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Federal, State and Nonprofit Partnership that includes MEDEP Awards $1.2 Million For Conservation Projects

Contact: CONTACT: Jessamine Logan, DEP Director of Communications, jessamine.logan@maine.gov / (207) 287-5842

AUGUSTA ? More than $1.2 million will help public and non-profit groups restore and protect high priority wetlands and other natural resources across Maine.

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program ? which is administered by The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ? announced awards totaling more than $1.2 million to help restore, enhance or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at 12 project sites around the state.

The program provides flexibility for both regulators and the regulated community to choose a fee in lieu of more time-intensive traditional mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine DEP and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund at The Nature Conservancy.

?I?m excited that this announcement marks the fifth year that the Maine DEP, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have come together and done great things for Maine?s natural and economic environments. By providing in lieu fees as a mitigation option for developers, we are able to support important environmental enhancements in areas susceptible to development,? said Commissioner Patricia Aho of the Maine DEP. ?This collaboration between regulators and developers reflects our mission to steward our environment and natural resources and ensure a strong and sustainable economy.?

?Five years since this important program began, we?re starting to seeing progress toward conserving Maine?s aquatic resources,? said Alex Mas, who manages the program for The Nature Conservancy in Maine. ?Traditional mitigation projects can often be scattered, small or poorly located; this program allows us to focus wetland mitigation funds in high priority areas to help ensure they continue to provide important benefits for people and for wildlife into the future.

"This program results in outstanding projects to protect and improve aquatic resources throughout Maine. At the same time it provides the regulated public and regulatory agencies a streamlined process to obtain compensatory mitigation for a wide variety of authorized projects," said Colonel Charles Samaris, Commander of the New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "I am extremely proud of the collaborative work by federal, state, and non-profit agencies to solicit high quality projects, review them in detail, and make difficult choices to best employ the appropriate and meaningful grants available through the program."

This is the fifth round of awards from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program to advance important land and water conservation around the State:

In Central Maine, the Atlantic Salmon Federation will use $62,000 toward restoring sea-run alewives and other migratory fish to Souadabscook Stream in the Penobscot River watershed by building a fishway on an impassable town owned dam currently blocking the stream. In the Midcoast, with $107,000, the Damariscotta River Association will purchase a 97 acres of a forested tract that connects the Bureau of Public Land?s Dodge Point preserve with the Maine Department of Inland and Fisheries Wildlife Sherman Marsh Wildlife Management Area. This will represent the first significant connection between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers corridors. In Southern Maine, $136,000 will be used by the Loon Echo Land Trust to purchase and permanently protect approximately 150 acres on the shoreline of Perley Pond and the Northwest River in Sebago.
In the Midcoast, the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust will use $199,5000 to protect an 86 acre property in Georgetown, which is a valuable and critical parcel to the protection of the Morse Pond area. The property connects 325 acres of other KELT properties and creates a new connection between them and Reid State Park. Other 2013 award recipients include: Great Works Regional Land Trust, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Western Foothills Land Trust.

For more information about the Maine Natural Resource Conservation program, visit http://mnrcp.org/.

-END-

Maine DEP celebrates Air Quality Awareness Week May 2 - 6, 2022

April 29, 2022

Maine DEP celebrates Air Quality Awareness Week May 2 - 6, 2022

DEP to host Food Scrap Diversion Workshops

May 6, 2022

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting a series of Food Scrap Diversion Workshops in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and the University of Maine Mitchell Center for Sustainable Solutions. This is a chance to learn about the most up-to-date information on local food waste recycling initiatives. These half-day workshops will introduce the concept of local consolidated food scrap collection and management as an alternative to disposal in our landfills. Discussions will focus on developing tools to help communities promote "higher and better uses" for collected organics along with providing a pathway for successful initiation of food scrap recovery programs. Strategies learned will allow communities to reduce overall disposal costs, decrease reliance on disposal in landfills, improve community health and enhance local soil health and vitality. The workshops are open to the public and are free. The sessions start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. Please contact the person named below to register.

Upcoming Workshops: Kennebunk - May 25, 2022

West Kennebunk Fire Station located on Thompson Road

Contact: Bryan Laverriere, Public Works Director (Kennebunk)

blaverriere@kennebunkmaine.us, (207) 604-1308

Cumberland May 27, 2022

Cumberland Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center

Contact: William Shane, Town Manager (Cumberland)

wshane@cumberlandmaine.com, (207) 829-4264

Caribou June 3, 2022

Northern Maine Development Corporation, 11 West Presque Isle Road, Caribou

Contact: Jay Kamm, Senior Planner

jkamm@nmdc.org, (207) 493-5757

Auburn June 21, 2022

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, 125 Manley Road, Auburn

Contact: Yvette Meunier, Environmental and Community Planner

ymeunier@avcog.org, (207) 783-9186 Ext. 225

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or

Mark King, Organics Management Specialist mark.a.king@maine.gov

NECEC appeals to be considered by the Board of Environmental Protection

May 11, 2022

On May 17 and 18, 2022, the Board of Environmental Protection will meet at the University of Maine in Farmington to consider appeals of the Site Location of Development and Natural Resources Protection Act permits issued to Central Maine Power Company and NECEC Transmission LLC to construct the New England Clean Energy Connect project. The Board will consider the appeals of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and a consolidated group of Maine residents, small businesses and towns referred to as the West Forks Group.

The record of information for the Board's consideration is now closed. The record includes all public comments submitted to the Department during the processing of the license applications, hearing testimony from six days of evidentiary hearings in 2019, and all other records admitted as evidence through the sixteen procedural orders issued by the hearing presiding officer.

The meetings on May 17 and 18 are not public hearings. The meetings are being conducted in accordance with the Departments rules to allow the licensees, the appellants, and persons who were intervenors in the licensing hearing to make oral argument before the Board. No additional evidence or public comment will be accepted at the meeting.

At the May 17-18 meetings, the Board is expected to vote on whether to hold a hearing on the appeals. If the Board votes not to hold a hearing on the appeals, it will proceed on May 18th with deliberations for a possible vote and decision on the merits of the consolidated appeals. If the Board votes to hold a hearing, that hearing would be scheduled for the earliest possible date, and the Board would not deliberate the merits of the consolidated appeals until that date.

Excerpts from the record included in the board packet for the Boards consideration of the NECEC appeals are available at https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/featured.html.

The public can watch the proceedings live by going to https://maine.zoom.us/j/87461906916 for the video feed. This information will also be included in the agenda for the Board meeting, which will be available at https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/index.html.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

William F. Hinkel, Executive Analyst, BEP bill.hinkel@maine.gov

NECEC appeals to the Board of Environmental Protection have been postponed due to Covid-19 illnesses

May 16, 2022

On May 17 and 18, 2022, the Board of Environmental Protection was scheduled to meet at the University of Maine in Farmington to consider appeals of the Site Location of Development and Natural Resources Protection Act permits issued to Central Maine Power Company and NECEC Transmission LLC to construct the New England Clean Energy Connect project. The Board was scheduled to consider the appeals of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and a consolidated group of Maine residents, small businesses and towns referred to as the West Forks Group.

Due to circumstances regarding Covid-19 related illnesses that are beyond the Board's control, the Boards May 17-18, 2022 meeting in Farmington is being postponed. In consideration of public health information regarding Covid-19 and the availability of Board members, staff and the parties, the Board Chair will determine the soonest date to reschedule the NECEC appeal meeting, possibly in late June.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

William F. Hinkel, Executive Analyst, BEP bill.hinkel@maine.gov

DEP has awarded the first round of funds for recycling and organics management projects in 2022

May 23, 2022

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recently announced the first (spring) round of 2022 Waste Diversion Grant award recipients for recycling and organics management projects statewide. These projects are targeted to divert waste from disposal by expanding composting and recycling opportunities across Maine. DEP received 10 proposals requesting a total of $235,355.00 and will award $182,227.36 to fund 6 of these projects. Maine DEP is providing these grants to help businesses, institutions and municipalities address solid waste management challenges.

Reducing the volume of materials, we consume by reusing items, and recycling products and packaging can significantly reduce our environmental impacts and help to enhance sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cut our overall costs.

Maine DEP is pleased to award funds for the following projects across the state:

City of South Portland - $27,318.00

Develop an Electric Tool Lending Library

City will be using grant monies to establish an "Electric Tool Lending Library" to provide residents with free access to land care equipment, while also providing residents with the opportunity to try equipment before they purchase their own.

Chickadee Compost, LLC, Sargentville $39,894.00

Increase Food Scrap Collection Efficiencies

Chickadee Compost will use their grant funding to improve collection efficiency and overall operations at their current food scrap composting operation by adding EZ Screen 600, purchase 50 32-gallon toters, purchase 100 4-gallon compost buckets, and conduct onsite improvements. This will greatly enhance the volume of organics currently collected and result in bigger savings for the Blue Hill Peninsula residents.

ScrapDogs Community Compost, LLC$40,000

Develop a New Satellite Compost Operation

Building on previous successes, ScrapDogs plans to use grant funds to develop a new satellite compost operation in Washington to augment the existing Bo'lait Farm site so that the company may expand their curbside and commercial food collection service to Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner areas.

Northern Aroostook Solid waste Association (NASWA), Eagle Lake $25,000

Enhance Recycling Infrastructure

NASWA proposes to use grant funds to make significant improvements to the existing recycling infrastructure to increase regional waste diversion efforts

MaineHealth, Portland $31,577.36

Food Scrap Composting and Recycling Upgrades

Waste Diversion Grant funds will enable Maine Medical Center to scale-up a small, staff-initiated recycling and composting program that began at three separate MaineHealth locations to include all MaineHealth facilities located in the Greater Portland area and at Southern Maine Health Care.

Garbage to GardenCity of Sanford, Sanford $29,010.00

Develop a City-Wide Food Scrap Collection Service

The City of Sanford will work in Principal Partnership with Garbage to Garden (based in Portland) to increase organics diversion through development of a comprehensive curbside collection program.

The Department will be announce the next round of Waste Diversion Grants in August.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Board of Environmental Protection has rescheduled NECEC appeals for deliberation

May 23, 2022

The Board of Environmental Protection has rescheduled a meeting originally set for May 17-18, 2002, to consider appeals of the Site Location of Development and Natural Resources Protection Act permits issued to Central Maine Power Company and NECEC Transmission LLC to construct the New England Clean Energy Connect project. The next dates available for all appeal participants is July 20-21, 2022. The Board will meet at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta on July 20 and 21, 2022, to consider the appeals of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and a consolidated group of Maine residents, small businesses and towns referred to as the West Forks Group.

The record of information for the Board's consideration is closed. The record includes all public comments submitted to the Department during the processing of the license applications between 2017 and 2019, hearing testimony from six days of evidentiary hearings in 2019, and all other records admitted as evidence through the sixteen procedural orders issued by the hearing presiding officer.

The meetings on July 20 and 21, 2022, are not public hearings. The meetings are being conducted in accordance with the Departments rules to allow the licensees, the appellants, and persons who were intervenors in the licensing hearing to make oral argument before the Board. No additional evidence or public comment will be accepted at the meeting.

At the July 20-21, 2022 meetings, the Board is expected to vote on whether to hold a hearing on the appeals. If the Board votes not to hold a hearing on the appeals, it will proceed on July 21st with deliberations for a possible vote and decision on the merits of the consolidated appeals. If the Board votes to hold a hearing, that hearing would be scheduled for the earliest possible date, and the Board would not deliberate the merits of the consolidated appeals until that date.

Excerpts from the record included in the board packet for the Boards consideration of the NECEC appeals are available at https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/featured.html.

The public may attend the meeting in person or watch the proceedings live by going to https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/82071377008 for the video feed. This and other information will be included in the agenda for the Board meeting, which will be available at https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/index.html.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, DEP

david.madore@maine.gov

William F. Hinkel, Executive Analyst, BEP

bill.hinkel@maine.gov

The Maine DEP issues an Air Quality Alert for portions of Maine on Sunday, June 26, 2022

June 25, 2022

Contact: Contact: David Madore, Deputy Commissioner, david.madore@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, June 25, 2022 - Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Sunday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). On Saturday Ozone levels are expected to be unhealthy in Southern New England. Ozone and its precursors would then be transported to Maine on Sunday. The Unhealthy levels are expected along the coast from Kittery through Acadia NP with Moderate levels of ozone for the Downeast Coastal region and the Western Interior & Eastern Interior regions. In addition, Particle pollution levels are expected to be in the low end of the Moderate range on the Air Quality Index for much of the state as well.

At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

o Adjusting your schedule to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.

o While temperatures are not expected to reach the Heat Advisory level, temperatures will be much warmer than recent days. If you have concerns, please consult the Maine CDC website for information on the health impacts of extreme heat and appropriate actions to take (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat/).

o The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/

o For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast/ which has links to:

o EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html

o Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html

o EPAs mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/

DEP's toll free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196

For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEPs air quality web site http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast/

Update to the fire and subsequent sinking of the Motor Vessel TOO ELUSIVE

June 22, 2022

On Saturday afternoon, June 18th, the 72-foot M/V TOO ELUSIVE caught fire in the vicinity of Wentworth By the Sea Marine in Little Harbor - Portsmouth, New Hampshire. All three persons onboard safely abandoned ship and were quickly rescued. However, despite the tremendous marine firefighting efforts of numerous local agencies, the vessel burned to the waterline and sank early Saturday evening in approximately 80 feet of water 1 mile southeast of the 2KR buoy at the entrance of the Piscataqua River. The wreck site was marked and is located outside of the main shipping channel.

The vessel owner was issued a Notice of Federal Interest by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the owner has contracted a local commercial salvage company to survey the wreck site and develop a salvage plan to ensure any further environmental and/or navigation impacts are properly mitigated.

Crews from the USCG, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES), and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) continued to monitor the surrounding area/shoreline and wreck site throughout the weekend looking for signs of pollution. A sheen of diesel fuel was observed in the area throughout the weekend. As of Tuesday morning, June 21st, crews are aware of no shoreline impacts. However, based on side scan sonar images taken Tuesday morning, crews assess the wreck is still leaking an unknown quantity of diesel fuel as light sheening and the smell of diesel remains in the area. Much of this sheen is expected to continue to dissipate naturally.

The USCG, NH DES, and ME DEP will continue to monitor the wreck site and oversee salvage operations that are being planned at this time.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, ME DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

Ryan A. Koroknay, LCDR, USCG SEC N NEW ENG (USA) ryan.a.koroknay@uscg.mil or

James P. Martin, Public Information Officer, NH DES james.p.martin@des.nh.gov

The motor vessel TOO ELUSIVE's recent sinking is still being monitored by the Maine DEP, USCG, and New Hampshire DES

June 24, 2022

On Saturday afternoon, June 18th, the 72-foot M/V TOO ELUSIVE caught fire in the vicinity of Wentworth By the Sea Marina in Little Harbor - Portsmouth, New Hampshire. All three persons onboard safely abandoned ship and were quickly rescued. However, despite the tremendous marine firefighting efforts of numerous local agencies, the vessel burned to the waterline and sank early Saturday evening in approximately 80 feet of water 1 mile southeast of the 2KR buoy at the entrance of the Piscataqua River. The wreck site was marked and is located outside of the main shipping channel.

On Sunday, June 19th the vessel owner was issued a Notice of Federal Interest by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the vessel owner has since contracted a local commercial salvage company to survey the wreck site and develop a salvage plan to raise the remains of the vessel and ensure any further environmental and/or navigation impacts are properly mitigated.

Monday, June 20th the salvage company contracted a Marine Engineering and Industrial Services company to conduct a hydrographic and structural survey of the vessel to determine how it was situated in the water. This was an important step to determine the risks of the salvage and what could be done with the vessel moving forward. The marine salvage contractor also continued its attempts to schedule professional divers that were qualified to do the technical work necessary for the salvage.

On Tuesday, June 21st the hydrographic and survey team arrived on scene to conduct the underwater survey work and found the remains of the vessel to be standing on its stern/transom with the bow sticking straight up. This was deemed a dangerous salvage operation due to the positioning of the wreck and associated stability concerns coupled with the depths and currents in which the divers must operate. Diesel fuel was also found to be slowing leaking and creating a light/variable sheen that was determined to be non-recoverable and was evaporating and dissipating naturally at sea.

