State staff outline construction‑site inspection process; towns press for better permit notifications and stronger enforcement

State staff led a training on Minimum Control Measure #4 (construction‑site erosion control) at the CCRPC MS4 Subcommittee meeting on March 5, 2025. Sam Hughes (VTDEC) provided an overview of the Environmental Notice Bulletin portal and how alerts could be configured; he cautioned that some system features are not yet implemented.

Sam Hughes said the permitting portal “we don’t have that system built yet,” describing limitations in program automation. Taylor Flanagan (VTDEC), who performs technical reviews and on‑site inspections in her district, described inspection practices including unannounced site visits, documentation of non‑stabilized stockpiles and unprotected storm inlets, and follow‑up that emphasizes voluntary compliance. “We don’t inspect all sites but we have a 10% goal with EPA,” she said.

Municipal participants pressed DEC staff about notification and enforcement pathways. Dan Albrecht asked whether towns or permittees are copied when violations are found; Taylor Flanagan said she uses who is listed on the authorization and who is on site. Chip Sawyer and other municipal staff urged DEC to share inspection reports with towns to avoid duplicative work. Christine Dougherty asked where stronger enforcement would come into play if voluntary compliance fails; Christy Witters (DEC) said enforcement is available but is a longer legal process.

DEC staff suggested practical near‑term steps — for example adding municipal staff to permit distribution lists where feasible and offering field trainings at active sites. Taylor Flanagan noted she will be on maternity leave and field inspections will be handled in person by other staff while she is away.