Steering Committee

News

What Do We Know? Jackson Dam Information Series

The Town of Hardwick is sharing a series of educational presentations to help residents better understand Jackson Dam, the Lamoille River, and the considerations involved in evaluating the dam’s future.

The “What Do We Know?” series brings together information from technical studies, engineering analysis, and ongoing project work. Each presentation focuses on a different aspect of Jackson Dam and its relationship to the surrounding community.

The goal is to make technical information accessible and provide a common foundation for community discussions.

Presentations and Resources

Presentations and supporting materials will be posted here as they become available.

What Do We Know – #1

Why This Matters Now – #1

A Visit to the Stowe Hydro-electric Dam (CCRNRD)

These materials are intended to share information and support informed public discussion, not advocate for a particular outcome.

Vermont’s Changing Dam Safety Regulations

Updated November 2026

Vermont’s Dam Safety Regulations Are Changing

Vermont is updating its dam safety regulations, including the development of new technical standards and changes to regulatory oversight.

These changes will affect how dams are inspected, maintained, operated, repaired, and managed over time. The updated regulations are expected to address engineering assessments, emergency planning, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.

Under Act 121 of 2024, Vermont established two important milestones:

• July 1, 2027: Statutory deadline for specified dam safety rulemaking.
• July 1, 2028: Transfer of dam safety jurisdiction from the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

What Do These Changes Mean for Dam Owners?

Dam ownership carries ongoing responsibilities beyond the initial construction or repair of a structure. Depending on a dam’s classification and condition, these responsibilities may include:

• Regular inspections and engineering assessments.
• Routine maintenance and necessary repairs.
• Emergency action planning and preparedness.
• Documentation and reporting to state regulators.
• Planning for future rehabilitation or removal.

The updated technical standards are still under development. Specific requirements will depend on the final adopted rules and the characteristics of each dam.

Understanding the Regulatory Changes

The following state resources provide additional information about existing dam safety requirements, proposed regulatory changes, and the rulemaking process.

Vermont DEC – Dam Safety Statute and Rules

Information about Vermont’s existing dam safety laws and regulations, along with updates on the development of new technical standards.

Vermont DEC – Technical Standards Rulemaking Process

Information about the rulemaking process, proposed technical standards, public participation opportunities, and anticipated implementation schedule.

Vermont Act 121 of 2024

The legislation establishing changes to Vermont’s dam safety regulatory framework, including the transfer of certain oversight responsibilities from the PUC to DEC.

Vermont DEC – Dam Safety Program

General information about dam safety, regulatory responsibilities, and resources for dam owners.

How Does This Relate to Jackson Dam?

Jackson Dam is classified as a Significant Hazard dam under Vermont’s dam safety classification system. This classification reflects the potential consequences of a dam failure rather than the condition of the structure itself.

Vermont’s evolving dam safety requirements are relevant to the ongoing evaluation of Jackson Dam. The regulatory changes provide additional context for understanding the responsibilities associated with dam ownership, operation, maintenance, and potential future improvements.

The Town will continue monitoring the state rulemaking process and sharing information as regulatory requirements are finalized.

Documents & Reports

Jackson Dam: What Have We Learned? – October 5, 2026

What did the Jackson Dam feasibility study and river modeling tell us about the dam, flooding, and the Lamoille River? Join us for the first public conversation about Jackson Dam. We’ll review what has been learned so far, what questions remain, and what comes next. This is not a decision-making meeting. It is the first of many opportunities to learn more and ask questions.

Recording provided by Hardwick Community Television (HCTV): Link to recording: https://hctv.us/jackson-dam-what-have-we-learned-october-5-2026/

• Slides from SLR for the meeting

Jackson Dam 30% Scoping/Engineering – 2026

• Steering Committee Overview
• Public Engagement Overview
• RFP from Caledonia County NRCD (Engineering services)

Feasibility Study – 2025/2026

• Jackson Dam Memo from SLR – 3-13-26
• Power Point Slides from SLR for 3-26-26 meeting
• Flood Water Depth Comparison – with Jackson Dam and without Jackson Dam
• Act 250 Documents for the Ice Breakers
• Associated Documents for the 2-27-26 Memo
• Who Gives a Dam?! – Understanding the Difference Between Flood Control Dams and Run-of-River Dams (2025)
• From the Watershed: Five Collected Articles based on the SLR Jackson Dam Memo
• VPR Article – 2026 by Abagael Giles

Historic Information – Prior to 2025

• Hardwick Lake Dam 2024 Visual Inspection
• Hardwick Lake Dam 2019 Visual Inspection
• Hardwick Lake Today and Tomorrow by the Northern Rivers Land Trust – 2013
• Report on the Jackson Bridge Dam by the Vermont Natural Resources Council – 2001

Meetings