A two-year effort to find and eliminate potential sources ofwater pollution is underwayin the White River watershed.
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation study will focus on non-stormwater discharges into stormwater systems, such as those from sanitary sewers or leaking septic systems, in 12 Vermont towns.
Locally, they include Bethel, Barnard, Chelsea, Randolph, Royalton, Sharon, Tunbridge and Hartford.
The department has contracted Burlington-based Watershed Consulting Associates LLC to do the work, which is part of ongoing efforts to improve water quality throughout the state.
The goal is to help eliminate potential sources of pollution that reach water bodies in the watershed, many of which are important for recreation or as drinking water sources, the company said in a news release.
During the late spring, summer and fall of this year and next, contractors will study streams and their tributaries and municipal stormwater systems to identify possible pollutant sources.
If any “pollution indicators” are found, they will work with the town and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to resolve the issue, the release said.
Contractors will also be seeking to access outfalls from privately owned and maintained systems throughout the towns.
Permission will be sought from landowners and residents prior to accessing those systems, according to the release.
— Staff report