The Agency's investigation was performed by Environmental Enforcement Officer Ted Cantwell. Cantwell discovered that in 2007 Solarbee, Inc. installed three solar-powered water circulators in St. Albans Bay in Lake Champlain in an effort to reduce algae growth. These units were removed in the fall of 2007 and transported back to North Dakota. While in transit they were stopped in Minnesota and cited by that state for moving Zebra Mussels through the state. This was also a violation of Vermont state law.

After the investigation was completed, Solarbee, Inc. agreed to settle the matter. The settlement was reduced to an assurance of discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court on July 21. In it, Solarbee, Inc. agreed to that a civil penalty of $300 will be paid to the State of Vermont for the violations and that a $1,000 supplemental environmental project will be funded.

Since the incident occurred, Solarbee, Inc. has adopted a different protocol to prevent a repeat of this violation.

Involved Program: Water Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation

Environmental Enforcement Officer: Ted Cantwell

For Further Information please contact:
Attorney Gary Kessler at 208-241-3820 or email to gary.kessler@state.vt.us