RamaSchneider/test huggingface dataset:
Road density in the Stevens Branch watershed is 3.0 miles of road per square mile, while the stream density is 2.4 miles per square mile. Roads channelize flow, changing slow-moving groundwater into fast moving surface water. Roads can increase flow during floods and can increase flood damage.(4) Impervious surfaces, such as roads, driveways, parking areas and buildings prevent water from soaking into the ground, increasing runoff and erosion potential. Driveways which are improperly graded and ditched can direct water onto the main road, increasing highway maintenance costs. Private driveway culverts if undersized, can cause washouts and road damage.
Soil and vegetation allowed to build up on the edges of roads prevent water from running into ditches. Most of the surface water from a major rain event is eventually collected in roadside ditches and/or streams. Vegetative buffers along the banks of these streams can hold soils from the eroding effects of rapid water flow.
The town has a process in place to review all drive accesses and development roads where they intersect Town roads, as authorized under 19 V.S.A. § 1111. Improper maintenance of town roads and roadway culverts can lead to washouts. Clogged culverts restrict water flow. Investments in municipal infrastructure allows for repairing /replacing problems such as undersized (or too few) culverts, inadequate ditches, and the lack of headwalls/wing walls on culverts. The Town currently has a Culvert Program to repair/replace culverts to current State and Federal standards.
(3) Stream Geomorphic Assessment of the Stevens Branch, Williamstown and Barre city Upstream of the Confluence with the Jail Branch, Prepared by: Lori Barg, Step by Step Community Environmental
(4) Stream Geomorphic Assessment of the Stevens Branch, Williamstown and Barre city Upstream of the Confluence with the Jail Branch, Prepared by: Lori Barg, Step by Step Community Environmental
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWN PLAN JANUARY, 2016 PAGE 30
F. Mitigation
The goal of Williamstown's Hazard Mitigation Plan is: To take actions to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from dam failure, flash/flood, flash-flood/fluvial erosion and severe hurricane/severe storms/tropical storms(5).
The Town has accomplished several of its 2009 mitigation goals beginning with the adoption of Vermont Agency of Transportation's "Code and Standards for Roads". Upgrades on South Hill and Chelsea Rd. have been completed. Town Officials and departments are participating in flood/NFIP related trainings. NFIP, insurance and building codes pamphlets are available at the Town Hall. Town Departments continue to improve communication between them and update the process as needed. The Fire Department and EMS established a list of frequencies and chain of command call list.
The Town uses the Fire Department alarm and is looking into the schools robo-call system as all hazard warning systems. The Fire Department is training town departments in hazardous materials response and protocols as well as training staff in active response in the event of a disaster.
The Town's Mitigation Plan Update outlines and prioritizes actions to continue to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to its residents lives and property damage from dam failure, flash/flood, flood/fluvial erosion and severe hurricane and tropical storms. Specific hazard mitigation strategies related to goals of the Williamstown Plan include:
Ensure existing and future drainage systems are adequate and functioning properly
Preserve and prevent development in areas where natural hazard potential is high
Ensure that all residents and business owners are aware of the hazards that exist within Williamstown and know how they can protect themselves and insure their
Ensure emergency services and critical facilities functions are not interrupted by natural hazards.
Hazard Mitigation Programs, projects and activities that were identified for implementation to eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards existing in the Town.
Identified High Priority Projects:
Continue Culvert Program to upgrade and expand damaged culverts on Upper and Lower Flint Road, Winchester Road, Gilbert Road, Chelsea Road, McGlynn and Route 14, Main Street.
Upgrade and expand bridge on Brush Hill Road.
Update Rapid Response/Emergency Operations Plan
Identified Medium Priority Projects:
Improve communications and coordination with the State regarding Rouleau Pond and Rood Pond. Develop inundation plan/models for Rood Pond.
Improve, update and amend existing Flood Hazard Bylaws to limit development in inundation areas.
Continue work on Steven's Branch Corridor Plan
Provide looped or other redundancies in the electrical service to critical facilities
In the Town and Bridge Standards Town of Williamstown, Vermont, (April 1st 2013) the Town adopted the following policies that apply to the construction, repair, and maintenance of all Town roads and bridges.
