-Town Water District. The water source is Lake Champlain. There is adequate capacity for anticipated use during the next five years (Water/Sewer Services, p. 4). recommendation: The Plan should explain how Lake Champlain s water quality affects the quality of drinking water and explain the water treatment process. The Plan identifies high-density seasonal residential use along the lake (Housing and Development, p. 11). recommendation: The Plan should include the implications of high-density seasonal lakeside use, specifically the risk of small/inadequate septic systems and the difficulty of maintaining buffer areas. It should also promote smart growth and cluster, and explain the correlation between and water quality

11 stormwater 5. buffers and river corridors recommendation: The Plan should assess stormwater infrastructure and provide concrete plans for mitigating any problems. floodplains The Plan includes a map of the 100 year floodplain and has incorporated floodplain regulations into its current zoning bylaws (Wetlands/Flood Plain, p. 14). recommendation: The Plan should include FEMA determined floodplains, adopt fluvial erosion hazard zones, and enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program. The Plan states, Vegetative buffer requirements are also required in [wetland and floodplain] districts to prevent erosion, filter nutrients before they enter the lake, maintain privacy of lakefront residents and to enhance wildlife and scenic enjoyment of shorelands (Wetlands/Floodplain, p. 14). The land on the Western boundary of Addison borders Lake Champlain and is part of the Shoreland District. The Plan limits in this district and establishes setbacks from the lake shore (Shorelands, p. 13). 4. roads erosion The Plan addresses erosion, but not in the context of roads: Erosion management is another factor in land that has not been adequately addressed. Fortunately, the standard reference used in the state, the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites, is both readily available and understandable (Housing and Development, p. 11). recommendation: The Plan should explain the updates and financial incentives established by Act 110. recommendation: The Plan should call for a reduction in roadside erosion and require that new construction and maintenance follow VTrans Water Quality Best Management Practices. ditches recommendation: The Plan should explain how vegetated and rock-lined roadside ditches reduce erosion and phosphorus loading, and create a program for their establishment and maintenance. better backroads recommendation: The Plan should reference the guidelines created by the Better Backroads program and use the program as a guide for construction and maintenance of town roads. salting recommendation: The Plan should explain the negative effects of salting on water quality and require a reduction or elimination of salting on roads

12 town of BRIDPORT watershed: 1. natural resources current Town Plan adopted in 2005 surface water Lemon Fair recommendation: The Plan should inventory all surface water within town limits, provide the current state of water quality in Bridport, and include a tangible and specific water quality protection plan for surface water. groundwater The Plan explains the history of the use of groundwater for town water supply (History, p. 5-6). recommendation: The Plan should identify the current state of groundwater in Bridport. Groundwater quality should be highlighted as an important issue. Tangible ways to avoid further groundwater pollution and restricting in areas of sparse groundwater potential should be included. wetlands recommendation: There are significant wetland areas in Bridport. The plan should identify these areas, cite their importance to the ecology of the area and identify tangible protective measures to ensure that and other human impacts have minimal to no effect on wetland water quality and health. fish, wildlife & ecosystems recommendation: The Plan should explain fish, wildlife and ecosystem health in the area in relation to water quality. It should provide conservation measures. recreation recommendation: The Plan should identify recreation potential of water features in the area and include a plan to preserve or improve water quality health of all recreational water assets. limitations The Plan explains that local soil types, the Vermont State parameters for wastewater permits, and the limited options for alternative septic systems place constraints on. The Plan expresses concern over this issue and identifies affordability as the number one septic concern (Population, p. 11, Housing, p. 15). The Plan explains that some s built prior to 2002 fell into the 10-acre loophole and have unregulated septic systems (Housing, p. 15). recommendation: The Plan ignores the positive water quality implications of limitations. Including the positive impacts on the local water quality or even the risks involved with deregulation would help provide a more accurate picture of the importance of these measures. drinking water Bridport is part of the Tri-Town Water District, which provides all water to the town (History, p. 5-6). recommendation: The Plan should explain how Lake Champlain s water quality affects the quality of drinking water, explain the water treatment proces, and address the capacity of the drinking water supply. 3. built environment runoff recommendation: The Plan should explain how the built environment and/or impervious surfaces are a leading cause of surface water pollution, especially since its control lies much more within the town s regulatory power. The Plan should provide solutions for controlling runoff and specifically mention the goal of controlling phosphorus runoff. construction The Plan identifies a trend of converting part-time residences to fulltime and its potential problems: failed septic systems and erosion due to removal of shoreline vegetation (Housing, p. 14). recommendation: The Plan should use the Vermont Green Building Network for best practices and recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in the town. The Plan should also encourage the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites. 2. municipal water systems siting 22 sewage/septic systems recommendation: The Plan should inventory septic systems and municipal sewage infrastructure. recommendation: The Plan should restrict construction in environmentally sensitive areas and on slopes due to high erosion potential. 23