On Wednesday and Thursday, June 22nd 23rd the salvage company continued to develop/refine its plan to raise the vessel and contracted professional divers from out of state to assist in the salvage effort. Local Coast Guard vessels continued to monitor the last known position of the vessel and due to the prevailing sea conditions, no sheen was immediately apparent.

On Friday, June 24th the professional dive team arrived on scene and used a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) take high resolution digital images the wreck to determine connection points and assess the location of the fuel tanks. In the calm morning sea state, the Coast Guard and Kittery Harbormaster observed a light diesel fuel sheen in the vicinity of the wreck site that was again determined to be non-recoverable and was evaporating/ dissipating naturally at sea. No shoreline impacts have been reported at this time. A complete salvage plan submitted by the contractor is expected late Friday afternoon and will detail a proposal of how the vessel will be safely raised to mitigate continued environmental concerns.

Crews from the USCG, NH DES, and ME DEP continue to closely monitor the situation and have consulted with the local NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator who provided the following diesel fuel facts to keep in mind during a situation like this.

When spilled in open water and unconfined, most diesel will evaporate or naturally disperse with a few days. Under these conditions, there is seldom a surface oil for responders to recover. This is particularly true for typical spills from a vessel with 500-5,000 gallons, even in cold water.
Diesel is not very sticky or viscous, compared to black oils. When small spills do strand on the shoreline, the oil tends to penetrate porous sediments quickly, but is also washed off quickly by waves and tidal flushing. Thus, shoreline cleanup may not be needed for small spills.
Diesel fuel is a contaminant of concern due to its recognized aquatic toxicity in marine environments, however given the size of this spill and the fact that it was in open water, fish kills are very unlikely.
Given the fact that diesel fuel dissipates quite quickly on the surface, negative impacts to birds are very unlikely as well.

DEP hazardous material responders conducted an on-site inspection in the vicinity of Fort Foster this afternoon. During the site investigation, no noticeable sheen or shoreline impacts were found.

This incident is under investigation by The State of New Hampshire, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Transportation Safety Board.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, ME DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

Ryan A. Koroknay, LCDR, USCG SEC N NEW ENG (USA) ryan.a.koroknay@uscg.mil or

James P. Martin, Public Information Officer, NH DES james.p.martin@des.nh.gov

Media Advisory: Press Conference regarding Motor Vessel TOO ELUSIVE salvage efforts

June 30, 2022

When:

Thursday, June 30, 2022

2:00 p.m.

Location:

Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor

25 Wentworth Road

New Castle, NH

Agency Representatives:

U.S. Coast Guard: LCDR Ryan Koroknay

ME DEP: Mr. Bob Shannon

NH DES: Mr. Bob Bishop

Intentions:

Provide updates on the ongoing salvage operation of M/V TOO ELUSIVE and answer questions/concerns.

Media's video/photos can be captured from the shore or other public access points along the river. Aerial photography and drone flyovers are restricted due to safety issues and potential interference with recovery equipment.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, ME DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

Ryan A. Koroknay, LCDR, USCG SEC N NEW ENG (USA) ryan.a.koroknay@uscg.mil or

James P. Martin, Public Information Officer, NH DES james.p.martin@des.nh.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY Press Conference regarding Motor Vessel TOO ELUSIVE salvage efforts - CANCELED

June 30, 2022

The 2:00 pm news conference scheduled for today, June 30, 2022 has been postponed. The planned salvage effort for today has been canceled due to on scene weather conditions in the area and associated safety concerns. Once a suitable weather window can be identified to safely raise the vessel TOO ELUSIVE, the recovery operation and press conference will be rescheduled.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, ME DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

Ryan A. Koroknay, LCDR, USCG SEC N NEW ENG (USA) ryan.a.koroknay@uscg.mil or

James P. Martin, Public Information Officer, NH DES james.p.martin@des.nh.gov

An update on today's effort to recover the wreckage of the vessel TOO ELUSIVE

July 9, 2022

Today's salvage of the TOO ELUSIVE was a success. The vessel is raised and safely rigged in the barge. Currently, the wreckage is being moved up river; it will soon arrive at the R&P facility and be craned out of the water tomorrow. Next week, investigators will visit the wreck and begin their investigation.

Photos

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, ME DEP david.madore@maine.gov or

Ryan A. Koroknay, LCDR, USCG SEC N NEW ENG (USA) ryan.a.koroknay@uscg.mil or

James P. Martin, Public Information Officer, NH DES james.p.martin@des.nh.gov

Impacted areas of Cobbosseecontee Lake will receive an herbicide treatment to combat Eurasian water milfoil Treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, 2022

July 11, 2022

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Invasive Aquatic Species Program (DEP) has contracted an herbicide applicator to control the Eurasian water-milfoil (EWM) in the north end of Cobbosseecontee Lake. SOLitude Lake Management will apply the herbicide on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

The DEP previously treated portions of the north end of Cobbossee in 2019 and 2021. The 2022 treatment is warranted because of recent Eurasian water-milfoil plant finds by Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (FOCW) survey crew. The DEP has determined that another herbicide application is needed to prevent this plant from spreading in Cobbosseecontee Lake and to other lakes.

Exact areas to be treated will be based on plant surveys leading up to the treatment date. A map showing areas to be treated will be posted on DEPs website by 5 pm on July 12, 2022. Residents abutting potential treatment areas received notification with the treatment date and information on the chemical to be applied: Procellacor EC (active ingredient florpyrauxifen-benzyl).

Treatment areas are subject to the following herbicide product advisories:

Do not use lake water for hydroponic, greenhouse or nursery irrigation before contacting the DEP to confirm the herbicide has dissipated
Do not use lake water for any residential or non-agricultural irrigation (such as shoreline property use for irrigation of residential landscape plants and homeowner gardens, golf course irrigation, and non-residential property irrigation around business or industrial properties) for 3 days following treatment.
There is no swimming restriction for florpyrauxifen-benzyl but the DEP advises residents not to swim within the treated area on the day of treatment as an added safety measure and in the event of a spill or other accidental release of the herbicide.

The treatment is part of a management plan that includes diver removal of remaining plants. The DEP, FOCW, Cobbosseecontee Lake Association and Cobbossee Watershed are working together to address this infestation.

Statewide, invasive aquatic plants are known to be present in 32 waterbodies, including associated river and stream segments. The DEP urges all boaters and lake users to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers, motors, and equipment between uses to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species in Maine.

Before moving boats, trailers, motors, and equipment between waterbodies:

CLEAN off any mud, plants, and animals from boat, trailer, motor, and other equipment. Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing into any water body.
DRAIN all water from boat, boat engine, and other equipment away from the water.
DRY anything that comes into contact with the water. Drying boat, trailer, and equipment in the sun for at least five days is recommended if rinsing your boat, trailer parts and other equipment with hot, high pressure water is not an option.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Appeals to the NECEC Transmission project are decided by the Maine BEP

July 21, 2022

Today, the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) decided the appeals filed by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and a consolidated group of appellants referred to as the West Forks Group of the May 11, 2020, Order of the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. That Commissioner order conditionally approved the Site Location of Development Act and Natural Resources Protection Act permit application of Central Maine Power Company (CMP) to construct the New England Clean Energy Connect project (NECEC Permit). The Board also decided the Natural Resources Council of Maine appeal of the December 4, 2020, Order of the Commissioner conditionally approving the application of CMP and NECEC Transmission LLC to partially transfer to NECEC Transmission LLC the May 11, 2020, NECEC Order (Transfer Order).

The Board held a meeting on July 20-21, 2022, at which it considered these consolidated appeals of the NECEC Permit and Transfer Order. The Board heard oral arguments from the appellants and the licensees, comments from certain intervenors, and a presentation from Department staff. The Board first considered arguments both in support of and against holding a hearing on the NECEC permit appeals, and ultimately deny the requests for a hearing in reliance on the extensive record of evidence and hearing testimony developed during the licensing proceeding. Following additional deliberation, the Board voted to deny the appeals of the permit decision and adopt the Department staff's proposed Board Order, but added amendments and additional conditions regarding compensation for habitat impacts and decommissioning of the project. The Board affirmed, but modified the Commissioners decisions on the NECEC Permit and Transfer Order. A copy of the signed Board Order, once available, will be posted at https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/featured.html.

Other administrative and judicial proceedings unrelated to the Board appeals are ongoing.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or

William F. Hinkel, Board Executive Analyst bill.hinkel@maine.gov

A DEP air quality alert is in effect for Sunday along the coast of Maine

July 23, 2022

Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine late Saturday evening, dropping off overnight then building up again on Sunday along the coast of Maine from Kittery through Acadia NP and are expected to reach unhealthy levels on Sunday according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Ozone levels have been at or near unhealthy levels in southern New England for days. Winds Saturday evening will turn toward Maine in the Gulf of Maine continuing into Sunday. This will allow transport of ozone and its precursors from upwind sources such as southern New England and beyond to Maine. Meanwhile, particle pollution levels will likely be in the moderate range in southern portions of Maine.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

Adjusting your schedule to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.
Please consult the Maine CDC website for information on the health impacts of extreme heat and appropriate actions to take http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat/ .
The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/
For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:

EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
EPAs mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/
DEP's toll free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196

For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEPs air quality web site http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report shows Maine on pace to meet goals

July 28, 2022

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today released its Ninth Biennial Report on Progress Toward Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals, which provides a comprehensive analysis of Maine's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by fuel source and economic sector. The report found that as of 2019, gross GHG emissions in Maine were 25 percent lower than 1990 levels. This surpasses the State's medium-term goal of reducing gross GHG emissions to 10 percent less than 1990 levels by January 1, 2020.

The report shows statewide gross GHG emissions increased from the initially measured levels in 1990, reaching a peak in 2002. By 2009, gross GHG emissions fell below 1990 levels, reaching a low in 2012 before rising again slightly from 2013 to 2015 and trending downward again through 2019.

With continued progress in reducing gross GHG emissions, the report indicates Maine is well-positioned to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2045, which was recently added to state law. Maine also has statutory goals to reduce gross GHG emissions by 45 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050, which were signed into law by Governor Janet Mills in 2019 with bipartisan support of the Legislature.

"Maine is making welcome progress in reducing harmful carbon emissions and in curbing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels," said Governor Mills. With Maines climate plan, we will continue to partner with communities, businesses, and people across Maine to further reduce emissions, protect and preserve our environment, and strengthen our economy for future generations.

This Ninth Biennial Report is the first to quantify the carbon sequestration benefits of Maines forests, fields and wetlands. It is essential for the creation and evaluation of emission reduction programs to take into account this more comprehensive view of carbon released and captured within Maines borders, said DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim.

The report also found that:

91 percent of gross GHG emissions in Maine result from energy consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from combustion of fossil fuels account for 60 percent of Maines 2019 gross GHG emissions. Annual emissions in the energy source category have been reduced by 38 percent since the high in 2002 and 26 percent since 1990.
Maine is approximately 75 percent of the way toward carbon neutrality, which means 75 percent of gross GHG emissions are offset by sequestration in the environment.
Annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion in the electric power sector have decreased by 91 percent since they peaked in 2002 largely by replacing high carbon fuels with lower carbon energy sources, primarily natural gas and renewable sources.
Total emissions from the transportation sector were 8 percent lower in 2019 than 1990; however, proportionally, the transportation sector was responsible for 49 percent of Maines CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels in 2019.
Maine reduced its GHG intensity and emissions per dollar, creating 29 percent less GHG emissions per billion btu (BBtu) of energy in 2019 than the high in 2002.
Maines economy has grown while GHG emissions have declined, with 53 percent less GHG emissions per million dollars of state gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 compared to 1990.

Under Governor Mills' leadership, and in partnership with the Legislature, Maine has taken immediate action to protect the environment; fight climate change; and embrace clean, renewable energy opportunities. In December 2020, the Maine Climate Council released Maine Wont Wait, a comprehensive four-year climate action plan outlining steps to achieve Maines gross GHG reduction and climate change adaptation goals.

Under Governor Mills, Maine also has one of the nations most ambitious renewable energy requirements, with Maines Renewable Portfolio Standard increasing from 40 percent today to 80 percent by 2030 with a goal of utilizing 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. These measures and other policies in progress will keep Maine on its trajectory of reducing emissions while growing the economy.

Read the full report.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP warns of impacts to surface waters from drought and irrigation practices

August 4, 2022

For the third year in a row, a significant portion of Maine is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Moderate drought conditions are impacting the southern, central, and western portions of the State. As a result, water levels in many streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands are at low levels. Stream and river flows are particularly low with flows well below the summer season August median level since early July. Unfortunately, low precipitation amounts and warmer temperatures that are anticipated to become more frequent in summer months due to climate change create favorable conditions for droughts.

Stream and river water levels below the August median level cannot legally be used as a water source for irrigation without site specific DEP approval. Irrigation withdrawal during the current drought conditions will further lower stream and river levels and may result in dewatering of segments and fish kills that are a violation of law. Withdrawals from lakes, ponds, or other wetlands may similarly result in worsening environmental impacts. Conservation or other best practices that reduce the amount of water withdrawal are encouraged.

Additional Resources:

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or

Bill Sheehan, Director, DEP Northern Maine Regional Office bill.j.sheehan@maine.gov or

Rob Mohlar, Water Quality Engineer, (Western Maine Inquiries) robert.c.mohlar@maine.gov

DEP is seeking applications for $3 million in grants to upgrade and replace stream crossings

August 18, 2022

Maine DEP is administering $3 million dollars from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan for a single round of grant funding in 2022 to assist municipalities with stream crossing upgrades and replacements. Funds from the Jobs Plan will expand the Municipal Stream Crossing Grant Program, which provides local governments and organizations competitive grants up to $150,000 towards the upgrade of undersized and failing culvert stream crossings on municipal roads. The projects awarded provide public infrastructure benefits such as by replacing culverts that are currently failing and at risk of complete washouts, opens or improves fish passage, eliminates undersized and other impassable culverts and reduces some of the worst ongoing erosion impacts to streams, brooks, and lakes.

To help municipalities and others involved with these projects better understand the grant program and requirements, DEP has developed four pre-recorded videos in partnership with Maine Audubon, Maine DOT, and Army Corps of Engineers.

Video #1 - Applying for a Municipal Stream, Crossing Grant
Video #2 - Stream Smart Road Crossings and Basic Project Design
Video #3 - Regulations Pertaining to Stream Crossings in Maine
Video #4 - MaineDOT Requirements (recommended for all proposed crossings 10 feet and greater in width)

Additionally, grant scoring guidance and other application resources are available on the Stream Crossing Grants Program web page.

The RFP, Application, Question & Answer Summary, and other information related to this RFP can be obtained at the following website https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants.

The grant request for applications is available starting August 18, 2022, with proposals due by November 10, 2022.

The Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan is the Governor Janet Mills' plan, approved by the Legislature, to invest nearly $1 billion in Federal American Rescue Plan funds to improve the lives of Maine people and families, help businesses, create good-paying jobs, and build an economy poised for future prosperity. For more about Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, visit maine.gov/jobsplan.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

John Maclaine, Non-Point Source Training Coordinator john.maclaine@maine.gov

DEP seeks grant proposals for second round of waste diversion projects

August 24, 2022

This spring, the DEP awarded the first round of grants totaling $165,481 to fund 6 waste diversion projects across Maine. These grants are supporting efforts to increase efficiencies, reduce plastic waste at a Northern Maine regional recycling center, increase infrastructure at two Maine-based organics collection and management facilities, develop a food scrap collection program for one Maine municipality, allow a Maine municipality to develop a "tool lending library", and help a Maine-based health company develop an organics collection and management program for several of its hospital campuses.

A copy of the RFP, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to this RFP, can be obtained at the following website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants.

All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The DEP will provide awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 - $40,000 ($125,000 total) as a result of this RFP process and prefers proposals that:

take advantage of regional economies of scale,
specify reuse and repair infrastructure and program development
increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives,
address a statewide need, and/or
expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

In addition, in accordance with 38 MRSA 2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.

