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Winooski Today
By the People, for the People
Water Quality Projects Completed in Chittenden County
Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission supports stream restoration and road improvements to reduce phosphorus runoff into Lake Champlain
Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:38am
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The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), in its role as the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for the Northern Lake Champlain Basin, recently supported the completion of two new water quality improvement projects in Chittenden County in 2025. The CCRPC provided 100% of the needed funds for a stream restoration project at the Wolcott Family Natural Area in Colchester and contributed funds for improvements to Beebe Lane, which provides access to the public beach on Lake Iroquois.
Why it matters
The projects aim to reduce phosphorus runoff into Lake Champlain, which has faced water quality issues due to excess nutrients. The CCRPC, as the CWSP, is working to implement a variety of water quality restoration projects across the region to address this problem.
The details
The Wolcott Family Natural Area stream restoration project used 'beaver dam analogs' to slow stream flow and reduce sediment and phosphorus erosion. The Beebe Lane improvements consisted of gravel road stormwater treatment practices such as cross-culverts, grass lined swales, and ditch turnouts. The CCRPC has also funded the scoping and design of numerous other non-regulatory water quality projects by partners across the region, with several new projects planned for construction in 2026.
- In late 2022, the CCRPC received its first Formula Grant from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Clean Water Initiative Program.
- The two projects supported by the CCRPC were completed in 2025.
- Several new water quality projects are planned for construction in 2026.
The players
Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC)
The regional planning commission that serves as the Clean Water Service Provider for the Northern Lake Champlain Basin and is responsible for funding and coordinating water quality improvement projects in the region.
Winooski Valley Parks District (WVPD)
The organization that manages the Wolcott Family Natural Area where the stream restoration project was completed.
Lake Iroquois Recreation District
The organization that obtained a Congressionally directed EPA Community Grant to fund the majority of the improvements to Beebe Lane, which provides access to the public beach on Lake Iroquois.
What’s next
Several new water quality projects, including two shoreline stabilization projects, two stream restoration projects, and one large stormwater pond project, are planned for construction in 2026.
The takeaway
The CCRPC's work as the Clean Water Service Provider demonstrates a commitment to implementing a range of innovative and proven solutions to address water quality issues in the Northern Lake Champlain Basin, with the ultimate goal of reducing phosphorus runoff and improving the health of Lake Champlain.
