Public Attitudes Survey

An eroding streambank on the Mettowee River near Pawlet is an example of a common contributor to sedimentation and pollution in the watershed. Photo by Marli Rupe

Survey data reveals many attitudes toward water pollution

POULTNEY — According to recently released results of a telephone survey conducted by the Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, there are a variety of factors perceived to be contributing to water pollution in the watershed. Yet, the study finds, not many residents recognize they could be among the causes of the pollution.

According to the Partnership’s coordinator, Mary Jeanne Packer, "Green Mountain College students called nearly 1200 households in a five week period." About 300 residents "from all seventeen towns within the watershed in Vermont and New York participated," Packer said.

Funding for the research came from the Vermont Community Fund and the Lake Champlain Basin Program with in-kind contributions from UVM Sea Grant Program and Syracuse University.

Streambank, lakeshore, or land erosion was seen as somewhat of a problem by 135 of the 290 respondents; and another 37 respondents thought that erosion was a very serious or serious problem. Runoff from gravel roads, parking lots, and driveways was also named as somewhat of a problem by 121 respondents and a serious or very serious problem by another 62 people.

Over one-third (108) thought that farm and orchard pesticide use was a serious or very serious problem. 89 of the respondents were concerned about the disposal of oil, antifreeze, paint, or other household chemicals. And almost the same number (88) saw municipal sewers or residential septic systems as a serious or very serious problem; and another 102 people thought they were somewhat of a problem.

While there was little agreement as to the one single cause of pollution, residents appeared be aware that many things could be contributing to the pollution. What was found less frequently was an understanding by watershed residents that they were possibly personally contributing to the pollution through their own actions. Over one-half (51%) of the respondents replied that the lakes, streams, or wetlands in the watershed were either somewhat polluted or very polluted. Yet, only 23% of the respondents felt that the waters near their homes were polluted.

A publication of The Friends of UVM’s Horticulture Research Center says there are several things that people can do to prevent pollution and "stop erosion before it starts." They can plant native shrubs, plants or grass seed on the banks of rivers, streams, or any exposed soil to hold the soil. People can also help by conserving water when working in their gardens. The excess water ends up contributing to erosion as it makes its way toward rivers. People can limit the amount of fertilizer used on their lawns. Fertilizer contains phosphorus and nitrogen, both of which contribute to algae blooms.

For a complete copy of the survey or the published survey analysis, contact the Poultney-Mettowee Watershed Partnership office.

 

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