“In 20 years we could have real problems”

A multi-million dollar sewer project in a Vermont town is facing fierce opposition from residents who fear it could adversely affect the state’s water quality.

What happens?

As VTDigger explains, the town of Colchester in Chittenden County is set to begin construction on an $18.8 million wastewater project later this month. The project has reportedly been discussed for “more than 60 years” and has been described as “one of the largest public infrastructure projects ever undertaken in inner Malletts Bay.”

While City Manager Aaron Frank stated in an email that the goal of the “environmental conservation project” is to “address the problems of failing sewer systems and human waste bacteria in Malletts Bay,” locals objecting to the project claim that a new sewer will have a negative impact on the bay, which VTDigger described as a “tranquil, scenic natural harbor with spectacular views, wildlife habitat and year-round recreational opportunities from boating to fishing.”

The plan is to extend the city’s sewer network, which is currently only 24 kilometers long, by a further 6.5 kilometers. Opponents of the project have stressed that the plan could lead to a severe deterioration in water quality, as it would increase car traffic in the area and further exacerbate pollution near the bay.

“It breaks my heart because water quality is super important. Everyone loves the lake, everyone cares about it,” Marilyn Sowles, a longtime resident who has opposed the project since 1999, told VTDigger. “But the direction Colchester is going doesn’t take into account the water quality in the bay and we could have real problems in 20 years.”

Construction associated with the project is expected to cause significant traffic and delays in the area. Frank said the city is coordinating with the school district and local emergency services, but the project is moving forward.

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Why is that important?

Colchester has a population of about 17,200 residents and stretches 27 miles along the shoreline of Lake Champlain. The city primarily uses septic tanks and is already struggling with pollution from the ever-changing climate.

VTDigger explained that “climate change and the increasing prevalence of cyanobacteria, phosphorus and other pollutants” have already affected water quality in Malletts Bay. The costly project has raised concerns among residents that “the city is investing in future development rather than important environmental improvements.”

Opponents of the project also claim that other pressing problems such as stormwater mitigation and combating bacterial contamination would not be addressed.

“The decision to go with the sewer was a clear decision to accelerate development. Accelerating development will only make the stormwater situation worse,” James Ehlers, an environmental activist and former Colchester resident, told VTDigger. “Not only are they not taking action to protect the bay and the health of the community, they are knowingly choosing to make the situation worse.”

What can you do about it?

If you are faced with a similar situation where government plans negatively impact progress toward a cleaner, safer future, it is important to use the tools available to fight back.

For example, Charleston, South Carolina, has a problem with raw sewage spilling onto the streets. A local nonprofit organization threatened to sue the city’s water company to force it to take faster and more effective measures to prevent these leaks.

These situations underscore the importance of addressing infrastructure issues promptly to prevent contamination and protect public health. If you’re looking for ways to get involved in critical climate issues, getting informed is a good first step. By understanding the local impacts of our climate change and waste management challenges, you can support initiatives aimed at improving your community’s infrastructure and environmental health.

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