On October 16, 2025, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) notified Vorsteveld, LLP, a large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) in Panton, Vermont, of their intent to sue for federal Clean Water Act violations.
Key Facts
• The Vorsteveld CAFO is violating the Clean Water Act by dumping pollutants into Vermont waterways that feed into Lake Champlain.
• All samples were obtained from legally accessible public navigable waterways.
• Numerous outfall pipes on the operation pour toxic pesticides and other pollutants directly into the tributaries of Lake Champlain without a permit.
• The legal amount of pollution without a federal discharge permit is zero. The Chemicals Draining from theVorsteveld CAFO are Toxic.
• Testing found multiple harmful pollutants, including atrazine, clothianidin, and metolachlor.
• Atrazine is a hormone-disrupting herbicide that was banned in Europe in 2004 and has been linked to birth defects, cancers, and other health risks. Atrazine was documented at a level 50 times higher than what EPA considers safe for drinking water.
Vorsteveld, LLP is breaking federal law. Unregulated pollution poses a grave risk to people and wildlife in our communities.
Vermonters shouldn’t have to worry that the mega farm next door is poisoning their water.
• Clothianidin is a modern-day DDT that spreads rapidly through the environment and is known to devastate pollinators and aquatic ecosystems.
• Out of 92 water samples collected from the Vorsteveld operation’s pipes over two years, 99% contained clothianidin at concentrations that exceed the EPA’s safety benchmark.
• At these levels, it wipes out the mayflies, caddisflies, and midges that food webs, clean water, and fisheries rely on.
• Metolachlor is another herbicide also banned in Europe and classified as a possible human carcinogen.
Holding Vorsteveld Accountable
• The notice is the first step in CLF and VNRC’s efforts to hold the Vorsteveld CAFO accountable for pouring toxic chemicals from its operation at levels that far exceed state and federal safety standards.
• Vermont farmers are vital to our state and regional economy. We know the agricultural community cares deeply about our environment and the health of our waters.
• No one should be allowed to pollute Vermont’s waterways at these exceptionally high levels.
What’s Next?
• Following the October 16 Notice of Intent, Vorsteveld has 60 days to respond before CLF and VNRC may commence a lawsuit in federal court.
• During the next 60 days, CLF and VNRC will be available to discuss potential remedies and actions with Vorsteveld to avoid litigation if they choose.
• It is likely that Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources will be involved since they are the Clean Water Act permitting authority for the State of Vermont.
What Can I Do?
• We encourage you to share your concerns about the impact of pesticide pollution in your communities by talking to neighbors and community members. For more information and litigation updates, visit Vermont Natural Resources Council or Conservation Law Foundation.