Craftsbury Fire District #2

Craftsbury Fire District #2 (CFD#2) provides water to residences and institutions on and near the Common. There are 63 customer accounts including Sterling College, Craftsbury Academy, the Church on the Common and the Craftsbury Public Library.

Late in 2021 PFAs (polyfluoroalkyl substances) were detected in the CFD#2’s primary Common well. State law and the Vermont Water Supply Rule establish a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L). This level was exceeded, thus requiring the state to issue a Do Not Drink Order that continues today. PFAs are known carcinogens. The US EPA and other scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about their prevalence in the environment and the effect on human health.

CFD#2 is working closely with the engineering firm DuBois and King (D&K) and the state Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on a new water source in order to cease use of the contaminated well. D&K is assisting with all aspects of planning, engineering & permitting, overseeing sub contractors including Manosh, our current well driller and handling paperwork to access state and federal grants. DEC provides technical assistance and promptly answers questions and concerns.

During 2022 CFD#2 hydro-fracked our back-up well with limited results, drilled a new well that came up dry, drilled another new well with some, but not sufficient yield, and are in the process of drilling at a third location. Once there is an adequate and clean source, permitting and construction will occur and the new source(s) will be connected to CFD#2’s tank and pump house in the early summer.

With DEC’s assistance CFD#2 was able to access state funds to provide free bottled water to all of our customers. This will continue into the early summer.

In late summer DEC’s SitesManagement Section, through a consultant began, an investigation into the source of the contamination as required by state law. Monitoring wells are being installed and the data analyzed. Results are not expected until later in the year.

A lightning strike this summer and other mechanical problems with the systems primary well pump required extensive repairs that took a couple of months. During that time water for uses other than drinking had to be trucked to the pump house at great expense. Some of these costs were covered by insurance and state assistance but not all. Unexpected costs like these as well as regular system repair and maintenance mean water rates are increasing again this year. Even with this increase, CFD’s rates are at or below similar size VT public water systems.

The CFD#2 Board regularly meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 5:30 via Zoom. Check Front Porch Forum for meeting notices. For more information, questions or concerns contact us at: craftsburyfiredistrict2@gmail.com.

Craftsbury Fire District #2 Board of Directors