Application details on the RFP # 202208135 - Waste Diversion Grants Program are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Questions on the RFP must be submitted by August 29, 2022, and proposals must be submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. September 14, 2022.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or

Mark King, Organics Management Specialist mark.a.king@maine.gov

DEP directs NECEC to remove specific materials from the project corridor

October 3, 2022

The New England Clean Energy Connect project corridor must be cleared of temporary crane mats and previously cut trees, according to a directive from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to NECEC Transmission LLC.

A condition of the original permit limits the length of time crane mats can remain in place to 18 months. The remaining crane mats must be removed prior to the onset of winter for NECEC Transmission LLC to remain in compliance with the permit. The Suspension Order anticipated the need to remove trees which had been cut before construction of the project was suspended. According to the Order: Should vegetation cut prior to the issuance of this Order remain within the transmission line corridor or Project site, this cut vegetation may be removed or chipped and spread consistent with the terms of the License. No new vegetation may be cut so long as the License is suspended.

Removal of the construction matting and felled trees along the corridor does not constitute restarting of construction and complies with the current Suspension Order's requirements. The removal of these materials before the ground freezes will help those areas to revegetate more quickly.

The tentative schedule for activity on the corridor is as follows:

Segment 1

Approximate Start date: 10/3/2022

Approximate End date: 10/11/20/2022

Approximate Number of Crane Mats to be removed: 11,800

Approximate miles of tree pick up: 14.67

Segment 2

Approximate Start date: 10/26/2022

Approximate End date: 11/29/2022

Approximate Number of Crane Mats to be removed: 17,600

Approximate miles of tree pick up: 0

Segment 3

Approximate Start date: 11/29/2022

Approximate End date: 12/14/2022

Approximate Number of Crane Mats to be removed: 7,175

Approximate miles of tree pick up: 7.25

The Suspension Order issued by Maine DEP on November 23, 2021, remains in effect.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

After Brookfield Provides New Information to Federal Government, Maine DEP Offers Brookfield Opportunity to Submit Updated Application

October 12, 2022

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Brookfield Renewable Energy the opportunity to submit an updated application for a Water Quality Certification (WQC) for the Shawmut Hydroelectric Project that incorporates new information, analyses, and comments.

DEP is offering Brookfield the opportunity after the global, multibillion dollar energy company very recently amended its application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a new operating license for the Shawmut Dam. The amended application provides significant new information about proposed measures Brookfield would take to protect Atlantic salmon.

FERC is now in the process of gathering public comment on Brookfield's new information and will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on Brookfields application. The public comment period closes October 25th.

Additionally, in July 2022, FERC granted the National Marine Fisheries Services request to further delay its federal Endangered Species Act findings related to Atlantic salmon in the Kennebec River. According to the extension request, new information emerged as a result of discussions between the National Marine Fisheries Service and Brookfield related to impacts on Atlantic salmon. That analysis is still pending.

DEP will then consider these analyses, along with any response or other additional information Brookfield may wish to submit as part of its updated application. This process ensures that DEP will have the benefit of the most current and best available information when it acts on the merits of the WQC application.

DEPs decision today does not change the dams current operation, and Governor Mills has made clear that she will not support any action in the relicensing process that would jeopardize the future of the Sappi Mill.

"The Department believes it is crucial to take into account all relevant and updated scientific information and analysis because a Department Order approving the application could contain enforceable conditions and timelines," said Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Todays action does not require any changes to the operations of the dam, and we look forward to engaging with Brookfield to move this process forward.

DEPs action is procedural and not based on the merits of the application. DEP had to act on the WQC now because Federal law requires states to act on FERC applications within one year of submission.

Brookfield will now be able to apply for a WQC incorporating Federally required measures for endangered species protection, and DEP will be able to consider that application with full information, analyses and comments necessary to determine what operating conditions are necessary to meet Maines water quality standards.

DEPs Order and letter to Brookfield are available on DEPs website.

For additional information, contact: David Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

MNRCP awards $1.5 million for wetland restoration and conservation in Maine

December 21, 2022

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) awarded over $1.5 million for 11 projects across Maine that will restore, enhance, or protect wetlands and other important natural resources, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) announced today. The projects awarded funding include removal of an abandoned road through a wetland in Atkinson Township; salt marsh enhancement projects in Milbridge and Biddeford; and preservation of high-value wetlands at sites ranging from 7.8 acres to over 175 acres in seven towns in five different Maine counties. In total, $1,509,057 was awarded to restore or enhance over 50 acres of wetlands and help conserve approximately 500 acres of wetlands and associated upland buffer.

"MNRCP has regularly provided funds for high quality wetland restoration and conservation projects around the state. The projects in this year's funding cycle are no different," said Commissioner Melanie Loyzim of the Maine DEP. "Wetland restoration is crucial to restoring damaged wetlands to a more natural state so they can continue to offer the ecosystem services that the people of Maine value so highly.

MNRCP is part of the state's In Lieu Fee Compensation Program, whereby developers who are seeking permits for environmental impacts can pay a fee to the state to compensate for those impacts. The fees are assessed by the Maine DEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) during the permitting process and are transferred to a dedicated fund where they are pooled together with fees from other projects. MNRCP then has an annual funding cycle where awards are made for wetland restoration, enhancement, or preservation projects that serve as compensation for the development impacts. Public agencies, municipalities, tribes, and non-profit conservation organizations are all eligible to apply for funding. Preference is given to projects that actively restore or enhance damaged wetlands.

Not only does the program provide an efficient and consistent compensation alternative for developers, MNRCP is also one of the most important funding sources for wetland restoration and conservation projects in the state. Since it began in 2008, the program has awarded over $26 million for more than 160 restoration and conservation projects.

"The Sisk property has been on our radar for over a decade due to its ample natural resources and connectivity to other protected lands, said Lisa Linehan, Executive Director of the Kittery Land Trust, one of this years award recipients. With the generous award from MNRCP, this 56-acre parcel directly links 500 acres of conserved land in both Kittery and York. In these times of intense development pressure, it is an incredible opportunity to enhance open space and protect crucial habitat in our community. With MNRCPs support, we will also be able to include a wetland restoration component to this project by removing two malfunctioning culverts allowing streams to return to their natural flow. This restoration will help revegetate soils, improve wildlife and native plant habitat, and provide improved floodwater retention in the wetland.

"This award from MNRCP will allow us to restore a degraded stream at a road crossing in the Alder Stream Wilderness Preserve in Atkinson Township, said George Bakajza of Northeast Wilderness Trust, another of this years awardees. George has been an active steward in and around Atkinson for decades and will be leading this project in his role as Maine Seasonal Land Steward for the organization. This funding will enable us to remove a buried culvert, which has caused flooding, water stagnation, soil erosion, and sedimentation along a tributary of the Piscataquis River. The removal of this culvert and fill material will restore the natural flow of a small stream and its associated wetlands, to again provide cold, well oxygenated water to the river.

MNRCP is widely considered to be a successful program, both in New England and the country, and has become a valuable asset to the conservation community in Maine as well as developers seeking state and federal permits. The success of MNRCP relies on coordination between Maine DEP and the Army Corps, who oversee natural resource permitting in the state, and The Nature Conservancy in Maine, which administers MNRCP on behalf of Maine DEP and the Army Corps.

MNRCP is one of the oldest and most trusted third-party mitigation providers in the nation, said Taylor Bell, Mitigation Program Manager for the New England District of the Army Corps. I could not ask for better counterparts to provide compensatory mitigation projects that will help meet the national goal of 'no net loss of wetland habitat and wetland functions and values. This program strives to increase the extent and quality of restoration, enhancement, creation, and protection of natural resources over those achieved by permittee-responsible mitigation for activities that impact wetlands, significant wildlife habitats, and other aquatic resources, which includes waters of the U.S.

In 2023, MNRCP will be seeking more wetland restoration and enhancement projects, as these projects better address state and federal mitigation policy, as well as address state conservation planning goals. These projects may include removal of fill material from wetlands or removal of man-made tidal or stream barriers. Projects that protect lands that can accommodate salt marsh migration from sea level rise and that protect important wildlife habitats, such as vernal pools and waterfowl and wading bird habitat, will also be given priority.

Wetlands are such a critical resource, for wildlife and for people, said Bryan Emerson, Mitigation Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy in Maine. Were always on the lookout for high-quality restoration and conservation opportunities anywhere in the state.

For more information about MNRCP, visit http://mnrcp.org

For additional information, contact:

David Madore, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (207) 458-2177 david.madore@maine.gov

Jeremy Cluchey, The Nature Conservancy in Maine (207) 607-4843 jeremy.cluchey@tnc.org

Tim Dugan, New England District Corps of Engineers (978) 318-8264 timothy.j.dugan@usace.army.mil

Second round of funds from DEP awarded for 2022 recycling and organics management projects

December 29, 2022

Recipients of the second round of Waste Diversion Grant awards for recycling and organics management projects statewide were recently announced by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. By increasing composting and recycling opportunities around Maine, these projects aim to divert waste from disposal. All the five bids that DEP received and that sought a total of $100,028.50 will be funded. These grants are being offered by Maine DEP to aid businesses, institutions and municipalities address solid waste management challenges.

Maine DEP is pleased to award funds for the following projects across the state:

Town of Montville Transfer Station-Montville [$30,00.00]

Purchase a Recycling Transport Vehicle - The Town of Montville currently shares a recycling agreement with the Unity Area Regional Recycling Center (UARRC). The town is located only 16 miles from the recycling center, yet it has been unable to secure cost-effective transport for their recyclables. The purchase of a 16-18 foot box truck will allow Montville's citizens and businesses to continue to participate with UARRC and its recycling programs.

City of Portland-Portland [$9,000.00]

Increase Food Scrap Collection Efficiencies - The City currently bolsters a strong food scraps recycling program and now wishes to expand the program's availability to multicultural entities through the implementation of translated signage and advertisements. This equity-centered project is focused on education and outreach to increase the diversion of food scraps by ensuring all residents regardless of language, culture, or location, are aware that they have access to free food scrap drop-off kiosks.

City of Rockland-Rockland [$13,701.00]

Improve Overall Operations at Compost Facility - The City of Rockland proposes to use the awarded funds to improve overall operations composting operation by adding a screening plant and better signage to help direct residents to proper drop-off and receiving areas. This will help reduce confusion, improve efficiency and, ultimately, help increase the overall volume of organics diverted away from landfill.

Town of Ogunquit-Ogunquit [$7,327.50]

Develop a Food Scrap Composting Program - The Town of Ogunquit will use the awarded funds to develop a food scrap collection and composting program at the town transfer station. The project, as proposed, will scale up over time, starting with willing volunteers who will be guided with the support of the town staff as well as volunteers from the Sustainability Committee and potentially branching out over time to additional individuals and even businesses; this approach will allow for increased diversion over time with significantly reduced risk of failure from taking too much on at once

Auburn School Department/ShareCenter-Auburn [$40,000]

Food Scrap Composting and Recycling Upgrades - The awarded funds will be used to supplement the cost of obtaining a larger space which will in turn allow the center staff to divert more usable goods from corporations, colleges, and other entities from disposal to another entity that can use those goods. This project supports the top of the waste hierarchy by retaining goods for reuse and repurposing, which in turn helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other negative impacts related to the production of new goods from resource extraction to processing and transportation, in addition to saving money.

The Department anticipates seeking grant proposals for the first round of waste diversion projects for 2023 in late January.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP is seeking grant submissions for waste diversion projects

February 6, 2023

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is seeking grant applications to assist in the creation, implementation, or enhancement of initiatives, programs, or projects that aim to divert more solid waste from being disposed of. The DEP granted a total of $100,028.50 to fund 5 waste diversion projects across Maine during the second round of 2022 this past autumn. These grants are helping to develop a food scrap collection and composting program for one municipality, enable another municipality to improve the quality of their compost products, assist a third community in providing food scrap collection to its diverse multi-cultural community through the creation of translated signs and other advertisements, and lastly, to aid accessibility to a community-based resource recovery and reuse facility in central Maine.

take advantage of regional economies of scale, Specify reuse and repair infrastructure and program development increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state, promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives, address a statewide need, and/or expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling. In addition, in accordance with 38 MRSA 2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.

Application details on the RFP # 202301008 - "Waste Diversion Grants Program" are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Written questions on the RFP must be submitted by February 19, 2023 (using the form included in the RFP), and proposals must be submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. March 7, 2023.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or

Mark King, Organics Management Specialist mark.a.king@maine.gov

Maine DEP has announced new grant awards for municipal stream crossings

March 3, 2023

Maine DEP's Municipal Stream Crossing Grant Program provides grants that match local funding for the upgrade of culverts at stream crossings on municipal roads. Projects funded through this program will benefit public infrastructure and safety by replacing failing culverts that are at risk of complete washout or collapse; reduce flooding and increase resiliency with the installation or larger, higher capacity and longer-lived crossings, benefit fish and wildlife by opening and reconnecting stream habitat fragmented by undersized and impassable culverts, and represent a cost-effective and efficient investment based on planning, detail, and local matching funds committed to the project. Funding for this round of grants includes $3 Million from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, with additional awards being made from previously-returned grant funds. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received 45 applications to review with a total over $6.5 million dollars in funding requests. Thirty-two stream crossing projects funded this round will result in new or improved upstream fish passage to 60 miles of stream habitat, and result in less flooding and improved resilience of local transportation infrastructure.

Maine DEP is pleased to announce funds for the following 32 projects across the State:

Oxford County (Albany Twp), Patte Brook Road, $150,000.00
Bath, Anchor Road, $150,000.00
Bridgton, Wildwood Road,$150,000.00
Brooklin, Hales Hill Road, $150,000.00
Brownville, Spencer Road, $150,000.00
Cumberland, Greely Rd #1 (Maxfield Brook), $150,000.00
Cumberland, Greely Rd #2 (Windle Brook), $150,000.00
Durham, Swamp Road, $150,000.00
Eastbrook, Macomber Mill Road, $115,000.00
Fairfield, Green Road, $150,000.00
Georgetown, Robinhood Road, $150,000.00
Greene, Main Street, $150,000.00
Hartland, Morrill Pond Road, $150,000.00
Knox, Shibles Road, $150,000.00
Levant, Horseback Road, $150,000.00
Lincolnville, Townhouse Road, $150,000.00
Manchester, Prescott Road, $150,000.00
Mercer, Pond Road, $150,000.00
Mexico, Thompson Hill Road, $150,000.00
Monmouth, Wilson Pond Road, $150,000.00
Nobleboro, Bayview Road, $150,000.00
Peru, Dickvale Road, $150,000.00
Richmond, Brown Road, $150,000.00
Richmond, Lincoln Street, $150,000.00
Rockland, Bog Road (Dunbar Road), $150,000.00
Rumford, Isthmus Road, $150,000.00
Waldoboro, Elm Street, $150,000.00
Wales, East Road, $150,000.00
Wells, Newhall Road, $150,000.00
Wells, Cole Road, $150,000.00
Whitefield, South Hunts Meadow Road, $146,000.00
Woolwich, George Wright Road, $150,000.00

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Provides Update on Clean Up Effort Following Train Derailment

April 18, 2023

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued the following update today on the clean-up effort following the derailment of a Canadian Pacific (CPKC) freight train in Somerset County on Saturday, April 15, 2023:

Maine DEP continues to oversee CPKC's effort to clean-up the site of the train derailment in the wake of Saturdays derailment. Seven train cars - including three locomotives and four lumber cars that sustained significant fire damage due to the accident are still present at the site.

While the hazardous materials being transported by the train were removed from the site over the weekend, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and engine oil from the still-present derailed cars is saturating the soil on site and is moving into the nearby Moose River, which feeds into Little Brassua Lake. This is contributing to an oil sheen that is visible from the derailment site to the lake. Maine DEP is working with CPKC to assess how much fuel, hydraulic fluid, and engine oil is present at the site.

CPKCs oil spill response organization is on site, and they, along with Maine DEPs Technical Services and Response Division and Maine DEPs Aquatic Toxicology Unit, are working to remove the oil through the use of sorbent material. Additionally, biologists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are surveying the area today to understand and advise on any potential impact to wildlife.

Right now, Maine DEP is focused on working with CPKC to contain and clean up the oil that has spilled into the waterway and to remove the remaining railcars from the site to minimize oil from saturating the soil. The remote, forested nature of the area combined with the spring thaw is making these efforts more challenging because large equipment needs to be brought in to move the remaining railcars from the site. After the site has been cleared of wreckage debris and a comprehensive assessment of environmental damage has been conducted, Maine DEP will require that the oil-contaminated soil be removed.

