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For over three decades scientists have reported that Lake Champlain is rapidly moving toward a pollution crisis. In recent years over 80 million dollars have been spent to try and reverse the decline. To no avail. The Lake continues to be bombarded by pollution containing phosphorus from stormwater, agricultural runoff, old wastewater treatment plants and old-fashioned waste disposal practices. Phosphorus, the contaminant controlling the growth of nuisance algae and aquatic plants, is on the rise in most Lake segments.
In 2001, CLF established the Lake Champlain Lakekeeper Program to protect the lake through a combination of public advocacy, legal action and old-fashioned detective work. The Lakekeeper involves concerned citizens in restoring and protecting Lake Champlain.
What the Lake Champlain Lakekeeper Does:
*Confronts and advises state environmental agencies when the Clean Water Act and associated environmental laws are not being applied or enforced.
*Advocates for the improvement of Lake health using scientific, management and socio-economic leadership tools.
*Works to help citizens express their concerns about the Lake ’s condition in meaningful ways.
*Investigates and responds to citizens complaints about Lake pollution and assists with considering responses and/or solutions.
*Attempts to prompt environmental regulatory authorities to implement meaningful programs focused on Lake rehabilitation and pollution enforcement.
*Attempts to pass legislative bills that focus on an expedited Lake cleanup and productive Lake related programs.
Thanks to the Lake Champlain Lakekeeper
~ CLF won two precedent-setting lawsuits: 1) halting construction of a South Burlington Lowe's Home Center that was polluting already-degraded Potash Brook, a tributary to Lake Champlain, and 2) requiring all stormwater dischargers in key counties surrounding lake Champlain to obtain permits and clean up discharges.
~ A sewage treatment plant in South Burlington, VT is subject to more stringent controls on phosphorus discharges into Lake Champlain.
~ The Plattsburgh, NY Wastewater Treatment Plant has a discharge permit with more stringent controls on deoxygenating wastes and suspended solids, putting it into compliance with the Clean Water Act.
~ The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources cut the amount of toxic copper and zinc it will allow IBM - the single largest discharger of toxic water pollution in Vermont - to discharge by almost 4,000 pounds per year. The state also required IBM to limit the amount of cyanide in wastewater piped into the Winooski River and to double monitoring for toxic pollutants in wastewater.
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