reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 59 - Underground and Aboveground Liquid Storage Tanks › § 1938. Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund

§ 1938. Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund
There is hereby created in the State Treasury a fund to be known as the Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, to be expended by the Secretary of Natural Resources as allowed by federal law. The Secretary may accept and use funds available through the federal underground storage tank trust fund for those purposes. All balances in the Fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward and remain a part of the fund. Interest earned by the Fund shall be deposited into the Fund. The Secretary may seek reimbursement of the funds expended. Funds recovered shall be deposited as required by federal regulations. Disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants drawn by the Commissioner of Finance and Management. (Added 1987, No. 85, § 2, eff. June 9, 1987; amended 1987, No. 76, § 18.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 59 - Underground and Aboveground Liquid Storage Tanks › § 1939. Risk retention pool

§ 1939. Risk retention pool
The owners and operators of underground storage tanks may obtain the advice of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, and may establish an insurance pool. The Commissioner shall adopt rules to assist in the formation of such pools and to expedite approval of any plan of operation. The Commissioner shall also adopt rules relating to the administration and operation of such pools in order to provide for the fiscal integrity of agreements entered into and to provide that trade, market, and claim practices engaged in are equitable, fair, and consistent. The establishment of such a pool shall conform to all requirements of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation and applicable State and federal laws, rules, and regulation. (Added 1987, No. 85, § 2, eff. June 9, 1987; amended 1989, No. 225 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 38(a); 2011, No. 78 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 2, 2012.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 59 - Underground and Aboveground Liquid Storage Tanks › § 1940. Underground storage tank incentive program

§ 1940. Underground storage tank incentive program
(a) The owners of a retail gasoline outlet that sells less than 20,000 gallons of gasoline per month and that desire assistance to replace underground storage tanks in compliance with this chapter, and municipalities with a population of less than 2,500 people may apply to the Secretary for such assistance. The financial assistance may be in the form of grants of up to $5,000.00 or the cost of complying with the requirements of this chapter, whichever is less.
(b) The application shall be supported by information covering:
(1) proof of tank ownership;
(2) an estimated cost of tank replacement;
(3) the amount and type of assistance requested;
(4) a tank replacement schedule;
(5) in the case of gasoline stations, the monthly volume of gasoline sales for the previous 12 months;
(6) such other information and assurances as the Secretary may require.
(c) In cases of applications from the owners of retail gasoline outlets, priority shall be given to those applicants from areas with a low density of retail gasoline outlets and for whom the expense of tank replacement is likely to cause termination of retail gasoline services.
(d) Assistance in accordance with this section shall be provided from funds authorized for this purpose from the oil overcharge funds. (Added 1987, No. 85, § 2, eff. June 9, 1987.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 59 - Underground and Aboveground Liquid Storage Tanks › § 1943. Petroleum tank assessment

