Full report on the assessment of water quality language in Town Plans in Addison County

49 Pages·2011·2.12 MB·English

the problem of phosphorus in
LAKE CHAMPLAIN

The effort to preserve the water quality of dollars had been spent on public programs to
Lake Champlain has run into significant problems improve water quality in Lake Champlain. Due to
over the years. Research has determined that the these shortcomings, the EPA has recently taken
primary cause of the harmful algal blooms plaguing over revision of the Total Maximum Daily Load of
the lake is an excess of phosphorus entering from phosphorus for Lake Champlain. This process will
‘non-point’ sources within its watershed. These take time, but in the mean time there are numerous
sources are diffuse and various, ranging from opportunities to affect change on a local level
roadside erosion, to excess stormwater runoff, to through the power of Town Plans.
agricultural pollution. In 2003 Vermont created
the Clean and Clear Action Plan to address the
issue, but since then many people have become
frustrated by the discrepancy between the amount
of money spent and the lack of immediate visible
results. A 2010 estimate showed roughly 100 million
Figure 1
table of the importance of a
CONTENTS TOWN PLAN

3 the importance of a town plan valley towns In the state of Vermont, Town Plans provide
4 how to use this document 34 Vergennes vision and direction for the growth and development
of cities and towns. Local governments have planning
5 model water quality language 38 Waltham
boards composed of residents who volunteer their
42 New Haven
lakeside towns time to shape the future of their towns. In Addison
46 Weybridge
10 Ferrisburgh County, these boards, with help from the Addison
50 Middlebury County Regional Planning Commission, draft the Town
14 Panton
54 Cornwall Plans and submit them for approval every few years.
18 Addison
58 Salisbury The Plans are legally binding documents and as a
22 Bridport
result, the goals and policies set forth in them must be
62 Whiting
26 Shoreham carried out to the extent that resources allow.
66 Leicester
30 Orwell Many towns in Addison County have concerns
about water quality. Sedimentation, spread of pathogens,
mountain towns and nutrient enrichment are only a few of the problems
70 Monkton that planners must address in their efforts to preserve the
74 Starksboro vital natural, economic, and aesthetic resources of their
communities.
78 Bristol
Fortunately, there is great potential to address
82 Lincoln
these issues at a local level. Many of the programs
86 Ripton
and regulations are in need of revision to ensure the
90 Goshen continued health of Vermont’s rivers and lakes. In
many cases the necessary change is as simple as
94 results
replacing weak words with strong ones. There is a
world of difference, in terms of policy implementation,
between the word ‘discourage’ and the word ‘prohibit.’ Town Hall, Panton, Vermont Figure 3
Town Plans lay the foundation for zoning
This report highlights good policy
bylaws, which are where many specific regulations
language in current Town Plans and makes
and tangible implementation requirements can be
recommendations concerning elements that
found. The power of the Town Plan is that strong and
are either missing or in need of revision.
effective Town Plan language can make effective
In this report, you will first find a Model
zoning bylaws possible. Zoning bylaws are not written
Town Plan with strong policy language
unless they have some precedent in or connection to
to protect water quality, and then you will
the Town Plan. Strong plan language can also result
find town-by-town documentation of and
in the creation of new programs, and the adoption of
recommendations for water quality policy in
new or improved regulations where necessary. Zoning
Addison County’s current Town Plans. Our
bylaws are the implementation of the ideals and
analysis pays particularly close attention
direction provided by Town Plans. If Plans are firm and
to language related to the establishment
explicit in their policy language, appropriate zoning
and maintenance of riparian buffer strips
bylaws will follow.
and a call for the incorporation of Act 110,
Town Plans can also call for additional support
legislation that makes financial and technical
from and involvement in existing programs, as well as
assistance available for the establishment of
collaboration with non-profit organizations and citizen
riparian buffer zones, where it is relevant.
groups.
Len Britton observes

St. Albans Bay algae blooms.
Figure 2

3
how to use this document model water quality language
This document is meant to serve primarily as a
resource for Town Planners and other stakeholders for 1. natural resources
writing a plan that is sensitive to water quality issues.
surface water
The Plan identifies all surface water in the area.
