Phosphorus runoff into Lake Champlain, other waterways targeted, but new rules mean costly fixes for small farms

New rules aimed at reducing phosphorous runoff into Lake Champlain and other waterways mean expensive fixes for some small farms that will force them to make difficult decisions, including whether or not they stay in business.

Small farms haven’t had as much oversight as their larger counterparts, so the state is now surveying such operations in northwestern Vermont, mostly Franklin County, where toxic algae blooms have plagued parts of the lake, fed in part by phosphorus-laden runoff from farms… more

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.burlingtonfreepress.com

See on Scoop.it – Lake Champlain Life

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More Lake Champlain News:

• Vermont Fish & Wildlife Upgrading Fishing Access Areas
• Two fish certified as new Vermont state records
• Fishing Access Areas Are Not Safe for Swimming
• Reel Fun Fishing Program Expands at Vermont State Parks
• Melosira: Educational Boat Trips Teach Public About Lake Champlain

Public Hearing Notice for Missisquoi Bay Basin

On September 4, 2015, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture, Chuck Ross, issued a Notice of Public Hearing to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed Revised Secretary’s Decision for the Missisquoi Basin. The proposed decision, which is subject to public input, is an effort between the State and the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) to provide a framework to settle the impending court litigation related to the Missiquoi Basin. The public hearing will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015, in St. Albans City, from 1 PM until 3 PM, at the American Legion, 100 Parah Drive. It is an opportunity for farmers and other affected citizens to be heard and to give consideration to all interests before a final order is issued.

The full Notice, the proposed Revised Secretary’s Decision, and the draft Stipulation of the Parties for Remand, which contain background and additional explanatory information, can be found below.

Although the hearing is related to the CLF’s pending appeal for the Misissquoi Bay Watershed, it is also an opportunity for farmers to evaluate a proposed blueprint for requiring BMPs on farms in other watersheds, including South Lake, St. Albans, and Otter Creek, which also address Federal EPA and TMDL requirements. The draft settlement has other terms that would become commitments of both the Agency and the CLF if the Secretary decides to implement the Revised Secretary’s Decision and the remand is approved by the Court.

For more information about the Agency’s water quality initiatives, please visithttp://agriculture.vermont.gov/water-quality

Petition Documentation:
Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) Proposed Revised Secretary’s Decision (pdf)

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) Stipulation of the Parties for Remand (pdf)

CLF Notice of Public Hearing for October 9, 2015 (pdf)