Tactical Basin Planning Principles
- To Empower People and Focus Clean Water Actions -
- Tactical Basin planning is an ongoing process. It is designed to be compatible with the Vermont Water Quality Standards and other applicable state and federal laws. The term "basin" refers to the 15 major drainage basin planning units which cover the State of Vermont. The term "watershed" refers to any drainage which may be larger, smaller or synonymous with these 15 planning watersheds.
- DEC employs a Tactical Planning Process as described by the Surface Water Management Strategy, to facilitate the efficient production of Basin Plans. The Tactical Basin Plan Development Schedule provides a projected timeframe for the development of each basin plan.
- The Basin Planning Process empowers people with information and tools in order to focus resources (technical assistance and funding) to protect and restore water quality. The planning process is outlined in the What is a Tactical Basin Plan document.
- Tactical Basin Plans are developed in collaboration with watershed partners to prioritize assessment and implementation efforts necessary to protect and restore waters as outlined on the Partner Coordination and Implementation Page.
- The basin planning process includes public involvement. Public opinion is sought through meetings, surveys, mailings, newspaper and web notices, interviews and contact with community groups and partner organizations. A draft Basin Plan will be made available to interested parties for comment during the year in which it is prepared.
Tactical Basin Planning Resources
Statewide Management Strategy - A statewide strategy included with each Basin Plan provides an overview of various state regulatory and funding programs/tools available to assist with the implementation of recommendations contained in Basin Plans.
Vermont Nonpoint Source Plan - summarizes the causes and sources of nonpoint source pollution in Vermont and identifies strategies to protect and restore waters.
Waterbody Priority Lists (303(d)) - Every two years, specific lakes, ponds, rivers and streams across Vermont with documented Water Quality Standards violations are identified and listed as impaired in the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) listing process.
Basin Assessment reports - Every five years, on a rotating basis, a Basin Assessment Report is developed for each river basin.
Restoring Vermont’s waters - Provides links to pages focused on the restoration of Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Connecticut River, Lake Morey, Lake Carmi, and Ticklenaked Pond.
Annual Performance Report - The Vermont Clean Water Initiative Annual Performance Report summarizes the State of Vermont’s clean water efforts and demonstrates how investments are making a difference in water quality of Vermont’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands including interim and final report cards.
Permitting Programs - Numerous activities in basins need state or federal permits to proceed. If proposed projects have the potential to impact water quality, permits may contain conditions to assure that the implementation or operation of the projects will comply with state Water Quality Standards.