August 09, 2016
Public Meetings Scheduled for End of August
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.
Lake Champlain TMDLs Phase 1 Implementation Plan Public Informational Meetings
August 29, 2016, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
South Burlington DoubleTree Hotel, 1117 Williston Road, South Burlington
August 29, 2016, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Bliss Room, St. Albans Historical Society, 9 Church Street, St. Albans City
August 30, 2016, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Room 266, Asa Bloomer Building, 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 email@example.com or mail to:
Attention: Vermont Clean Water Initiative Program, Watershed Management Division, 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, firstname.lastname@example.org
Source: Department of Environmental Conservation
Last Updated at: August 09, 2016 15:41:36