The Plan acknowledges water quality as an issue, specifically highlighting the effects of
phosphorus.
model water The model plan divides the broad issue of water quality into five
quality language manageable categories. The categories are not meant to correspond “Surface waters are valuable as a water source, recreation areas, habitat for wildlife and vegetation, and an aesthetic
with each towns’ distinctive plan, but instead provide a comprehensible resource. These values can be diminished by pollution, alteration, or overuse. This resource is complex and has been
adversely affected by runoff, invasive species, and other biological factors. Shoreham
framework for understanding the content. Sub-sections include the
recommended issue to be addressed as well as examples of existing good
The Plan indicates the quality of all surface water in the area, ideally in cooperation with the Addi-
language from Addison County Town Plans.
son County River Watch Collaborative.
“Cooperate with the Otter Creek River Watch in monitoring the river’s water quality.” Weybridge
section heading
The Plan includes tangible ways to improve water quality.
sub-section “Monitor actions of towns and state and federal agencies that directly affect Weybridge’s surface water
content to be included
quality and intervene as appropriate, prohibit or control the removal of gravel from streambeds and banks.”
Weybridge
groundwater
example language from an The Plan indicates the quality and current state of town groundwater.
Addison County Town Plan
“Cornwall has sparse groundwater potential and every effort needs to be made to maintain its quality and
quantity and protect recharge areas and aquifers. Most of the areas with good groundwater potential are
near the Cornwall Swamp and the Lemon Fair. The quality of groundwater varies with some areas of town
reporting varying concentrations of sodium and sulfur in the groundwater, while others report good quality.
evaluating In the second part of this document, the Town Plans from each of the There are no Source Protection Areas in Cornwall, since there are no public water supplies.” Cornwall
Town Plans twenty-one towns in Addison County are analyzed for the inclusion The Plan includes tangible ways to improve groundwater quality.
of strong water quality language. The document follows the same
“Pay special attention to aquifers and groundwater protection and explore the development of regulations
organization as the model plan and grades the language found in
that would create a groundwater protection overlay district to provide additional review of land uses within
each town along the way. The document also includes individualized designated Source Protection Areas and restrict development that could contaminate public water supplies.”
recommendations for how to improve and add to the existing language. Orwell
strong wetlands
The Plan inventories all wetland areas in the Town.
See ‘Vermont Significant Wetlands Inventory’
The ranking system, while subjective,
is meant to help highlight areas of The Plan indicates the importance of wetlands to watershed ecosystems.
~
Town Plans that we feel need the most
Cornwall’s wetlands, ranging from the large, nationally significant Cornwall Swamp to the smallest Class
work. “Weak” symbols may highlight III wetland, are recognized as performing numerous ecological functions of importance to the broader
omissions or undesirable language ecosystem of the town and the entire Champlain Valley. Some, if not all, of these functions are very important
while “strong” symbols may highlight to human communities and human welfare.” Cornwall
good language that still has room for The Plan includes a wetland protection plan.
improvement. The Plan references ‘Vermont State Wetlands Rules’.
fish, wildlife & ecosystems
weak The Plan discusses the connection between the Town, water quality, and ecosystem health.
The Plan provides a tangible protection plan.
4 5
recreation The Plan provides solutions for controlling runoff and specifically mentions the goal of
controlling phosphorus runoff.
The Plan references water-related recreation in the Town.
The Plan includes a water quality protection plan to combat degradation due to recreation construction
and high use. The Plan uses the Vermont Green Building Network for best practices and recommendations for
building codes and encourages or provides incentives for the use of Low Impact Development
2. municipal water systems techniques in all new construction projects in the town.
