Attorney General’s Office Settles Agricultural Water Quality Case

Franklin County farm to pay civil penalties of $78,000 and implement corrective actions

Attorney General Charity Clark today announced a settlement with Jacques Parent and others for alleged water quality violations at a large farm operation in Franklin County. The settlement resolves claims brought by the Attorney General's Office on behalf of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and Agency of Natural Resources.

The agencies identified numerous violations at the farm including spreading manure on snow and discharging to surface waters, failing to properly manage silage leachate, failing to maintain vegetative buffer strips designed to protect nearby waterways, and using a manure pit that wasn't property certified. The settlement papers allege these activities violated Vermont's Required Agricultural Practices, Large Farm Operations Rules, and a statutory prohibition against water pollution discharges. To address the alleged violations, Mr. Parent will pay a civil penalty of $78,000, and the farm will implement corrective actions to address the areas of concern.

"We all know how important it is to keep Vermont's waterways clean and safe," said Attorney General Clark. "I appreciate the Agencies' work on this case and the farm's willingness to take responsibility."

The settlement was filed with the Franklin Superior Court. The Court signed the settlement order on April 13, 2026. A copy of the Court's order is available on our website.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171