In addition to members of the Maine DEP's HazMat Response team, who have been working on site in shifts to assess and monitor environmental impacts, representatives from the Maine Forest Service, Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife, and CPKC remain on the scene. The Maine Forest Service and Jackman-Moose River Fire & Rescue Department continue to operate a unified command three miles from the derailment site in Sandwich Academy Grant.

With the focus on debris and environmental clean-up, the Maine DEP will take over from the Maine Forest Service in providing updates moving forward. Maine DEP will work with partner agencies to provide additional updates as the clean-up effort continues.

Previous updates from the Maine Forest Service can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/index.shtml.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Warns Railroad to Clean Up Environment Surrounding Train Derailment Site to Department's Satisfaction

April 21, 2023

As cleanup efforts continue following the derailment of a freight train in Sandwich Academy Grant Township in Somerset County, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) has sent a letter to Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) warning the railroad that if it does not take better action to clean up the site of the last weekend's derailment to the satisfaction of the Department, then the Department will take over the clean-up effort at CPKCs expense. Yesterdays letter from Maine DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim came after CPKC "failed to meet Department expectations regarding timing and response of clean-up activities in order to effectively mitigate impacts to the environment and public health" and after directives that the Department has issued in order to meet the Commissioners satisfaction have not been attended to or completed.

While CPKC has made good-faith progress in cleaning up the site, the Commissioner cited the railroads failure to: 1) empty the locomotive saddle tanks prior to removing the locomotive from the site, and 2) remove the two rail cars containing hazardous material further away from the site in a timely manner.

CPKC had removed derailed train cars containing hazardous materials from the immediate site of the wreckage, the train cars and materials remained to the side of the site, where they were stable. CPKC facilitated the removal of the railcars completely away from the site late yesterday afternoon.

Secondly, despite directives from Maine DEP to drain saddle tanks containing diesel fuel on the locomotives before removing them, CPKC failed to do so and proceeded to remove a locomotive, which in turn led to a substantial amount of diesel fuel to spill into the surrounding environment. It is not known precisely how much diesel spilled, but Maine DEP estimates 500 gallons.

That spill saturated the soil, overcame local protective measures, such as booms, that were in the local waterway and migrated to Little Brassua Lake where sheening was significant for a brief time, though protective measures at the lake interface were successful in gathering the recoverable amounts of fuel. Under DEPs direction, a robust underflow dam was created as a result of the spill and Maine DEP staff is consulting with CPKC to construct another underflow dam downstream of the one constructed yesterday to better secure the site.

Earlier this week - prior to yesterdays spill biologists from the Department of Inland Fisheries (MDIFW) and Wildlife visited the derailment site to evaluate the impact on fish and wildlife species in the area. The evaluation revealed no immediate impacts to fish or wildlife in the area. The series of booms surrounding the crash site, as well as another series of booms downstream at the mouth of the stream appeared to be working effectively. MDIFW staff, however, plan another visit next week to monitor progress on the cleanup and again assess impacts to fish, wildlife and their habitats.

Any remaining fire debris is scheduled to be removed from the stream today and additional environmental staff and a vacuum truck has been hired through the weekend. CPKC is also working with Maine DEP to properly dispose of all the contaminated materials. DEP HazMat response staff will remain onsite through the weekend as cleanup continues and will assist CPKC with developing a plan to remediate the oil-contaminated soil at the derailment site.

The Commissioners letter to CKPC

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine Forest Service and Land Use Planning Commission issue a Joint Notice of Violation to Railway with the assistance of Maine DEP

April 28, 2023

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS), and staff from the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC), which serves as the planning and zoning authority for the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State, including townships and plantations, conducted site visits earlier this week. During their examination, they observed that access roads leading to the derailment site were experiencing considerable sedimentation at several different locations. LUPC and MFS staff notified Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) late Monday afternoon of their concerns. Late Thursday, the MFS and LUPC sent CPKC a Notice of Violation (NOV) after consulting with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Additionally, DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim issued a second letter instructing the railway to implement erosion control measures immediately in the areas identified by LUPC and MFS. A significant amount of sediment was released into Maine's waters in violation of the Pollution Control Law because of the use of heavy construction equipment to access the site for remediation and clean-up. Culverts were crushed and dirt has been shifted in and around a number of streams as a result of heavy machinery using the forest management roads.

Because of recent precipitation, the spring thaw, and the likelihood of heavy rain early next week, the DEP is recommending that CPKC avoid the use of heavy equipment on the forest management roads, other than the Demo Road, until the rain ends, and those roads can be stabilized.

Update on Clean-up effort

This previous weekend's work was mostly focused on replacing saturated sorbents and removing oil-contaminated/charred debris. Much of the debris (excluding rail cars) was positioned close to the tracks for later removal after a significant portion of it was cleared away. On Saturday, a vacuum truck remained on-site for most of the day to recover emulsified product from pockets close to the track. These areas, which are situated on either side of the culverts, continue to recharge.

CPKC presently has approximately 60 Emergency Spill Responders and Environmental Professionals on-site involved in clean-up and monitoring soil and surface water quality.

Specialized railway equipment to load and transport waste arrived on-site Thursday. With this equipment, which will be lined with plastic before loading, CPKC will be able to remove oil saturated materials from the site with fewer chances for the oil to leak back into the environment during transportation.

As of Thursday, 4 lumber cars had been disassembled, the metal staged, and in the process of being trucked away from the site. Three locomotives are still present by the rails and waiting to be scrapped. To prevent other spills like the one that happened last week, DEP worked with CPKC to ensure that the damaged locomotives and railcars were inspected prior to disassembling, and the perimeter of the work area was controlled to prevent any more mitigation.

This week, CPKC reported to DEP that the response team has deployed and recovered 32,900 absorbent pads, 15,424 feet of absorbent boom, and 3150 gallons of fluid (a mixture of oil, water, and diesel) using vacuum truck operations.

DEP staff will remain onsite again this weekend to oversee and assist CPKC and their contractors with the ongoing clean-up work. Out of an abundance of caution, DEP urges the public to refrain from trying to access the site by land or water until clean-up and remediation operations are complete.

The MFS/LUPC Notice of Violation and the DEP Commissioner's letter

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

The Maine DEP observes Air Quality Awareness Week from May 1 to May 5, 2023

April 28, 2023

National Air Quality Awareness Week is taking place from May 1 to May 5, 2023, and the Maine DEP wants to remind everyone that even while Maine has some of the best air quality in the country, there are still pollutants like ground-level ozone and fine particles that can impact the heart and lungs. Ozone is produced in sunlight from pollutants in the air while Particle Pollution consists of direct emissions of pollution in addition to being created by chemical reactions in a polluted air mass. Maine's peak ozone levels occur during the warmer summer months, while particle pollution levels are higher mostly during the summer and winter months. In recent years, Maine has seen an increase in smoke from wildfires in the western United States and Canada. When wildfires create smoky conditions, there are things you can do, indoors and out, to reduce your exposure to smoke. Reducing exposure is important for everyone's health - especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.

Have enough medication and food (enough for more than 5 days) on hand.
Follow your health care providers advice about what to do if you have heart or lung disease.
If you have asthma, follow your asthma management plan.
If you feel sick, reduce your exposure to smoke and contact your health care provider.
Pay attention to public service announcements, health advisories, and air quality advisories.

Maine DEP forecasts Ozone and Particle Pollution year-round and is available on DEP's website, via toll free hotline, EnviroFlash emails and text messages as well as on Twitter. Forecasts are issued using a color-based Air Quality Index created by EPA. Green - good; Yellow - moderate; Orange - unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive people and Red - unhealthy pollution levels for all.

While sensitive people may feel the impacts sooner or at lower levels when the air is in the unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG) or higher category, everyone should think about ways to reduce their exposure. Please take some time to think about how you contribute to air pollution and what you can do to make a positive difference. Here are a few ways to help reduce air pollution in your community especially, on days when the air quality is expected to be unhealthy:

Conserve electricity
Choose a cleaner commute by carpooling or using public transportation where available
Combine errands, reduce trips
Defer the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment until early evening hours
Limit idling
Refuel vehicles after dusk
Use environmentally friendly paints and cleaning products

For more information about Air Quality visit Maine DEP's website at http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/index.html or follow air quality by region on Twitter at:

Acadia-MaineDEP https://twitter.com/MEair_Acadia

Portland-MaineDEP https://twitter.com/MEair_Portland

Lewiston-MaineDEP https://twitter.com/MEair_Lewiston

Bangor-MaineDEP https://twitter.com/MEair_Bangor

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Joint Status Update: Work to Remove Derailed Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Freight Train Continues

May 5, 2023

Today, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) announced that work is continuing at the site of the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) freight train derailment in Sandwich Academy Grant Township in Somerset County.

The removal of oil-contaminated soil from the site started late last week and continued into the weekend. To concentrate on strengthening erosion control and contaminant retention measures in advance of the severe rain forecasted for Sunday, April 30, and Monday, May 1, soil removal operations were suspended on Sunday.
As was to be expected, the area was muddy from the heavy rain, and upon assessment of numerous sites, it was determined that the water still included a significant amount of silt. Personnel were working to remove the free product from the upstream area of the railroad tracks in the vicinity of a locomotive to the culvert. Cleanup personnel were also patrolling the stream for emulsified oil/fuel product.
Additional erosion controls, including hay bale check dams and silt fencing, were installed strategically near the rail tracks. Erosion controls were also installed near the adjacent wetland. A preliminary plan was announced to install more erosion controls in strategic locations. Additional diesel was removed from a locomotive during the scrapping process by a Hi-Rail Vacuum truck under the direction of DEP Emergency Response personnel. Work on the third and final locomotive is beginning.
Replacement of the temporary culverts installed under the railroad tracks with a permanent water crossing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10. CPKC is coordinating the installation with DEP Emergency Response, DEP Technical Services, and LUPC.

Starting the week of May 7, LUPC will replace DEP as the lead agency for long-term recovery plans and actions. DEP will continue managing and approving actions to remediate contamination while LUPC coordinates and communicates with state agencies involved in the overall cleanup and restoration effort. Ongoing CPKC derailment cleanup updates and recovery will be posted on the LUPC website.

Media contacts

Jim Britt, DACF Communications Director, (207) 480-0558
Patrick Waldron, AVP, Communications and Media Relations at CPKC Railway, (403) 852-8005
C. Doniele Carlson, Director, Corporate Communications at CPKC Railway, (816) 983-137

About the CPKC Derailment: On Saturday, April 15, 2023, a CPKC freight train derailed due to a rail-line washout in Sandwich Academy Grant Township in Somerset County. The aftermath of the derailment prompted a difficult cleanup overseen by the DEP to remove the wreckage and minimize the environmental damage caused by the diesel, hydraulic fluid, and engine oil spillage. The Moose River, a tributary to Little Brassua Lake, was and continues to be impacted by the derailment. Efforts toward a successful outcome are being led by CPKC, with oversight by the LUPC. Learn more on the LUPC website.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner, DEP david.madore@maine.gov or Jim Britt, Director of Communications, DACF jim.britt@maine.gov

Maine DEP lifts suspension order for NECEC project

May 16, 2023

On April 21, 2023, the Cumberland County Business and Consumer Court ruled in favor of NECEC Transmission LLC and Avangrid Networks, Inc. in the case NECEC Transmission, LLC, et al v. Bureau of Parks and Lands. The window for a potential appeal closed on May 12, 2023, and no appeals were filed. Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, notified NECEC Transmission LLC and Avangrid Networks, Inc. today that the Site Location of Development Law and Natural Resources Protection Act license, #L-27625-26-A-N/L-27625-TG-B-N/L-27625-2C-C-N/L-27625-VP-D-N/L-27625-IW-E-N (License), for the New England Clean Energy Connect Project, is no longer suspended in accordance with the terms of the Commissioner's November 23, 2021 Suspension Order. The Licensees must give the Department written notification providing a date and location(s) at least five days before construction operations resume, as stipulated by Section IV (B)(3) of the Suspension Order.

Each segment of the corridor and the Lewiston converter station must have a minimum of one third-party inspector. Third-party inspectors will continue weekly inspections. In addition, inspections will also be conducted after any significant rain event (0.5" in 24 hrs.). Weekly reports are required to be submitted to DEP by the inspectors.

The Department has asked the licensee for additional information in order to continue assessing two applications for condition compliance that are currently pending. Construction may resume, following the written notice, while these condition compliance applications are being reviewed, however both have timeframes for certain milestones to be reached, as described in the License.

DEP related documents and information for this project are available on the Departments website at https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/projects/necec/index.html.

Maine DEP seeks public input as part of a review of the state's Solid Waste and Recycling Plan

May 17, 2023

In January 2024, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will release the most recent revision of the Maine Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan (the "Waste Plan"). In compliance with 38 MRSA 2122, this statewide plan is carried out every five years. The most recent Waste Plan was released in 2019.

The Department is seeking public input for updating the Waste Plan and will be hosting a series of five regional stakeholder meetings as part of that stakeholder process. These meetings will be accessible either in-person or remotely, ensuring all interested parties are able to participate.

DEP views this plan as an opportunity for open discussion and to solicit comments from residents, businesses, municipalities, and other stakeholders throughout Maine about current efforts to support the state's solid waste management hierarchy. Plan discussions will focus on strategies and actions for the Department and solid waste management entities to make progress toward Maines statewide recycling, composting, and waste reduction goals, including short-term changes and laying the groundwork for longer-term opportunities with capital investments that may require a longer period for return on investment.

Waste Plan meetings will take place from late June to early August of 2023 at University of Maine and University of Southern Maine campuses in Presque Isle, Machias, Orono, Augusta, and Portland. Early in June, the Department will issue a follow-up press release that includes a detailed timeline describing how and when to participate in the stakeholder meetings.

If you are interested in participating in these regional stake holder meetings, would like to receive notifications regarding future actions the Department is taking in developing the Waste Plan, or have any other questions or comments, please sign up for the Departments materials management plan listserv by emailing: mainewasteplan2024@maine.gov.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Canadian Wildfires Prompts Air Quality Advisory For Maine

May 30, 2023

24-hour particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach Moderate levels Tuesday late afternoon into Wednesday according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Several fires have been burning for more than a day in Nova Scotia. The smoke has moved into the Gulf of Maine where winds from a small High-Pressure system combined with an afternoon sea breeze are expected to bring the smoke ashore in Maine during the afternoon to evening hours. The plume of smoke is expected to move inland overnight. While there could be a few hours with higher levels of particle pollution it is expected that the 24-hour average will not rise above the moderate range on the Air Quality Index. Skies will be hazy; visibility may be reduced and the odor of smoke is likely to be apparent.

At elevated particle pollution levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest. Additionally, those with a heart disease should also follow these recommendations.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
If you are indoors, close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.
The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/
For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site https://www.epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:
EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
EPAs mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/

DEP's toll free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196

In addition you may check EPAs AirNow Fire & Smoke map for particle pollution levels: https://fire.airnow.gov/

For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEPs air quality web site http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP schedules stakeholder meetings for the state's Solid Waste and Recycling Plan

June 8, 2023

The Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan for Maine (the "Waste Plan") will be revised and made available by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in January 2024. In compliance with state law, this statewide plan is reviewed and revised every five years. The most recent Waste Plan was released in 2019

The first two meetings have been scheduled for June of 2023 and will be held at the University of Maine campuses in Presque Isle and Machias. Please RSVP for the individual meetings using the links below. Those attending remotely will receive a Microsoft teams link after registration.

Please note that childcare will be available onsite to ensure parents and caregivers can participate.

Presque Isle

When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: University of Maine, Presque Isle; Campus Center, St. John and Aroostook Rooms
View campus parking map: https://www.umpi.edu/about-umpi/campus-map/
To register, follow this link: Presque Isle Public meeting registration

Machias

When: Thursday, June 29, 2023, 2:00pm 6:00pm
Where: University of Maine, Machias; Conference Room in the Reynolds Center
View campus parking map at: https://machias.edu/campus-life/campus-mapdirections/
To register, follow this link: Machias Public Meeting registration

The DEP views this plan as an opportunity for open dialogue on existing initiatives to support the state's solid waste management hierarchy and to solicit feedback from citizens, companies, towns, and other stakeholders throughout Maine. Plan discussions will focus on strategies and actions for the Department and solid waste management entities to make progress toward Maine's statewide recycling, composting, and waste reduction goals, including short-term changes and laying the groundwork for longer-term opportunities with capital investments that may require a longer period for return on investment.