§ 1943. Petroleum tank assessment
(a) Each owner of a category one tank used for storage of petroleum products shall annually remit to the Secretary $100.00 per double-wall tank system; $250.00 per combination tank system if the single-wall tank has been lined; $500.00 for all other combination tank systems; and $1,000.00 per single-wall tank system, which shall be deposited to the Petroleum Cleanup Fund established by section 1941 of this title, except that:
(1) For retail gasoline outlets that sell less than 40,000 gallons of motor fuel per month, the fee shall be:
(A) $75.00 per double-wall tank system;
(B) $125.00 per combination tank system; and
(C) $175.00 per single-wall tank system.
(2) The fee shall be reduced by 50 percent if the owner or permittee provides to the satisfaction of the Secretary evidence of financial responsibility to allow the taking of corrective action in the amount of $100,000.00 per occurrence and the compensation of third parties for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of $300,000.00 per occurrence.
(3) The fee shall be relieved if the owner provides to the satisfaction of the Secretary, evidence of financial responsibility to allow the taking of corrective action and the compensation of third parties for bodily injury and property damage each in the amount of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.
(4) The fee for retail motor fuel outlets selling 20,000 gallons or less per month shall not exceed $100.00 per year for all double-wall tanks at a single location and shall not exceed $300.00 for all combination tank systems at a single location. This cap shall not apply to a retail motor fuel outlet utilizing a single-wall tank system.
(5) For any municipality that uses an annual average of less than 40,000 gallons of motor fuel per month, provided that all of the tanks of that municipality meet the requirements of this chapter, the fee shall be:
(A) $50.00 per double-wall tank system;
(B) $100.00 per combination tank system; and
(C) $150.00 per single-wall tank system.
(b) For purposes of this section, an occurrence is an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to conditions, that results in the release of petroleum from one or more underground storage tanks at the same site.
(c) This tank assessment shall terminate on July 1, 2029.
(d) The Secretary shall establish forms and procedures for the payment of the petroleum tank assessment, including a notice of the obligation 30 days prior to being due. Failure to receive notice shall not waive the payment obligation. (Added 1987, No. 282 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1989, No. 110, §§ 9a, 10; 1993, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1997, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. April 23, 1998; 2003, No. 48, § 3, eff. June 2, 2003; 2007, No. 76, § 31; 2009, No. 22, § 6; 2011, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 55, § 5, eff. July 1, 2014; 2017, No. 168 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. May 22, 2018.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 63 - Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain's Future › § 1960. Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain’s future created

§ 1960. Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain’s future created
(a) The Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain’s future is created to gather and disseminate information and make recommendations about the condition and management of the waters of the Lake Champlain basin region. The Advisory Committee shall consist of 14 members: two Senators appointed by the Committee on Committees, two Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, and ten Vermont citizens, including one recommended by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets, who come from a variety of geographic locations in Vermont appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate. The Advisory Committee shall elect a chair by a majority vote of its members. Legislative Committee members shall serve two-year terms that coincide with their term of office, or until the biennial appointment of successors. Other Advisory Committee members shall be appointed for three-year terms, except that initial appointments shall be for staggered terms.
(b) Advisory Committee members shall receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010 and shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in performance of their duties as Advisory Committee members.
(c) The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, may appoint an executive director who shall be an exempt State employee and who shall report to the Secretary.
(d) The Advisory Committee shall be assigned to the Agency of Natural Resources for budgetary and administrative purposes.
(e) The Advisory Committee shall present a proposed budget to the Secretary before September 15 of each year.
(f) [Repealed.] (Added 1989, No. 265 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2007, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 32.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 64 - Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit › § 1971. Purpose

§ 1971. Purpose
It is the purpose of this chapter to:
(1) establish a comprehensive program to regulate the construction, replacement, modification, and operation of potable water supplies and wastewater systems in the State in order to protect human health and the environment, including potable water supplies, surface water, and groundwater;
(2) eliminate duplicative or unnecessary permitting requirements through the consolidation of existing authorities and, where appropriate, the use of permits by rule;
(3) allow the use of alternative, innovative, and experimental technologies for the treatment and disposal of wastewater in the appropriate circumstances;
(4) protect the investment of homeowners through a flexible remediation process for failed potable water supplies and wastewater systems;
(5) increase reliance on and the accountability of the private sector for the design and installation of potable water supplies and wastewater systems, through licensing and enforcement; and
(6) allow delegation of the permitting program created by this chapter to municipalities demonstrating the capacity to administer the chapter. (Added 2001, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 13, 2002.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 64 - Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit › § 1975. Designer licenses

