Jericho task force weighs phased wastewater system; scenario study estimates up to 60,500 gpd

The Jericho Wastewater Task Force on June 11 reviewed engineering findings, development scenarios and outreach plans that together shape whether the town will pursue a phased wastewater system to support new housing and infill development.

Chris Shaheen, Jericho town planner, walked the task force through four scenario options — baseline, onsite septic only, a moderate development scenario and an enhanced scenario — and said the study’s recommended flows are roughly 37,500 gallons per day for the moderate scenario and 60,500 gallons per day for the enhanced scenario. The scenarios are based on the recent mounding analysis prepared by consultant D&K and on the study area bounded by VT-15, Park Street and River Road.

Why it matters: the capacity decision affects how much new housing a system could serve, how projects would be phased and what funding and permitting paths will be needed. Task force members said pairing engineering work with early development planning and broad outreach would make grant applications more competitive and help the town avoid building infrastructure that does not match likely development patterns.

Engineering and phasing: members of the Engineering Subgroup reviewed D&K’s mounding analysis and asked for clearer cost estimates and an “estimated homes served” column on the capacity slides. Justin Willis, a task force member, urged pragmatic phasing and noted three regulatory gallons-per-day assumptions that affect design: 140, 245 and 210 gpd per housing unit depending on unit type. Willis and others highlighted System A as a potential early-phase site that could serve an estimated 25–30 homes and be developed with relatively lower exposure for the town, while larger disposal options (Systems C–E) raise questions about fill, grading and integration across the middle school parking area.

Permitting and environmental monitoring: task force members noted BRMS has an existing Act 250 permit and, according to D&K, adding a wastewater system would likely require an amendment to that permit; the degree of review (minor or major) depends on the project’s impacts and applicable review criteria. Kate McCarthy of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission said river water quality testing will begin in June; the testing cost could fall from an estimated $17,000 if D&K secures an exemption for an additional test that may not be needed.

Outreach and intermunicipal coordination: Chris Shaheen and Kate McCarthy reported outreach meetings, including a recent discussion with Underhill Town Planner Larry Lewack about a separate Underhill study in Riverside Flats. Based on early feedback, Jericho is not allocating capacity for Underhill in its scenarios but said capacity could be reconsidered depending on PER results. The outreach subgroup is briefing multiple town committees and plans additional stakeholder meetings; presenters emphasized showing how wastewater ties to housing and compact development patterns rather than presenting technical details alone.

Next steps: D&K will provide a map for stakeholder meetings, the PER will continue alongside scenario development, and the task force flagged a possible pause at PER completion to deepen outreach and refine development options. Members also compiled technical questions for D&K on grading, fill and floodplain risks for Systems D and E, and how those sites would integrate with System C. The task force approved the May 14 minutes and adjourned at 7:30 p.m.