SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Construction is underway on one of Vermont’s largest stormwater projects.
It’s being built behind the Market 32 Shopping Center in South Burlington, a confluence for Potash Brook as it enters Lake Champlain.
The project consists of a gravel wetland that will help filter out pollutants that would have entered the lake. Over 800,000 gallons of stormwater will be treated for every two inches of rain, including 100 percent of all phosphorus.
“Phosphorus is really important to get after, because it is responsible for helping feed harmful algal blooms that end up limiting our use and enjoyment of the lake, as well as safeguarding our economy, which relies so heavily on recreation and tourism,” said Vermont Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore.
The project is a collaboration between Pomerleau Real Estate, The Champlain Housing Trust, the city of Burlington, and the state.
Work is running ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.