Connecticut River Conservancy Completes Southeast Vermont Stormwater Enhancement Project Development Thanks to Clean Water Initiative Program Support

[Brattleboro, VT, 7/16/2026] – The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is proud to announce the successful completion of project development work on three proposed stormwater projects in southeastern Vermont, made possible through funding from the Clean Water Initiative Program funding administered by Watersheds United Vermont. This project sought to develop potential stormwater projects in Windham County with the goal of minimizing anthropogenic nutrient and organic pollution, protecting and restoring riparian habitats, and minimizing flood and fluvial erosion hazards.

The project began in May 2025 and concluded in June 2026, completing a feasibility study and conceptual drawings for a proposed stormwater best management practice in each of the towns of Brattleboro, Rockingham, and Westminster. The Vermont Department of Conservation (VT DEC) has completed stormwater master plans (SWMP) for each town, which identified a list of dozens of potential projects from which to choose. CRC considered at least four potential projects for each town from their respective SWMPs. CRC then worked with municipal staff, the Windham Regional Commission, the Vermont Department of Ecological Conservation, and private landowners to narrow the list down to the one proposed project in each town that was specifically developed. 

Pollution load reduction calculations from the proposals estimate that implementing these three proposed stormwater projects could prevent 28.75 kg of phosphorous, 19.5 kg of nitrogen, and 9.05 tons/18,100 pounds of sediment annually from polluting local surface waters, including the Connecticut River and by extension the Long Island Sound. 

“This project represents a significant step forward for each of these towns to develop stormwater management and treatment practices for the benefit of clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities,” said Charles Soucy, CRC Stormwater Project Manager. He added, “None of this work would be possible without the funding from the Vermont Clean Water Initiative Program or the administering organizations, like Watersheds United Vermont, that put that money into the hands of clean water practitioners to do good work in our local communities.” 

CRC received a VT DEC Enhancement Project Development Grant of $45,100, to scope at least 4 potential projects and develop a specific, conceptual project proposal for each of the towns of Brattleboro, Rockingham, and Westminster. The results of this development work are proposals for: 

• A constructed gravel wetland at the northwest stormwater outfall into Kettle Pond in Brattleboro,

• A stormwater gully stabilization and filter strip planting project off Lovell Drive in Rockingham, and

• A bioinfiltration practice (rain garden) at the Westminster West School in Westminster.

CRC will work with the specific landowners for each project to further refine the proposal designs, secure landowner support for future project phases, and seek funding for further design stage and eventual implementation.

CRC invites the community to learn more about its stormwater work throughout the Connecticut River watershed at their River Restoration page, or by contacting Charles Soucy, Stormwater Project Manager at csoucy@ctriver.org. 

About the Connecticut River Conservancy

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org.