The next big thing among eco-minded consumers is the personal wind turbine.

An increasing number of home owners, especially in northern California and the Northeast, are attracted to wind turbines, which generate electricity —sometimes nearly enough to power an entire house. The technologically-sophisticated systems are expensive, but state tax incentives and laws that require utilities to buy excess power from residential turbines at retail rather than wholesale prices are making them more cost-effective.

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Act 200 is a growth management act which went into effect in 1989 to make sure that regional and local plans are consistent with Vermont’s planning goals.  This law addresses agricultural land, forest preservation and affordable housing.

In order to receive state planning funds, a municipality in Vermont must have approved town plans .  Towns can collect impact fees from developers to help fund municipal projects made necessary by development.  Towns must have an adopted capital budget and program in order to collect these fees. Planning officials say the town plans are an aid to development because they remove ambiguity, and can speed the process and clarify expectations.

Categories: Bennington VT, Environmental

portions from Business People - Vermont, February 2007

Vermont has passed a comprehensive land-use law called Act 250. This occurred in 1970 to protect against substandard or shortsighted development and the burdens it places on water, sewer, utility, police and fire services as well as the impacts to schools and roads. Act 250 was designed to protect air and water quality, to promote soil conservation and to preserve wildlife habitats as well as scenic, historic and archaeological sites.

The following proposals fall within Act 250 guidelines, and are reviewed by one of nin District Environmental Commissions, each with jurisdiction in a particular region:

• commercial projects of 10 or more acres
• developments in elevations above 2,500 feet
• developments with 10 or more units
• roads longer than 800 feet serving subdivisions
• projects of less than 10 acres in towns without zoning and subdivision bylaws

Each development proposal is reviewed against ten criteria specified in the Act. The procedure provides for a public hearing where abutters and interested parties may voice their concerns about the proposal.

Categories: Bennington VT, Environmental

portions from Business People - Vermont, February 2007

Have you heard about the new septic regulations in Vermont.

If you have, you’ve probably heard more rumor than fact.  While I cannot be an expert on these matters, I can send you to the one place to get the answers.  The Agency of Natural Resources website has some good summaries of the new regulations.

A quick abstract is: (more…)

Conserving water is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your septic system. Whether you have a septic or use town water / sewer, you’ll save money by using water efficiently.

The following tips are ways you can conserve water:

• replace old appliances like washing machines and dishwashers - newer models are very water efficient, and will even save on your electic bill
• replace old toilets with “low flow” toilets that use significantly less water
• run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when they’re full
• fill your bathtub with only as much water as you need
• turn off faucets while shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes
• maintain and check all plumbing to eliminate leaks
• check all faucest and make sure they are turned off completely when not in use

Categories: First Time Buyers, Buying, Environmental, Septic Systems, Bennington VT

A key reason to the question “why should I be concerned about maintaining my septic system” is money!
Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and the most frequent reason is improper maintenance. Regular inspections (at least every 3 years) are cheap in comparison to the cost of replacing an entire system. The tank should be pumped out ever 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of your tank, and how many people are living in your home. A system that is not functioning or has not been properly maintained will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability.

With regular maintenance and care, your system will treat waste properly and you’ll be preventing the spread of bacteria, infection and disease while protecting water resources.
Categories: First Time Buyers, Buying, Environmental, Septic Systems, Bennington VT

Maintaining your septic system is the most important thing to learn.

A septic tank should be inspected every 3 years and pumped out every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if your system gets heavy use, or you aren’t . This should be done my a professional.

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Understanding how your system works is critical to being able to maintain it.

A typical septic system has four components, including a pipe that carries the waste from the house, a septic tank, a drainfield and the soil surrounding the entire system. Microbes in the soil digest and remove most of the contaminants from the wastewater before it eventually reaches the groundwater.

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How often do you buy light bulbs?  Want to do it less often, and save money in the process?

Bennington has kicked off the Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Campaign by offering CFLs at two area locations for $.99 each.  Aubuchon Hardware at 120 Depot Street  and H. Greenberg & Sons located at 321 Main Street have partnered with Efficiency Vermont to offer these energy (and money) saving light bulbs.

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If you’re relocating to the Bennington VT area, or maybe moving from an in-town location to something a little more rural, you may not be familiar with the care required of your septic system.

It’s important to know how your system works and even more important you need to know how to maintain your system.

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