By the Associated Press Sun Journal news story UNDERHILL, Vt. (AP) – Environmental Protection Agency computer models, developed as the federal agency prepared emission rules for coal-fired power plants, showed that no mercury from their stacks would fall on Vermont. But it does, say scientists working at the Proctor Maple Research Center in Underhill. Eric Read More
Recycling and Product Stewardship
Cleanup of Hazards at Mill Site to Begin
By Betty Adams, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal news story AUGUSTA — The federal government Monday will begin a $1.4 million cleanup of hazardous materials at a defunct paper mill and its waste-water treatment plant along the east bank of the Kennebec River. An investigator called the cleanup “time-critical” and “necessary to prevent imminent and substantial Read More
Eagles’ Success a Cautionary Tale for Policymakers
Maine Sunday Telegram editorial In the 1960s and 1970s, the bald eagle spiraled dangerously toward extinction as contamination by the pesticide DDT and other toxins fatally weakened their eggs. Our national symbol had instead become a symbol of environmental devastation. A ban on DDT, the Endangered Species Act and other laws have helped resurrect this Read More
Maine Takes Another Step Forward in Recycling Toxic Computers and TVs with July 1 Disposal Ban
AUGUSTA, MAINE — On Saturday, July 1, 2006 Maine becomes the third state in the nation to prohibit the landfilling or incineration of old computer monitors and television sets. This step forward in the implementation of Maine’s electronic waste recycling law means that these products will no longer be headed to landfills or incinerators where Read More
Potato Plastic
Bangor Daily News editorial Maine took a small but important step in reducing the prevalence of toxic chemicals in everyday items Wednesday when the governor signed an order changing state purchasing policies to prefer safer alternatives. The order also boosts research and development into safer chemicals and bio-based products. Most people don’t realize that chemicals Read More
Clean Up. That’s An Order.
By Susan M. Cover, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal news story AUGUSTA — Environmentalists hope an executive order signed Wednesday will make the state a cleaner place. In a Cabinet Room ceremony, Gov. John Baldacci signed a document directing the state to avoid buying hazardous products for pest control and lawn care. It also directs the Read More
State Chips Away at Toxic Materials in Waste Stream
by John Richardson, Press Herald writer Maine Sunday Telegram It’s been illegal to throw older home thermostats into the trash for the past year. But nine out of 10 of them still end up there, eventually releasing poisonous mercury into Maine’s air and water. Sarah Hale Krull understands why. She spent about an hour on Read More
Law Allows Environmentally Friendly Disposal
By Colin Hickey, staff writer Kennebec Journal WATERVILLE — If you’re an individual with a computer monitor or a TV to discard, Maine is the right place to live. An e-waste law passed nearly two years ago went into effect earlier this month that requires manufacturers to pay at least a portion of the transportation Read More
Maine’s Electronic Waste Program Uses Market Forces Wisely
Editorial Portland Press Herald The beauty of Maine’s new electronic waste recycling law is not that the state is forcing manufacturers to pay for the program. Truth be told, the makers of televisions, computers and other electronic devices can be counted upon to pass any costs on to consumers. So it’s not all that significant Read More