Additional Waste Plan meetings will take place from July to early August of 2023 at University of Maine and University of Southern Maine campuses in Orono, Augusta, and Portland. The Department will issue a follow-up press release that includes a detailed timeline describing how and when to participate in the remaining three stakeholder meetings in the next few weeks.

For additional information, contact: David Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

First round of grants from Maine DEP awarded for 2023 recycling and organics management projects

June 14, 2023

The first round of 2023 Waste Diversion Grant recipients for recycling and organics management projects statewide have been announced by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). By increasing composting and recycling opportunities across Maine, these projects aim to divert waste from disposal. DEP will provide a total of $111,364.00 in funds for three of the nine funding requests that were submitted. These grants are being awarded by Maine DEP to aid municipalities, corporations, and institutions in overcoming solid waste management challenges.

Maine DEP is pleased to award funds for the following projects across the state:

Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District-Presque Isle [$32,474.00]

Food Scrap Recovery and Compost Operation -- The District will use the awarded funds to expand a regional food scrap collection and composting program in the Central Aroostook area. The expansion will allow for more citizens to access collection services and help obtain rich organic matter-enhanced compost to help improve the vitality of local soils.

Information Technology ExchangeWaterville [$38,890.00]

Increase Usability of Outdated Computers and Laptops -- Funds will be used to extend the useful life of aging laptop and desktop personal computers via a DIY model where owners of aging devices can request via mail-order or library loaner program, a USB thumb drive that will install the Linux (Mint) operating system on their 3+ year old computer that they would otherwise dispose of.

Town of CarthageCarthage [$40,000.00]

Improve Overall Operations at Transfer Station -- Grant funds will be used to assist the Town of Carthage in constructing a new building at its transfer station to be used for the collection, storage and recycling of waste oil, textiles, used paint, Universal Waste, and the establishment of a swap shop for other usable goods that can be repurposed within the community. The new structure will also be used to house the existing compactor for recyclable materials, including cardboard, paper, and plastics.

The Department anticipates issuing a request for the second round of funding proposals in early August.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP issues Air Quality Alert for Sunday, June 25

June 24, 2023

Particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level Sunday according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A cold front is dropping down out of Canada bringing smoke from the fires in Quebec with it. Smoke will begin to move into the northern region after midnight Saturday night. It is expected to move south and west during the day on Sunday. The likelihood is that areas of Maine away from the coast will have some degree of smoke and it may be heavy at times. The Coast has the potential to reach the Moderate range on the Air Quality Index. Monday's forecast is predicted to be Moderate for particle pollution due to the fact that smoke can take some time to clear out.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
If you are exposed to heavy smoke or have health-concerns that might be worsened by smokes, consider wearing a N95 or KN95 mask. If you do not have one on hand, any well-fitting mask would likely help reduce some of the particles potentially inhaled into the lungs.
If you are indoors, close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.
The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/
For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.
Health information for smoke impacted areas: https://www.airnow.gov/air-quality-and-health/fires-and-your-health/

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:
EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
EPAs mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/
DEP's toll free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196

In addition, you may check EPAs AirNow Fire & Smoke map for particle pollution levels: https://fire.airnow.gov/ For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEPs air quality web site http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ .

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP has scheduled the final stakeholder meetings for the state's Solid Waste and Recycling Plan

July 14, 2023

The Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan for Maine (the "Waste Plan") is currently being updated, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") is still looking for feedback from the public. Every five years, the DEP is required by law to evaluate and update the Waste Plan, which was most recently updated in 2019. The final two regional meetings will be held by the DEP in Augusta and Portland. The DEP has already held three regional meetings in Presque Isle, Machias, and Orono. To ensure all interested parties can participate, attendance can be in person or remotely via Microsoft teams. Pease RSVP for the meeting you plan to attend using the link to our webpage below. Those attending remotely will receive a Microsoft teams link after registration.

Augusta

When: Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Where: Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Central Maine Office, AMHI Campus, Marquardt Building Room #118
Campus parking map: Office Locations, AMHI Campus Map, Maine DEP (Please note the Ray Building is under renovation and DEP staff is currently located in the Marquardt Building. It is suggested to utilize the parking lots to the right of the Marquardt Building on the map.)
To register, follow this link: 5-year Waste Plan Augusta Meeting Registration

Portland

When: Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 from 1:00pm 4:00pm EDT
Where: University of Southern Maine, Portland Campus, Wishcamper Center
Campus parking map: University of Southern Maine Portland Campus Map
To register, follow this link: 5-year Waste Plan Portland Meeting Registration
Note that there is a parking fee if you wish to utilize on campus parking for this event.

These meetings are seen by the DEP as a chance to get input from stakeholders such as individuals, businesses, towns, and other interested parties. The meetings will focus on strategies and actions that will assist Maine in achieving its statewide recycling, composting, and waste reduction goals, support the state's solid waste management hierarchy, and improve waste management. The DEP encourages attendees to review the 2019 version of the Waste Plan available here: 2019 Maine Materials Management Plan.

The Portland meeting will be the final meeting. Written comments may also be submitted via email to MaineWastePlan2024@maine.gov until September 1st, 2023. Comments submitted will be made public after a short processing period.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Response Division to conduct training in Portland Harbor

July 17, 2023

Beginning on Monday, July 17, 2023, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Response Division will conduct training exercises in conjunction with other maritime oil spill response partners in Portland Harbor near the Sprague Energy Terminal. The purpose of the training is to ensure that the area's pre-planned response measures for a maritime oil spill are current and to guarantee that response personnel maintain the skills necessary to use mitigation measures.

Participants in the exercise include Maine DEP Response Division, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, the United States Coast Guard, and response personnel from private industry. Sprague Energy is supporting the exercise through utilization of their facilities.

The training is planned to be conducted from July 17-20 and will have department boats deployed using the Bug Light boat ramp to enter the bay and operating in the upper Fore River area surrounding the Sprague Energy Terminal on both the Portland and South Portland shores. Maritime spill containment boom as well as the boats and crews to deploy and maintain it, will be visible in the Fore River / Casco Bay area from the Veteran's Memorial, I-295 and Casco Bay bridges. Approximately 12 personnel and 3 boats will deploy, test, and retrieve 4,000 feet of boom during this training.

This training is part of a series of maritime trainings that the Maine DEP conducts annually in select locations along the entirety of the states coastline. DEP Response personnel also continually prepare for mounting responses to HAZMAT and petroleum incidents on Maines rails, roadways, and industrial facilities state-wide.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP issues an Air Quality Alert for Tuesday, July 18

July 17, 2023

Particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" level Tuesday, July 18, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A plume of smoke from fires in western Canada pushed into the Great Lakes during the weekend and continued eastward on Monday. For Tuesday, Maine can expect hours in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range for all three western regions as well as the Northern region. Moderate values of particle pollution is expected in the Eastern Interior region and winds off the Gulf of Maine should keep the Mid-Coast and Downeast Coastal regions Good. At elevated particle pollution levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest. Additionally, those with a heart disease should also follow these recommendations.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
If you are exposed to heavy smoke or have health concerns that might be worsened by smoke, consider wearing a N95 or KN95 mask. If you do not have one on hand, any well-fitting mask would likely help reduce some of the particles potentially inhaled into the lungs.
If you are indoors, close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.
The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/
For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.
Health information for smoke impacted areas: https://www.airnow.gov/air-quality-and-health/fires-and-your-health/ In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:

EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
EPAs mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/

"Wildfires and Air Quality" online resource set up by the Mills Administration: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/wildfires

Maine DEP's toll free air quality hotline: 1-800-223-1196

In addition, you may check EPAs AirNow Fire & Smoke map for particle pollution levels: https://fire.airnow.gov/

On Wednesday, there may still be smoke in certain regions. Visit the DEP website at http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ for updates.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP schedules virtual informational meeting in advance of the second round of Waste Diversion grants for 2023

July 25, 2023

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection will be hosting a virtual (online) meeting to inform and educate potential bidders about the Waste Diversion Grants Program and how to apply for funds through the program's application process.

During this two-hour session, the following topics will be discussed: eligibility requirements, funding priorities, general application process, making your project stand out and common pitfalls to avoid when applying. A question and answer session will follow a brief presentation. However, for those unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and a link will be made available for later view and can be found on the Departments Waste Diversion Grants Program page. The Department strongly encourages all potential applicants to attend the meeting or review the recording prior to submitting an application.

When: Thursday, August 3, 2023, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

To register, follow this link: Introduction to Maine's Waste Diversion Grant Program Meeting

The Department expects to release the second round RFP in the final week of August 2023. General information about the Waste Diversion Grants Program may be found here:https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/compost/grant.html

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

NECEC Notifies DEP of Intention to Resume Corridor Construction

July 28, 2023

Central Maine Power Company and NECEC Transmission, LLC (Licensees) have informed the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) of their intention to resume construction of the transmission corridor on August 3, 2023 in Lewiston. As required by the November 23, 2021, License Suspension Order, the Department received formal notice from CMP and NECEC on July 27, 2023.

Today, Commissioner Loyzim advised licensees that construction may resume on Aug. 3, that all permit conditions remain in effect, and that Third-Party Inspectors must conduct inspections at least weekly or after any substantial rain event, defined as 0.5" of rain in a 24-hour period.

The License Suspension Order requires no further notification to resume construction in other locations within the permitted corridor.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Construction Commencement Notice

Letter to CMP re Construction Resumption

Maine DEP Investigates Emissions at Portland Waste to Energy Facility

August 4, 2023

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is investigating the cause of purplish pink emissions from the ecomaine waste to energy facility in Portland, Maine during the morning hours of August 3rd and 4th. On both mornings, ecomaine employees and members of the public reported seeing purplish pink vapors or emissions from the facility's stack.
While the source of these emissions is still under investigation, facilities management believe it is likely the result of larger than normal levels of iodine in the waste stream received at the facility.

DEP staff from the Bureau of Air Quality and the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management have been onsite and are working to determine the root cause of the problem, potential health, and environmental impacts, and how to avoid similar events in the future.

In addition to reviewing records and ensuring the appropriate operations of ecomaines air pollution control equipment, Air Bureau staff are working to facilitate the analysis of ash samples from the facility to identify the cause of these emissions more accurately. Staff from the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management are working to identify potential sources of waste that may have led to the highly visible emissions. The Department is also working closely with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the potential public health impact of these emissions and the population potentially exposed to the vapors based on prevailing winds.

Some items, including bulk fluids, may require special handling or disposal methods when used in large quantities. For information on how to dispose of waste appropriately, visit DEP's website at https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/index.html.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

2023 Food Loss and Waste Generation Study, RFP# 202308174

August 25, 2023

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals for a comprehensive statewide surplus food and food scrap study to characterize the sources, quantity, quality, and types of surplus food, food scraps, and food processing-related wastes generated annually in the commercial, residential, and institutional sectors in Maine. This study must be conducted in a manner that will allow the Department to determine the potential emissions impact of rescuing or diverting surplus food and food scraps to higher and better uses. This study will also be used as the basis for an additional study to determine the infrastructure improvements necessary to be made to move food up the food recovery hierarchy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study should be structured to obtain an improved understanding of food loss and waste by quantifying and categorizing surplus food as edible or inedible and avoidable or unavoidable and identifying significant points of generation by location.

A copy of the RFP (#202308174), as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to the RFP, can be obtained at: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/rfps

Proposals must be submitted to the State of Maine Division of Procurement Services, via e-mail, at: Proposals@maine.gov. Proposal submissions must be received no later than 11:59 p.m., local time, on September 15, 2023. Proposals will be opened the following business day. Proposals not submitted to the Division of Procurement Services' aforementioned e-mail address by the aforementioned deadline will not be considered for contract award.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or Mark King, Organics Management Specialist mark.a.king@maine.gov

Maine DEP Issues an Air Quality Alert in Response to Canadian Smoke Plume

September 6, 2023

Particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (USG) level Wednesday September 6, 2023, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A dense ground-level plume of smoke from fires in Canada moved into Maine last night. In the Northern region particle pollution levels are currently continuing in the USG range this morning and will likely remain at that level for at least the morning hours. For the day, the 24-hour average is expected to be in the USG range for the Northern region. For the remainder of the state, the 24-hour average is expected to be Moderate with only a few hours above Moderate. At elevated particle pollution levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest. Additionally, those with a heart disease should also follow these recommendations.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
If you are exposed to heavy smoke or have health concerns that might be worsened by smoke, consider wearing a N95 or KN95 mask. If you do not have one on hand, any well-fitting mask would likely help reduce some of the particles potentially inhaled into the lungs.
If you are indoors, close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.
The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/
For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.
Health information for smoke impacted areas: https://www.airnow.gov/air-quality-and-health/fires-and-your-health/ In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

"Wildfires and Air Quality" online resource set up by the Mills Administration with guidance for various populations: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/wildfires

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:

EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
EPAs mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/

Maine DEP's toll-free air quality hotline: 1-800-223-1196

In addition, you may check EPAs AirNow Fire & Smoke map for particle pollution levels: https://fire.airnow.gov/

On Thursday, there may still be smoke in certain regions. Visit the DEP website at http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ for updates.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

$6.3 million awarded for wetland restoration and conservation in Maine

December 15, 2023

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) awarded over $6.3 million for 11 projects across Maine that will restore, enhance, or protect wetlands and other important natural resources, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) announced today.

The projects awarded funding include removal of a road through a salt marsh in Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough; freshwater wetland restoration and creation at a conservation property in Jefferson; five salt marsh enhancement projects along the coast from Saco to Mount Desert; removal of a dam to restore tidal marsh in Trenton; and conservation of high-value freshwater wetlands at sites in Bremen and New Portland. In total, $6,381,799 was awarded to restore or enhance over 440 acres of wetlands and help conserve approximately 655 acres of wetlands and associated upland buffer.

"The grant from MNRCP will provide significant project support and bolster our ability to restore wetlands within a 500-acre parcel of land to an area of high conservation value in the interior midcoast region," said Midcoast Conservancy Director of Land Conservation and Ecology Chris Schorn. "Working with an environmental consultant, this funding will be used to regrade two historic gravel pits and remove a road that bisects an important existing wetland, thereby creating areas for wildlife habitat, increased floodwater capacity, and a nutrient source for local fauna and flora."

Erin Witham, Land Protection Manager at Frenchman Bay Conservancy, shared that MNCRP funding allows Frenchman Bay Conservancy to restore 11 acres of significantly altered coastal wetlands along the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in Trenton. Their support makes it possible for us to achieve our goal of protecting high value wading bird and waterfowl habitat, while also investing in climate resilience by providing the space to accommodate future marsh migration resulting from sea level rise.

MNRCP is one of the most important funding sources for wetland restoration and conservation projects in the state. Since it began in 2008, the program has awarded over $33 million for 174 restoration and conservation projects. Public agencies, municipalities, Tribes, and non-profit conservation organizations are all eligible to apply for funding.

MNRCP is part of the state's In Lieu Fee Compensation Program, whereby developers who are seeking permits for environmental impacts can pay a fee to compensate for those impacts. The fees are assessed by the Maine DEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) during the permitting process and are pooled in a dedicated fund. MNRCP holds an annual grant cycle and awards funds for wetland restoration, enhancement, or preservation projects that serve as compensation for the development impacts. Preference is given to projects that actively restore or enhance damaged wetlands.

The next round of applications for MNRCP funding will begin in June 2024. MNRCP will be seeking wetland restoration and enhancement projects that actively restore or enhance damaged wetlands while also addressing state conservation planning goals. Projects may include removal of fill material from wetlands or removal of man-made tidal or stream barriers. Land conservation projects that can accommodate tidal marsh migration from sea level rise, or that protect important wildlife habitats, such as vernal pools and waterfowl and wading bird habitat, will also be considered.

