Nutrient trading system establishment in Vermont

The project goals are to establish and implement an innovative, flexible, cost-effective water quality trading initiative to achieve net reductions in phosphorus loadings into Lake Champlain. The project will involve and improve collaboration among point sources (publicly owned waste water treatment facilities and municipalities) and nonpoint sources (farming sector) and identify cost- effective solutions for achieving phosphorus load reductions. It will also provide incentives to achieve phosphorus reductions from point sources and non-point sources and spur producers to implement best management practices beyond the regulatory requirements by using a nutrient trading model. The project will also achieve other benefits, including enhanced ecosystem function, improved soil management at the farm, improved economic viability of the farming sector and greater food security.