By Patrick Fry, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets 
Maple Syrup is deeply rooted both economically and culturally in Vermont’s working landscape. Maple producers have been working Vermont’s sugar bushes since operations relied on horse drawn wagons and individually collecting buckets.
In these modern days, the technology has been improving with reverse osmosis (RO) technology that can significantly increase the amount of sap that can be processed into syrup, in addition to the amount of taps each producer manages. As Vermont becomes home to more commercial maple operations, producers need to be mindful of the potential impact that maple operations can have on water quality through excessive contributions of nutrients including phosphorus and elevated erosion rates.
Process waste water must not be discharged directly into surface water, such as a lake, pond, or stream, or any conveyance to a surface water. The Agency recommends installation and utilization of a wash water discharge system to manage process waste water and avoid a discharge directly to a surface water.
Byproducts of Maple Production
In producing maple syrup, various effluent streams are produced from sugar houses. Currently, there are existing regulations specifically aimed at these effluent streams, known as process waste water, this regulation falls under the Agency of Natural Resources Rules for any direct discharges that may occur, and the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) for nonpoint source discharges per the Required Agricultural Practices Rule intended to protect water quality. As maple syrup is considering an agricultural product and maple production is considered an agricultural operation, regulation of maple operations falls mainly with VAAFM.
Evaporator Pan Wash Water is the most important material for producers to manage, despite its relatively low volume compared to other byproducts – the concentrations of nutrients and levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) can be extremely elevated. This means oxygen levels are decreased in water, thereby negatively impacting aquatic organisms. Permeate is the waste product of the RO, consisting of little to no nutrients, but substantial volumes. RO Wash Water is created when rinsing the RO and can contain sugars, acids, and other organic materials that can impact BOD for waters of the State and is much larger volumes than the Evaporator wash water.
The options for managing these materials are being researched currently; the collection and storage of these materials until they can be responsibly land applied is highly recommended by VAAFM.
It is also important for maple producers to keep in mind that discharge of sap to any surface or ground waters must be avoided.
Wash Water Systems for Maple Producers
A wash water discharge system is designed to prevent a direct flow of process waste water into surface or ground water, which allows for nutrient uptake by vegetation and possible separation of sediment for removal.
For questions and additional information, please call Pat Fry (802)828-2431 or email at: Patrick.fry@vermont.gov