Natural Resources & Energy committee hears municipal concerns on H.481 three‑acre stormwater rule

Natural Resources & Energy Committee members heard extended testimony April 8 on H.481, the bill that would change how the state implements the ‘‘three‑acre’’ stormwater permit requirement, as municipal engineers, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) and private site owners described cost, legal and administrative obstacles to completing required projects.

The issue matters because the three‑acre rule applies to already developed sites the state says must reduce phosphorus runoff to meet basin limits. VLCT and municipal witnesses said many of those sites are privately owned, technically complex and expensive to fix, and that the current permit and funding design is preventing practical progress.

“In reviewing H.481, I was pretty excited to see the bill come across,” said Emily Charrington, the Department of Public Works director of engineering for the Town of Middlebury, describing the bill’s time‑extension and funding provisions as helpful while outlining obstacles she said municipalities face when they must administer permits on private developments. VLCT’s presentation argued the bill will help some communities — particularly MS4 and utility‑capable municipalities — but leave others still unable to complete projects without additional reforms and targeted funding. “We think that this bill is unlikely to hurt any municipalities. It’s also only likely to help a few,” VLCT presenter said.

Testimony and committee discussion focused on three recurring problems:

- Funding and timing:…