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Service-provider updates: basin prioritization, MRGP deadlines, and Rethink Runoff scope
Summary
Clean Water Service Providers reported solicitations and budget frustrations in Basins 5, 7 and 8; CCRPC staff said non‑MS4 communities face Dec. 31 MRGP reporting deadlines and clarified that Rethink Runoff is targeted to MS4 communities while other groups provide rural outreach.
Representatives of Clean Water Service Providers (CWSPs) and CCRPC staff gave basin updates and operational notes at the Dec. 6 meeting.
Dean Pierce reported that the Lamoille council (Basin 7) met in November and is preparing project solicitations and partner RFQs, but remains frustrated by budgeting constraints and is still reviewing construction responses. Darlene Palola said the Winooski council (Basin 8) is struggling to implement the co‑benefits white paper; staff noted RFQs have been issued with few responses and that Brian Voigt has been reviewing previously identified Basin 8 projects.
Dan Albrecht (Basin 5) said Basin 5 has adopted conflict‑of‑interest and engagement policies, launched a pre‑application process for project funding, and will evaluate projects using a cost‑effectiveness formula and estimated phosphorus‑reduction benefits over the design life of projects.
On broader program deadlines, CCRPC staff member Chris Dubin said he is working with non‑MS4 communities to meet their Dec. 31 MRGP reporting deadlines and will work with MS4 communities later for an April 1 deadline. Committee discussion touched on whether to expand the Rethink Runoff program beyond MS4 communities; staff said Rethink Runoff is targeted to MS4 areas and that organizations such as Friends of the Winooski River and the Winooski NRCD run complementary residential outreach programs. Adelaide Dumm of the Winooski NRCD provided a link to the Stormsmart residential program and said she would contact committee members to follow up.
The committee set a tactical basin plan update for its Feb. 7 meeting and adjourned at 12:15 p.m.