An act relating to establishing criteria for the application of alum to Vermont waters

This bill requires permits for applying alum (a chemical treatment used to reduce harmful algae blooms) to Vermont lakes, ponds, and other waterbodies. It directly affects municipalities or entities seeking to treat water quality issues caused by cyanobacteria blooms. The permit process mandates applicants to prove the water quality damage is severe, demonstrate they've explored alternatives to alum, commit to reducing phosphorus runoff sources (the root cause of blooms), and conduct pre- and post-treatment environmental monitoring. The Secretary of Natural Resources must establish these permit criteria by December 2026, ensuring alum use is temporary and does not harm aquatic ecosystems.