Septic Feasibility tests being done for the Steeple Project
As the Greensboro Community Trust (GCT) works to develop the Steeple Project, which includes a community center and affordable housing at the former Methodist Church and parsonage on the north end of Greensboro Bend’s Main Street, securing a viable septic solution has become a priority.
After assessing the existing on-site system and determining it had failed, the initiative required a new wastewater strategy. GCT contracted Stone Environmental to evaluate soils from a series of test pits in order to determine the feasibility of both onsite and offsite septic options.
In August, Kevin Rich excavated a series of test pits, while Amy Macrellis of Stone Environmental evaluated soils. A representative from Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation looked on to verify the findings of the test pits. The findings indicated that the main church and parsonage lot cannot support a fully compliant wastewater system due to space constraints, proximity to drinking water supplies, finely textured soils, shallow groundwater, and adjacent wetlands.
Fortunately, well-draining soils in surrounding areas provide greater opportunities for wastewater solutions, allowing GCT to explore the possibility of an off-site small scale community septic system. Feasibility reports from Stone Environmental indicate a small scale community system, could include the wastewater capacity needed for full scope of the Steeple Project while also offering additional capacity to support neighboring homes, community projects, and local business development.
Funding for this progress was generously provided by the Village Trust Initiative and the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Technical Assistance awarded through Northeastern Vermont Development Association.