Hancock Wastewater & Water Supply Feasibility

In 2025, WHEM conducted a wastewater and water supply feasibility study for the Town of Hancock for a 6.6-acre portion of town-owned land. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential of constructing affordable workforce housing at the site. We had three primary objectives to complete the evaluation. First was evaluating the suitability of the site to support on-site wastewater disposal and well-based water supply systems. Second was evaluating natural resource restrictions that could impact development of wastewater and water supply systems. And third was determining the maximum number of living units that could be accommodated on the Site.

Beginning in August 2025, WHEM performed a site inspection to document site conditions and neighboring wells and septic systems. Proper documentation of neighboring systems was crucial to ensuring compliance with State regulations. In September 2025, licensed wastewater designers from WHEM oversaw the excavation of ten (10) test pits. Our licensed designers characterized site soils per the Vermont Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules. In addition to soil stratigraphy characterization, our licensed designers identified limiting conditions. Types of limiting conditions assessed included seasonal high water table indications, groundwater, impeding soil layers, bedrock, and/or fill material.

Test pit data was then used by our licensed designers and hydrogeologists to perform wastewater capacity calculations. These calculations included hydraulic conductivity and gradient, linear loading rates, induced groundwater mounds, and disposal system lengths. After performing this analysis, we identified the optimal wastewater disposal areas, which our CAD technician then plotted on the site plan. We then identified the suitable zone for water supply installation, based on required setbacks from on-site and off-site wastewater systems. Based on State regulations and require setbacks, we determined that the site could support public non-transient non-community (“NTNC”) water systems. During this time, project partner Arrowwood Environmental performed a natural resources assessment and found that there would be no restrictions in the project area.

Finally, using our wastewater and water supply determinations, we provided the Town with a potential site layout that maximized housing. Based on our evaluation, we determined the site can support up to four (4) residential buildings, each with a maximum occupancy of 20 residents. With a total Town population of just 359, the future development of this site would provide substantial much-needed workforce housing for the region. The Town is now working to engage a planner/developer to evaluate the actual feasibility and costs of constructing this workforce housing.

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