Lake Wise Info Sheet - Dry Wells
August 23, 2022
Dry wells are subsurface storage areas that allow for infiltration of concentrated stormwater. They are typically cylindrical holes in the ground filled with stone.
guidance
Lake Wise Info Sheet - Driveways & Lake Roads
August 23, 2022
Lake friendly driveways are those that are minimized, not eroding, have proper surface materials, shed water quickly, avoid water running down the driveway, and divert as much runoff as possible to stable vegetated areas and away from surface waters. These road maintenance practices save money in the long-term, prevent repairs and replacement, and reduce susceptibility of flash flood damage.
Lake Wise Info Sheet - Downspout Disconnection & Rain Barrels
August 23, 2022
Roof downspouts can be disconnected from surface waters by disconnecting from underground drains or surface runoff and directing flow to a stable vegetated area, another stormwater treatment practice, or by capturing roof runoff in a rain barrel for water reuse.
Lake Wise Info Sheet - Conserve & Protect Lakeshores
August 23, 2022
There are many ways to protect and conserve your land to meet environmental, financial, and family goals. Protecting the natural conditions of your shoreland ensures the long-term health and resiliency of your lake while benefitting your family, lake community, and future generations.
Lake Wise Info Sheet - Check Dams
August 23, 2022
Check dams are stone piles placed in a concentrated flow of water like a swale or drainage ditch to slow and filter stormwater and promote ponding.
Lake Wise Info Sheet - Bioengineering
August 23, 2022
Bioengineering uses native plants, biodegradable products, and other natural materials to stabilize shorelands, prevent erosion, protect property, and support healthy lake ecosystems. It is often referred to as “soft-scape engineering,” living shoreland restoration, or naturebased solutions. A suite of methods mimic naturally stable shorelines by creating vegetated lakeshore banks and a stabilized bank toe.
Lake Wise Info Sheet - Beaches & Recreation Areas
August 23, 2022
In Vermont, natural lakeshores are wetlands, forests, and/or bedrock. Few lakes have naturally occurring sandy shores. Shoreland best management practices can help to maintain artificial beaches and recreational areas while also protecting water quality and wildlife habitat so we can ‘share the shore’. Stabilized and naturally vegetated areas, such a s upland meadows or lakeshore buffers, filter upland runoff and delineate beaches, pathways, and lake access points, preventing sand and other pollutants from washing into the lake.
PCBs in Schools
The identification and remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in schools is an important and urgent initiative currently active in the state of Vermont. For general questions or to review resources for students, parents, and public we recommend you start with our Frequently Asked Questions.
The materials below are intended for school officials and consultants. Please keep in mind that some of the information below is technical in nature.
Guidance for Construction of Public Works Projects in Areas Where Contamination is Suspected or Known
March 22, 2002
Guidance for the completion of public works projects, particularly utility replacements, where subsurface contamination may be encountered. Includes information regarding construction procedures and site assessment completion.
Using Air Quality Forecasts
To minimize potential health impacts from open burning, we recommend utilizing air quality forecasts when planning the burn. Depending on the meteorological conditions, the proximity of the burn to residences, and air quality level on the day of the burn, smoke from open burning may cause health problems such as respiratory effects or aggravation of heart and lung diseases.