Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) announced Wednesday that Thomson Timber Harvesting and Trucking LLC (Thompson Timber), a company that performs logging activities in Vermont, was fined $32,550 for violating the Vermont Wetland Rules and failing to follow Acceptable Management Practices (AMPs) for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont.
Healthy forests, wetlands, and waterways provide valuable and necessary services to the public and environment such as wildlife habitat and water quality protection. Vermont’s laws aim to improve water quality over time, protect wetland functions and values, and reduce existing risks, all while maintaining a working forested landscape and a vibrant forest-based economy.
AMPs for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont are designed to protect water quality and ensure that loggers are in compliance with the Vermont Water Quality Standards by providing measures to utilize before, during, and after logging operations.
"Being a responsible logger entails prioritizing the health of our forests and waterways," says Danielle Fitzko, FPR Commissioner. "By adhering to the acceptable management practices, loggers play an essential role in safeguarding water quality."
“Companies engaging in activities that have the potential to impact wetlands and waterways are responsible for complying with applicable regulations,” says Jason Batchelder, DEC Commissioner. “It is important to hold responsible those who do not take required measures to minimize impacts on the environment.”
Between 2017 and 2020, Thomson Timber engaged in logging activities on two properties in Bridgewater and Thetford. During site visits, Agency staff observed several discharges caused by the failure to properly install stream crossings, construct waterbars, smooth ruts, and seed and mulch exposed soils. Agency staff also observed alterations to wetland and vernal pool habitat and hydrology from excessive brush and rutting.
Thompson Timber completed remediation of the sites in the summer of 2021 with the help of Agency oversight. Thomson Timber also agreed to a fine of $32,550 for the violations. This agreement was incorporated into a Final Judicial Order of the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division on May 1, 2024.
For more information about DEC’s Watershed Management Division, including educational resources about wetland functions and values and wetland resources for landowners, visit https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/wetlands. For more information about FPR’s Forestry Division, including AMPs and other resources for logging activities, visit https://fpr.vermont.gov/forests.
Source: 5.8.2024. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Montpelier, Website
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