§ 1975. Designer licenses
(a) The Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, after due consultation with the Secretary, shall establish and implement a process to license and periodically renew the licenses of designers of potable water supplies or wastewater systems, establish different classes of licensing for different potable water supplies and wastewater systems, and allow individuals to be licensed in various categories.
(b) A person shall not design a potable water supply or wastewater system that requires a permit under this chapter without first obtaining a designer license from the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, except a professional engineer who is licensed in Vermont shall be deemed to have a valid designer license under this chapter, provided that:
(1) the engineer is practicing within the scope of his or her engineering specialty; and
(2) the engineer:
(A) to design a soil-based wastewater system, has satisfactorily completed a college-level soils identification course with specific instruction in the areas of soils morphology, genesis, texture, permeability, color, and redoximorphic features;
(B) has passed a soils identification test administered by the Secretary; or
(C) retains one or more licensed designers who have taken the course specified in this subdivision or passed the soils identification test, whenever performing work regulated under this chapter.
(c) [Repealed.]
(d) The Secretary or the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation may review, on a random basis, or in response to a complaint, or on his or her own motion, the testing procedures employed by a licensed designer, the systems designed by a licensed designer, the designs approved or recommended for approval by a licensed designer, and any work associated with the performance of these tasks.
(e) [Repealed.]
(f) If a person who signs a design or installation certification submitted under this chapter certifies a design, installation, or related design or installation information and, as a result of the person’s failure to exercise reasonable professional judgment, submits design or installation information that is untrue or incorrect, or submits a design or installs a wastewater system or potable water supply that does not comply with the rules adopted under this chapter, the person who signed the certification may be disciplined by the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation and be required to take all actions to remediate the affected project in accordance with the provisions of chapters 201 and 211 of this title.
(g) In response to a complaint, or on his or her own motion, the Secretary shall refer deficiencies in design or installation performed under this chapter by a professional engineer to the Board of Professional Engineering for further investigation and potential disciplinary action. (Added 2001, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 13, 2002; amended 2007, No. 32, § 5, eff. May 18, 2007; 2015, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. Jan. 1, 2017.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 64 - Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit › § 1977. Appeals

§ 1977. Appeals
Appeals of any act or decision of the Department under this subchapter shall be made in accordance with chapter 220 of this title. (Added 2001, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 13, 2002; amended 2003, No. 115 (Adj. Sess.), § 44, eff. Jan. 31, 2005.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 64 - Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit › § 1980. Vermont Technical College demonstration project

§ 1980. Vermont Technical College demonstration project
(a) There is established an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal project that shall be conducted at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph. The project shall be managed by the staff of the college, in conjunction with the Agency of Natural Resources.
(b) The purpose of the project is to provide information to interested local and State officials and members of the public with respect to the range of options that have been approved by the State and that are available for on-site systems, the relative effectiveness of various approved experimental and innovative systems, and their respective strengths and weaknesses.
(c) The project shall be designed with space sufficient to accommodate the demonstration of new designs for systems, as those designs are developed, during a number of years. (Added 2001, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 13, 2002.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 64 - Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit › § 1981. Surface water source; potable water supply

§ 1981. Surface water source; potable water supply
The Secretary shall approve the use of a surface water as the source of a potable water supply under this chapter if the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) the building or structure using the surface water as a source is a single-family residence occupied by the owner of record;
(2) only one single-family residence shall be served by a potable water supply using a surface water as a source;
(3) a single-family residence with a potable water supply using a surface water as a source shall not be used as the site of a home occupation that employs persons other than family members and is visited by the public in a manner or duration that would presume the need for use of a potable water supply;
(4) a professional engineer shall design the potable water supply using a surface water as a source, including a treatment system for the surface water;
(5) only surface waters that meet criteria adopted by the Secretary by rule are eligible as the source of a potable water supply permitted under this chapter; and
(6) the applicant or permit holder shall comply with other criteria and requirements adopted by the Secretary by rule for potable water supplies using a surface water as a source. (Added 2015, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2017.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 64 - Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit › § 1982. Testing of groundwater sources