Encourage innovative planning, design and construction of housing that minimizes cost, energy
sewage/septic systems
consumption, and environmental impact. Encourage construction that complies with the Vermont energy
The Plan inventories the town’s municipal sewage system or on-site septic systems. code, Energy Star efficiency standards, LEED standards, and Vermont Residential Building Energy
Standards.” Ripton
“Sewage disposal is accomplished using on-site disposal, i.e. septic tanks and leach-field systems” Whiting
The Plan encourages the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on
The Plan requires that homeowners follow state regulations for septic systems and take
Construction Sites.
necessary steps to reduce water quality threats.
siting
“Vermont’s Environmental Protection Rules that govern septic system placement are designed to prevent health
hazards and pollution, and contamination of drinking water supplies to ensure adequate supplies of potable water. The plan restricts construction in environmentally sensitive areas and on slopes due to high
Development in Monkton follows State regulations for the treatment of septic system wastewater.” erosion potential.
Monkton
“Slope is a significant constraint to development; it can limit the capacity of soils for treating wastewater, as well as
development limitations increase the potential for unwanted erosion and stormwater runoff. Slopes in excess of 15 percent require special
consideration if they are to be developed and those in excess of 25 percent are generally unsuited for development.”
The Plan identifies development limitations for sewage and septic systems.
Orwell
drinking water
development density
The Plan explains the source of drinking water.
The Plan promotes smart growth and cluster development, and explains the correlation
The Plan makes a connection between water quality and drinking water quality.
between development and water quality.
The Plan “highly recommends that residence test their drinking water following the guidelines set by the
“As clean, reliable water resources are extremely valuable, all possible regulatory measures should be taken to
VDH” in order to test for pollutants and contaminants. “Common sources of contamination from human
prohibit and discourage development that would have an adverse impact on the quality of water supplies in the
activities include storage tanks, municipal landfills, illegal dumps and dumping, septic tanks, road salting
watershed protection district. The Town should explore the feasibility and desirability of public acquisition of land in
and runoff, and some agricultural activities.” Monkton
the watershed protection district to permanently preserve the quality and availability of these resources.”
The Plan addresses the capacity of the drinking water supply, the treatment process, and the Starksboro
threats of degraded water quality on drinking water supply.
stormwater
If served by the Tri-Town Water District or Lake Champlain, the Plan should connect the
The Plan provides an assessment of the stormwater infrastructure in the town.
effect of Lake Champlain’s water quality to the quality of the drinking water supply.
“Our storm drainage system is not comprehensive; there are few detention ponds or treatment facilities for
3. built environment stormwater.” Vergennes
The Plan provides plans for mitigating the identified problems.
runoff rain gardens green streets “Intense development of property that
The Plan explains how the built Research has found that stream ecosystems become results in significant changes to the natural
environment and/or impervious impaired when as little as 10 percent of the catchment When stormwater runoff is not topography of an area or large quantities of
impervious surfaces (roof, roads, parking
surfaces are a leading cause of is developed as impervious surface (Withers and Jarvie properly managed, the extra water
lots, etc.) can also result in flood damage to
surface water pollution, especially 2008). One stormwater reduction strategy that has gained from storm events pollutes rivers,
Figure 4 public infrastructure or neighboring properties
since its control lies much more popularity among homeowners and city planners is the streams and lakes and can contribute due to stormwater runoff. Such runoff will
within the town’s regulatory power. construction of rain gardens. Rain gardens are just like any to combined sewer overflows (CSOs), likely result in changes to the streams such
“Sewage treatment plants, parking lots, other landscaped gardens, except that they are planted causing even higher phosphorus as bank erosion and channel instability, and
increase water volume, velocity and pollution.
highways, fields and forests drain into in depressions which are strategically placed so that loads to Lake Champlain. Green street
Impervious surfaces reduce the amount of
Otter Creek along its course. To protect during rain events they will collect whatever water flows strategies decrease the problems
Figure 5 rainwater that is absorbed into the soil to
surface water quality, inter-municipal
from nearby impervious surfaces (roofs, parking lots, etc.) associated with stormwater runoff. By recharge groundwater supplies. To the greatest
coordination, planning and action are
The depressions fill, and after the rain is over, the water imitating natural conditions with soil extent feasible, development should be
needed since activities affecting water
quality at any point in the system affect is absorbed back into to soil. For more information see: and vegetation, they manage runoff at planned to manage stormwater in a manner
that does not result in increases in the rate or
water quality of all downstream points in http://www.vacd.org/~winooski/winooski_raingarden. the source.
volume of discharge from pre-development
the system.” Waltham shtml Figure 6
levels.” Orwell
6 7
floodplains Better Backroads
The Plan prohibits development in floodplains defined by maps from FEMA data. The Plan calls for participation in the Better Backroads program.
