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Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Checking In On Vermont's Clean Water Efforts As Summer Breeds Algae Blooms

A bloom of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, inundates the shore of Lake Champlain in this undated photo.
Vermont Department of Health
/
courtesy Vermont Department of Health
A bloom of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, inundates the shore of Lake Champlain in this undated photo.

Hot summer weather is bringing Vermont's water quality concerns to a boil, with toxic blue-green algae blooms infecting lakes and rivers and closing beaches in the last week. We're talking about Vermont's water quality issues and the state's efforts to solve its clean water problems.

Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore joins Vermont Edition to talk about how the state's new Act 76 lays out plans to address — and fund — the state's water quality projects, and how the state will create accountable Clean Water Service Providers to oversee cleanup projects.

We'll also hear from Diana Wood with Burlington’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront on its water quality monitoring and multiple beach closures in the last week.

And state auditor Doug Hoffer shares his conclusions from a recent report, which found Vermont's clean water spending and data tracking during a two-year period were both found wanting.

Have a suggestion on how Vermont's Clean Water Board should spend its money? Complete their 8-question online questionnaire.

Broadcast live on Thursday, July 24, 2019 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

The Vermont Statehouse is often called the people’s house. I am your eyes and ears there. I keep a close eye on how legislation could affect your life; I also regularly speak to the people who write that legislation.
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
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