Grant for illicit discharge study

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation awarded the Southern Windsor Regional Planning Commission (RPC) a $49,110 Ecosystem Restoration Grant to support the Springfield Illicit Discharge and Detection Elimination Study.

For immediate release
Feb. 15, 2012

Contact
Jim Pease
Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation
Phone: (802) 338-4884

Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation awarded the Southern Windsor Regional Planning Commission (RPC) a $49,110 Ecosystem Restoration Grant to support the Springfield Illicit Discharge and Detection Elimination Study. The prevalence of contaminated, non-stormwater flows (illicit discharges) to the Black River and its tributaries in Springfield has never been assessed. The RPC hire a subcontractor to locate and characterize these non-stormwater contaminant sources and initiate correction of bacterial, nutrient, and hazardous material discharges, if found. The project involves the inspection of Springfield and North Springfield’s stormwater outfalls and other discharge points for dry-weather flows. If present, dry-weather flows will be observed for color, odor, turbidity, and floatable matter. Each dry weather discharge will be tested for the presence of optical brighteners and ammonia to identify wastewater discharges from laundry facilities, failing septic systems, leaking sanitary sewers, industries and any other cross-connections with the stormwater system. Water samples will also be collected for E. coli and total nitrogen analysis. Where monitoring indicates contamination, advanced investigations will be performed in order to identify specific segments of closed drainage systems where illicit discharges originate. The RPC will work with the Town of Springfield to conduct tracing techniques and assist with planning and implementing corrective measures if sources of illicit discharges are identified.

Ecosystem Restoration Grants are made available to Vermont municipalities, local or regional governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizens groups as part of the Ecosystem Restoration Program’s on-going efforts to reduce surface water pollution from phosphorus and sediment. Funded projects typically involve efforts to improve stream stability, protect against flood hazards, improve in-stream and riparian habitat, lessen the effects of stormwater runoff, protect and restore riparian wetlands, re-establish lake shoreline native vegetation, and enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural lands.