The Town has adopted Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zones and enrolled in the National Flood “The Vermont Better Backroads Manual from the Better Backroads Program recommends techniques and
Insurance Program. actions that can be used to improve the maintenance of graveled roads and drives. Salisbury’s private roads
and drives should be constructed and maintained to the standards described in these publications.”
“Avoid development and other encroachments – including fill, dredging, new structures, parking areas,
Salisbury
infrastructure and utilities, and unnecessary public investments – within the mapped erosion hazard
zone, and allow only forestry, agriculture, passive recreation, functionally dependent facilities, limited salting
improvements to existing structures and facilities, and state-recommended channel management activities
The Plan addresses the problems caused by salting.
within this area, subject to Zoning Board review and approval.” Ripton
“Wells are susceptible to natural contamination and pollutants such as leaking petroleum or industrial tanks,
road salt, failing septic systems and agricultural chemicals.” Ferrisburgh
4. roads
The Plan calls for a reduction or elimination in the use of salt on town roads.

erosion
The Plan calls for a reduction in roadside erosion and phosphorus runoff and discusses
potential solutions. 5. buffers and river corridors
“Conduct ongoing efforts to ensure control of water and phosphorous runoff, thus making sure road banks
The Plan should:
are not eroding into rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands. Direct runoff through well-vegetated areas before it
reaches surface waters.” Strongly encourage or require the adoption of buffers and river corridors;
The Plan requires that new construction and maintenance follow VTrans’ Water Quality Best Make a clear connection between establishing buffers and protecting water quality
Management Practices.
Explain the financial incentives offered by Act 110.
ditches and culverts “The Plan identifies a Riverine Habitat and River Corridor Overlay Area that will promote the health, safety
The Plan addresses the role of road ditches in expanding stream networks. and welfare of the citizens of Lincoln by allowing the river to move within its corridor; mitigate increases
in downstream river erosion resulting from development; minimize property loss and damage due to river
“Gravel roads and driveways are a potential source of sediment to the town’s surface waters. Every road
erosion; and limit land uses and development that may pose a danger to health and safety. The Area will also
or driveway can become a conduit for rainwater or snowmelt, eroding the road material and dumping it
protect water quality, aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and maintain riverine wetlands.” Lincoln
into nearby streams. Run-off and erosion from poorly constructed or maintained private roads often results
in damage to the town roads they intersect with. Private roads and drives need to be constructed and
maintained to prevent run-off and erosion from damaging town roads and reducing water quality in the town’s
water bodies. Currently, the Cornwall Road Commission must assess any new road cut for conformity with
state regulations.” Cornwall
The Plan calls for the establishment of vegetated or rock-lined roadside stormwater drainage and
detention areas where feasible. Act 110
“Engage in road construction and maintenance practices that reduce erosion and sedimentation from town Act 110 was passed in Vermont in May 2010 With Act 110, Vermont’s legislators hope
roads, such as reseeding ditches that have been dug out.” Cornwall
and presents great opportunities for town to encourage the adoption of their Best
planners to improve water quality in their Managment Practices and other water quality
communities. The Act’s primary goal is to recommendations by offering financial incentives
vegetated and rock-lined roadside ditches
establish a river corridor management program to willing towns, but admits that “If Vermont is to
and a shoreland management program which prevent continual degradation of lake habitat and
The establishment and maintenance of vegetated or
focus on the creation of vegetated riparian water quality, mandatory statewide protection
rock-lined roadside ditches is of great importance in
buffer zones. These simple strips of vegetated such as a lakeshore buffer regulation should be
the effort to improve water quality in Vermont. During
land have been shown to significantly decrease seriously considered” (Act 110, River Corridor
and after storms, poorly maintained road ditches have
phosphorus levels in adjacent surface waters Managment and Lake Shoreland Managment
been found to greatly expand stream networks, which is
when stragtegically placed along shorelines. The Programs, Report to the General Assembly, p. 4).