§ 1982. Testing of groundwater sources
(a) Definition. As used in this section, “groundwater source” means that portion of a potable water supply that draws water from the ground, including a drilled well, shallow well, driven well point, or spring.
(b) Testing prior to new use. Prior to use of a new groundwater source as a potable water supply, the person who owns or controls the groundwater source shall test the groundwater source for the parameters set forth in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) Parameters of testing. A water sample collected under this section shall be analyzed for, at a minimum: arsenic, lead, uranium, gross alpha radiation, total coliform bacteria, total nitrate and nitrite, fluoride, manganese, and any other parameters required by the Agency by rule. The Agency by rule may require testing for a parameter by region or specific geographic area of concern.
(d) Submission of test results. Results of the testing required under subsection (b) shall be submitted, in a form provided by the Department of Health, to the Department of Health and, when required by the Secretary pursuant to a permit, to the Secretary.
(e) Rulemaking. The Secretary, after consultation with the Department of Health, the Wastewater and Potable Water Supply Technical Advisory Committee, private laboratories, and other interested parties, shall adopt by rule requirements regarding:
(1) when, prior to use of a new groundwater source, the test required under subsection (b) of this section shall be conducted;
(2) who shall be authorized to sample the source for the test required under subsections (b) and (c) of this section, provided that the rule shall include the person who owns or controls the groundwater source and licensed well drillers among those authorized to sample the source;
(3) how a water sample shall be collected in order to comply with the requirements of the analyses to be performed; and
(4) any other requirements necessary to implement this section.
(f) Marketability of title. Noncompliance with the requirements of this section shall not affect the marketability of title or create a defect in title of a property, provided water test results required under this section are forwarded, prior to the conveyance of the property, to the Department of Health and, when required by the Secretary pursuant to a permit, to the Agency. (Added 2017, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. July 1, 2019.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 77 - Camel's Hump State Park and Camel's Hump Forest Reserve › § 2351. Creation

§ 2351. Creation
(a) All lands in the Camel’s Hump region extending from Route 17 north to the Winooski River and from the Huntington River to the Mad River, are hereby declared to make up the Camel’s Hump Forest Reserve.
(b) All lands owned by the State in the Camel’s Hump Forest Reserve shall be known as Camel’s Hump State Park. (Added 1969, No. 71, § 3.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 77 - Camel's Hump State Park and Camel's Hump Forest Reserve › § 2353. Use districts

§ 2353. Use districts
In the establishment of the Forest Reserve and administration of the Park, three districts shall be designated as follows:
(1) One area shall be designated as the ecological area to protect scarce and rare plants, to preserve the natural habitat, and to maintain the wilderness aspect. This area will extend from approximately 2,500 feet m.s.l. to the summit, and from 900 feet m.s.l. to 2,500 feet m.s.l. in the Gleason Brook drainage.
(2) A timber management and wildlife area shall be designated to produce forest products, to protect the ecological area, to encourage wildlife habitat, and to preserve the natural appearance of the region as seen from surrounding areas. This area will extend approximately from 1,800 feet m.s.l. to 2,500 feet m.s.l. except within the Gleason Brook drainage basin as indicated in subdivision (1) of this section. Uses of this area will include sustained production of timber, water conservation, wildlife management, hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature appreciation.
(3) The balance of the land within the Reserve shall be designated as a multiple-use area. Uses of this area shall include farming, vacation, and permanent residences in addition to those enumerated in the timber management area. (Added 1969, No. 71, § 3; amended 1973, No. 28.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 77 - Camel's Hump State Park and Camel's Hump Forest Reserve › § 2353a. Permitted uses

§ 2353a. Permitted uses
In addition to the uses stipulated in the three districts enumerated in section 2353 of this title, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation may establish other permitted uses in conjunction with the development and adoption of a comprehensive management plan for the Camel’s Hump State Park. Due consideration shall be given to the relationship and compatibility of such permitted uses with the purposes established for each of the three districts. (Added 1975, No. 51, § 1, eff. April 15, 1975; amended 1993, No. 7, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2461. Payment of fire fighting expense

