Vermont uses a basin approach to water quality management planning. Seventeen river “basins” have been designated throughout the state. Basins may contain just one river’s watershed on the larger rivers like the White, or several smaller river watersheds. (A watershed is all of the surface area that drains into a common water body.) To see what basin you are in click here.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is responsible for writing all seventeen basin plans, however successful river basin planning is not just an activity that the State does. It also depends on community involvement and cooperation. Farmers, foresters, landowners, businesses, citizens, educational institutions, local elected officials, and advocacy organizations all have an important role and responsibility to protect our waterways from degradation. Their participation in the planning process through “watershed councils” is critical to ensuring that water quality problems are identified, and that the recommended solutions not only satisfy applicable state and federal requirements, but also are the best fit for the local communities.
The Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission participates in any basin planning process in our region. Current activities in the four basins in Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission are listed below. For general information, please contact Sally Hull at 802-457-3188 ext. 20, or email her at shull@trorc.org.
The White River Basin Plan (WRBP) was finalized in November 2002 by ANR. It is the only basin plan to be adopted by ANR to date. The WRBP is currently before the Natural Resources Board’s Water Resources Panel for adoption into the Vermont Waster Quality Standards.
Download the White River Basin Plan
Natural Resources Board, Water Resources Panel
Download the Vermont Water Quality Standards
VT State Statute on Water Quality and Classification
An Assessment report was completed in 2000. Some local threats and concerns were identified at community meetings in early 2003. A phase 1 assesment was recently completed for the Black River and community meetings are beginning.
Basin #14, more affectionately known as “Little Rivers,” has formed local watershed councils for the Stevens, Waits, Wells, and Ompompanoosuc Rivers. Four sub-basin plans will be connected in one larger Basin Plan for Basin #14. Watershed council meetings are now occurring in the Waits and Ompompanoosuc River watersheds and basin plans have been drafted.
For more information contact Ben Copans at (802) 751-2610 or Ben.Copans@state.vt.us.
There is no basin planning activity at this time.
Vermont Basin Planning Page - Water Quality Division
In This Section
Acid Mine Drainage
Bank Erosion & Sediment
Basin Planning
Fisheries
Floodplain Management
Good Road Maintenance
Grants
Invasive Species
Mercury
Non-Point Source Pollution
Organizations
Permits
Riparian Buffer Zones
Wastewater Treatment
Water Quality Studies
Water Supply Protection
Wetlands