Vermont Statutes
Chapter 37 - Wetlands Protection and Water Res. Management
§ 923. Quantification of pollution reduction; clean water projects

§ 923. Quantification of pollution reduction; clean water projects
(a) After listing a water as impaired on the list of waters required by 33 U.S.C. § 1313(d), the Secretary shall publish a methodology for calculating pollution reduction values associated with a clean water project in that water. When establishing a pollutant reduction value, the Secretary shall consider pollution reduction values established in the TMDL; pollution reduction values established by other jurisdictions; pollution reduction values recommended by organizations that develop pollutant reduction values for a clean water project; applicable monitored data with respect to a clean water project, if available; modeled data, if available; or a comparison to other similar projects or programs if no other data on a pollution reduction value or design life exists. Pollution reduction values established by the Secretary shall be the exclusive method for determining the pollutant reduction value of a clean water project.
(b) After listing a water as impaired on the list of waters required by 33 U.S.C. § 1313(d), the Secretary shall publish a methodology for establishing a design life associated with a clean water project. The design life of a clean water project shall be determined based on a review of values established in other jurisdictions, values recommended by organizations that regularly estimate the design life of clean water projects, actual data documenting the design life of a practice, or a comparison to other similar practices if no other data exists. A design life adopted by the Secretary shall be the exclusive method for determining the design life of a best management practice or other control.
(c)(1) If a person is proposing a clean water project for which no pollution reduction value or design life exists for a listed water, the Secretary shall establish a pollution reduction value or design life for that clean water project within 60 days following a request from the person proposing the clean water project. A pollution reduction value or design life established under this subdivision shall be based on a review of pollution reduction values established in the TMDL; pollution reduction values or design lives established by other jurisdictions; pollution reduction values or design lives recommended by organizations that develop pollutant reduction values or design lives for a clean water project; applicable monitored data with respect to a clean water project, if available; modeled data, if available; actual data documenting the design life of a clean water project; or a comparison to other similar projects or programs if no other data on a pollution reduction value or design life exists. Any estimate developed under this subsection by the Secretary shall be posted on the Agency of Natural Resources’ website.
(2) Upon the request of a clean water service provider, the Secretary shall evaluate a proposed clean water project and issue a determination as to whether the proposed clean water project is eligible to receive funding as a part of a Water Quality Restoration Formula Grant awarded by the State pursuant to section 925 of this title.
(d)(1) The Secretary shall conduct the analysis required by subsections (a) and (b) of this section for clean water projects and design lives related to phosphorous not later than November 1, 2021.
(2) By not later than November 1, 2023, the Secretary shall adopt a schedule for implementing the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section for clean water projects and design lives related to all other impairments not listed under subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(e) The Secretary shall periodically review pollution reduction values and design lives established under this section at least every five years to determine the adequacy or accuracy of a pollution reduction value or design life.
(f)(1) When implementing the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Secretary shall follow the type 3 notice process established in section 7714 of this title.
(2) When implementing the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary shall follow the type 4 notice process in section 7715 of this title. (Added 2019, No. 76, § 1.)

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