§ 2461. Payment of fire fighting expense
Whenever fire fighters or equipment, or both, are called from without the State to fight a forest fire or fires within this State, payment of the expense incurred therefor shall be made by the Commissioner of Finance and Management directly to the state from which came such fire fighters or equipment, or both, upon presentation to the Commissioner of Finance and Management by the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation of proper vouchers covering such expense, the funds for such payment to be taken from the appropriation for forest fire suppression. (1959, No. 328 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; amended 1971, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1983, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5(b).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2462. Mutual aid compact

§ 2462. Mutual aid compact
(a) The Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation may enter into agreements with the federal government and other states outside the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact to provide and accept assistance, including training of personnel, for the purpose of mutual fire protection. Any employee of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation assigned to fire control duties or training programs outside this State shall be considered to be working in this State for purposes of compensation and any other employee benefits.
(b) The Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation may not enter into any agreement under this section that supersedes or conflicts with sections 2501 through 2515 of this title. (Added 1971, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2501. Purpose—Article I

§ 2501. Purpose—Article I
The purpose of this compact is to promote effective prevention and control of forest fires in the northeastern region of the United States and adjacent areas in Canada by the development of integrated forest fire plans, by the maintenance of adequate forest fire fighting services by the member states, by providing for mutual aid in fighting forest fires among the states of the region and for procedures that will facilitate such aid, and by the establishment of a central agency to coordinate the services of member states and perform such common services as member states may deem desirable.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2502. Effective date; new member states—Article II

§ 2502. Effective date; new member states—Article II
This agreement shall become operative immediately as to those states ratifying it whenever any two or more of the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have ratified it and the Congress has given its consent. Any state not mentioned in this article which is contiguous with any member state may become a party to this compact. Subject to the consent of the Congress of the United States, any province of the Dominion of Canada which is contiguous with any member state may become a party to this compact by taking such action as its laws and the laws of the Dominion of Canada may prescribe for ratification. In this event, the term “state” in this compact shall include within its meaning the term “province” and the procedures prescribed shall be applied in the instance of such provinces, in accordance with the forms and practices of the Canadian government.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2503. Commission; membership—Article III

§ 2503. Commission; membership—Article III
Each state joining herein shall appoint three representatives to a commission hereby designated as the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission. One shall be the state forester or officer holding an equivalent position in such state who is responsible for forest fire control. The second shall be a member of the legislature of such state designated by the commission or committee on interstate cooperation of such state, or if there be none, or if said commission on interstate cooperation cannot constitutionally designate the said member, such legislator shall be designated by the governor thereof; provided that if it is constitutionally impossible to appoint a legislator as a commissioner from such state, the second member shall be appointed by the governor of said state in his or her discretion. The third member shall be a person designated by the governor as the responsible representative of the governor. In the event that any province of the Dominion of Canada shall become a member of this Commission, it shall designate three members who will approximate this pattern of representation to the extent possible under the law and practices of such province. This Commission shall be a body corporate with the powers and duties set forth herein.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2504. Powers and duties of Commission—Article IV

§ 2504. Powers and duties of Commission—Article IV
It shall be the duty of the Commission to make inquiry and ascertain from time to time such methods, practices, circumstances and conditions as may be disclosed for bringing about the prevention and control of forest fires in the area comprising the member states, to coordinate the forest fire plans and the work of the appropriate agencies of the member states and to facilitate the rendering of aid by the member states to each other in fighting forest fires.
The Commission shall formulate and, in accordance with need, from time to time, revise a regional forest fire plan for the entire region covered by the compact which shall serve as a common forest fire plan for that area.
The Commission shall, more than one month prior to any regular meeting of the legislature in any signatory state, present to the governor and to the legislature of the state its recommendations relating to enactments to be made by the legislature of that state in furthering the interests and purposes of this compact.
The Commission shall consult with and advise the appropriate administrative agencies of the states party hereto with regard to problems connected with the prevention and control of forest fires and recommend the adoption of such regulations as it deems advisable.
The Commission shall have power to recommend to the signatory states any and all measures that will effectuate the prevention and control of forest fires.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2505. Common services—Article V

