August 11, 2017

A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is being proposed that authorizes an interim corrective action measure for the selected drinking water remedy in Corrective Action Area I-Operable Unit A (CAA 1-OU A), as described in the State of Vermont Consent Order (Consent Order) with Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (Saint-Gobain). The selected remedy is the extension of public water systems (PWS) to residences and businesses within CAA I where it is technically feasible and cost effective to connect impacted water supply wells with PFOA concentrations at or above 20 ppt and other potentially at-risk wells to the municipal water supply, which is identified as CAA 1 OU A. Approximately 200 homes or businesses will be connected to municipal water lines. More detail about this proposed corrective action can be found in theCAP.

The CAP along with a map showing the proposed water line extensions and the engineering design and plans for the two public water systems (Bennington and the Village of Bennington) are available for review and comment online and at the Bennington Town Offices, located at 205 South Street, Bennington VT 05201.

 Link to DEC PFOA Informational Page:  http://dec.vermont.gov/commissioners-office/pfoa

   

On July 26, 2017, the State of Vermont filed a settlement document in Superior Court in Bennington.  Copies of the Consent Order and Core Technical Documents can be found in the PFOA Documents Folder under Consent Order and Other Technical Documents Folder. 
 
The State initiated a public comment period on the Consent Order through August 25, 2017.  Comments should be directed to Renita Marshall at [email protected] or by mail at:
  
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation
ATTN: Renita Marshall
1 National Life Drive, Main 2
Montpelier, Vermont 05620

Q: Why can't I keep my I keep my existing well once I am connected to the municipal water system?

A: The Agency is requiring all wells at properties being connected to the public water system to be properly abandoned, taken out of service and filled top to bottom, except for those wells designated by the Agency as monitoring wells to be used for long term monitoring of the groundwater supply aquifer.  Several factors have been considered in arriving at this decision.  First, there is no way to ensure over the long-term that supply wells contaminated with PFOA/PFOS would not possibly be used as a potable drinking water supply (bathing, swimming, watering, washing or preparation of food) in the future.  Second, it is probable that some supply wells could be illegally reconnected to the home or business, degrade water quality within the building(s) served and create a direct connection with the drinking water being provided by the Pubic Water Supplier.  This interconnection is prohibited by regulation, due to the likelihood of contaminated water to be drawn into the municipal water system through backflow or backpressure.  Finally, allowing contaminated wells to remain for uses such as washing cars, watering lawns, etc.) will only perpetuate the contamination of soil and groundwater resources.    

 

Individual Residence Connections

Residential connections are typically performed with a 2-man crew and small excavator. The crew will first excavate and expose the water main (usually running under/along the street) so they can tap into the pipe and create a connection for the residential water line. From the main to the point where service will connect to the home, the crew will excavate a trench roughly 6 feet deep and 4 feet wide for the waterline to follow. This trench provides the necessary depth to protect water service lines from freezing, frost-heaves and from any future digging that may occur on the property. Where possible, service lines may be directionally drilled, eliminating the need for surface disturbance by trenching.

Once the trench has reached the pre-determined point on the home, a small hole will be core-drilled, if necessary, into the foundation to allow the waterline to enter. The new water service will be connected to existing interior plumbing, with the proper fittings to prevent high pressures or flows from altering the performance of existing plumbing. Items including pressure tanks, water softeners, and well pumps will be removed.  Existing wells will be capped and POET will be removed.  Finally, all trenches are filled back in and the site will be seeded to restore the correct vegetation to the area disturbed. 

 

Allocation Requests and Consent to Receive Service

Property Owners should expect to receive a letter with a Town of Bennington Allocation Request form enclosed. If you intend to connect to municipal water, you must sign this form as consent to receive service. While there will be no cost associated with the Allocation Request or the construction of the individual service lines to your property, you will be responsible for the quarterly fees for water service to the Town.

 

Bidding and Construction Schedules

Pre-Bid Meetings:

Contract #1:        Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 10:00AM

Contract #2:        Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 1:00PM

Contract #3:        Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 10:00AM

Contract #4:        Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 1:00PM

 

Bid Openings:

Contract #1:        Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 2:00PM

Contract #2:        Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 2:30PM

Contract #3:        Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 3:00PM

Contract #4:        Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 3:30PM

 

Estimated Mobilization and Construction Start Date:

All Contracts:      By October 15, 2017

 

Estimated Substantial Completion Date:

All Contracts:      By October 15, 2018

 

Estimated Final Completion Date:

All Contracts:      By October 31, 2018

 

Bid and Construction Schedule

Pre-Bid Meeting:

Occurred Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 10:00AM

 

Bid Opening:

Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 3:00PM

 

Estimated Mobilization and Construction Start Date:

By October 1, 2017

 

Estimated Substantial Completion Date:

By September 1, 2018

 

Estimated Final Completion Date:

By September 20, 2018