Irene Response Update
Gravel removal from streams can create more problems than it solves.
On November 15th at the Vermont statehouse, lawmakers discussed issues surrounding gravel extraction as a response to Tropical Storm Irene. They heard from academics and state regulators about how removing gravel can often exacerbate downstream flooding by increasing water flow and power. During and soon after Irene, emergency regulations went into place that loosened restrictions on removing gravel from streams in order to avoid further loss of roads and bridges. Since then, the emergency regulations have been lifted and normal permits are once again required for gravel extraction. Permitting ensures that proposed projects will actually provide benefits without unduly jeopardizing people and property downstream. Many towns have argued that they should be able to remove more gravel but state river engineers often disagree.
LCC will continue to advocate for a balanced approach to managing our rivers and streams - an approach that protects the integrity of our ecosystems while acknowledging human components of the landscape.
We will provide outreach to public officials, municipalities, citizens’ groups, and you, our members, about the critical role river floodplains play in lake protection. We must take this opportunity to protect our rivers. By doing so, we reduce future pollution loading to the lake and better guard public safety and property. Planning and adapting today increases the resilience of our lake and our communities for future flood events.
