After decades of poor water quality, central Maine lakes such as Vassalboro’s Webber Pond improve after alewives are reintroduced. By Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal news story VASSALBORO — Frank Richards can remember when regular algae blooms on Webber Pond made having a lakefront home almost unappealing. From July until September, for decades, the Read More
water quality
Why There’s Cause for Concern with Maine’s Water Supply
By Mario Tesil and Kate Warner Bangor Daily News oped As other regions of the country struggle to find adequate supplies of clean water, Maine has abundant, and comparatively clean, water resources. Maine’s water is approximately 20 percent to 60 percent cleaner than lakes and streams in the rest of the United States, according to Read More
Poll: Sportsmen Support New Clean Water Protections
By Tom Porter MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – Environmental advocates in Maine are welcoming the results of a new national survey showing widespread support among sportsmen for the revised Clean Water Act. In May, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency finalized the act’s Clean Water Rule, extending its protections to the smaller streams and wetlands Read More
New Poll: Hunters and Anglers Nationwide Support the EPA’s Clean Water Rule
Sportsmen and women across the political spectrum support protecting smaller streams and wetlands Washington (July 22, 2015)—A new nationwide, bipartisan survey found broad support among hunters and anglers for applying Clean Water Act protections to smaller streams and wetlands. “As every hunter or angler knows, ducks need healthy wetlands and fish need clean water—it’s that Read More
EPA Decision: Maine Water Quality Standards Inadequate for Tribal Waters
By Susan Sharon MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – In a decision that is being welcomed as “historic” by Maine Indian tribes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has asked the state of Maine to revise some water quality standards for tribal waters. The decision comes during ongoing litigation brought by the state against the EPA. Read More
Canadian Mine Disaster Offers Maine a Lesson: Strong Regulations, Enforcement are Critical
By Nick Bennett, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed This year, the Maine Legislature rejected weak regulations that would have allowed mining companies to pollute our waters and shift massive cleanup costs to Maine taxpayers. A recent mine disaster in Canada shows that lawmakers made the right decision. The disaster occurred when the Read More
Quarter-mile Section All that Separates Androscoggin River from Improved Water-quality Standard
by Bonnie Washuk, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story LEWISTON — On a recent August afternoon, outdoorswoman and Bates College retiree Judith Marden was on the Androscoggin River, in Gulf Island Pond, learning to paddleboard. “I’m not very good at it,” the 69-year-old said with a laugh. The first time Marden tried “I fell off Read More
Clean Water Act Protections Vital to Maine Environment, Economy, People
Mainers who care about water quality should contact the EPA during a public comment period. By Nick Bennett Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — Do you hunt or fish in Maine? Do you swim in Maine’s lakes or rivers? Do you drink Maine’s water? Do you own or work for a company that uses water? If Read More
Proposed Tar Sands Ban Gets Standing Ovation in South Portland
But others say the plan would hurt the city’s marine terminals. The council is scheduled to vote July 7. By Kelley Bouchard Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — The auditorium at Mahoney Middle School rocked Wednesday night with a standing ovation and cheers for a proposal that would block tar sands Read More