City Officials Address Wastewater System Failures at Babcock Building Excavation

During the recent Missisquoi Valley School District (MVSD) School Board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the wastewater system at the Babcock Building. The discussion highlighted critical issues stemming from excavation work in the building's parking lot, where water intrusion was discovered in the boiler room area designated for new boilers.

The investigation revealed that the existing wastewater system was inadequately designed, with pipes that are too small and several failures in the manholes. Additionally, debris and sediment have been found obstructing the manholes, further complicating the situation.

Due to budget constraints and a tight timeline, the school district faces challenges in addressing these issues. The current circumstances do not allow for the necessary permitting to implement a comprehensive redesign of the wastewater system. This situation raises concerns about the long-term functionality and safety of the facilities, as well as the potential impact on school operations.

The board's discussions underscored the urgency of resolving these wastewater issues, as they directly affect the infrastructure of the school district. Moving forward, the district will need to explore immediate solutions while considering the implications of the existing system's failures on future projects and budgets.