Storm Water

The Bottom Line

Phosphorus continues to appear to be the single most important pollutant entering Burlington Bay through stormwater.  All effluents tested, with the exception of the boat launch areas, consistently had phosphorus concentrations at least double those of background levels in the bay and in many cases were much higher.  This is consistent with the data collected during previous summers.  Growth stimulation of Selenastrum cultures exposed to stormwater indicates that much of this phosphorus is readily available to aquatic plants and algae.  Bacterial contamination is another significant concern, with virtually all samples well above guidelines for protection of human health.

Reducing the amount of untreated stormwater reaching the lake may be an important strategy in reaching the in-lake phosphorus criterion, as stipulated in the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s Opportunities for Action, a Comprehensive Pollution Prevention, Control and Restoration Plan for Lake Champlain.  This long-term management plan was recently revised and signed by outgoing Governor Howard Dean in January 2003.  Both phosphorus reduction and a reduction in bacterial contamination are high priority goals in this management plan.  Better management and treatment of the stormwater reaching Lake Champlain will also reduce bacterial contamination and the amount of priority pollutant metals entering the lake.