Montpelier Lift Station Down to One Pump After Derecho
From the Board of Public Works & Safety meeting on August 12, 2026
A pump at Montpelier's south fire station lift station failed on August 11 during the derecho's heavy rainfall. Water Superintendent Chase Perry found what appeared to be something caught in the motor. A technician from Cooley's replaced a burnt capacitor on August 12 but reached the same conclusion — debris may be lodged in the pump.
The station is now running on one pump only. Cooley's cannot get their crane truck to the site because access is blocked by adjacent racetrack property. They are considering using a tripod to pull the pump instead. Perry plans to contact the racetrack owner about establishing a permanent access lane for future maintenance.
Running on a single pump during a period of heavy rainfall and known sewer surcharging is a significant risk. If the remaining pump fails, sewage backup could be widespread.
Source: YouTube transcript — Montpelier - Board of Public Works & Safety Meeting - August 12, 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
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