§ 2505. Common services—Article V
Any two or more member states may designate the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission as a joint agency to maintain such common services as those states deem desirable for the prevention and control of forest fires. Except in those cases where all member states join in such designation for common services, the representatives of any group of such designating states in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission shall constitute a separate section of such commission for the performance of the common service or services so designated provided that, if any additional expense is involved, the states so acting shall appropriate the necessary funds for this purpose. The creation of such a section as a joint agency shall not affect the privileges, powers, responsibilities or duties of the states participating therein as embodied in the other articles of this compact.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2506. Cooperation with U.S. Forest Service—Article VI

§ 2506. Cooperation with U.S. Forest Service—Article VI
The Commission may request the U.S. Forest Service to act as the primary research and coordinating agency of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission, in cooperation with the appropriate agencies in each state and the U.S. Forest Service may accept the initial responsibility in preparing and presenting to the Commission its recommendations with respect to the regional fire plan. Representatives of the U.S. Forest Service may attend meetings of the Commission and of groups of member states.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2507. Officers and employees; rules; annual meetings; quorum; sections—Article VII

§ 2507. Officers and employees; rules; annual meetings; quorum; sections—Article VII
The Commission shall annually elect from its members a chair and a vice chair. The Commission shall appoint such officers or employees as may be required to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, shall fix and determine their duties, qualifications and compensation, and may at its pleasure, remove or discharge any such officer or employee. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business. It may establish and maintain one or more offices for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time or place but must meet at least once a year.
A majority of the members of the Commission representing a majority of the signatory states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its general business, but no action of the Commission imposing any obligation on any signatory state shall be binding unless a majority of the members from such signatory state shall have voted in favor thereof. For the purpose of conducting its general business, voting shall be by state units.
The representatives of any two or more member states, upon notice to the Chairman as to the time and purpose of the meeting, may meet as a section for the discussion of problems common to those states.
Sections established by groups of member states shall have the same powers with respect to officers, employees and the maintenance of offices as are granted by this article to the Commission. Sections may adopt such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary for the conduct of their business.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2508. Forest fire plan; aid to member—Article VIII

§ 2508. Forest fire plan; aid to member—Article VIII
It shall be the duty of each member state to formulate and put in effect a forest fire plan for that state and to take such measures as may be recommended by the Commission to integrate such forest fire plan with the regional forest fire plan.
Whenever the state forest fire control agency of a member state requests aid from the state forest fire control agency of any other member state in combatting, controlling or preventing forest fires, it shall be the duty of the state forest fire control agency of that state to render all possible aid to the requesting agency which is consonant with the maintenance of protection at home.
Each signatory state agrees to render aid to the forest service or other agencies of the government of the United States in combatting, controlling or preventing forest fires in areas under their jurisdiction located within the member state or a contiguous member state.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2509. Status of persons rendering aid; liability; reimbursement; compensation and death benefits—Article IX

§ 2509. Status of persons rendering aid; liability; reimbursement; compensation and death benefits—Article IX
Whenever the forces of any member state are rendering outside aid pursuant to the request of another member state under this compact, the employees of such state shall, under the direction of the officers of the state to which they are rendering aid, have the same powers (except the power of arrest), duties, rights, privileges and immunities as comparable employees of the state to which they are rendering aid.
No member state or its officers or employees rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission on the part of such forces while so engaged, or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith.
All liability that may arise either under the laws of the requesting state or under the laws of the aiding state or under the laws of a third state on account of or in connection with a request for aid, shall be assumed and borne by the requesting state.
Any member state rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the member state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment answering a request for aid, and for the cost of all materials, transportation, wages, salaries, and maintenance of employees and equipment incurred in connection with such request. Provided, that nothing herein contained shall prevent any assisting member state from assuming such loss, damage, expense or other cost or from loaning such equipment or from donating such services to the receiving member state without charge or cost.
Each member state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured employees and the representatives of deceased employees in case employees sustain injuries or are killed while rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within such state.
For the purposes of this compact the term employee shall include any volunteer or auxiliary legally included within the forest fire fighting forces of the aiding state under the laws thereof.
The Commission shall formulate procedures for claims and reimbursement under the provisions of this article.
Aid by a member state to an area subject to federal jurisdiction beyond the borders of such state shall not be required under this compact unless substantially the same provisions of this article relative to powers, liabilities, losses and expenses in connection with such aid are embodied in federal laws.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2510. Allocation of costs; budget; records; reports—Article X

