The bill H.113 proposes to declare Lake Memphremagog a "lake in crisis" due to significant environmental concerns, particularly related to phosphorus runoff that is causing excessive algal growth and posing threats to public health and natural resources. The bill emphasizes the lake's importance to both Vermont and Quebec, highlighting its role as a drinking water source for over 175,000 people and its economic significance. The General Assembly recognizes the need for immediate action to improve the lake's water quality and has committed to dedicating additional resources to address these issues.

Key changes in the bill include the elimination of the requirement that a municipality must demonstrate declining real property values for a lake to be designated as "in crisis." This allows for a more proactive approach to addressing the lake's environmental challenges. The bill also mandates that the crisis response plan for Lake Memphremagog will include controls on discharges of effluent into its tributaries. The effective date for the declaration of Lake Memphremagog as a lake in crisis is immediate upon passage, while the revised criteria for lake designation will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1310, 10-1311(c), 10-1311