HARDWICK, The Hazen Union School Board approved a revised stormwater management plan on June 16 aimed at preserving mature white pine trees along the Eaton Brook Trail behind the school's forestry campus.
The original plan called for an engineered gravel collection area that would have required cutting down several of the pines. After the Hardwick Trails Committee raised concerns this spring, board members and Facilities Manager Joe Houston worked on a redesign.
The new plan keeps the swale and gutters that collect runoff from the driveway and buildings, but alters the collection area to be longer and narrower, staying closer to the building and farther from the trail. The change allows more trees to remain.
The project is driven by Vermont's “three-acre rule,” which requires stormwater treatment when impervious surfaces exceed three acres. The buildings alone are under that threshold, but the hard-packed gravel driveway pushes the total over.
Board member Patrick Kane said a subcommittee had met on-site twice to explore preserving the pines. Helen Beattie of the Hardwick Trails Committee said the group appreciated the effort to minimize impact.
Board member Ranny Bledsoe asked about state permit modifications. Houston said state approval will be needed but is likely “as built.” The board voted unanimously to approve the plan, with work scheduled to start June 22.
NEK will be looking into whether the permit modification requires public notice or additional review by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Brad Fickeisen via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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