Bill > S0029

This bill establishes the Chloride Contamination Reduction Program at the Agency of Natural Resources to address salt (including sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride) pollution in Vermont's waters. The program will require the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop a comprehensive training and certification system for commercial and municipal salt applicators, focusing on best management practices that minimize salt usage while maintaining safe road and property conditions. Key provisions include creating educational programs to increase salt application efficiency, establishing record-keeping requirements, developing a database to track salt purchases and applications, and setting salt reduction targets. The bill provides liability protection for certified applicators who follow established best practices and requires mapping and improving salt storage facilities, mandating that facilities near water sources be covered by 2030-2035. Additionally, the program includes enhanced monitoring of chloride levels in surface waters, with specific requirements for investigating and addressing contamination sources that exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards. The bill allocates $250,000 in initial funding and suggests annual appropriations to support the program's implementation, with the certification and training system set to begin in January 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.29