The July 2026 site visit with back row L-R: Liz Steel, GCT, Jeff Hoffer, Hoffer Consulting, Peter Lazorchak, Stone Environmental, Stan Welch & Brad Washburn, Tailwater Engineering, Lincoln Miller, GBFD#2 representative, Micheal Malick, GCT; Front row with backs turned L-R: Molly Dockter, NVDA, Tim Russo, VT Rural Water
The Greensboro Bend municipal water supply service may be small, but the well has the capacity to supply nearly triple the current usage. Over the summer, Greensboro Community Trust (GCT) worked with Greensboro Bend Fire District #2 (GBFD#2) to assess flow volume, identify any issues with the well functionality, and determine capacity needs to serve the Steeple project, reimagining the former Methodist Church and parsonage at 813-827 Main Street.
The project kick off meeting at the well head in July included Jeff Hoffer, a hydrology expert, Stan Welch and Brad Washburn, of Tailwater Engineering, water systems engineers, Molly Dockter from Northeast Vermont Development Association (NVDA) and Tim Russo, from Vermont Rural Water Association, in addition to representatives from GCT and GBFD#2. The purpose of the meeting was to determine what analysis equipment would be required to carry out an assessment of the well capacity. Significant overflow was observed at the meeting, indicating pump efficiency concerns.
Hoffer Consulting carried out a flow rate analysis during August, with the help of Lincoln and Rachelle Miller, who read the meters daily. Additionally, the well construction, permits and maintenance records were reviewed to determine both the capacity and the sustainability of the well.
In the project report, Hoffer Consulting confirmed that the well is discharging on average nearly twice the current demand every day. This indicates that the well source has potential capacity to serve additional demand, including the Steeple project. However, longer-term sustainability issues were identified as the well pump is overworking and the well screen to limit dirt getting into the system is not adequate.
GCT is supporting GBFD#2 in applying for a Small System Capacity and Resiliency Program grant, for small drinking water systems in rural communities. This grant would provide GBFD#2 with the opportunity to invest in the ongoing stability of the municipal water system, not only to support GCT development possibilities as part of the VTI, but also to bring new capacity to vital infrastructure needs in Greensboro Bend.