Protecting Vermont’s Waters from Agricultural Pollution

Vorsteveld Must Stop Illegally Dumping Pollution 

Vorsteveld, LLP, a major industrial agricultural operation in Vermont, is endangering the health of people and wildlife by pouring alarming amounts of pollution into waterways without a permit. CLF, with Vermont Natural Resources Council, is suing to stop this unlawful release of toxic chemicals into Lake Champlain’s tributaries.  

CLF In Action 

The legal amount of pollution any farm can release without a federal permit is zero. Yet, Vorsteveld, LLP, has been discharging dangerous levels of poisonous pollutants directly into Vermont’s waterways without a permit for years. This pollution harms Vermonters’ use of the nearby waters and puts their health at risk, as well as the health of the fish and wildlife that depend on a healthy aquatic ecosystem. 

CLF and Vermont Natural Resources Council are suing to stop this unlawful pollution. Dumping dangerous pesticides into the water without a permit clearly violates the Clean Water Act. We want Vorsteveld to take responsibility for its toxic pesticide pollution by obtaining its legally required permit and taking steps to stop its pollution. 

The agricultural community in Vermont takes pride in protecting our precious natural resources. Allowing any farm operator to pour dangerous chemicals into the public waters where we boat, fish, hunt, wildlife watch – and that provide drinking water downstream – hurts all Vermonters. 

What’s At Stake 

We all deserve clean water, free of toxic chemicals that can damage our health. Our investigators found Vorsteveld’s operation pours hazardous pesticide chemicals like atrazine, metolachlor, and clothianidin into Vermont’s waters at dangerous levels – far above EPA’s standards. These chemicals have been linked to birth defects, cancers, and other major health risks, and they cause damage to our delicate ecosystems. 

Lake Champlain is an iconic Vermont landmark, supporting a diverse abundance of wildlife and providing drinking water to about 164,000 people. The Vorsteveld operation is pouring pollution into the waterways that should nurture the lake. Vermonters shouldn’t have to worry about toxins in their drinking water or poisoning the fish, birds, and other wildlife that live in these waterways.