unfortunate considering that research conducted in the
Act requires that the secretary of administration,
Little Otter Creek watershed showed that 82% of ‘bad’
after consultation with relevant state agencies,
ditches were along roads adjacent to agricultural landuse.
offer incentives to municipalities to encourage
Lining ditches with rocks or planting vegetation can slow
Figure 7 adoption and implementation of zoning bylaws
the flow of stormwater, prevent erosion, and reduce the
that protect shorelands, river corridors and
phosphorous runoff into nearby surface waters.

  buffers.
8 9
town of FERRISBuRGH
2. municipal water systems
current Town Plan adopted in 2006
watersheds: Lewis - Otter - Little Otter
sewage/septic Wastewater is treated through individual and shared on-site septic systems
(p. 39).
systems
1. natural resources
development Soil and state regulations are described on page 40 as a limiting factor for
~ limitations development of sewage and septic systems. Policies include municipal
surface water Topography, surface waters, and shorelands are described on pages 13
permits being contingent on state and federal permits; maintaining accurate
to 18. For surface water health advisories, readers are directed to the
municipality records of approved septic systems; and encouraging the
Vermont Department of Health. Long term air pollution and water pollution
upgrading of old or inadequate septic systems, especially near shorelines, rivers
contribute to surface water problems in municipality (Surface Waters, p. 16).
and wetlands. They ensure that all development permitted in floodplains, areas
Phosphorous, toxic contamination and water-related health hazards are
of high water table or hydric soils comply with all state and federal laws (Natural
listed as threats to Lake Champlain (Surface Waters, p. 18).
Resources Policies, p. 53).
recommendation: The Plan should, beyond stating threats to surface water quality, describe
the current state of surface water quality in Ferrisburgh. It should include a tangible and
recommendation: The Plan should require or incentivize instead of encourage, but the
specific water quality protection plan for surface water in the area.
language about upgrading systems near water is valuable.
groundwater Groundwater is extensively discussed in relation to individual wells and
~ drinking water About half of residences receive their drinking water from private lines from
contamination (Groundwater, p. 19).
the Vergennes-Panton Water District, which uses treated water from Lake
Champlain. Others use groundwater wells that occasionally have nuisance
wetlands All Class II wetlands are required to have a 50 foot buffer according to the plan.
substances such as iron, manganese, and bacteria (Groundwater, p. 19).
Significant wetlands are listed with their acreage on pages 23 and 24. They
Policies for wellhead protection and new development in recharge areas
are home to rare state plants and are some of the highest quality wetlands in
New England (Wetlands, p. 23). The Plan states that leaving wetlands intact and are on page 53 (Natural Resources Policies, p. 53).
designing projects around them is often more cost effective than replicating
their functions elsewhere (Wetlands, p. 24). The Plan calls for requiring a formal
assessment of Class II and III wetlands before development (Natural Resources
recommendation: The Plan should explain how Lake Champlain’s water quality affects
Policies, p. 54).
the quality of drinking water and explain the water treatment process. The Plan should also
ensure that private lines are properly treated.
~ fish, wildlife & Lake Champlain is a resource of national significance (Surface Waters, p. 18),
ecosystems and Otter Creek and Lewis Creek are regionally important. Ecologically
sensitive areas are inventoried (Natural Resources, p.27-28).
3. built environment
recommendation: The Plan should include the connection between water quality and
ecosystem health in Ferrisburgh.
~
runoff The Plan sites agricultural runoff as the leading source of surface water
~
recreation The plan indicates usage of surface water and other natural resources for
pollution, leading to some eutrophication and algae blooms in lake bays
recreation on page 15. It further states on page 16 that all of Ferrisburgh’s
and references the detrimental effects of runoff on wetlands (Surface Waters,
surface waters are state designated Class B waters of recreational use
p. 16, Wetlands, p. 24).
(Surface Waters, p. 15-16).
recommendation: The Plan should identify plans to conserve its surface waters of recommendation: The Plan should address the impacts of the built environment and/or
recreational use. impervious surfaces as another leading cause of surface water pollution, especially since its
control lies much more within the town’s regulatory power.