Replacements of culverts any new culvert must have a minimum culvert diameter of 18".
(5) Town of Williamstown, Vt -Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update adopted Jan. 9th, 2013
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWN PLAN JANUARY, 2016 PAGE 31
Replacement of existing bridges and culverts and any new bridges and culverts must be designed in accordance with VTrans Hydraulics manual, and in the case of perennial streams conform to the statewide Stream Alteration standards.
All new driveway culverts must have a minimum diameter of 15". When installing or replacing culverts, use appropriate techniques such as headwalls, and wing walls, where there is erosion or undermining or where it is expected to occur.
Install a splash pad or plunge pool at the outlet of new or repaired drainage culverts where there is erosion or where erosion may occur. Splash pads and plunge pools are not appropriate for use in streams supporting life.(6)
According to the The Town of Williamstown Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, May 29, 2012, the majority of Williamstown is located within the Winooski Watershed and the Stevens Branch off the Winooski River following Route 14 from Cutter Pond in the southern portion of Town and exits the town at the Barre Town border. Other principle rivers include Martin Brook and Cold Springs Brook, both of which are located in the northern portion of Town and serve as tributaries of the Stevens Branch. A portion of the southern sections of town drains into the White River Basin. The majority of the Town's NFIP designated 100-year floodplain is located along Steven's Branch.
There are 79 properties in the Town which are vulnerable to potential flooding. The estimated loss with a severe flooding event for all properties located within the 100 year floodplain is approximately $9,930,300. This flood loss represents 4.75% of all properties in Williamstown. The Town does not have any repetitive loss properties. There are 12 active policies with a total coverage of $1,456,000. Williamstown has 529 properties in the fluvial erosion hazard zone. The potential loss for these properties is: $66,495,300 which represents 2% of the total land area in the Town. The Town has a regionally approved mitigation plan but does not have zoning bylaws. Williamstown does have stand alone Flood Hazard Bylaws adopted in 1990 and updated in 2013.
Perhaps the best known mitigation program is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program, administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), identifies areas within the Flood Hazard Zone and prescribes development review standards and procedures for lands within regulated areas. Municipalities that comply with Federal standards can qualify their residents through the National Flood Mitigation Program for flood insurance at rates far below what would be available on the private market. It is essential that Williamstown maintain its eligibility for this program. It is important to note that under this program, reduced insurance rates are available town-wide, not just to those located within the Flood Hazard Zones.
http://www.ready.gov/be-informed
https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/
Williamstown is in compliance with NFIP. FEMA is currently updating regulatory standards - actions that will require amending local bylaws in many cases, if eligibility is to be maintained. CVRPC has been assisting communities in responding to these new mandates. Municipalities in Central Vermont have a variety of tools and programs to assist them with mitigation activities. The Town shall also consider reviewing future Stevens/Jail Branch planning documents for future mitigation projects and hazard areas.
Our Community relies on state and federal Public Assistance grants to repair damage after flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through Vermont Emergency Management (VEM), administers the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The State of Vermont, State Emergency Assistance Fund (ERAF) also contributes funds. This program allocates funding to municipalities, following a Presidential-declared disaster, to implement mitigation projects.
(6) According to the The Town of Williamstown Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, May 29, 2012
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWN PLAN JANUARY, 2016 PAGE 32
The Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund (ERAF) provides Public Assistance grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Vermont cities and towns to repair damaged infrastructure after a presidentially declared disaster. The state typically contributes half of the required 25 percent non-federal match for approved projects. Under the new ERAF rule, which went into effect on October 23, 2012, municipalities have 24 months to adopt additional flood hazard mitigation measures to maintain the state cost share for FEMA Public Assistance grants. Municipalities that adopt higher standards can achieve a higher percentage of state funding for post-disaster repair projects - from 12.5 percent to 17.5 percent. Municipalities that adopt the standard set of hazard mitigation measures will continue to receive state funds to cover half of the required non-federal match, or 12.5 percent. Municipalities that have not adopted the basic set of measures will see a decrease in the state match, from 12.5 percent to 7.5 percent.
