The Essex Partnership is assisting the Avon Water Company in meeting permit compliance obligations associated with a water withdrawal permit for a drinking water well field. Permit conditions stipulate the monitoring of wetland vegetation at representative locations within the zone of the well’s influence and reference locations. Multivariate statistical analysis of the wetland plant community’s composition are performed to identify significant changes within and among study plots. The results of vegetation monitoring events, groundwater data, well operations, and precipitation data are summarized in an annual report and provided to regulatory agencies.

This project represents the first application of the Carolina Vegetation Survey (CVS) protocol for a water diversion permit in Connecticut. We are working with regulators to provide feedback on the CVS protocol to improve this methodology as a likely compliance measure in the State’s new stream flow regulations.

Additional related information:

• Connecticut’s new stream flow regulations (CT Dept. of Env. Protection)
• Carolina Vegetation Survey