THIRTEEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility Modernization Project

Why is the Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility being modernized?

The Town of Shelburne operates two wastewater treatment plants, at Turtle Lane and Crown Road, respectively. These facilities are approaching the end of their expected life cycles and require upgrades to continue providing reliable wastewater treatment services. Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential for protecting public health, maintaining water quality, housing development and supporting the economic vitality of communities.

The project will consolidate the treatment facilities at Crown Road. Modernization will improve system performance, improve energy efficiency, protect downstream water quality within the Lake Champlain watershed, address regulatory requirements, and prepare the facility to serve the community’s future needs.

How will modernization of Shelburne’s Wastewater Treatment Facility benefit the community?

The upgraded facility will help protect the Lake Champlain watershed, support public health, improve operational reliability, reduce maintenance issues, and position the Town to meet future environmental and infrastructure needs, including new housing development and business growth.

Will wastewater service be interrupted during construction?

No major interruptions to wastewater service are anticipated. The facility will remain operational throughout construction, and temporary systems or phased construction methods will be used to maintain continuous service.

Where is the project located?

The first phase of the project is located near the ball fields on Turtle Lane, just off Harbor Road. This entails laying the force main which will follow the Ti Haul Trail to Bay Road, cross the LaPlatte River just north of the Bay Road Bridge and then follow Bay Road north to Turtle Lane and the Crown Road wastewater treatment facility.

The second phase of the project is located at the end of Turtle Lane off Bay Road at the Crown Road wastewater treatment facility, which is being expanded. The Turtle Lane wastewater treatment facility will be converted into a pump station.

Will wastewater rates increase because of the project?

The Town faced rising maintenance costs and emergency repair bills if nothing was done. Rates will be more stable, but they need to increase to pay the debt on this project. We have a solid financial model that provides for steady increases in the range of 3-5% each year, already approved by voters in November 2024, less if the utility system gains customers through economic development. The project will improve operating efficiency and contain costs related to labor, chemicals, and electricity. It costs less to operate one larger plant, rather than two smaller ones.

Are sustainability and energy efficiency part of the modernization?

Yes. Upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility, including to the facility’s Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) biological treatment system and associated process infrastructure, will improve energy efficiency and process controls, thereby leading to sustainable operational practices that will lower long-term operating costs and environmental impacts.

Will there be opportunities for public engagement on the project?

Yes. Public engagement is an important part of the modernization process. Community members will have an opportunity to ask questions, attend public meetings, review project information and engage with the project through construction phases.

What improvements are included in the project?

The modernization program includes expansion of the wastewater treatment facility at Crown Road, upgrades to the Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) biological treatment system and associated process infrastructure, mechanical equipment, and electrical infrastructure, including improvements to control systems, aeration blowers, pumps and instrumentation.

Will residents experience disruptions during construction?

Some temporary disruptions may occur, such as increased construction traffic, noise, or limited work in nearby areas. The project team will work to minimize impacts, and the Town will communicate construction schedules and updates to residents in advance.

How long will the project take?

The Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility Modernization project is a multi-year one and is expected to be implemented over three years. The first phase of the project will commence in June 2026. The project is estimated to be completed by Spring 2029.

How is the project funded?

The project is funded mostly from a $38 million bond which was approved by Shelburne voters in November 2024, as well as from grant funding, including a $1 million grant that was received from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The Town has also qualified for $13 million from Vermont’s Pollution Control Grants.

How does the project help protect the environment?

Modernization of the Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility will improve water quality by effectively removing pollutants before treated water is discharged to receiving waters within the Lake Champlain watershed. The project also supports compliance with environmental regulations and helps protect nearby streams, wetlands and groundwater resources.

How can residents stay informed about the project?

Residents can stay informed through project updates on the Town’s Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility Modernization website, Town meetings, including Select Board meetings, public information sessions, newsletters, FAQs, and community outreach materials distributed throughout the project.