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Basin 7 update: DEC cost-methodology revision, Watershed Project ID and CWSP reimbursements
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Summary
Basin representatives told the Clean Water Advisory Committee that DEC is revising its cost methodology, potentially lowering Lamoille Basin phosphorus targets by about 58%, and that Basin program funds and project IDs are being expedited to accelerate project planning.
Dean Pierce, reporting for Basin 7, told the Clean Water Advisory Committee that the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is revising its cost methodology to account for inflation and that the change is expected to reduce the phosphorus‑reduction target for the Lamoille Basin by roughly 58 percent. Pierce also said that the basin has secured a generic Watershed Project ID to speed project planning and that, as of June, about $165,000 of $380,000 in year‑one funds had been reimbursed.
Basin program representatives said committed project phases will cost roughly $640,000 in total, with full implementation costs higher and representing about 347 kilograms of potential phosphorus reduction across committed projects. Basin 8 updates noted rolling proposal acceptance and local buffer‑planting opportunities; Shayne Geiger flagged a potential Shelburne buffer planting and asked WNRCD to reach out to an adjacent South Burlington landowner.
Dan Albrecht provided Basin 5 highlights, including a stream restoration on the Wolcott Natural Area (Colchester) to be completed this fall, a completed road rebuilding project on Beebe Lane (Williston), and CCRPC partnership with Lake Forest Condos on a large stormwater pond that could achieve an estimated 33‑kilogram phosphorus reduction. Albrecht also identified a gully stabilization near the Nissan dealership on Shelburne Road in South Burlington with potential for an estimated 20‑kilogram reduction.
No formal basin funding decisions were recorded in these minutes; representatives encouraged eligible applicants to reach out to basin contacts for proposal assistance and clarified that the Watershed Project ID should expedite project planning steps.