The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is an agency of the Vermont government that is dedicated to preserving, enhancing, restoring, and conserving the state's natural resources. Working alongside the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the DEC's mission is to protect human health and ensure the well-being of future generations. They achieve this by managing and regulating various aspects of the environment, including air quality and climate, land and water resources, waste management, and geological hazards.
The DEC is responsible for overseeing the quality of Vermont's surface water resources, which include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands. They also manage the state's drinking water supplies and groundwater resources, ensuring their protection and regulating wastewater disposal activities that could impact groundwater. Additionally, the DEC monitors and regulates air quality and pollution sources, oversees the use and treatment of hazardous and solid wastes, and conducts geologic mapping to identify natural hazards. Through their programs and initiatives, the DEC plays a crucial role in safeguarding Vermont's environment for the benefit of both the present and future generations.
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