MNRCP is administered by The Nature Conservancy in Maine, working in close collaboration with Maine DEP and the Army Corps. For more information about MNRCP, visit http://mnrcp.org/

For additional information, contact:

David Madore, Maine Department of Environmental Protection david.madore@maine.gov

Jeremy Cluchey, The Nature Conservancy in Maine (207) 607-4843 jeremy.cluchey@tnc.org

Tim Dugan, New England District Corps of Engineers (978) 318-8264 timothy.j.dugan@usace.army.mil

The DEP invites towns and regional groups in Maine to submit Waste Grant Proposals

March 15, 2024

All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The Department anticipates awarding a total of approximately $125,000 with awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 with preference given to proposals that:

Take advantage of regional economies of scale,
Increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
Promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives and programs,
Address a statewide need, and/or
Expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

In addition, in accordance with 38 M.R.S. 2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.

Application details on RFP #202403057 - "Waste Diversion Grants Program" are available online at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Written questions on the RFP must be submitted by March 22, 2024 (using the form included in the RFP), and proposals must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2024.

As a resource, there is a video presentation titled Introduction to Maine's Waste Diversion Grant Program: Online Meeting. It provides important program details and answers a number of frequently asked questions.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or Mark King, Organics Management Specialist mark.a.king@maine.gov

Maine remains on track to fulfill goals according to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report

June 10, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today released its Tenth Biennial Report on Progress Toward Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals, which provides a comprehensive analysis of Maine's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by fuel source and economic sector. The report found that as of 2021, gross GHG emissions in Maine were 30 percent lower than 1990 levels. This surpasses the State's medium-term goal of reducing gross GHG emissions to 10 percent less than 1990 levels by January 1, 2020.

With continued progress in reducing gross GHG emissions, the report indicates Maine is well-positioned to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2045, which was added to state law in 2022. Maine also has statutory goals to reduce gross GHG emissions by 45 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050, which were signed into law by Governor Janet Mills in 2019 with bipartisan support of the Legislature.

The report also found that:

94 percent of gross GHG emissions in Maine result from energy consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from combustion of fossil fuels account for 65 percent of Maines 2021 gross GHG emissions. Annual energy emissions in the have been reduced by 41 percent since the high in 2002 and 30 percent since 1990.
Maine is approximately 91 percent of the way toward carbon neutrality, which means 91 percent of gross GHG emissions are offset by sequestration in the environment. This progress is primarily the result of a decrease in gross GHG emissions since 2016, an increase in carbon storage in wood products and Maine forestland since 2016, and also a recent change in the way the US Forest Service calculates carbon in the forests.
Annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion in the electric power sector have decreased by 79 percent since they peaked in 2002 largely by replacing high carbon fuels with lower carbon energy sources, primarily natural gas and renewable sources.
Total emissions from the transportation sector were 9 percent lower in 2021 than 1990; however, proportionally, the transportation sector was responsible for 49 percent of Maines CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels in 2021.
Maine GHG continues to decline in relation to its gross domestic product (GDP). GHG emissions per million dollars of state gross domestic product (GDP) were 59 percent less in 2021 than in 1990. GHG emissions from energy also declined, as GHG emissions per billion Btu (BBtu) of energy consumed in Maine in 2021 were 14 percent less than the highest GHG intensity recorded in 1997.

Read the full report

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Air quality for areas of Maine expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on Wednesday

June 18, 2024

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level on Wednesday June 19, 2024, according to Air Quality Meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone is expected to reach USG levels along the coast from Kittery through Acadia NP on Wednesday. The Downeast Coastal and Western Interior regions are expected to reach moderate levels. Meanwhile, Particle Pollution is expected to be Moderate statewide on Wednesday.

USG levels of ozone began in southern New England on Tuesday and this airmass is projected to move into Maine for Wednesday.

On Thursday, a front is expected to push down from the north and currently Air Quality Forecasters are expecting Moderate levels of ozone along the coast and GOOD elsewhere. For Particle Pollution the Northern region is expected to be GOOD while the rest of the state is likely to remain in the Moderate range. However, please check the website Thursday morning for the finalized forecast.

At elevated ozone levels, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

Maine DEPs Air Quality Forecast
Maine DEP's Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-223-1196
USEPAs EnviroFlash email and text alert system
USEPAs AIRNOW Fire and Smoke Map
USEPAs AIRNOW Mobile App
Governor Mills "Wildfires and Air Quality" Online Resource

For more information, call the contacts listed above or go to Maine DEPs air quality web site

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

The Maine DEP is now accepting proposals for Waste Diversion Grants

July 17, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal. In the Spring of 2024, the Department funded seven waste diversion projects across Maine with a total of $106,653.96 in awards. These grants are helping to expand a backyard composting program in a Southern Maine community, increase recycling efforts at several Maine communities through reuse activities focusing on the development of "Swap-Shops," and support efforts to increase food scrap recovery, diversion, and composting activities in the Eastern, Central, and Southern Maine area. Additionally, they are enabling a small non-profit to collaborate with a local business to collect and refurbish outdated personal computers and laptops for redistribution to those in need. In order to aid with Maine's ever-increasing organics management demands, a non-profit organization in the state will be creating a statewide organics management association. All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The Department anticipates awarding a total of approximately $125,000 with awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 with preference given to proposals that:

Take advantage of regional economies of scale,
Increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
Promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives and programs,
Address a statewide need, and/or
Expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

In accordance with 38 MRSA 2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.

Application details on the RFP #202406116 - "Waste Diversion Grants Program" are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on August 8, 2024.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP extends deadline for Waste Diversion Grant proposals

August 8, 2024

The deadline for submitting proposals for the second round of the 2024 Waste Diversion Grants Program has been extended by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection from August 8 to August 22, 2024.

Applications are encouraged from all interested municipalities, regional associations, and Maine businesses. The Department expects to grant a total of approximately $125,000, with awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 and $40,000, with preference given to proposals that:

Take advantage of regional economies of scale,
Increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
Promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives and programs,
Address a statewide need, and/or
Expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

Application details and copies of the RFP #202406116 are available online at 2024 Waste Diversion Grants Program, Round II | Division of Procurement Services (maine.gov)

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP forecasts Unhealthy Air Quality for Northern Maine on Wednesday and Thursday

August 14, 2024

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level in the Northern Region for today and tomorrow according to Air Quality Meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Smoke began moving into Maine from the north on Tuesday. Some hourly values were high in the Northern region Tuesday and are continuing to linger this morning. Weather conditions are not likely to move the smoke out today or tomorrow. As a result, we anticipate that the Northern region's 24-hour average for Wednesday and Thursday will fall within the USG range. Currently, we expect the remainder of the state to be in the Moderate range, but we will continue to monitor the situation.

It can be challenging to predict smoke levels more than a day in advance. There are currently signs that it will persist past Thursday. At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

Maine DEPs Air Quality Forecast
Maine DEP's Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-223-1196
USEPAs EnviroFlash email and text alert system
USEPAs AIRNOW Fire and Smoke Map
USEPAs AIRNOW Mobile App
Governor Mills "Wildfires and Air Quality" Online Resource

For more information, call the contacts listed above or go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP extends review timeline for Juniper Ridge Landfill Application for Determination of Public Benefit

August 15, 2024

The deadline for completing review of the pending application to determine if there would be public benefit to expanding the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town was August 23, 2024. Expansion of the landfill is an important issue for the State and for many members of the public, both within the project area and elsewhere. The application is lengthy and addresses complex issues, and the applicant recently submitted additional information in response to a Department request.

Due to the need for Department staff to thoroughly review the application and supporting documents, as well as comments received from the public, and in response to requests from the public for more time to review the information and submit comments, the Department requested a 30-day time extension and the applicant agreed. The processing time is now extended to September 23, 2024. Public comments may be submitted during application processing; to allow staff adequate time to consider comments, the Department requests comments be provided by no later than Friday, September 6, 2024. For more information about the Juniper Ridge Landfill and the pending application, please see the Department's website.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Unified Command established for Brunswick AFFF release

August 21, 2024

Please note this release has been corrected to note that approximately 1450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam mixed with 50,000 gallons of water was released at the Brunswick Executive Airport from Hangar 4.

A Unified Command and Joint Information Center was established in Brunswick, Maine, yesterday to coordinate response and disseminate information about Monday's aqueous firefight foam (AFFF) release.

The Unified Command includes the:

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Town of Brunswick
U.S. Coast Guard

The Unified Command will hold a press conference this afternoon, August 21, 2024 at:

Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority

15 Terminal Road, Suite 200, Brunswick, ME 04011

Press conference will begin at 3:00 PM.

On August 19, 2024 Maine DEP was notified by the Brunswick Fire Department that approximately 1450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam mixed with 50,000 gallons of water was released at the Brunswick Executive Airport from Hangar 4. The release made its way into an oil/water separator and into retention pond "A". Immediately upon obtaining this information DEP sent Emergency Responders from the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management to the site to work on site stabilization and cleanup. In addition, DEP also sent staff from its Division of Technical Services to take samples and evaluate the likelihood of impacts to any nearby private drinking water wells. Because the location is part of an ongoing Federal clean-up site, DEP also sent staff from the Division of Remediation to coordinate with existing federal partners at the DoD (Navy) and USEPA.

On Monday afternoon, four samples were collected to evaluate immediate impacts to the environment and understand the potential for impacts to ground water. DEP has been in direct contact with contracted laboratories to expedite return of sample results (normally a month turn around) to get results in as early as Friday.

Many samples have been taken at this location over the past several years as part of the ongoing Federal cleanup activities, and this data does not definitively confirm a connection between the contaminated site and nearby private drinking water wells. However, because this data is a few years old and because this is a new spill of PFAS, the DEP in an abundance of caution is developing a sampling and analysis plan to take additional samples to determine whether any nearby wells have been impacted by this most recent spill. Department staff will be reaching out to some residents in the nearby community to request permission to conduct sampling of private drinking water wells.

The Department will not be sampling every single well in the community. Instead, representative samples will be taken to understand what is happening with groundwater flow and migration. This will help expedite an understanding of what is happening in relation to drinking water in the nearby neighborhoods.

The Department is working with multiple partner agencies and authorities on this matter including DoD (Navy and US Coast Guard), USEPA, MEMA, DHHS (CDC and Drinking Water Program), DMR, Town of Brunswick, and MRRA.

Residents who want to sample their own private drinking water wells can follow water sampling guidance from DEP.

The Maine CDCs Drinking Water Program is in close contact with the Brunswick Topsham Water District. At this time, the discharge of firefighting foam containing PFAS at Brunswick Landing is not impacting the Brunswick Topsham Water District (BTWD) water supply. Homes and businesses served by the BTWD can safely use the water. As a precautionary measure, the BTWD discontinued use of the wellfield in close proximity to Brunswick Landing in order to prevent the PFAS from potentially impacting the drinking water supply. That wellfield will not be put back into use until testing shows that PFAS in the drinking water is within allowed regulatory limits. The BTWD is currently using unimpacted drinking water sources that are sufficiently distant from the foam discharge at Brunswick Landing. The Maine CDCs Drinking Water Program (DWP) is working with the BTWD as they monitor the situation through increased water quality sampling and is also working in close collaboration with State and Federal response and regulatory partners.

The Maine CDC recommends the public avoid contact with foam they may encounter in waterways on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. Maine CDC also advises the public not to take fish from any waters located on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station (including Picnic Pond, Merriconeag Stream, and Mere Brook east of the runway) while officials evaluate the potential impact to the watershed.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Updates on Response to AFFF spill in Brunswick

August 23, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is continuing to respond to a release of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) which occurred on August 19, 2024 at the Brunswick Executive Airport. A Unified Command was established the following day and includes the:

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Town of Brunswick
U.S. Coast Guard

There has been a significant effort this week to assess ways to reduce foam concentrations in the retention ponds and to keep up the removal of foam as it emerges. The interior areas of the buildings where foam impacts occurred, as well as Hangar 4, will be cleaned by contractors. Surface water samples will be taken every day for the next week by DEP employees, who will use the data to decide, once received, what ongoing sampling may be required.

Members of the Unified Command and 4 work crews have been on-site since the incident occurred. DEP will have staff on site overseeing removal activities until no further removal activities are needed and the site can be returned to its previous status for long-term remediation under Superfund.

DEP collected initial samples on the day of the release in order to characterize the substance that was released. The Department will make this information available once the state has had an opportunity to quality check the results.

We understand the concerns expressed by the community given the foam's visibility. The Maine DEP and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been studying the former Brunswick Naval Air Station for 30 years and are familiar with hydrogeology on the site. Although the site has a history of PFAS contamination, DEP continues to believe that the recently released material will not impact any nearby wells. The Brunswick-Topsham Water District has confirmed that the public water supply has not been impacted by this incident.

The Department is evaluating soil samples from the ongoing long-term cleanup project and potential locations for updated sampling. We believe this is a low risk of exposure but are exploring sampling to reassure citizens.

All transferred property on the Brunswick Landing has been approved for specific uses by EPA, DEP and the Navy subject to certain restrictions for some parcels. Find more information about property use restrictions.

The Department has received some inquiries in the last few days regarding worker safety in and around Hangar 4 and TechPlace. Locations where foam was found has been restricted and is currently unoccupied.

It is important to remember that members of the public should avoid contact with foam. If any foam is observed outside of restricted areas, residents in the spill site area should report it by calling: 207-844-8040. This number is to report AFFF foam only.

The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is posting updates twice a day on their website.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 2: Unified Command continues response to AFFF spill in Brunswick

August 26, 2024

A Unified Command continues to respond to the release of 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the Brunswick Executive Airport.

Clean Harbors and Republic Services were contracted to actively respond to the spill with Maine DEP oversight. Contracted crews are working to contain and remediate the affected areas.

The impacted hangar has been cleaned and all discharged foam from the hangar has been removed. The impacted planes were cleaned and removed from the hangar. The planes will undergo another round of cleaning inside the hangar. At the conclusion of cleaning the planes, the hangar will be cleaned for a final time. Contracted crews will collect the rinse water. The affected TechPlace industrial spaces will also be steam cleaned by contracted response crews.

Additionally, four vacuum trucks have been deployed to the four impacted surface water retention ponds to conduct foam removal. All collected PFAS-impacted water from response activities will be transported out of state.

Surface water samples have been taken at the retention ponds and at Harpswell Cove by DEP employees, the results of these samples will be used to guide immediate remediation actions and to continue to monitor any further potential impacts.

The Department has received the final laboratory report for the four samples collected from the site on Monday, August 19. These initial samples were taken to provide a baseline for comparison to best inform site response progress. Results show that PFOS is the primary compound detected in the samples. PFOS and PFOA are part of a subset of PFASs known as perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs). PFOS was detected in the AFFF product sample from the storage tank at 3,230 parts per million (ppm) and in the mixed product sample (AFFF + water) at 7.52 ppm. The sample from the inlet of the surface water pond showed PFOS at 1.04 ppm, and the sample from the outlet of the surface water pond showed PFOS at 0.000701 ppm. A copy of the lab results are available on DEP's website.

The public drinking water supply to Brunswick Landing comes from the Brunswick- Topsham Water District (BTWD) and has been confirmed safe to drink. The public water supply has not been impacted by this incident. Homes and businesses served by the BTWD can safely use the water.

On Friday, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) issued new freshwater fish consumption advisories recommending either no consumption or limited consumption of fish from four waterbodies located on and around the former naval air station. These advisories were based on earlier testing that revealed levels of PFAS in the fish. The accidental release of AFFF had no impact on those advisories as the "do not eat" advisory was to be issued based on PFAS levels detected prior to this most recent release of foam.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Maine CDC also recommends the public refrain from any recreational activities (e.g., swimming, boating, wading) that could result in contact with the foam or waters until the potential impact of the AFFF release on these waterbodies is fully assessed.

The Unified Command is utilizing the drone program from the University of Maine, Augusta to conduct daily aerial surveillance of the surface water pathway to identify foam locations and inform removal actions.

The AFFF continues to foam in the retention ponds, and it is unclear for how long the foam will be present. Weather and rain may increase the production of foam due to the agitation of the water. The Unified Command is working with partner agencies to determine best practices for foam mitigation.

DEP will have staff on site overseeing removal activities until no further removal activities are needed and the site can be returned to its previous status for long-term remediation under Superfund.

There have been no reports of impacts to wildlife.

