Environmental groups call on EPA to simplify pollution regulation

Environmental groups are petitioning the federal government to order changes in how Vermont monitors agricultural pollution, arguing the current regulatory structure, which is split between two agencies, doesn’t properly enforce clean water standards. 

The Conservation Law Foundation, Vermont Natural Resources Council and the Lake Champlain Committee filed the petition Wednesday with the Environmental Protection Agency. They also say the structure is confusing and can be a burden to farmers.

At issue is Vermont’s enforcement of the federal Clean Water Act’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System program, under which the state...