Author Archives: Tom

Canada Geese Visit Lake Champlain

 

Canada Geese Visit Lake Champlain in Alburgh, Vermont

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are one of the more common birds seen around the Lake Champlain Valley, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Lake Champlain is considered part of the Atlantic Flyway, which is one of the major flight corridors for migratory birds. Canada geese, like these stopping in Alburgh, Vermont, depend on Lake Champlain to provide rest and food on their journey.


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Lake Champlain Transportation to minimize air emissions and pay penalty

Lake Champlain Transportation Co. Clean Air Settlements to Minimize Emissions

Lake Champlain Transportation Co. Clean Air Settlements to Minimize Emissions

Lake Champlain Transportation Co. Ferry Dock

E.P.A.: Boston 15 Sept. 2014 – The Lake Champlain Transportation Company, which operates ship repair and painting facilities in Burlington and Shelburne, Vermont, will act to minimize air emissions and protect air quality additionally L.C.T.C. will pay $100,000 in penalties to resolve EPA claims of both federal and state clean air violations.

The company, which operates ferry boat services for passengers and vehicles between Vermont and New York, performs maintenance on its ferry boats at the facilities, ithat includes coating operations using paint spray guns.

Specifically, EPA alleged that Lake Champlain Transportation Co. violated the federal Clean Air Act “National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants” (NESHAP) for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Facilities by using paints with hazardous air pollutant contents greater than the allowable limits, failing to keep required records of paint usage, and failing to submit a written notification, implementation plan and semi-annual reports to state and federal officials.

EPA also alleged that the company violated Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations by failing to comply with volatile organic compound coating limits, and by failing to apply for and obtain permits at the time the company acquired new paint spray guns in 2005 and 2009. In addition, EPA alleged that Lake Champlain Transportation failed to apply for and obtain a Clean Air Act Title V operating permit.

To address the violations identified by EPA, Lake Champlain Transportation Co. will submit an implementation plan to EPA outlining how it will comply with the NESHAP. The company will also apply for permits from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Future compliance with clean air standards will help reduce health risks from the emission of these chemicals.

Many of the chemicals used by Lake Champlain Transportation Co. are both hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. Exposure to hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds can cause a variety of health problems. Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ozone, exposure to which can damage lung tissue and reduce lung function. Children, the elderly, people with lung disease, and people with asthma are most susceptible.

More information on EPA Clean Air Act enforcement: http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/index.html

Lake Champlain Transportation Announces Fare Increase for Ferries

 

Lake Champlain Transportation: Fare Increase for Ferries

Lake Champlain Transportation Announces Fare Increase for Ferries

 

 

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Lake Champlain Transportation Company (L.C.T.) announced fare increases for ferries crossing Lake Champlain at Charlotte, VT – Essex, NY and Grand Isle, VT – Cumberland Head, NY. The new rates will go into effect on  April 3rd.

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Lake Champlain Transportation Announces Fare Increase for Ferries

The last rate increase for the crossings at Charlotte/Essex and Grand Isle/Cumberland Head was in 2008.

The 30% commuter discount remains in effect.

The new rates will be as follows and do not include the fuel surcharge:

 

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Vehicle & Driver <19′ Long……………………………….$10.00

Adult Passenger……………………………………………..$4.00

Senior (65+) Passenger………………………..…………..$3.50

Child 6-12 Passenger……………………………………….$1.75

Vehicle & Driver > 19′ Long

Over 19′ to 27……………………….…………………….. $15.75

Over 27′ to 36’………………………………………………$21.75

Over 36′ to 45’………………………………………………$28.00

Over 45′ to 54’………………………………………………$33.75

Over 54′ to 63’………………………………………………$41.25

Over 63′ to 72’………………………………………………$49.50

Over 72′, add……………………………………………..….$1.30

Motorcycle & Driver………………………………………….$6.50

Adult Bicycle…………………..………………………………$5.00

Child Bicycle…………………..………………………………$2.75

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www.ferries.com for schedule information.

 

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Remember to Wear PFD – Flotation Vests When Boating

Boaters Reminded to Wear Flotation Vests ( PFD )

 

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding Lake Champlain anglers and boaters that New York State boating laws require all persons aboard motorboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats less than 21 feet in length to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while on New York waters from November 1 to May 1.

New York enacted this PFD law in the fall of 2009 after a number of people died who were not wearing life jackets while boating during spring and fall cold water temperatures.

Boaters Reminded to Wear Flotation Vests ( PFD )

Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s)

“Warm fall sunshine can often give boaters a false sense of security,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. “The reality is, water temperatures are dropping quickly, and people can find themselves at risk of exposure, hypothermia, or worse, if they suddenly find themselves capsized or in the water.”Sudden immersion in cold water after falling overboard or capsizing, particularly at water temperatures below 68°F, can overcome even the strongest swimmers. It may lead to sudden cardiac arrest or gasping and inhalation of water, the loss of swimming ability and grip strength, and eventually hypothermia and unconsciousness.

“We encourage late fall anglers, duck hunters and all boaters to be cautious and safe while on any watercraft at this time of year,” said Berry. “Wearing a life jacket, no matter what the season, is the single best way boaters can keep themselves safe on the water, and it can significantly improve their chances of survival if something unexpected happens while boating.”

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Vermont Fish & Wildlife also reminds anglers and boaters that children under 12 years of age must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device at all times while boating on any Vermont water body.

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More on Lake Champlain Boating Safety:

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Island Line Trail: One of Top 5 Rail Trails in New England

Lake Champlain’s Island Line Trail: One of Top 5 Rail Trails in New England

Lake Champlain's Island Line Trail: One of Top 5 Great Rail Trails in New England

Lake Champlain’s Island Line Trail was featured as one of the five great paved rail trails in New England by the Boston Globe. The 14-mile trail hugs the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and offers views of the Adirondack Mountains rising across Lake Champlain on the New York side.

The Central Vermont Railroad built the line, with the first train arriving in Burlington in December 1849. Oakledge Park, the starting point on the southeastern side, is one of many spots along the trail where you’ll find small beaches and picnic areas. At Roundhouse Point, you’ll start to see the first of numerous sailboats tacking across the large lake. North Beach, at the trail’s midpoint mark, is a good place to picnic along the rocky shores. One of the best features of the Burlington Bike Path (a section of the trail) is that you’re always only a block or two away from a good deli.(Read the full article here)

Learn more about The Island Line at: www.islandlinetrail.org

 

 

Other Articles about Biking and Lake Champlain: