Water Resources Planning
NRPC works closely with municipal partners, state agencies and regional organizations to address issues of water quality and flood resilience throughout our many rivers, lakes, and streams. The list below encompasses NRPC’s current and past efforts in water resources planning.
- NRPC, under contract with Vermont DEC, has initiated an enhanced outreach and technical assistance effort focused on improving water quality in the region under the Vermont Clean Water Initiative. NRPC has been designated as the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for the Missisquoi Bay and Lamoille River Basins.
- NRPC continues to assist communities with the development of regulations that dovetail with state jurisdiction as they relate to water resources, stormwater and flood resilience.
- NRPC has been contracted by the City and Town of St. Albans to carryout a stormwater public education and outreach campaign to educate and encourage residents to get involved in reducing stormwater.
- NRPC worked with partners to develop Vermont’s first Shoreline Stabilization Handbook that outlines erosion control techniques for lakeshore property.
- NRPC completed geomorphic assessments and project development on several waterways in the region including Hungerford Brook, Mill River and Rock River.
- NRPC has taken an active role in commenting on proposed rules that relate to water resource issues such as jurisdiction over water and wastewater and total maximum daily load for Lake Champlain and Lake Carmi.
- NRPC has developed and disseminated educational materials such as a watershed placemat that were distributed throughout the region.
- NRPC has served on regional watershed councils and actively works with local groups implementing watershed activities, including the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain, Franklin Watershed Committee, St. Albans Area Watershed Association, and the Missisquoi River Basin Association.
The NRPC’s water quality planning efforts previously fell under the guidance of the Clean Water Advisory Committee. Going forward, two Basin Water Quality Councils (BWQCs) supported by the NRPC may fill that role. By virtue of Act 76, the BWQCs will also help set policy for project development, prioritization, and implementation.
If you have questions about water resource issues, please contact Dean Pierce.