Vermont is seeking public comment through Nov. 11 on a five-year water-quality plan for the Ompompanoosuc, Stevens, Wells and Waits rivers and the surrounding land that drains into them.
The draft Basin 14 plan covers a portion of Vermont's Connecticut River watershed, including towns from Hartford to Barnet. The Department of Environmental Conservation says it identifies about 40 actions to protect and restore rivers, lakes and wetlands.
The first public meeting is Friday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Union School Library, 2420 Route 302 in Wells River. A second meeting is Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Anderson Hall Cafe at Thetford Academy in Thetford Center. Both allow participation through Microsoft Teams.
The plan addresses water pollution from farms, rain and snowmelt runoff, wastewater and habitat damage. It also draws on voluntary lake-watershed projects intended to reduce erosion and protect habitat.
The department's Basin 14 webpage provides the draft, meeting links and comment instructions. The public comment period opened Oct. 10.