Burlington Board of Health Halts Occupancy Over Vapor Barrier Violation at Wheeler Road

BURLINGTON — March 25, 2025 — Burlington's Board of Health continued a compliance hearing for 1 Wheeler Road after discovering a vapor barrier installed years below spec. The board, chaired by Dr. Ed Weiner, learned that a 15-mil liner was installed at the redeveloped retail site rather than the 40-to-60-mil liner required under the board's 2019 special-permit conditions, which were based on historical TCE groundwater contamination at the site. Environmental Engineer Christine Mathis, who raised the issue before occupancy, proposed an active soil vapor mitigation system and indoor air quality testing as a remedy; attorney Tom Murphy, representing building owner U66 Corporation, agreed to present a written response within seven days. No certificate of occupancy can be issued until the board signs off. In separate action, the board approved a kennel license recommendation for Nicole Mills of 140 Mill Street and granted a four-week extension, to April 11, for repairs at 31 Mohawk Road, where 14 of 17 housing code violations had already been corrected.