Vermont Wetland Rule Amendments - 2018
Effective August 15, 2018 the Vermont Wetland Rules changed from the 2017 version to the recently approved 2018 Vermont Wetland Rules. The purpose of this rulemaking was to include Class I protections for two wetlands. The two new Class I wetlands are the LaPlatte River Wetlands in Shelburne, and Peacham Bog in Peacham. Class I designations are reserved for those wetlands which are exceptional or irreplaceable in in their contribution to Vermont’s natural heritage, and the Agency may issue a permit authorizing activity in a Class I wetland only to meet a compelling public need to protect public health or safety. Class I wetlands also receive a larger protected buffer zone.
The amendments to the Vermont Wetland Rules were filed with the Internal Committee of Administrative Rule December 22, 2017, and was placed on public notice for comment from January 31, 2018 to March 19, 2018. During the public notice period, the Wetlands Program held a public hearing in the town of Shelburne. The Wetlands Program reviewed and responded to all comments before filing with the Legislative Committee of Administrative Review (LCAR) May 29, 2018. LCAR reviewed the amendments at a public hearing on July 12, 2018, and approved. The final Rules were filed with the Secretary of State July 27, 2018 and are effective August 15, 2018.
Below are links on the new adopted Rules.
Rule Procedures
- Vermont Wetlands Section Class II and Class III Determination Procedure
- Vermont Wetland Rules Contiguous Wetlands Procedure
- Vermont Wetlands Rules Applicability to Roads Procedure
- Procedure for Existing Constructed Features