Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation – Montpelier, VT

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is the state’s lead agency for environmental protection, operating under the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). Headquartered in the National Life Building (Davis Building) in Montpelier, the DEC preserves and manages Vermont’s natural resources, including air, water, and land quality. Founded in 1987, the department serves as the primary regulator for environmental laws, overseeing permitting, compliance, and scientific monitoring to protect public health and the environment.

Key Divisions

• Water Investment and Watershed Management: Protects Vermont’s 800 lakes and 23,000 miles of rivers. Manages the Clean Water Initiative, dam safety, and wastewater infrastructure.
• Air Quality and Climate: Monitors air pollutants, enforces emission standards, and implements climate mitigation strategies.
• Waste Management: Regulates hazardous materials, underground storage tanks (USTs), and oversees the Brownfields Reuse Program.
• Drinking Water Protection: Ensures the safety of public drinking water systems and regulates wastewater disposal.

Permitting and Operations

The DEC processes thousands of environmental permits annually through the ANR Online portal. The department houses the Vermont Geological Survey and the Environmental Enforcement division. Visitors to the Montpelier headquarters must check in at the security desk in the main lobby and present a valid photo ID. The facility is fully ADA accessible and offers visitor parking. While the department encourages voluntary compliance, it maintains rigorous inspection schedules to enforce state environmental regulations.