One of the Largest Stormwater Projects in Vermont’s History Announced
A significant stormwater management initiative has been announced in Vermont, representing one of the largest projects of its kind in the state’s history. Spearheaded by Pomerleau Real Estate in collaboration with Champlain Housing Trust, the State of Vermont, the City of Burlington, and the Regional Planning Commission, this landmark project will treat 821,144 gallons of stormwater for every 2 inches of rain, effectively addressing runoff that threatens the health of Lake Champlain and the impaired Potash Brook. Located adjacent to the Market 32 Shopping Center on Shelburne Road, this project exemplifies a robust public-private partnership aimed at achieving compliance with Vermont’s Stormwater Act, which calls for net-zero stormwater runoff.
Set to be completed by the end of the year, the project will significantly mitigate runoff contributing to the degradation of Potash Brook. It will specifically tackle three critical issues: reducing particulates, managing water volume and flow, and treating phosphorus responsible for harmful algae blooms. Ernie Pomerleau, President of Pomerleau Real Estate, emphasized the project’s uniqueness, as it will treat 100% of stormwater and associated phosphorus, contrasting with typical projects that only address half of the runoff. This initiative not only represents a crucial step for Burlington in meeting its MS4 permit requirements but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between state, nonprofit, and commercial entities in stormwater management across the region.