10 11
~
construction PuDs (Planned unit Developments) and other conservation design tech-
4. roads
niques are described and supported (Land use Areas and Policies, p. 69-71).
~
recommendation: The Plan should use the Vermont Green Building Network for best prac- erosion The plan adresses the issue of erosion, but not in the context of roads: “The
tices and recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low removal of topsoil, sub-soil, sand, gravel and stone should be conditioned
Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in the town. The Plan should through a permit to prevent soil loss, erosion, and environmental damage”
also encourage the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on (Natural Resources Policies, p. 53). “Bank stabilization should be recognized as
Construction Sites. critical to reducing sedimentation and runoff carrying nutrients and require
setbacks to reduce erosion” (Natural Resources Policies, p. 54).
siting omission
recommendation: The Plan should call for a reduction in roadside erosion and require that
new construction and maintenance follow VTrans’ Water Quality Best Management Practices.
recommendation: The Plan should restrict construction in or near environmentally sensitive
areas and on slopes due to high erosion potential.
ditches omission
recommendation: The Plan should explain how vegetated and rock-lined roadside
~ development The plan states expansion of development in rural areas is threatening ditches reduce erosion and phosphorus loading, and it should create a program for their
density habitat (Surface Waters, p. 18). establishment and maintenance.
recommendation: The Plan should provide a goal or framework for this unwanted
better omission
development and be specific about the threat it poses to water quality. The Plan should
backroads
promote smart growth and cluster development, and explain the correlation between
development and water quality.
recommendation: The Plan should reference the guidelines created by the Better Backroads
program and use the program as a guide for construction and maintenance of town roads.
stormwater omission
recommendation: The Plan should assess stormwater infrastructure and provide concrete salting The Plan explains negative effects of road salting on wells: “wells are
plans for mitigating any problems. susceptible to natural contamination and pollutants such as leaking
petroleum or industrial tanks, road salt, failing septic systems and
agricultural chemicals” (Groundwater, p. 19).
floodplains The municipality is enrolled in the national Flood Insurance Program (Flood
Hazards, p. 27), and lists policies for development in the floodplains (Natural 5. buffers and river corridors
Resources Policies, p. 53).
The Plan includes a requirement for 50-foot buffers of natural vegetation
from the top of the banks of all streams, rivers and creeks. A 100-foot or more
buffer should be required for water bodies warranting greater protection,
Lake Champlain has a 100 foot setback, and there is a 50 foot buffer of natural
vegetation for Class II wetlands (Natural Resources Policies, p. 54).
recommendation: The Plan should explain the updates and financial incentives established by Act
110.
12 13
town of PANTON
2. municipal water systems
current Town Plan adopted in 2007
watersheds: Lemon Fair - Otter Creek
sewage/septic Panton has no municipal or community waste disposal systems. All individual
systems properties are served by private septic systems (Community Facilities and Services,
p. 33). The Plan says another important consideration for the reduction of
1. natural resources
phosphorus and prevention of water-related health hazards is the replacement
of failed or substandard septic systems.
surface water Surface water is adequately represented in the town plan. Lake Champlain
is reported to be an environmental, recreational and economic resource development Parent material and soil type in Panton present some barriers to
for the town and the state (Lake Champlain, p. 55). The Plan indicates goals limitations development. The Plan indicates that this fact alone will continue to limit
to reduce phosphorus inputs to Lake Champlain to promote a healthy and or prevent residential, commercial and industrial development, particularly
diverse ecosystem and provide for sustainable human use and enjoyment without a municipal sewer system (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 62).
of the lake, to reduce toxic contamination to protect public health and the The plan vision states: “We see that in the coming decades we will have to
Lake Champlain ecosystem, and to minimize the risks to humans from develop alternative options for residential environments, including cluster
water-related health hazards in the Lake Champlain Basin (Lake Champlain, developments with new and innovative septic systems” (Vision, p. 3).
p.55).
