by A.J. Higgins Maine Public news story Dreams of excavating mineral riches in northern Maine have persisted since the late 1970s, when a geological survey confirmed significant deposits of zinc, copper, silver and lead in the region. Since then, mining companies have had their eyes on the Pickett Mountain area north of Patten, but have Read More
water quality
LD 400, Construction/Placement of Decks within Shoreland Zone
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Nick Bennett, I am the staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in opposition to LD 400 on behalf of NRCM and its 20,000 members and supporters. Maine’s Read More
Opposition to LD 1082, An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Granting of a Variance from the Dimensional Standards of a Zoning Ordinance
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Martin, and members of the State and Local Government Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna and the Forests and Wildlife Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Read More
Opposition to LD 930, An Act To Protect Maine Families by Enhancing Well Water Regulation
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee: My name is Nick Bennett, and I reside in Hallowell. I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 20,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in opposition Read More
State Shouldn’t Relinquish Water Quality Permitting Authority
by the BDN editorial board Bangor Daily News editorial Unfortunately, a water quality dispute involving state and federal regulators and the state’s Indian tribes is moving further away from resolution. The uncertainty over water quality standards has gotten so bad that Gov. Paul LePage is threatening to quit a system that allows the state to Read More
LePage Asks Maine Delegation to Intervene in Tribal Waters Dispute with Feds
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – As the impasse between Maine and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over water quality standards deepens, the LePage administration is threatening to relinquish some or all of the state’s delegated authority to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patty Aho Read More
Volunteers Help Keep Maine Waters Strong for Future Generations
by Roberta Hill, Invasive Species Program Director, Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program The Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) is the oldest and largest statewide citizen lake monitoring program in the nation. The mission of the VLMP is to help protect Maine lakes through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific 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
