Donovan settles water quality claims with Berkshire Farm

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Attorney General’s Office announced it has reached a settlement with a Berkshire, Vermont farm to resolve claims relating to agricultural water quality. In July 2016, the silage leachate pond at Pleasant Valley Farms of Berkshire, LLC discharged into the nearby Godin Brook. The leachate discharge flowed at least 7,200 feet downstream toward the Missisquoi River. Godin Brook is considered impaired for nutrients and outlets in Missisquoi Bay, which is impaired for phosphorus and has one of the highest concentrations of phosphorus of any segment of Lake Champlain.

Under the terms of the settlement, Pleasant Valley Farms agreed to pay $14,000 in civil penalties and agreed not to use the use the pipe/valve system that caused the discharge from the leachate pond. The Attorney General notes that Pleasant Valley Farms cooperated in resolving this violation and reaching this settlement.

Links to filings and the Court’s order:

Pleadings by Agreement
Stipulation for the Entry of Consent Order & Final Judgment Order
Consent Order & Final Judgment Order

Vermont AG: Dec 20, 2017