Bill H.652 aims to enhance the protection of Lake Memphremagog by prohibiting the discharge of leachate from landfills or solid waste management facilities into its watershed, regardless of whether the leachate is treated or untreated. This prohibition extends to both direct discharges and the transfer of leachate to wastewater treatment facilities within the watershed. The bill emphasizes the importance of Lake Memphremagog as a vital resource for drinking water, recreation, and wildlife habitat, and highlights the environmental and public health risks associated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

To implement this prohibition, the bill introduces new legal language that defines the restrictions on leachate discharge and clarifies the definitions of "landfill" and "solid waste management facility." The bill also underscores the need for increased oversight by Vermont environmental agencies to prevent harmful discharges into the lake, citing previous instances of untreated leachate disposal and the inadequacy of current treatment systems to remove hazardous PFAS. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1259