Thus, the state contribution toward the local match requirement will vary from 7.5 percent to 17.5 percent of the total project costs, depending upon the level of adoption of recommended mitigation measures." (7)
The adoption and enforcement of the Vermont Agency of Transportation's "Codes & Standards for Roads" in 2011 ensures the Town and its residents are eligible for the maximum matching funds available from the State. It is important that Williamstown continue to keep abreast of updated requirements to remain eligible for maximum matching grants and relief funds.
In 2013 revisions added to the bridges and culverts sections were "aimed at avoiding future confusion related to FEMA reimbursements. The standards now clearly state the longstanding requirement that culvert replacements must conform to the State's Stream Alteration regulatory standards." (8)
Finally, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission is currently in the process of developing a Regional Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan which will address vulnerabilities and relevant mitigation projects throughout Central Vermont. Depending on the availability of funds, local appendices covering specific concerns and projects for each municipality will be developed in consultation with local officials. Town Officials shall pursue developing projects to be included as a local appendices in the CVRPC Regional Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.
Find the The Town of Williamstown Hazard Mitigation Plan here:
http://floodready.vermont.gov/update_plans/local hazard mitigatio
Emergency Relief Assistance Fund (ERAF)
http://floodready.vermont.gov/find funding/emergency relief assistance
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
http://floodready.vermont.gov/find funding/flood insurance
Road and Bridge Standards 2013
http://floodready.vermont.gov/improve_infrastructure/roads
Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP)
http://floodready.vermont.gov/update_plans/local emergency operations
(7) ERAF, as explained by Milley Archer, VLCT, Flood Damage Mitigation Incentives for Municipalities under the New ERAF Rule
(8) February1, 2013 Agency of Natural Resources & Agency of Transportation letter re: Town Road and Bridge Standards to municipal officials
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWN PLAN JANUARY, 2016 PAGE 33
ERAF Summary report
12.5% Mitigation Actions 1 through 4; 17.5% Mitigation Actions 1 through 5; Emergency Relief And Assistance Fund (ERAF) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Road And Bridge Standards 2013 Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP) Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) River Corridor Protection .5% Mitigation Actions 1 through 5; Emergency Relief And Assistance Fund (ERAF) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Road And Bridge Standards 2013 Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP)
"ERAF Rate","(1) NFIP","(2) Rtd Stds","(3) LEOP","(4) LHMP","(5) RC"
"12.5%","Yes","Yes","Yes","Yes","No"
"RC Interim","NFIP Enrolled","2013 Roads STDS","LEOP (current)","LHMP Approved","RC Bylaw"
"07/17/1978","04/01/2013","03/16/2015","06/07/2013",""
FEMA Muncipal Roads and Summary Report 08/12/2015 5:25pm Williamstown, VT
Eligible public costs are reimbursed by federal taxpayers at 75%. For disasters after October 23, 2014, the State of Vermont will contribute an additional 7.5% toward the costs. For communities that take specific steps to reduce flood damage the State will contribute 12.5% or 17.5% of the total cost.
"Municipal Bridge & Road Standards","Standard Template Used","Meet or Exceed 2013 Standards?","Certificate of Compliance and Date","Town Highway Network Inventory Date"
"04/01/2013","2013","Yes","03/16/2015","03/16/2015"
"State Match for Town Highway Structures (80 or 90%)","State Match for Class 2 Roadways (70 or 80%)","
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G. Natural Resources Features & Hazards & Chapter 111-A: Goals, Policies and Tasks
Goal 1: Promote sound management, conservation and use of Williamstown's natural resources
A.  Continue to assist the town in identifying, studying, maintaining, and protecting important natural resources including ecologically sensitive areas.
