Castleton Dam Partial Removal- Project Permits

Description

Docusign Envelope ID: 9D2D64BC-8BF3-4846-87B7-CF73DB36FC81 STATE OF VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ORDER APPROVING APPLICATION TO ALTER A DAM 10 V.S.A Chapter 43 Applicant: Vermont State University Application Number: DS2026-1 Dam Name: Castleton State College Dam Dam ID Number: 43.04 Hazard Classification: SIGNIFICANT Hazard Potential Waterbody: Hill Brook, Poultney River Basin Town: Castleton Project: Partially Remove Castleton State College Dam Docusign Envelope ID: 9D2D64BC-8BF3-4846-87B7-CF73DB36FC81 FACTS On January 5, 2026, an application under 10 V.S.A. Chapter 43 was filed with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Dam Safety Program (Department) by the Vermont State University for the partial removal of a dam known as Castleton State College Dam, located in Castleton, Vermont. The application was considered administratively complete on January 7, 2026. The partial removal is designed to lower the Hazard Potential Classification of the dam from SIGNIFICANT to MINIMAL by reducing the storage capacity of the dam and therefore the potential impact from a dam failure. On February 4, 2026, public notice of the draft decision for the proposed project was made available via the Environmental Notice Bulletin to State and local officials along with other interested persons, providing an opportunity to file written comments or request a public informational meeting. The application and additional information were also made available via the Environmental Notice Bulletin. The end of the comment period was on March 6, 2026. No comments on the project were received. The Department reviewed the documents filed by the applicant and others and finds it has sufficient information to determine that this project will serve the public good and should be approved as provided in 10 V.S.A. §1086. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS 1. Jurisdiction: Castleton State College Dam is in Castleton, Vermont, and is owned by the Vermont State University (applicant). The proposed project involves the partial removal (alteration) of a dam that is capable of impounding more than 500,000 cubic feet of water and sediment. The dam or project does not relate to and is not incident to the generation of electric energy for public use or as a part of a public utility system. The Department has jurisdiction over this project pursuant to 10 V.S.A.