The Vermont Clean Water Initiative (CWI) represents collaboration among state agencies, municipalities, local and regional partners, farmers, businesses, and the public to take action in order to safeguard the public’s access to clean and safe water in Vermont. The CWI has statutory support to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing water pollution, thanks to the Vermont Clean Water Act (Act 64) which was signed into law on June 16, 2015. This bill focuses on reducing sediment and harmful nutrient pollution (phosphorus and nitrogen) by requiring changes in several priority areas in order to improve the quality of surface water across the state.
The Lake Champlain Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a plan developed under federal clean water laws to set guidelines for pollution reduction of phosphorus in the Lake Champlain Basin. Together, the Lake Champlain TMDL and Act 64 will require changes to how municipalities, farmers and property owners manage stormwater runoff and land development.
What Does the Clean Water Initiative Mean?
NRPC’s Role
NRPC is assisting the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) by providing enhanced outreach and technical assistance in the region on the Clean Water Act with the following activities:
- Educating municipal boards and staff about the requirements triggered by Act 64.
- Assist communities with land use and policy decisions regarding floodplains, river corridors, stormwater master planning, and other municipal planning to improve water quality.
- Assist municipalities with the municipal roads general permit.
NRPC also plays an active role in the development and implementation of DEC’s
Tactical Basin Planning Program. Staff works closely with the DEC Watershed Basin Planners to support municipal participation in the implementation of the Lamoille River, Missisquoi Bay, and Northern Lake Champlain Basin Plans.
The Vermont Clean Water Initiative focuses on the following five priority areas:
- Treating stormwater runoff from developed lands,
- Installing erosion controls on state and municipal roads,
- Restoring and protect natural infrastructure – river corridors, floodplains, wetlands, and forest cover – for flood resilience and water quality, and
- Implementing agriculture best management practices,
- Increasing investments in municipal wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Explore the resources below for more specific information on the Vermont Clean Water Initiative and each priority.
Resources from Department of Environmental Conservation
- Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL Requirements for Municipalities (2016)
- Water Quality Grant Opportunities
- Flood Ready Vermont Website
- DEC’s Municipal Roads Program
Municipal Roads General Permit Timeline (MGRP)