B. Promoting public awareness about Williamstown's natural resources and environmental threats
C. Enlisting public participation identification, protecting, preservation, mapping and enhancement of ecologically sensitive resources
D. Seeking grants from state and private foundations to educate the community
E. Educate landowners about fish and wild life habitat management practices
Goal 2: Protect environmental quality by avoiding undue impact from human activity and maintain natural areas that contribute to Williamstown's natural resources
A. Class 1 and 2 wetlands are considered significant and shall not be drained, filled, or altered to accommodate subdivision
B. Class 3 wetlands are also considered very important and shall not be drained, filled, or altered to accommodate subdivision without review and issuance of a Conditional Use Designation (CUD) by the state http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/permits.htm
C. Proposals for subdivision of a lot involving or adjacent to an identified wetland will provide a minimum of 50 foot setback for roads, buildings, structures and sewage systems from the wetlands
D. Undisturbed areas of vegetation should be retained and encouraged along the banks of surface water.
E. Any activity that would degrade important groundwater supplies is discouraged. Specifically, development activities in designated Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPA http://www2.epa.gov/water- research/wellhead-protection-area- whpa-model ) shall be carefully reviewed for groundwater impacts
F. WHPA signs should be located bordering areas considered protected so residents can avoid contaminating important ground waterI.
H. New development should be designed so as to minimize impacts on deer yards and critical wildlife habitat
I. Work with the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation to assist with the State Management Plan for Ainsworth State Park
J. Hazardous wastes shall be disposed of properly to prevent any degradation of groundwater
K. Town should seek funding to administer a survey and study areas of possible contamination through participation in the Central Vermont Brownfields Inventory and Assessment Initiative
L. Storage and utilization of fertilizers, pesticides, petrochemicals, herbicides, sludge, or other potentially harmful industrial, agricultural. commercial or residential materials, must be accomplished in a manner compatible with consisting regulations
M. Encourage business practices to not pollute and reduce existing pollution
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWN PLAN JANUARY, 2016 PAGE 37
Goal 3 To balance the benefits and uses of sand, gravel, and other mineral and earth resources against the impacts associated with their extraction, processing and transportation
Goal 3 Tasks:
A. Discourage the extraction of sand and gravel in locations that would be unduly detrimental to surrounding land uses or the environmental quality of the area
B. All areas used to extract mineral and earth resources (sand, gravel, topsoil and granite) will be stabilized during and after the extraction process (including saving topsoil, seeding and planting new trees)
Goal 4 Preserve the aesthetic quality and working landscape of the landscape of the Town
Goal 4 Tasks:
A. Support the Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
B. Seek grants for the enhancement of access to scenic areas. Create car turn-offs for viewing vistas, add benches for viewing waterfalls
C. Discourage ridge-line development or conspicuous development on locally prominent landscape/ scenic features unless effectively screened, or clearly in the best interest of the general public
D. Encourage "clustered" or "open space" subdivision to promote the preservation of resources by allowing flexibility in the design and siting of buildings
Goal 5 To manage the quality and quantity of storm-water runoff in order to avoid property damage and negative impacts on surface and groundwater
Goal 5 Tasks:
A. Structural Best Management Practices (BMP's) should be used to control stormwater on new development sites before and after construction (including plans for long-term maintenance and operations. Methods may include diversions, seeding , mulching, check dams, hay bales, inlet protections, sand and compost filters among others) http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/ npdes/swbmp/
B. Acceptable Management Practices (AMP's) should be employed on all agricultural, silvicultural and earth extraction operations
C. Contractors and landowners are encourage to consult the "Erosion Control Prevention Manual" published by the Vermont Geological Survey prior to undertaking activities which will disturb the soil
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Goal 6 To avoid where possible, the conflicts, nuisances and hazards associated with land uses that produce dangerous, excessive or otherwise bothersome impacts
Goal 6 Tasks:
A. Enforce Noise Control Ordinance that establishes a maximum DBA allowance at property line boundaries
B. Advocate for noise reduction measures in the development review process. Techniques considered could include: restricting hours of operation or construction using vegetated buffer zones to filter sound, taking advantage of topography in designing projects to provide sound barriers (i.e. earth berms and sound walls) and architectural design and materials.
