Antidegradation limits incremental lowering of water quality in lakes, rivers, and wetlands when applied during a permit review process. Any lowering of water quality must be found to be necessary to avoid substantial economic and social impacts. However, the surface water’s uses and values established in State law, such as swimming, boating, and fishing, must always be maintained and protected. Also included among those uses and values are the use of a surface water by fish, wildlife, and other living things, as well as the physical habitat that supports aquatic life.
The antidegradation analysis and decision only occur as part of a permitting decision for a new or increased discharge to surface waters that are high quality. The antidegradation decision is shared with the public along with the draft permit decision. Antidegradation is required by the federal Clean Water Act and Vermont State Statute.
Beginning in October 2021, the Department of Environmental Conservation refined and clarified the 2010 Interim Anti-Degradation Implementation Procedure, which was the basis of the proposed rule, working collaboratively with a small stakeholder group representing environmental advocates, municipalities, and the regulated community. Having reached consensus with the stakeholder group on the proposed Antidegradation Implementation Rule, the Department initiatied rulemaking in December 2022.
Supporting Documents
- Proposed Antidegradation Implementation Rule
- Antidegradation Implementation Frequently Asked Questions
- Vermont Water Quality Standards
- Vermont Water Quality Standards Overview
- Protecting Very High Quality Waters
Rulemaking Timeline
- Interagency Committee on Adminstrative Rules (ICAR) - December 12, 2022 Agenda
- Secretary of State Notice of Rulemaking - See 22P038
- Public Comment Period - December 28, 2022 - February 14, 2023
- Submit written comments via email to Bethany Sargent or mail to Watershed Management Division, Attn: Bethany Sargent, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 3, Montpelier, VT 05620-3522.
- Public Meetings
- Monday, February 6, 2023 - 10:00 - 11:00 am at the ANR Annex, 190 Junction Road, Berlin, Vermont and online via Microsoft Teams.
- Monday, February 6, 2023 - 6:00 - 7:00 pm at the ANR Annex, 190 Junction Road, Berlin, Vermont and online via Microsoft Teams.