Projects - Butler Farms and Oak Creek Village

Location

Problem

The Butler Farms and Oak Creek Village subdivisions have wide paved streets with curbs and drains, but minimal stormwater detention or treatment was provided in the original neighborhood design. In addition, the parcels extend to the middle of Potash Brook rather than providing a buffer along the stream. As stormwater runoff travels through the neighborhood it has deteriorated Potash Brook's plant and animal life, affected downstream water conditions, and resulted in increased pollution.

Description

Since 2002, staff from the Stormwater utility, the University of Vermont, and the City of South Burlington have worked with residents to evaluate the environmental benefit and cost-effectiveness of multiple stormwater treatment alternatives. In early 2011, the stormwater utility presented a final implementation plan that included construction of multiple stormwater treatment practices, streambank stabilization, floodplain restoration, and establishment of backyard stream buffers. The residents must decide whether or not they approve of the final design. If approved, the stormwater utility hopes to construct the project in 2011 and 2012. The University of Vermont collected stream data prior to construction and plans to collect additional post-construction data to help quantify the water quality benefits of the project.

Benefit

This project will provide a case study of how to use scientific analysis, resident involvement, public education, financial incentives, and municipal management to improve stormwater management in a subdivision where conventional stormwater treatment methods were not providing adequate treatment of stormwater runoff. The cost-effectiveness and public acceptability of various types of interventions, from rain barrels to larger stormwater treatment and control systems, will be evaluated. This project will help cultivate an understanding of the societal benefit and cost-effectiveness of different types of intervention, and the type of stakeholder involvement required to achieve these interventions.

Technical Advisors

University of Vermont-Rubenstein School of Natural Resources

Acknowledgements

University of Vermont Redesigning the American Neighborhood project

Funding Sources

EPA National Demonstration Project Grant, EPA Region 1 Special Funding to UVM, SAFETEA grant, and Stormwater Utility funding.

Best Management Practices

Rain gardens, retrofit of existing stormwater detention ponds, extended detention micropool, wet detention pond, establishment of stream buffer, bank stabilization, floodplain restoration, stormwater treatment swale, and stormwater education and outreach.

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