ILegislative update
by Rep Gaye Symington
Water Quality
Most of the attention of this legislative session is devoted to health care, housing, energy costs and property taxes, along with addressing a very challenging state budget. But there is a great deal of other legislation taking shape out of the spotlight. One important area is water quality.
One of Vermont's greatest strengths is the quality of our natural environment. Lake Champlain, the Connecticut River and our many rivers and streams are incredibly important anchors for recreation and cultural activities. Three pieces of legislation taking shape in the coming weeks would improve the water quality of our lakes, rivers and streams. One focuses on keeping tires out of our waterways. The second works to protect stream banks and lower the amount of phosphorus entering streams and rivers. A third reviews progress in cleaning up Lake Champlain. All three are likely to be discussed in the House between now and town meeting.
For many years tires have been dumped illegally in woods, rivers, and streams. On Greenup Day many are taken out of the rivers and streams and then have to be disposed of. It costs about $2.00 or more to take it to the recycle center or the dump. If you have a tire dealership put new tires on your car, they usually charge about $2.50 per tire to dispose of your old tires. H.656, "An Act relating to the Management of Waste Tires", would add $0.50 to the cost of a tire. The fee would go towards paying for "amnesty days" for free tire collection at recycling centers and on Green Up Day.
Vermont is one of the few states that do not protect the areas along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. These riparian buffers catch runoff and provide shelter and food for wildlife and aquatic life. They help keep the waters clean by reducing the amount of phosphorus and other pollutants that run into the stream. The Riparian Buffer Bill (H.549) would establish a 50-foot buffer along streams unless otherwise regulated. Where they are in place, municipal zoning regulations would trump this proposed state law.
"Total Maximum Daily Load" (TMDL for those who like acronyms) is the total amount of phosphorus that is allowed to enter the lake water through our streams and rivers and directly off adjacent land each day. Meeting the TMDL is a key piece of what it takes to clean up the lake. Last year the legislature and Governor Douglas passed Act 43, aimed at improving the water quality of Lake Champlain by updating the TMDL for the lake. Since the bill passed, communities have expressed concern that changing the TMDL would cause many communities to have to upgrade their water treatment plants. Many argue that non-point sources of pollution (such as farms or suburban lawns) contribute more than the large point sources such as water treatment plants. The legislature is reviewing an audit of the state's clean-up efforts and may consider delaying the implementation of the changes in last year's bill in order to balance the needs of the lake with the ability of communities to respond to any necessary changes.
As the House works on these three aspects of protecting surface water quality, the Senate Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Chittenden County's Senator Ginny Lyons, is addressing how best to protect Vermont's vulnerable groundwater supplies. The House will likely consider that legislation after town meeting.
Please encourage your college students or traveling family members to vote in the March 4 Vermont primary and MMU budget votes! For the price of a 58 cent stamp they can have their voice count in what promises to be an exciting election year.
I look forward to meeting with residents on Town Meeting Day. Representative Frank and I will be at the Smilie Elementary School at 6pm, prior to Bolton's town meeting, March 3, and in Jericho starting at 8am, March 4, also prior to town meeting. We'll then visit Underhill's town meeting later that morning. Or, you can contact me at gsym@together.net.