A Unified Command was established to response to the release of AFFF.

The Unified Command is comprised of:

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Town of Brunswick
U.S. Coast Guard

The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is posting updates twice a day on their website. Previous press releases about the response can be found on the DEP News webpage.

The next update is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024, unless new information or additional test results become available before then.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 3: Response efforts to address the Brunswick AFFF spill continue

August 28, 2024

Following the release of 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the Brunswick Executive Airport, a Unified Command is still in action.

The execution of the sampling plan is in progress. Pond retention areas are sampled every day, surface water samples are taken twice a week, and marine sampling will occur once a week. Based on Maine's complex hydrogeology and historical test data, DEP will initially be sampling some homeowner wells to the east of the spill site.

Unified Command has assessed several foam removal solutions. Information from other states consistently indicates that foam collection and capture appears to be the most effective method for recovery operations. As a result, crews will continue using foam removal as a method for operation.

Foam levels are being monitored by on-site crews. Although there hasn't been a big weather event that could affect foam generation, crews are currently seeing less foam at all collection points. The on-site crews will continue to remove foam and monitor levels.

In order to assess the breadth and scope of any remaining foam, the Unified Command is utilizing the drone program from the University of Maine, Augusta to monitor and observe remote downstream areas.

A Unified Command was established to response to the release of AFFF.

The Unified Command is comprised of:

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Town of Brunswick
U.S. Coast Guard

To facilitate public access to information about sampling and remediation efforts, DEP has established a webpage specifically for the Brunswick site.

DEP will have staff on site overseeing removal activities until no further removal activities are needed and the site can be returned to its previous status for long-term remediation under Superfund.

The next update is scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2024, unless new information or additional test results become available before then.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 4: Mitigation efforts will continue over the holiday weekend in Brunswick

August 30, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) intends to sample water supplies in the south-southeast direction of Hangar 4, roughly one mile from the discharge location. Locations were selected by carefully reviewing the historical data, hydrogeology, and test findings from the former naval air base and after hearing concerns from the public at last night's forum. Several of the water sources in this area have previously been sampled by the Navy. In order to arrange with homeowners to test their drinking water wells, DEP employees will be contacting property owners along Coombs Road from the southern intersection with Gurnet Road up to roughly a quarter mile past the intersection with Hawkins Lane, including properties on Hawkins Lane and Purinton Road.

Following the same protocol the Department is using to conduct the statewide PFAS investigation, test results from this initiative will be used to assess whether more testing is needed.

The DEP will only consider reimbursement requests from homeowners in the above-mentioned area who may have recently tested their drinking water wells for PFAS. All of the requirements listed in the accompanying document must be fulfilled to qualify due to the limited funds available for reimbursement.

Major operational goals achieved by responders and contractors working on the Brunswick Executive Airport AFFF release are as follows:

Flushed the stormwater piping and catch basins leading to the retention ponds
Completed mitigation of Hangar 4 including cleaning the impacted planes
Collected 18,574 gallons of impacted water and foam
Partnered with the UMA drone program to conduct overflights of the stormwater retention waterway for foam deposits

Over the holiday weekend, the Department's contractors will carry out daily sampling in addition to continued foam recovery operations.

Due to processing delays, the accelerated test results will not be available today as previously announced. Lab results will be made accessible on the DEP website as soon as they become available.

The public should avoid contact with foam. If any foam is observed outside of restricted areas, residents in the spill site area should report it by calling: 207-844-8040. This number is to report AFFF foam only. The next update is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024, unless new information or additional test results become available before then.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 5: DEP expands sampling plan at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station

September 3, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff and contractors maintained daily water sampling and foam recovery removal operations throughout the long weekend. After the weekend rain event, the site was inspected on Sunday and found no additional foam impacts. Overall, the amount of foam observed and collected continues to gradually drop to reduced amounts that are easily contained and removed.

The Department is planning to supplement the ongoing water monitoring work this week with four soil samples from the vicinity of Hangar 4 and the park area. Furthermore, fish tissue samples from the Merriconeag Stream, Mare Brook, and Androscoggin River will be collected.

As previously announced, the DEP intends to sample water supplies in the south-southeast direction of Hangar 4, roughly one mile from the discharge location. Locations were selected by carefully reviewing the historical data, hydrogeology, and test findings from the former naval air base and after hearing concerns from the public at last week's forum. Several of the water sources in this area have previously been sampled by the Navy. In order to arrange with homeowners to test their drinking water wells, DEP employees will be contacting property owners along Coombs Road from the southern intersection with Gurnet Road up to roughly a quarter mile past the intersection with Hawkins Lane, including properties on Hawkins Lane and Purinton Road.

Following the same protocol the Department is using to conduct the statewide PFAS investigation, test results from this initiative will be used to assess whether more testing is needed.

The DEP will consider reimbursement requests from homeowners in the above-mentioned area who may have recently tested their drinking water wells for PFAS. All of the requirements listed in the accompanying document must be fulfilled to qualify due to the limited funds available for reimbursement.

Data collected at the inlet to the on-site surface water collection pond (Sample Point SW-11) on August 22 show a decrease in concentrations of PFAS when compared to the data recently received from samples collected on August 19 from the same sample location (Sample Point Pond In). Data are expressed in nanograms per liter which is the same as parts per trillion. The laboratory report with all data will be provided on the DEP website. On August 22, DEP began monitoring five surface water sample locations from the on-site ponds to Mare Brook. These locations are being monitored regularly with the next data expected on or around September 5. Additionally, two locations in Harpswell Cove are being sampled weekly, with the first data expected next week.

Sample Date 8/19/2024

PFOS (ng/l) 1,040,000
Total PFAS (All Compounds) (ng/l) 1,231,860

Sample Date 8/22/2024

PFOS (ng/l) 197,000
Total PFAS (All Compounds) (ng/l) 255,287.90

The Maine CDC advises the public to exercise caution and abstain from any recreational activities (such as swimming, boating, and wading) that may come into contact with the foam or waters until the possible effects of the AFFF release on waterbodies in the vicinity have been thoroughly evaluated.

The next update is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, unless new information or additional test results become available before then.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 6: DEP will assist in facilitating the transition from emergency response to long-term remediation in Brunswick

September 5, 2024

As operations move from the response phase to the long-term remediation phase, Unified Command will cease operations at close of business today. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) operational staff will continue to oversee Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority's (MRRA) and DEP's hired contractor efforts via MRRAs environmental consultant. Sevee & Maher Engineers (SME), an environmental contractor, has been hired by MRRA at the request of the DEP to facilitate the transition from an emergency response to a longer-term remediation operation.

Foam production is currently at a minimum; the majority of sites no longer require foam collection, and the one area that is still producing a small quantity of foam, does not require daily collection. Consequently, MRRA will transition from daily foam recovery to every other day foam removal. This requirement will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

In the coming days, impacted water that is presently being held in frac tanks will be taken off site in 5,000-gallon increments. This effort is being coordinated by MRRA for out-of-state disposal. DEP and MRRA are working together to sample the frac tanks prior to removal in order to properly characterize the contents.

Soil sampling at the former BNAS site is being completed today. DEP is collecting soil for PFAS analysis from three areas - an area near Hangar 4, from the grassy area west of the Recreation Center, and from an onsite area off Neptune Drive near the confluence of Ponds B and C (south of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust property).

Next week, DEP personnel will go door-to-door to speak with homeowners along Coombs Road from the southern intersection with Gurnet Road up to roughly a quarter mile past the intersection with Hawkins Lane, including properties on Hawkins Lane and Purinton Road. The purpose of the outreach is to discuss sampling of their drinking water well for PFAS. Approximately 45 residential properties have been identified by the Department for sampling. DEP staff will leave contact information if the property owner is not home so that follow-up can take place.

The Maine CDC advises the public to avoid contact with foam, and to exercise caution and abstain from any recreational activities (such as swimming, boating, and wading) that may come into contact with the foam or waters until the possible effects of the AFFF release on waterbodies in the vicinity have been thoroughly evaluated.

The next update will be issued as soon as additional test results become available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 7: The DEP releases the most recent Brunswick sample findings

September 7, 2024

Nine PFAS surface water system sampling events have been taken by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) personnel since the August 19, 2024, AFFF release. Pond In and Pond Out were the sites of the initial sampling event, which took place on the day of the release. Five of the sampling events consisted of five surface water samples from the drainage system above Harpswell Cove (SW-11, 17, 23, 65 and 66), and the other three included those five sample locations plus two from within Harpswell Cove (SW-67 and 68).

We are in receipt of three sets of sampling results from the surface water system above Harpswell Cove at this time - results from the day of the release, three days following the release, and one week after the release. These results show that PFAS concentrations are decreasing in the upper portions of the surface water drainage, closest to the release location. Moving through the drainage system, PFAS concentrations have increased in areas where foam removal efforts have been ongoing, particularly at the outlet of Picnic Pond, most likely due to the fact that removal efforts and natural flow paths are drawing the foam to these locations. PFAS concentrations in the salt marsh above Harpswell Cove appear to have increased since initial sampling. This is likely to represent residual contamination that migrated to this area which is moving slowly through the system due to tidal cycling and natural flow.

DEP will continue to assess new surface water sample data as they become available and anticipate receiving our first sample results from Harpswell Cove next week. The Department's website has the sampling results as well as an updated map that displays the locations of surface water samples and the results.

The next update will be issued as soon as additional test results become available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 8: DEP staff conduct door-to-door effort to sample wells in neighborhood near AFFF spill site

September 12, 2024

Department staff continued sampling at seven surface water locations along the drainage system and in Harpswell Cove. Staff also spent multiple days this week initiating private water supply sampling along Coombs Road from the southern intersection with Gurnet Road up to roughly a quarter mile past the intersection with Hawkins Lane, including properties on Hawkins Lane and Purinton Road. Staff were able to collect samples from 33 water supplies for PFAS testing. Contact and sampling information was left for property owners that Department staff were not able to contact so that follow-up sampling can take place. During this effort, staff learned that seven homes in this targeted area are serviced by public water and do not require PFAS sampling, additionally, one property owner with a private water supply did not want to be sampled.

Additional surface water sampling results have been received by the Department documenting conditions up to ten days following the release. These results show that PFAS concentrations are decreasing in the upper portions of the surface water drainage, closest to the release location, and at the confluence of Mare Brook and Merriconeag Stream. Moving through the drainage system, PFAS concentrations have increased at the outlet of Picnic Pond, most likely due to the pond acting as an impoundment with a slower rate of flushing. PFAS concentrations in the salt marsh above Harpswell Cove appear to have increased since initial sampling. This is likely to represent residual contamination that migrated to this area which is moving slowly through the system due to tidal cycling and natural flow. One set of sample results contain samples from Harpswell Cove (SW-67 and 68). Low levels of PFAS were detected in these samples indicating that residual contamination has reached the cove. Test results are posted on DEP's website.

Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) and their contractor, Clean Harbors, continue to check for foam along the storm water drainage ponds. No foam has been observed or collected at any of the preestablished points since last Friday September 6th.

The next update will be issued as soon as additional test results become available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP extends the deadline for public comment on the JRL PBD application to September 27

September 19, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) posted the draft public benefit determination regarding a proposed expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town and Alton, Maine on September 13, 2024, providing for a 5 day comment period which ends on September 20, 2024. In response to a public request, the Department is extending the deadline for comments until September 27, 2024. The Department will issue a final decision on October 2, 2024.

The proposed expansion of the landfill is of significant importance for the State of Maine and a large portion of the populace, both inside and beyond the project area. The application is lengthy and addresses complex issues, and the Department is committed to ensuring it evaluates information thoroughly.

For more information please visit the Department's website.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 9: The Maine DEP's comprehensive testing efforts in Brunswick have resulted in ongoing sampling findings

September 19, 2024

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began testing private water supplies for PFAS in the identified target area along Coombs Road. Most of the results were received this week. Property owners have been contacted by DEP personnel to discuss their results, and they will be provided copies of the laboratory testing report. All samples analyzed to date are below the Maine Interim Drinking Water Guideline of 20 parts per trillion for the Sum of Six PFAS (PFOS + PFOA + PFHpA + PFNA + PFHxS, + PFDA). A second round of testing for these water supplies is planned for December 2024.

Department staff have evaluated seven rounds of surface water results collected from the Merriconeag Stream watershed documenting conditions following the AFFF release that occurred on August 19, 2024. Most concentrations continue to decline throughout the watershed, and the highest concentrations are still being detected below the Picnic Pond outflow. Three rounds of data from Harpswell Cove have been received by the Department and indicate contamination has reached the marine environment but is quickly being diluted to low concentrations. PFAS levels in the watershed have not yet returned to pre-spill concentrations and testing of surface water will continue to track the trends.

Soil results have been received from four areas that were identified as either the most likely to be impacted from the AFFF release or those with the greatest risk for potential exposure to recreational users. They include the soils adjacent to Hangar Four and immediately around the oil water separator, the field north of the outdoor athletic complex, soils surrounding the outdoor athletic complex, and the field southeast of Pond B where appreciable amounts of wind-blown foam accumulated on the day of the AFFF release. Preliminary review of the analytical results identified some PFAS detections in all area soils that were tested. Soil concentrations at the Hanger Four area and athletic complex were only slightly above background soil levels for urban developed soils and were well below the States Remedial Action Guidelines for a park user exposure scenarios (see the PFAS Soil Remedial Action Guidelines in the Maine PFAS Screening Levels Document). The field southeast of Pond B where appreciable amounts of wind-blown foam accumulated on the day of the AFFF release was found to have the soil concentrations of PFAS well above background levels but still lower than the States Remedial Action Guidelines for the park user exposure scenario. This field is owned by the Navy and is posted with no trespassing signs. A comprehensive evaluation of the soil testing results by the Department and its partner agencies is ongoing.

Test results are posted on DEP's website.

No foam has been observed or collected at any of the preestablished points since Friday September 6th.

10,000 gallons of the impacted water have been removed for disposal off site, with approximately 20,000 gallons still in the frac tanks on site, By the end of next week, removal of all the remaining impacted water is anticipated to be completed.

The Town of Brunswick and Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) have collaborated to add an opt-in notification list through the Town's Notify Me service. The "Brunswick Landing/MRRA" notification list will provide information, news, and alerts supplied by MRRA to subscribers via email and/or text message.

To sign up for this notification service, please visit the Towns website and click on the Notify Me link.

Brunswick Landing receives its public drinking water supply from the Brunswick-Topsham Water District (BTWD), and has been confirmed safe to drink. The public water supply has not been impacted by this incident. Homes and businesses served by the BTWD can safely use the water.

The next update will be issued as soon as additional test results become available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 10: DEP issues recent test findings from the Androscoggin River in relation to the Brunswick AFFF spill

September 20, 2024

Analytical results for samples collected by the Department of Environmental Protection from the Androscoggin River on August 27 and September 5, show concentrations of 5.1 parts per trillion (ppt) and 4.6 ppt above the Brunswick Sewer District effluent outfall and concentrations ranging from 3.9 ppt to 6.5 ppt at three locations below the outfall. These concentrations are based on the sum of the following 6 PFAS compounds that are used as the current Maine interim drinking water standard (PFHPA, PFHXS, PFOS, PFNA, PFOA, PFDA). These samples were collected from locations above and below the outfall of the Brunswick Sewer District in the center of the river, to be representative of overall river water concentrations. This is consistent with the approach of the Department's Surface Water Ambient Toxics Monitoring program for monitoring PFAS concentrations in Maine rivers, and may be compared to results from sampling other river locations that have been published in the Departments biennial Surface Water Ambient Toxics Monitoring Program reports.

Test results are posted on DEP's website.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 11: DEP continues to evaluate Brunswick's soil and water sample results

September 26, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sampled 34 water supplies for PFAS in the identified target area along Coombs Road, and the Department is in receipt of most of the analysis results. Property owners have been contacted by Department personnel to discuss their results, and they will be provided copies of the laboratory testing report. All samples analyzed to date are below the Maine Interim Drinking Water Guideline of 20 parts per trillion (same as nanograms per liter or ng/L) for the Sum of Six PFAS (PFOS + PFOA + PFHpA + PFNA + PFHxS, + PFDA). These same water supplies will be tested by the DEP every three months for one year. The next round of testing for these water supplies is planned for December 2024. Department staff have evaluated eight rounds of surface water results collected from the Merriconeag Stream watershed documenting conditions following the AFFF release that occurred on August 19, 2024. Most concentrations continue to decline throughout the watershed, and the highest concentrations are still being detected below the Picnic Pond outflow. Four rounds of data from Harpswell Cove have been received by the Department and indicate contamination has reached the marine environment but is quickly being diluted to low concentrations. PFAS levels in the watershed have not yet returned to pre-spill concentrations and testing of surface water will continue to track the trends.

