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Velco refusal complicates Rutland stormwater plan; town to seek state coordination
Summary
The town administrator said Velco denied permission to use its right‑of‑way for a planned stormwater project because Velco’s updated grounding requirements would require extensive ground‑wiring. The select board directed staff to seek state assistance and follow up with Velco to resolve the conflict with the town’s MS4 stormwater schedule.
Town Administrator Bill Sweet told the select board May 20 that Velco (Vermont Electric Power Company) has refused permission to use its transmission right‑of‑way for a planned municipal stormwater project after new Velco grounding and grounding‑rod requirements were applied to the corridor.
“We were a bit surprised to get the response from Velco,” Sweet said, and summarized that Velco’s updated engineering approach requires additional ground wires and multiple ground rods that could extend hundreds of feet from transmission structures. Sweet said the refusal “presents a bit of a problem for the projects and does kinda throw off our plan.”
Staff and board members discussed next steps. Sweet said the town will ask staff (Andres) to reach out to the Agency of Natural Resources or other state partners to explore if the project can be adjusted or whether Velco can be persuaded to grant a use agreement that accommodates the new grounding standards. Board members flagged that the town’s MS4 stormwater permit obligations mean the project timing is important.
No formal vote was recorded; the board asked administration staff to pursue state coordination and to report back with alternatives, including design adjustments that might avoid Velco infrastructure or the need to occupy its right‑of‑way.
