The owners of a communal nudist campground in Sheldon have agreed to pay the state $28,750 to settle environmental violations. According to an announcement by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Maple Glen faced numerous violations including of wastewater, wetlands, solid waste, Act 250, water supply and open burning regulations at the campground.
While the state refers to Maple Glen as a "communal campground," the campground website calls it a "family oriented naturist club and campground." The website says, "Maple Glen is a club where families can enjoy the nudist lifestyle together and where children can play in a healthy safe and secure environment."
The 300-acre campground boasts "an in ground heated pool, a hot tub, a log cabin style clubhouse with Wi-Fi access, seven pull through RV sites with a water tap, 30 amp electric service and a sewer access, a communal fire-pit for campers, lots of sunning lawns and hiking trails, two petanque courts, two regulation volleyball courts and a horseshoe pit round out our facilities."
Prior to the settlement, Maple Glen hired an engineer to help it address multiple issues raised by the state. According to the release, "the company corrected the solid waste, wetland, and burning issues during the pendency of the investigation. The company also obtained a wastewater system and potable water supply permit and installed one of two approved systems and has decided to re-design the uninstalled system. The company also submitted an Act 250 permit application which is under review."
The settlement was approved by Vermont's Environmental Court, which ordered Maple Glen to pay the $28,750 penalty. The court also ordered the campground to have its engineer submit an application to amend its wastewater permit, disconnect and remove any unapproved structures and systems, continue with the ACT 250 permit application process and remove any unapproved structures or structures constructed post-1970 if a permit is not obtained. The court also ordered Maple Glen to comply with the applicable environmental laws going forward.
