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Vermont Has Spent Nearly a Billion Dollars to Clean Up Lake Champlain. But the Green Slime Keeps Coming Back.
Despite nearly a billion dollars in spending, Vermont is falling behind its Lake Champlain cleanup targets as recurring cyanobacteria blooms continue to affect the lake. The pollution threatens drinking water, closes beaches and harms pets and local businesses, while the state’s progress has prompted a warning from federal regulators.
Phosphorus from farms, stormwater and sewage fuels the blooms, which can make people ill through contact or ingestion. Vermont has achieved an estimated 35% of its cleanup goal halfway through the timetable to 2036; the EPA says the state must more than double its annual pace to get on track. Volunteers, including island resident Jeff van den Noort, are monitoring conditions around the lake.
In short
- Lake Champlain’s toxic algae blooms keep returning.
- Vermont has spent nearly $1 billion on water cleanup.
- The state has reached 35% of its 2036 target.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Vermont’s spending reflects a serious effort to reduce phosphorus pollution from farms, stormwater and sewage, and the reported progress shows that the work is producing results. Cleanup is difficult because pollution comes from many sources, and sustained investment may be needed to protect drinking water, beaches, wildlife and local livelihoods over time.
The case against
After nearly a billion dollars in spending, achieving only about 35% of the cleanup goal halfway through the timetable raises fair questions about whether the measures are effective and whether public funds are being directed well. Recurring blooms continue to threaten health and businesses, while the EPA’s warning that Vermont must more than double its annual pace suggests the current approach is not delivering quickly enough.
Explained simply
Lake Champlain lies between Vermont and New York, with part of its northern end in Quebec. Its water is used for drinking and recreation, and the lake supports communities and businesses along its shores.
Phosphorus is a nutrient found in farm run-off, rainwater flowing over built-up areas and sewage. Too much can feed cyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, which sometimes form blooms that can make people ill and lead to beach closures.
Vermont and federal regulators, including the US Environmental Protection Agency, have set targets to reduce phosphorus entering the lake. Farmers, towns and wastewater services are among those whose choices affect pollution levels, while residents and volunteers help monitor changing conditions.