By Noah Gilbert-Fuller, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is revising the Best Management Practices Rule and establishing a new Technical Service Provider Rule and both proposed rules are open for public comment through September 9th, 2024.
The Best Management Practice Program provides technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to support construction of on-farm improvements designed to abate water quality risks from agricultural pollution. This rulemaking corrects findings from a 2018 audit that found the rule misaligned with current statute and practice. Updates reflect current terminology, statutes, processes for project prioritization, operation and maintenance requirements, as well as the petition process that has evolved since the last filing in 1996.
Technical Service Providers (TSPs) provide nutrient management and water quality permit consulting to Vermont farmers for water quality regulations. This rule is intended to ensure farmers receive professional technical services from TSPs that meet a minimum standard of quality assurance related to agricultural water quality nutrient management planning and permitting/certification regulations. The proposed rule will ensure TSPs are held accountable for understanding the rules, regulations, and requirements related to nutrient management planning and permitting/certification services they provide. The rule will also enable enforcement on TSPs if the services they provide are out of compliance with water quality regulations. Currently, farms and the state lack recourse outside of enforcement on farms for work products provided by TSP’s that are non-compliant.
Comments may be submitted to the Agency in writing, given over the phone, or may be provided at either public hearing listed below.
- TSP Rule: 116 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05620 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room on August 29th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- BMP Rule: 116 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05620 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room on August 29th, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Written comments can be submitted via email to:
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Water Quality Division
116 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620
To submit a comment over the phone or for other questions related to the draft rule revision, you may contact:
Nate Sands Brittany Cole
802-224-6850 802-522-7413
nathaniel.sands@vermont.gov brittany.cole@vermont.gov
General inquiries or comments may also be sent to: AGR.WQPermits@Vermont.gov