§ 2510. Allocation of costs; budget; records; reports—Article X
When appropriations for the support of this Commission or for the support of common services maintained by the Commission or a section thereof under the provisions of Article V are necessary, the Commission or section thereof shall allocate the costs among the states affected with consideration of the amounts of forested land in those states that will receive protection from the service to be rendered and the extent of the forest fire problem involved in each state, and shall submit its recommendations accordingly to the legislatures of the affected states.
The Commission shall submit to the governor of each state, at such time as he or she may request, a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of such state for presentation to the legislature thereof.
The Commission shall keep accurate books of account, showing in full its receipts and disbursements, and said books of account shall be open at any reasonable time to the inspection of such representatives of the respective signatory states as may be duly constituted for that purpose.
On or before the first day of December of each year, the Commission shall submit to the respective governors of the signatory states a full and complete report of its activities for the preceding year.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2511. Advisory committee—Article XI

§ 2511. Advisory committee—Article XI
The representatives from any member state may appoint and consult with an advisory committee composed of persons interested in forest fire protection.
The Commission may appoint and consult with an advisory committee of representatives of all affected groups, private and governmental.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2512. Donations, gifts, grants—Article XII

§ 2512. Donations, gifts, grants—Article XII
The Commission may accept any and all donations, gifts and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services from the federal or any local government, or any agency thereof and from any person, firm or corporation, for any of its purposes and functions under this compact, and may receive and utilize the same subject to the terms, conditions and regulations governing such donations, gifts and grants.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2513. Limitation; responsibility of member; construction—Article XIII

§ 2513. Limitation; responsibility of member; construction—Article XIII
Nothing in this compact shall be construed to authorize or permit any member state to curtail or diminish its forest fire fighting forces, equipment, services or facilities, and it shall be the duty and responsibility of each member state to maintain adequate forest fire fighting forces and equipment to meet normal demands for forest fire protection within its borders.
Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit or restrict the powers of any state ratifying the same to provide for the prevention, control and extinguishment of forest fires, or to prohibit the enactment or enforcement of state laws, rules or regulations intended to aid in such prevention, control and extinguishment in such state.
Nothing in this compact shall be construed to affect any existing or future cooperative relationship or arrangement between the U.S. Forest Service and a member state or states.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2514. Duration—Article XIV

§ 2514. Duration—Article XIV
This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each state ratifying it until the legislature or the governor of such state takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until six months after notice thereof has been sent by the chief executive of the state desiring to withdraw to the chief executives of all states then parties to the compact.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 81 - Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact › § 2515. Intercompact liability—Article XV

§ 2515. Intercompact liability—Article XV
The provisions of Article IX of this compact that relate to mutual aid in combating, controlling, or preventing forest fires shall be operative as between any state party to this compact and any other state that is party to a regional forest fire protection compact in another region provided that the legislature of such other state shall have given its assent to the mutual aid provisions of this compact. (Added 2015, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 13.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 83 - Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation › § 2600. Findings

