NoNAIS.org

From Amy at RuralVermont.org:

By now you have probably heard that Vermont Compost Company (VCC) was ordered to shut down its Montpelier operation - they have been issued a “Cease and Desist” order and fined $18,000 from the Natural Resources Board on July 7th. VCC has appealed this order and the appeal is pending. The dispute stems from a question about how the state will regulate composting operations and whether they need Act 250 permits.

This past legislative session a bill was passed that called for a “time out” on enforcement around composting and Act 250 until the relevant agencies and departments could work out a regulatory scheme that makes sense and is clear in terms of the rules. Vermont Compost Company - because of a technicality in legislative language - was not included in that “time out.” We need your help to ask the Douglas administration to back off and allow VCC the same opportunity as other composters in the state to know what the rules are and to comply with them accordingly.

Stay informed! Check out nofavt.org for updates. You will soon also be able to download a petition to collect signatures and send in to NOFA to help VCC.

Here’s what YOU can do TODAY to help support Vermont Compost Company and the future of food grade composting in Vermont:

1) Write a LETTER TO THE EDITOR in support of Vermont Compost Company. Ask the Douglas administration to include VCC in the same two year moratorium extended to other compost producers in the state. Send it to your local papers and beyond. Contact information can be found at WriteIte.

2) Make a DONATION to the Vermont Compost Company Legal Defense Fund. Fighting the state of Vermont is an expensive battle, and VCC needs your financial support to cover the mounting legal fees. Make an online contribution to the Vermont Compost Company Legal Defense Fund at http://vermontcompost.com/.

3) Go to the Brunch! The Vermont Compost Company, in partnership with LACE, Rural Vermont, and NOFA, will host a brunch to benefit the Vermont Compost Company Legal Fund. Brunch will feature Vermont Compost Co. eggs and other local farm fresh foods, along with guest speakers and a silent auction.C ome out and show your support for the Vermont Compost Company!

Sunday, August 24th
10 am - 2 pm
LACE, Main Street, BARRE
$25 for adults; kids/family price TBD

For more info, to volunteer or to donate to the silent auction, contact:
Jessica Bernier
(802) 279-1261
jessicabernier@ymail.com