Public Meetings Scheduled for End of August
August 9, 2016
MONTPELIER — The State of Vermont is seeking comments on a draft implementation plan for the restoration of Lake Champlain. The plan, entitled “Vermont Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL Phase 1 Implementation Plan,” outlines actions the State must take to reduce phosphorus pollution sources that currently compromise State waters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a set of phosphorus pollution targets in June that the State must meet in its phase 1 plan.
The greatest threat to Lake Champlain’s water quality is excess phosphorous carried into waters by runoff and erosion from rainfall and snowmelt. Excess phosphorus causes algae blooms, which can hinder swimming, fishing and other recreational uses, decrease property values, and threaten human health. The new pollution targets set by the EPA, called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), ensure a long-term path towards restored water quality in the lake.
The State will host three public informational meetings in South Burlington, St. Albans, and Rutland at the end of August to solicit feedback on the final draft of the Phase 1 Implementation Plan. Interested persons are encouraged to attend to learn more about the State’s action plan.
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August 29, 2016. 1:00 – 3:00 pm at South Burlington DoubleTree Hotel,
1117 Williston Road, South Burlington -
August 29, 2016. 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the St. Albans Historical Society (Bliss Room),
9 Church Street, St. Albans City -
August 30, 2016. 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Asa Bloomer Building (Room 266),
88 Merchants Row, Rutland
Comments on the plan will be accepted through September 7, 2016. Those unable to attend a public meeting can send comments on the draft plan by e-mail or mail.
Email comments to anr.cleanwatervt@vermont.gov or mail to:
Watershed Management Division
Attention: Vermont Clean Water Initiative Program
1 National Life Drive, Main 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3522
For EPA information on the Vermont Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDLs, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/lake-champlain-phosphorus-tmdl-commitment-clean-water
The Phase 1 Implementation Plan and additional information on Lake Champlain’s restoration effort is posted at: http://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/cwi/restoring.
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Media Contact:
Kari Dolan, Clean Water Initiative Program
(802) 490-6113 | anr.cleanwatervt@vermont.gov