EPA: Vermont Fails to Enforce Clean Water Act on Some Farms

The EPA Calls Out Vermont Program for Flaws in Controlling Phosphorous Discharges

Issues in a Vermont program are hindering the state’s ability to manage phosphorus discharges from certain farms, leading to severe water quality problems in Lake Champlain and other water bodies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently sent a letter to state officials highlighting these flaws.

The program’s failure to comply with the Clean Water Act is a major concern raised in the letter, which instructs the state to make significant changes in how it regulates water pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

According to the EPA, Vermont is home to 37 large and 104 medium CAFOs, along with around 1,000 small farms that could be classified as such operations. The division of responsibilities between the Natural Resources and Agriculture Food and Markets agencies is identified as a key issue that is hindering the effective regulation of Vermont’s CAFOs.

Excessive phosphorus runoff from various sources, including farms, roads, and urban areas, has contributed to toxic algae blooms in Lake Champlain, prompting occasional beach closures. To address these concerns, the EPA mandated clean-up efforts and set new phosphorus pollution limits for Lake Champlain in 2016.

The EPA’s recent letter calls for the Agency of Natural Resources to take on a more significant role in permitting, monitoring, and enforcing regulations related to CAFOs. The state’s commitment to Clean Water Act obligations is being closely scrutinized.

Environmental advocacy groups have petitioned the EPA to address deficiencies in Vermont’s CAFO program. While the state has made some improvements since a corrective action plan in 2013, there are lingering issues that need to be addressed. Farmers and regulatory agencies continue to work together to minimize pollution and protect water quality.