June 14, 2019
MONTPELIER – “Why does my river run brown in spring?” “What does an algae bloom look like?” “What can I do to protect the water quality in the pond I swim in?” The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is holding a series of public meetings later this month to answer these and many more questions about water quality in the Passumpsic River Basin. DEC invites anyone interested in learning more to attend.
“At the public meetings, we’ll provide a summary of the Tactical Basin Plan for the Passumpsic River Basin. The plan outlines the work required to care for the basin’s lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands,” said Ben Copans, DEC’s watershed planner. “We’re asking the public to join us in reviewing the draft plan. Their feedback will help guide this work over the next five years and, ultimately, help clean up our water.”
The basin covers 507 square miles and encompasses parts of Caledonia, Essex, Orleans and Washington counties. Most waters in this basin are in excellent condition, and flagged for protection in the plan, but several lakes and streams have been identified as having elevated levels of nutrients like phosphorus, sediment, or E. coli. Public meetings over the next month will bring key watershed partners together with members of the public to discuss clean water implementation plans.
“The Passumpsic Tactical Basin Plan and other Basin Plans are the backbone of the Conservation District’s work to protect and improve water quality,” said Kerry O’Brien, District Manager for Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District. “It helps us develop our work plan and offers an opportunity to identify local water quality priorities and position them for funding support.”
The plan is a result of collaboration with local, state, federal and non-profit partners including the Burke Conservation Commission, the Northeast Vermont Development Association (NVDA), and Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District.
Meetings will take place in the evening at the following locations:
June 19th at 6:30-8:00pm
Burke Community Building
222 School Street, West Burke
June 27th at 6:30-8:00pm
NVDA Conference Room
36 Eastern Ave, St Johnsbury
For those unable to participate in the meetings, more information on the plan can be found at https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/map/basin-planning/basin15