The Environmental Division of Vermont’s Superior Court has fined the Town of Bennington $15,000 for failing to maintain its wastewater treatment facility over the past several years.
The Town of Bennington has a state permit to remove treated wastewater into the Walloomsac River – but lately the water hasn’t been completely treated, according to the state.
The DEC says the facility has fallen into disrepair, despite the town adopting measures to fix it in 2015. By 2016, the facility released wastewater that was highly concentrated with bacteria, potentially harming nearby waters, outdoor recreation spots and public health.
The town has 120 days to submit a facility status update and a plan to fix the problem, with a public bond vote scheduled for October.