C. Adopt a Firing Range Ordinance
D. Advocate for firing ranges or similar uses to be prohibited inside, or with 1/4 mile of village areas. In addition, they will not be permitted within 1/4 mile of an existing residence unless all reasonable measures to prevent danger to hearing are taken. Among the techniques available are: sound barriers, sound walls, and time restriction.
Goal 7 To reduce damage from future flooding events and to prevent changes to the landscape that could increase hazardous flooding conditions. Maintain and update LHMP incorporating the following tasks:
Goal 7 Tasks:
A. Initiate mapping of Williamstown's Fluvial Erosion risk areas. Areas subject to FEH, from gradual stream bank erosion to catastrophic channel enlargement, bank failure. and change in course due to naturally occurring stream channel adjustments, should be identified and mapped in accordance with accepted State fluvial geomorphic assessment and mapping protocols
B. Review final revised FEMA flood hazard maps when they become available
C. Review and update Williamstown's Flood Hazard Ordinance to comply with updated NFIP standards and maps, possibly address fluvial erosion hazards. This should be accomplished through the adoption of a unified overlay district based on the above maps.
D. Maintain development setbacks distances from smaller streams (those of which an FEH zone has not been mapped) to minimize the potential for flash flood damage. A 50 foot minimum buffer is recommended by VT ANR.
E. Undersized or blocked bridges and culverts are a main culprit in exacerbating flooding and erosion hazards. Accordingly, Williamstown continues to participate in CVRPC's Bridge and Culvert Program in order to develop a detailed GIS based inventory, with exact locations and specifications for these structures.
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWN PLAN JANUARY, 2016 PAGE 39
Chapter IV. Education & Learning
Education is the process by which people pass knowledge and values to each other. Education gives people new ways of looking at the world and prepares young people for adult roles. Education also prepares adults for new roles. A lack of education opportunities limits an individual's job opportunities, and reduces their ability to provide for basic needs like health-care, housing, and transportation. This is especially true in today's society with its increasing dependency on technology. Quality education is vital to our town's quality of life, now and in the future. Every one of our residents has something to teach and something to learn. This plan seeks to find creative ways to increase opportunities to help residents share their knowledge with their neighbors.
B. Education Attainment
The town education levels are an excellent indicator of our economy
and quality of life. While high school graduates are the majority of our
town's population, Williamstown's overall education levels lag behind
the Region and the State with respect to higher learning.
header: Educational Attainment for Adults over 25 Years
"Educational Attainment","Williamstown","Orange County","Vermont"
"Less than 9th grade","3.5%","2.8%","3.0%"
"9th to 12th grade, no diploma","7.3%","5.9%","5.6%"
"High school graduate or GED","47.9%","35.5%","30.8%"
"Some college, no degree","19.7%","16.4%","17.3%"
"Associate's degree","6.9%","9.5%","8.5%"
"Bachelor's degree","9.0%","16.8%","21.0%"
"Graduate or professional degree","5.7%","13.1%","13.8%"
C. Schools
The History of Williamstown, Vermont, 1781-1991 (Williamstown Historical Society) reports Williamstown has, over the years, had numerous school districts. A list of those school districts is as follows: Clogston District School (Stone Road), Martin School (originally Graniteville Road moved to McGlynn Hill Road), South Hill School (Graham Road), Lynde School (sharp corner of Hebert Road), Baptist Street School (Baptist Street), Cram School (corner of Northfield Road and Clark Road), Woolcut School (Boyce Street), Quarry School (corner of Tower and McCarty Road), Adams School (Flint Road), Toad Hollow or Gale School (Williamstown-Barre Road) Briggs School (off Chelsea Road), Hatch School (South Hill Road), Alfred Smith School (Weir Road), and the Village School (Construction Hill, Town Hall). Most of the schools closed between 1919 and 1957 due to fires, consolidation, resulting from lack of students and other occurrences.
Most of the elementary school students in the closed schools moved to nearby schools of the Village School, except for those that moved to the Quarry School; this school remained opened until 1971. Over time as other schools closed, all the rest of the students moved to the Village Schools.