§ 2600. Findings
The General Assembly finds that:
(1) Private and public forestlands:
(A) constitute unique and irreplaceable resources, benefits, and values of statewide importance;
(B) contribute to the protection and conservation of wildlife habitat, air, water, and soil resources of the State;
(C) mitigate the effects of climate change; and
(D) benefit the general health and welfare of the people of the State.
(2) The forest products industry, including maple sap collection:
(A) is a major contributor to and is valuable to the State’s economy by providing jobs to its citizens;
(B) is essential to the manufacture of forest products that are used and enjoyed by the people of the State; and
(C) benefits the general welfare of the people of the State.
(3) Private and public forestlands are critical for and contribute significantly to the State’s outdoor recreation and tourism economies.
(4) Forestry operations are adversely affected by the encroachment of urban, commercial, and residential land uses throughout the State that result in forest fragmentation and conversion and erode the health and sustainability of remaining forests.
(5) As a result of encroachment on forests, conflicts have arisen between traditional forestry land uses, and urban, commercial, and residential land uses convert forestland permanently to other uses, resulting in an adverse impact to the economy and natural environment of the State.
(6) The encouragement, development, improvement, and preservation of forestry operations will result in a general benefit to the health and welfare of the people of the State and the State’s economy.
(7) The forest products industry, in order to survive, likely will need to change, adopt new technologies, and diversify into new products. (Added 2015, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 83 - Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation › § 2601. Policy and purposes

§ 2601. Policy and purposes
(a) The conservation of the forests, timberlands, woodlands, and soil and recreational resources of the State are hereby declared to be in the public interest. It is the policy of the State to encourage economic management of its forests and woodlands, to sustain long-term forest health, integrity, and productivity, to maintain, conserve, and improve its soil resources, and to control forest pests to the end that forest benefits, including maple sugar production, are preserved for its people, floods and soil erosion are alleviated, hazards of forest fires are lessened, its natural beauty is preserved, its wildlife is protected, the development of its recreational interests is encouraged, the fertility and productivity of its soil are maintained, the impairment of its dams and reservoirs is prevented, its tax base is protected, and the health, safety, and general welfare of its people are sustained and promoted.
(b) The Department shall implement the policies of this chapter by assisting forestland owners and lumber operators in the cutting and marketing of forest growth, encouraging cooperation between forest owners, lumber operators, and the State of Vermont in the practice of conservation and management of forestlands, managing, promoting, and protecting the multiple use of publicly owned forestlands and park lands; planning, constructing, developing, operating, and maintaining the system of State parks; determining the necessity of repairs and replacements to all Department-owned buildings and causing urgent repairs and replacements to be accomplished, with the approval of the Secretary of Administration, if within the limits of specific appropriations or if approved by the Emergency Board; and providing advice and assistance to municipalities, other political subdivisions, State departments, and nongovernmental organizations in the development of wholesome and adequate community or institutional recreation programs.
(c) The Commissioner shall implement the policy established under this section when construing the provisions of this chapter related to the management of forestlands and the construction of chapters 85 and 87 of this title. (Added 1977, No. 253 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1993, No. 233 (Adj. Sess.), § 44, eff. June 21, 1994; 2015, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 83 - Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation › § 2602. Definitions

§ 2602. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Agency” means the Agency of Natural Resources as created by 3 V.S.A. chapter 51.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation within the Agency of Natural Resources.
(3) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
(4) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Natural Resources.
(5) “Forest product” mean logs; pulpwood; veneer; bolt wood; wood chips; stud wood; poles; pilings; biomass; fuel wood; maple sap; or bark.
(6) “Forestry operation” means activities related to the management of forests, including a timber harvest; pruning; planting; reforestation; pest, disease, and invasive species control; wildlife habitat management; and fertilization. “Forestry operation” includes the primary processing of forest products of commercial value on a parcel where the timber harvest occurs.
(7) “Timber” means trees, saplings, seedlings, bushes, shrubs, and sprouts from which trees may grow, of every size, nature, kind, and description.
(8) “Timber harvest” means a forestry operation involving the harvest of timber. (Added 1977, No. 253 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1987, No. 76, § 18; 2015, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)