groundwater The Plan references a potential groundwater protection area that drinking water The Vergennes-Panton Water District (VPWD) is served by the Arnold
constitutes the entire shoreland area adjacent to Lake Champlain (Natural Bay Treatment Plant in Panton, which relies upon Lake Champlain for its
Resources and Environment, p. 61). The Plan extensively categorizes Panton supply. In the case of an emergency the VPWD is connected to the Tri-
soils (Natural Resources and Environment, p. 61 and 62). Town lines. Water quality concerns due to increase in zebra mussel influx
have led to much concern and ongoing research (Community Facilities and
Services, p. 33).
wetlands The Plan reports that the Dead Creek area is a potential Class I wetland
candidate, and the town could petition the state Water Resources Board for
3. built environment
such a designation to ensure statutory protection of it as a resource (Natural
Resources and Environment, p. 61).
fish, wildlife & Th e Plan discusses significant habitats and natural areas. The Plan states runoff Runoff control is mentioned (Vision, p. 3). To preserve lakeshore character
and reduce sedimentation and runoff carrying nutrients like phosphorus
ecosystems that it is an objective of the municipality to promote and maintain high
and pollutants into the lake, bank stabilization is critical (Lake Champlain, p.
quality habitat for fish and wildlife and to protect endangered species. The
55).
municipality should consider expanding conservation districts as part of
the zoning ordinance and monitor development activities to ensure the ~
construction The Plan encourages environmentally appropriate site planning and design
protection of rare and endangered species (Natural Resources and Environment,
p. 59 & 62-64). for new developments and construction projects (Historic, Cultural and Scenic
Resources, p. 51).
~ recreation Panton owns 600 feet of recreational shore frontage at Arnold Bay. Town
residents also have access to Button Bay facilities. Otter Creek and Dead
recommendation: To continue this vision, the Plan should use the Vermont Green Building
Creek are reported as navigable waterways (Recreation, p. 45).
Network for best practices and recommendations for building codes and encourage or
incentivize the use of Low Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects in
the town. The Plan should also encourage the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion
and Sediment Control on Construction Sites.
recommendation: The Plan should include a protection plan to prevent disturbance and
decreased water quality due to recreational use.
14 15
~ siting The Plan encourages environmentally appropriate site planning ditches omission
and design for new developments and construction projects
(Historic, Cultural and Scenic Resources, p. 51).
recommendation: The Plan should explain how vegetated and rock-lined roadside
ditches reduce erosion and phosphorus loading, and it should create a program for their
recommendation: The Plan should strengthen its language and restrict construction in
establishment and maintenance.
environmentally sensitive areas and on steep slopes with high erosion potential.
better omission
backroads
development The Plan states that zoning regulations should be revised to further
recommendation: The Plan should reference the guidelines created by the Better Backroads
density encourage cluster housing. It also describes regulations regarding
program and use the program as a guide for construction and maintenance of town roads.
setbacks close to the lakeshore (Housing, p. 23 & Lake Champlain, p. 57).
recommendation: The Plan could develop the language to describe the water quality
benefits of cluster housing and setbacks from the lakeshore. salting omission
recommendation: The Plan should explain the negative effects of salting on water quality
~ stormwater and require a reduction or elimination of salting on roads.
The Plan discusses the slow draining nature of the soil, which dramatically
impacts the area’s ability to deal with excess stormwater (Natural Resources
and Environment, p. 62).
5. buffers and river corridors
recommendation: The Plan should assess stormwater infrastructure and provide concrete
plans for mitigating any problems.
Local regulations should require development setbacks in order to prevent
increased bank erosion, aesthetic degradation, and pollution. A minimum
~
floodplains The Plan proposes to consider amending zoning districts to allow for buffer or filter strip of 50-100 feet of natural vegetation should remain
conservation of land areas, such as floodplains (Current and Future Land use, p. intact where possible (Lake Champlain, p. 55-56). The Plan indicates the value
69). of shoreline vegetation and encourages replanting (Lake Champlain, p. 56).
