Senator Watson presents bill to extend Vermont's stormwater compliance deadline

The Vermont Senate made significant strides in stormwater management during its May 8 session, focusing on H 41, a bill aimed at addressing phosphorus reduction requirements under the Clean Water Act. Senator Watson highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that Lake Memphremagog and Lake Champlain are impaired by phosphorus, necessitating strict compliance measures.

The bill, commonly referred to as the "3 acre rule," mandates that developed lands with three or more acres of impervious surface must mitigate stormwater runoff to prevent phosphorus from contaminating waterways. Currently, only 204 out of 674 sites in the affected watersheds have obtained the necessary permits, with many homeowners struggling to comply due to high costs and complications from orphan permits—permits that were not properly transferred during property sales.

To alleviate these challenges, H 41 proposes four key measures: extending the compliance deadline by five years to 2028, allocating funds from the Clean Water Fund for residential projects, incentivizing municipalities to co-permit orphaned stormwater permits, and studying the potential for regional stormwater utilities to streamline compliance.

Senator Watson emphasized that the bill does not exempt the residential sector from compliance, as doing so would require renegotiating existing agreements with the EPA. The legislation aims to provide clarity and support for homeowners facing compliance issues, including a public resource guide to navigate the permitting process.

In summary, the Senate's actions on H 41 reflect a commitment to improving water quality in Vermont while addressing the financial and logistical hurdles faced by residents. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced stormwater management and a more collaborative approach to compliance, ensuring that Vermont's waterways are protected for future generations.