Earlier this year, gray water and dairy waste solids were observed entering the Winooski River from a brook that exited Cabot Creamery Cooperative's property. The Agency's investigation revealed that 5,000 to 7,000 gallons of washwater discharged into the river when construction accidentally ruptured a pipeline connected to a whey and washwater storage tank.

The matter came to light as a result of a citizen complaint. After Environmental Enforcement Officer Sean McVeigh completed his investigation, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Inc. was notified of the violations and agreed to settle the matter.

The settlement was reduced to an assurance of discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court on August 25, 2003. In it, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Inc. agrees to implement better control practices which will result in more accurate monitoring of the inflow and outflow from the storage tanks. It was also agreed that a civil penalty of $2,345 will be paid to the State of Vermont for the violations and that a $2,345 supplemental environmental project will be funded.

Involved Program: Wastewater Waste Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation

Environmental Enforcement Officer: Sean McVeigh
For Further Information please contact:
Attorney Gary Kessler at 802-241-3820