Future planning efforts will focus on adding streamside buffers to zoning
recommendation: The Plan should develop this language and prohibit development in regulations and overseeing lakeshore development and conservation (Natu-
ral Resources and Environment, p. 66).
floodplains defined by maps from FEMA data. The Town should adopt Fluvial Erosion Hazard
Zones and enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program.
recommendation: The Plan should explain the updates and financial incentives established by Act
110.
4. roads
erosion omission
recommendation: The Plan should call for a reduction in roadside erosion and require that
new construction and maintenance follow VTrans’ Water Quality Best Management Practices.
16 17
town of ADDISON
2. municipal water systems
current Town Plan adopted in 2009
watersheds: Lemon Fair - Otter Creek sewage/septic Addison has no municipal sewage treatment plant, sewage is treated on
systems individual lots by means of septic systems and leach fields (Water/Sewer
Services, p. 4). The Plan says, “As land is divided into smaller lots, boundary
1. natural resources
lines are properly identified to allow proper location of on-site sewage”
(Housing and Development, p. 11). The State regulates sewage disposal on all
surface water The Plan does not inventory the surface waters or watersheds, but does residential lots and for all public buildings (Water/Sewer Services, p. 4).
discuss wetlands, shorelands, and natural areas (Natural, Scenic and Historic
Resources, p. 13-15).
development The Plan states, “A provision in 1995 allowed elder cottage housing as
recommendation: The Plan should inventory all surface water within the town limits. It should limitations accessory dwelling units and exempted these units from certain permitting
provide the current state of surface water quality in Addison, and include a tangible and requirements regarding wastewater and potable water systems” (Housing
specific water quality protection plan for surface water in the area. and Development, p. 11).
recommendation: No areas should be exempt from wastewater and sewage regulations.
groundwater omission
drinking water Addison is served by the Tri-Town Water District. The water source is Lake
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Champlain. There is adequate capacity for anticipated use during the next
recommendation: The Plan should identify the current state of groundwater in Addison, in-
clude tangible ways to avoid further groundwater pollution, and restrict development in areas of five years (Water/Sewer Services, p. 4).
sparse groundwater potential.
recommendation: The Plan should explain how Lake Champlain’s water quality affects the
quality of drinking water and explain the water treatment process.
wetlands Addison identifies its wetlands on Map 5. The Plan states that if a wetland
is significant under the Vermont Wetland rules, its boundaries must be
determined in the field during review of the development application and
3. built environment
appropriate buffer areas established (Wetlands/Flood Plain, p. 14).
recommendation: The Plan should make a tie between water quality and wetland protection,
runoff The Plan identifies the importance of better controlling runoff from
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and describe protective measures more thoroughly.
development (Housing and Development, p. 11).
~ fish, wildlife & The Plan identifies important wilderness areas (Recreation, p. 6). Its recommendation: The Plan should provide solutions for controlling runoff, highlighting the
ecosystems objectives read, “Addison seeks to conserve its environmental assets goal of controlling phosphorus runoff.
such as scenic vistas, forestlands, wetlands, open waterways, deeryards,
the Dead Creek Area, Snake Mountain and Lake Champlain” (Statement of
construction The Plan encourages the use of the Vermont Handbook for Soil Erosion and
Objectives, p.1). ~
Sediment Control on Construction Sites (Housing and Development, p. 11).
recommendation: The Plan should identify how it plans to conserve its environmental assets.
recommendation: The Plan should follow the Vermont Green Building Network’s best
recreation practice recommendations for building codes and encourage or incentivize the use of Low
The town owns multiple access points to Lake Champlain. The State-owned Impact Development techniques in all new construction projects.
Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area is world famous for its wildfowl
viewing. Snake Mountain also provides hiking and viewing opportunities on
State-owned lands (Recreation, p. 6). ~ development The Plan identifies high-density seasonal residential use along the lake (Housing
and Development, p. 11).
density
recommendation: The Plan should indicate how recreation affects local water quality and
recommendation: The Plan should include the implications of high-density seasonal lakeside
how protection plans can be implemented to preserve surface water and ecosystem health.
use, specifically the risk of small/inadequate septic systems and the difficulty of maintaining
buffer areas. It should also promote smart growth and cluster development, and explain the
correlation between development and water quality.
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