VNRC Urges Vermonters to "Take Back the Tap"

Choosing tap water over bottled water is better for consumers’ health, their pocketbooks, and the environment, according to a new report written by the Washington, DC-based Food & Water Watch. Today, VNRC co-released this national report, stressing its findings were important for Vermonters. “As this report makes so clear, bottled water isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” said Jon Groveman, VNRC’s Water Program Director. “The report’s research and analysis reinforce our belief that there are many reasons why people should drink tap water instead of commercial bottled water, not the least of which is a concern for natural resources.”

July 2005 LCAR Move Has Power to Protect Water

A July 2005 move by the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) on the White River Basin planning process could have powerful implications for how water in Vermont is managed and protected.

Stormwater Rules

For the past several months, ANR has been meeting with stakeholders to review a draft stormwater rule that will implement the stormwater legislation passed by the Vermont Legislature in 2004. VNRC continues to be an active participant, advocating for incentives that would encourage developers to construct environmentally sound projects that will minimize stormwater pollution and maximize on-site infiltration.

Outstanding Waters Petition

The State of Vermont has an obligation under the antidegradation policy of the Clean Water Act to ensure that water quality is maintained and protected where "high quality waters constitute an outstanding National resource, such as water of National and State parks and wildlife refuges and waters of exceptional recreational or ecological significance."

Peterson Dam

Proceedings are underway at the Public Service Board (PSB) to determine the fate of the Peterson Dam in Milton. VNRC has advocated for removal of the dam in order to meet water quality standards and restore spawning habitat for fish. The PSB needs to approve a settlement agreement among various parties that would remove the dam in 20 years.

Important Opportunity to Help Protect Vermont’s Water Resources

PUBLIC HEARINGS TO PROTECT VERMONT'S WATER!
Upcoming public hearings on the Agency of Natural Resources plans to reclassify the waters of the White River Basin provide a vital opportunity for concerned citizens to demand that strong regulations are in place to protect the quality of Vermont's waters. February 22nd 3PM St. John’s Church, 15 Summer Street, Randolph & 7PM Coolidge Hotel, 39 South Main Street, White River Junction.

The future of Dufresne Dam on the Batten Kill

Dufresne Dam is located on the Batten Kill in Manchester. It is the only dam on the main stem of the Batten Kill. Dufresne Pond is the 9-acre impoundment formed by the dam. The dam was originally built to supply power to a local mill. Since 1957, the dam and the surrounding lands have been owned and managed by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. The pond is stocked with catchable-size (yearling) brook trout creating a put-and-take fishery for anglers.

VNRC Helps Block Short-Sighted Septic Measure

Thanks to a handful of vigilant and dedicated lawmakers and the Vermont Natural Resources Council, the Agency of Natural Resources recently removed an environmentally harmful loophole in its proposed rule governing septic systems. This important move, which will help prevent water pollution and limit sprawl, ends months of wrangling over the issue.

Expert Speaks on Water Security in an Era of Climate Change

VNRC hosts internationally renowned water expert Maude Barlow in a series of events on April 2 in Montpelier. The expertise and context Ms. Barlow offers on this issue is timely in Vermont. That’s because water resources across the nation and the world are becoming increasingly scarce and sought after… and Vermont remains in the precarious position of being one of the last states in the nation to protect our groundwater — 2/3rds of Vermonters’ drinking water. Thankfully, a bill now under consideration in the Legislature aims to fill this troubling gap in Vermont’s water laws. As well, communities like East Montpelier, faced with a proposed water bottling operation, are taking action.

Groundwater Map Examples

Our members often ask to see what a groundwater map looks like. As you can see from the examples posted here, groundwater maps can take many forms and are the result of the combining and filtration (and often analysis) of data, referred to as a derivative map.