PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – July 11, 2024
Contact:
Stephanie Brackin, Communications Coordinator
Agency of Natural Resources
stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov, 802-261-0606
ANR Encourages Flood Safety and Environmental Protection During Flood Response and Recovery
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and its departments –Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife, and Forests, Parks, and Recreation – are encouraging Vermonters to take every precaution possible responding to and recovering from this week’s flooding event.
Our goal is to keep Vermonters safe while protecting the environment. Please remember to:
- Avoid floodwaters that may be filled with pollutants and hazards.
- Follow advisories from state and town officials about drinking water safety.
- Contact the Spill Response Team about hazardous spills, contaminated floodwater in your basement, or leaking aboveground storage tanks.
- Sort your flood trash into hazardous and non-hazardous piles.
- Check closures before you head to a state park or state land to camp or hike.
The ANR Flood Resource web page offers a support for flood recovery, including:
- Flood Cleanup: Find safe ways to pump basements and clean flood-damaged areas.
- Recreation After a Flood: Verify recreational areas are open before your go.
- Septic System Care: Learn how to manage your private wastewater system.
- Landslide Reporting: Report landslides impacting structures on your property.
- Public Drinking Water: Understand boil water or do not drink notices from your provider.
- Private Well Testing: Do not drink or use flood-impacted wells or spring water until you have tested it. (Department of Health)
The web page also provides translated documents and a list of contacts for further assistance.
The Environmental Assistance Office is here to answer your questions. Contact them Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at 802-477-2241 or anr.decassistance@vermont.gov.
By prioritizing safety and responsible environmental practices, together we can recover from this flood and ensure the well-being of our communities and our environment.
Report Damages to Vermont 211 – https://vermont211.org/
Volunteer for Storm Recovery – vermont.gov/volunteer
Donate to Flood Response – https://bgs.vermont.gov/flood-response-donations
Vermont Department of Health – healthvermont.gov/flood
Agency of Natural Resources – anr.vermont.gov/flood
Agency of Agriculture – agriculture.vermont.gov/flood
Department of Mental Health – mentalhealth.vermont.gov/flood
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ANR Nondiscrimination Statement: The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and its departments (the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Fish and Wildlife Department, and the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation) operate their programs, services, and activities without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), ancestry, place of birth, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or breastfeeding (mother and child). We will not tolerate discrimination, intimidation, threats, coercion, or retaliation against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights protected by federal or state law. For questions or complaints, contact anr.civilrights@vermont.gov.
ANR Language Access: If you speak a language other than English or need a reasonable accommodation for effective communication, we offer free language assistance on ANR materials and services. For questions or requests for language access, contact anr.civilrights@vermont.gov or call 802-636-7827.