13 density The Plan identifies high-density seasonal residential use along the lake (Housing and Development, p. 11). recommendation: The Plan should promote smart growth and cluster, and explain the correlation between and water quality. stormwater recommendation: The Plan should assess stormwater infrastructure and provide concrete plans for mitigating any problems. 5. buffers and river corridors recommendation: The Plan should strongly encourage or require the adoption of buffers and river corridors; make a clear connection between establishing buffers and protecting water quality; and explain the financial incentives offered by Act 110. floodplains recommendation: The Plan should prohibit in floodplains defined by maps from FEMA data. The town should adopt Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zones and enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program. 4. roads erosion recommendation: The Plan should call for a reduction in roadside erosion and require that new construction and maintenance follow VTrans Water Quality Best Management Practices. ditches recommendation: The Plan should explain how vegetated and rock-lined roadside ditches reduce erosion and phosphorus loading, and it should create a plan for establishing and maintaining ditches and replacing culverts. better backroads recommendation: The Plan should reference the guidelines created by the Better Backroads program and use the program as a guide for construction and maintenance of town roads. salting recommendation: The Plan should explain the negative effects of salting on water quality and require a reduction or elimination of salting on roads

14 town of shoreham watershed: current Town Plan adopted in natural resources surface water Lemon Fair The Plan inventories surface water and indicates the importance of healthy waters (Natural, Historic, and Scenic Resources, p. 39, Natural, Historic, and Scenic Resources, p. 39). recommendation: The Plan should provide the current state of surface water quality in Shoreham and include a tangible and specific protection plan for surface water. groundwater The Plan states: Groundwater resources are vital to those who depend on wells for potable water. With most of the Town served by Tri-Town Water, we are less aware of this vital resource, but that makes it no less important to maintain its quality (Natural, Historic, and Scenic Resources, p. 39). recommendation: The Plan should identify the current state of groundwater in Shoreham. Tangible ways to avoid further groundwater pollution and restrict in areas of sparse groundwater potential should also be included. wetlands The Plan states: Wetlands, such as Cedar Swamp, provide temporary storage for floodwaters, as well as providing filtration that improves water quality. Wetlands provide habitat for wildlife (Natural, Historic, and Scenic Resources, p. 39). A map of important Resource Areas showing the National Wetland Inventory is included (p. 56). recommendation: The Plan should describe protective measures more thoroughly. fish, wildlife & ecosystems After an extensive inventory of natural habitats the Plan indicates wildlife and habitat preservation promotes a healthy and vibrant country-side, contributing greatly to the pleasures of life here (Natural, Historic, and Scenic Resources, p. 39). recommendation: The Plan should make the connection between water quality and ecosystem health in Shoreham. recreation The Plan indicates its goal to ensure safe access to, and enhance the availability of, existing outdoor recreational opportunities wherever possible for Town residents and visitors (Community Facilities and Services, p. 28). recommendation: The Plan should include a protection plan to prevent disturbance and decreased water quality due to recreational use. 2. municipal water systems sewage/septic systems limitations drinking water The Village has a sewer system regulated by the Shoreham Wastewater Ordinance, non-village areas use on-site septic systems (Community Facilities and Services, p. 27). For a full map see p. 55. The Plan Encourage[s] the use of alternative sewage disposal systems, including those using new technologies, in all proposed residential and business building applications (Housing, p. 21). The size of the sewer system was designed to support growth at a moderate rate. At this time (Spring 2010) the wastewater facility is at about 30% of capacity (Land Use, p. 12). Tri-Town Water is a public utility controlled by users in the towns of Shoreham, Bridport, and Addison The utility has been a reliable and economical water supplier, and it has thus far been able to meet the modest increased requirements for additional service The limit of pumping capacity has been approached during an occasional extended summer heat wave, but these instances have been short-lived They anticipate that the facility will accommodate demands in the years to come (Community Facilities and services, p. 27). recommendation: The Plan should indicate the source of the drinking water supply, address the treatment process, and mention any threats to the quality of the drinking water supply. 3. built environment runoff Shoreham encourage[s] continued reduction of non-point phosphorus pollution by controlling runoff (Community Facilities and Services, p. 28). recommendation: The Plan should explain how the built environment and/or impervious surfaces are a leading cause of surface water pollution, especially since these problems lie more within the town s regulatory power. The Plan should specifically mention the goal of controlling phosphorus runoff, and propose solutions. construction recommendation: The Plan should use the Vermont Green Building Network for best practices and recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in the town. The Plan should also encourage the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites