April 22, 2010 – Burlington to receive environmental award from EPA

Burlington, VT – April 22, 2010. EPA New England announced today that the City of Burlington will receive an “Environmental Merit” award for the design and implementation of its stormwater management program which is a program of the City’s Department of Public Works. Burlington will be recognized in an awards ceremony today at Faneuil Hall in Boston, planned to coincide with the 40the observance of Earth Day.

The City began a comprehensive review of its stormwater management practices and regulations with the appointment of a Mayor’s Stormwater Task Force in January 2007. The Taskforce included several City departments, citizen representation, and other stakeholders, while taking input from a broad range of sources. The Task Force made a set of recommendations to overhaul City ordinances and establish a fee system for the regulation and enforcement of substantially improved stormwater practices. In December 2008, the Burlington City Council approved the proposed ordinance changes and fee structure, leading to the implementation of the new program in April of 2009.

“Lake Champlain is an invaluable natural resource that promotes economic vitality and tremendous community enjoyment,” said Mayor Kiss. “The steps we’ve taken in Burlington help protect the Lake and our future for years to come. This recognition from the EPA is a testament to the commitment and work of numerous City staff, citizen-volunteers, and Boards and Commissions, among others, on this vital issue.”

The EPA Merit Ward is intended to recognize “teachers, citizen activists, business leaders, scientists, public officials and others who have made outstanding contributions on behalf of our region’s public health and our natural environment.” More information about the EPA New England’s Environmental Merit Award can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/region1/ra/ema/. Scott Gustin of the Planning Department, who served as co-chair of the Mayor’s Task Force, will be attending the awards ceremony in Boston today. More information about the City’s stormwater program can be found at: http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us/stormwater/.