DEP personnel also sampled four locations on the Androscoggin River in Topsham and Brunswick, following the release of AFFF at the Brunswick Executive Airport. There was concern that PFAS from the spill made its way to the Brunswick wastewater treatment plant (Brunswick Sewer District) and was discharged to the Androscoggin River. Sample results from the Brunswick Sewer District are pending. An upstream control site (ART) was established upstream of the Fort Andros dam and approximately 3.2 km upstream of the discharge. Three sites were established downstream of the discharge, including ARB 1 (~300m downstream of the discharge), ARB2 (~2 km downstream of the discharge), and ARB3 (~3.2 km downstream of the discharge). ARB3 is also downstream of a small stream the drains the north side of the airport and former navy base. The Department also sampled two smaller streams on the south side of the base that were impacted by the AFFF spill. Merriconeag Stream was sampled at one location (MEB), downstream of Picnic Pond and Purinton Road. Merriconeag Stream eventually joins the larger Mare Brook. An upstream control site on Mare Brook (MAB0) was established at Meadowbrook Road and a downstream site was established below the confluence of Mare Brook and Merriconeag Stream (MAB2).

The primary kind of PFAS associated with the AFFF spill is perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Most rivers and streams in remote parts of the Maine have <1 ng/L (parts per trillion, ppt) of PFOS in the water. In contrast, rivers and streams in more densely populated areas of Maine near landfills, wastewater treatment plants, airports, and agricultural fields with historic spreading of PFAS contaminated biosolids typically have <5 ng/L of PFOS in the water. PFOS samples from all four sites on the Androscoggin River (ART, ARB1, ARB2, and ARB3) had <4 ng/L of PFOS. The upstream site on Mare Brook (MAB0) had 2.84 ng/L of PFOS on 8/28. In contrast, Merriconeag Stream (MEB) had 39,300 ng/L of PFOS on 9/4. The downstream site on Mare Brook (MAB2) had a lower concentration than MEB but still had 6,480 ng/L of PFOS on 9/4. U.S. EPA recently established a standard of 4 ng/L of PFOS for drinking water. All of the samples from the Androscoggin River and the upstream site on Mare Brook (MAB0) had concentrations of <4 ng/L of PFOS.

Fish and shellfish tissue samples inherently take longer to process than water samples. Processing tissue samples requires additional challenging steps, including homogenizing, subsampling, and extracting PFAS from tissue and putting the PFAS in a liquid. In addition, there are fewer labs capable of analyzing fish and shellfish samples compared to the number of labs capable of analyzing water samples. The combination of a more complicated laboratory protocol for tissue samples and a shortage of labs capable of analyzing fish and shellfish samples has resulted in a turn-around time of several months for processing fish and shellfish samples.

The rain that fell today is the first significant precipitation event that has occurred since the August AFFF spill. Increased site inspections were carried out as a result, and no foam was observed or collected at any of the preestablished points. Tomorrow, a second site inspection is planned as a precaution.

The last of the PFAS-impacted water which has been stored in frac tanks near Hanger 4 has been completely removed. Approximately 30,000 gallons of impacted water was collected and transported out of state.

To sign up for this notification service, please visit the Towns website (www.brunswickme.gov) and click on the Notify Me link.

The next update will be issued as soon as additional test results become available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP responds to trash incineration plant fire in Orrington

October 2, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with Eagle Point Energy Center (EPEC), town of Orrington, the Orrington Fire Department, Penobscot County EMA and MEMA to assist with the environmental aspects of the ongoing fire at EPEC, formerly known as Penobscot Energy Recovery Company (PERC).

DEP does not know of any specific human health or air quality impacts at this time. The Department recommends that local residents and those who may be downwind to keep their windows closed at this time if they see or smell smoke due to the significant smoke problem this fire is producing.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

It's important to limit your exposure to smoke and take precautions to protect your health.

Stay inside and away from the smoke.
Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Do not run your air conditioner.
Air handling and air recirculating systems should be turned off to prevent pulling air from outside, ensure filters are in place and replace filters once this incident is over.

Follow the advice of your doctor or other health care provider about medicines and your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Seek medical attention if you are having difficulty breathing or symptoms worsen.

DEP is assembling personnel and assets from the Departments Air Bureau to monitor the air quality in the surrounding area adjacent to the EPECs facility. An EPA air monitoring team is on route after the Maine DEP requested earlier this morning that the EPA augment this air monitoring effort.

Maine DEP will share air sampling results as soon as they are available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP issues the final public benefit determination for the Juniper Ridge Landfill Expansion

October 2, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) posted the final public benefit determination (PBD) regarding a proposed expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town and Alton, Maine on October 2, 2024, after the deadline for comments was extended (by request) until September 27, 2024. This final decision took into consideration an additional 32 comments received by the Department as part of this process.

The Department evaluated comments thoroughly and appreciate the public's input. Changes made to this final PBD include some expectations that align with environmental justice concerns provided to the Department as follows:

A Department-approved system for the treatment of landfill leachate for PFAS is designed and installed according to an approved schedule.
A third-party odor consultant will be selected to complete an odor analysis of the landfill and surrounding area, including evaluation of historical air quality sampling results, odor complaint history, field investigation, and recommended actions, to be submitted to the Department for review.
Two additional surface scans of the landfills intermediate cover will be conducted per year, ideally during periods of low barometric pressure to determine if there are fugitive landfill gas emissions. These scans must follow a Department-approved method. As identified by the surface scans, any necessary repairs will be made to the cover.
A Department-approved system will be established to inform the public about significant landfill events in near real time (for example through a website or other means).

For more information please visit the DEP Juniper Ridge webpage.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

AIR QUALITY ALERT

October 3, 2024

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level in the Eastern Interior and Mid-Coast Regions for today and tomorrow according to Air Quality Meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Smoke from a fire in Orrington is causing high particle pollution levels at local monitors, one of which was sited by the Maine DEP on Wednesday to measure localized air quality. The winds in the Penobscot River Valley are expected to remain from the south over the next 24 hours. Maine DEP is issuing this air quality alert as authorities anticipate that the fire is expected to burn for at least one more day. While valley locations will be especially susceptible to higher levels of particle pollution, all areas in the vicinity should take precautions.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

Maine DEPs Air Quality Forecast
Maine DEP's Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-223-1196
USEPAs EnviroFlash email and text alert system
USEPAs AIRNOW Fire and Smoke Map
USEPAs AIRNOW Mobile App
Maine.gov "Wildfires and Air Quality" Online Resource

For more information, call the contacts listed above or go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

Update 12: Sampling effort continues for the former Brunswick Naval Air Station

October 3, 2024

Nine rounds of surface water results from the Merriconeag Stream watershed, documenting conditions following the August AFFF release, have been evaluated by Department staff. Most concentrations continue to decline throughout the watershed, and the highest concentrations are still being detected below the Picnic Pond outflow. Four rounds of data from Harpswell Cove have been received by the Department and indicate contamination has reached the marine environment but is quickly being diluted to low concentrations. PFAS levels in the watershed have not yet returned to pre-spill concentrations and testing of surface water will continue to track the trends.

Following the August 19, 2024, AFFF spill, AFFF entered the public sanitary sewer system of the Brunswick Sewer District (BSD) and the BSD wastewater treatment facility that discharges to the Androscoggin River. The table below summarizes the results of the BSD effluent samples for PFAS that were taken in response to the spill. Results to date indicate levels of PFAS significantly higher than the BSD long term historical average of 34.2 ng/L (parts per trillion) (for sum of six PFAS in Maine's interim drinking water standard) obtained in 2022 and 2023 prior to the spill. The recent results also indicate a steady downward trend in effluent PFAS levels over the sampling period since the spill. Additional sample results are pending. Results for PFAS sampling in the Androscoggin River, above and below the BSD effluent discharge outfall, were previously reported and are available on the Departments Brunswick Naval Air Station AFFF (PFAS) Release web page.

The Brunswick Executive Airport is part of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station (BNAS) and encompasses roughly 3,100 acres. BNAS is included in the Superfund programs National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is established as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which is a federal law that gives the U.S. government the authority to respond to hazardous substance releases and threats, and hold responsible parties liable for costs due to those releases. "Superfund" is part of CERCLA.

Former military sites listed on the NPL, like BNAS involve the Federal government through the Federal Facilities and Superfund Program umbrella. This means that there are federal representatives that act as the lead regulator for these sites through the remediation process. In the case of BNAS the federal representatives that act as the lead regulators are the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Defense (DoD) Navy.

Maine has a corollary law, the Uncontrolled Sites Act, which gives Maine DEP similar authorities for sites where hazardous substances have been released. In the case of BNAS, DEP works closely with the EPA and DoD, but the DEP is not the lead for this project. The BNAS remediation process falls under an October 1990 Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA). This agreement establishes the responsibilities of the Navy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in studying contamination at the site and remediating the former base. Under that agreement, the Navy is required to conduct site contaminant investigations and remedial activities.

The Navy is able to sell or lease portions of the former BNAS subject to a Finding of Suitability for the proposed use by the EPA and Maine DEP. This is how the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) became the current operator at the facility. The next update will be issued as soon as additional test results become available.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP provides an update regarding the trash incineration plant fire in Orrington

October 3, 2024

In response to the incident that occurred at Eagle Point Energy Center (EPEC), in the town of Orrington on Wednesday, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection activated personnel from the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management including the Emergency Response Division and Materials Management Division, the Bureau of Water Quality, and the Bureau of Air Quality. The Orrington Fire Department, Penobscot County Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Maine Emergency Management Agency, are among the other agencies that responded. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard was alerted and on stand by should they need to be deployed.

Water samples were collected from the Penobscot River and test results are pending. In addition, DEP and EPA personnel began air monitoring in the area around the facility. Maine DEP staff collected grab samples for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in areas surrounding the Orrington fire yesterday, October 2, 2024. Monitoring staff could visibly see and smell smoke at three of the sampling locations (EPEC Entrance, Lots of Love Daycare, and the Edythe Dyer Community Library). Staff could smell but not see smoke at two school sampling locations (George B. Weatherbee School in Hamden and the Center Drive School). Smoke was not smelled or visible at the Orrington Center Church.

Preliminary review of the HAPs data analyzed from these six grab samples by both ME DEP and ME CDC was similar to background levels and did not raise exposure concerns. The ME DEP and ME CDC believe that particulate matter is the dominant pollutant of possible health concern at this time. Final data will be released shortly.

Federal Air Quality Monitoring Efforts

Additional air quality monitoring has also been conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Department contacted EPA's Region 1 (New England) office to request air monitoring support at approximately 0700hrs on October 2, 2024 in response to a fire at Eagle Point Energy Center LLC in Orrington, ME. EPA arrived on site and integrated into unified command at 1200hrs.

Upon arrival, EPA responders used handheld air monitoring equipment around the vicinity of the facility. A MultiRAE dectector was used to identify the concentration of the following: Oxygen (O2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Lower Explosive Limit (LEL%), Chlorine (Cl2), Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), Ammonia (NH3), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Nitric Oxide (NO). The air samples collected do not show concentrations of concern on the chemical specific sensors. Additionally, a Mercury Vapor Analyzer and Radiation Detector were also used and detected nothing of significance.

Also, EPA established air monitoring around the perimeter of the facility, including AreaRAEs to detect hazardous gases and aerosol monitors to detect particulate matter. The aerosol monitors measure the mass concentration of aerosol contaminants such as dust, smoke, fumes, and mists. Since EPAs arrival on the scene, the smoke from the fire has primarily traveled North. Therefore, EPA concentrated air monitoring efforts on the north side of the facility. EPA continued to conduct air monitoring throughout the night of October 2, 2024, and no air emissions were detected at concentrations of concern on the chemical specific sensors on the AreaRAEs. EPA continues to coordinate with local and state responders to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

Data from Emergency Departments Examined by Maine CDC

The Maine CDCs environmental epidemiologists have reviewed emergency department (ED) data since the fire on October 1-2, as compared to ED visits over the past few months, to assess whether there has been any increase in all-cause visits or visits related to respiratory outcomes, either in Orrington-area hospitals or among Orrington residents. The Maine CDC sees no evidence for an increase in all-cause visits or in visits for any type of respiratory complaints that might be related to smoke exposure or poor air quality. Additionally, a review of the visit notes and other documentation for all ED visits in these hospitals over the past two days found no evidence to indicate anyone complaining of exposure to smoke or poor air quality - from the EPEC facility fire or from any other source. The Maine CDCs environmental epidemiologists will continue to monitor these data for any evidence of health impacts for the duration of the smoke event.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP provides more details on air quality following the Orrington EPEC site fire

October 3, 2024

The air quality forecast for particle pollution in the area of the fire today is "moderate," meaning the air quality is acceptable. The ME DEP and ME CDC continue to closely monitor ambient particulate matter levels in the areas surrounding the Orrington fire. With low particulate matter detections by mid-morning and wind speeds expected to pick up, the air quality alert for yesterday, October 3, 2024, has been discontinued. The forecast has improved since yesterday's unhealthy for sensitive groups forecast. The unhealthy for sensitive groups category means that while the general public is not likely to be affected, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. (Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD, and healthy adults who are exerting themselves.) Now that the air quality forecast is moderate, neither the general public nor these sensitive groups should be affected; however, there may still be a slight risk for those unusually sensitive to air pollution. If people smell smoke and have concerns, they can consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion, and further reduce activity if they experience coughing or shortness of breath.

To provide a short-term health risk assessment from the smoke and emissions generated by the Orrington Eagle Point Energy Center fire, the Maine DEP collected several grab air samples from locations in the Orrington area where there was visible smoke and/or odor in the air. These grab air samples were analyzed by the Maine DEP for 47 individual chemicals to determine levels in the air people could breathe. These measured air levels were compared to available federal agency toxicity guidelines for levels in air that would pose minimal risk of any adverse health effect from short-term exposure, specifically a period of 1 to 14 days.

All of the measured levels of the 19 chemicals with short-term toxicity guidelines were well below these guidelines as evidenced by all of the ratios on the figure are well below 1. The figure linked provides a quick summary of the results from this air testing. As toxicity guidelines differ a lot among different chemicals, a way to put all the chemicals on one figure is to show how each measured level of chemical compares to its own toxicity value. This comparison is made by computing the ratio of the measured level to the toxicity guideline. A ratio with a value of 1 (the dotted line) means the measured level is the same as the toxicity guideline. A ratio of less than 1 means the measured level is lower than the toxicity guideline and thus is unlikely to be of health concern. For example, the highest ratio found in performing these comparisons was 0.2 for the chemical benzene measured at the Edythe Dyer Community Library. This means the measured level of benzene was five-times lower than the toxicity guideline for benzene.

On Oct 3, around 1000hrs the Responsible Party, in collaboration with the Fire Department, started separating the trash pile within the building. This change in response activity caused the DustTrak monitors to detect higher aerosol mass readings. However, there were no significant changes detected by the chemical specific sensors in the AreaRAEs. EPA on-scene coordinators determined that there is no evidence of hazardous materials burning within the trash pile. EPA demobilized all personnel and equipment on Oct 3 at approximately 1600hrs.

EPA will continue to support Maine DEP in its efforts to evaluate data from the states ambient air monitoring network and alert the public if there are concentrations that could exceed unhealthy levels of pollutants, like particulate matter.

Community members can see real-time particulate air quality data readily available at EPAs Fire and Smoke Map. This resource shows air quality from moment to moment, at both regulatory air monitoring stations and non-regulatory air quality sensors. Community members can use this full information to make decisions about their activities.

Samples were taken Wednesday from the Penobscot river above the discharge in Bangor for background levels, at two locations below the discharge, and one directly from the discharge. The Department requested expedited processing of the samples. Due to lab volume, results may not be available for several days.

For the duration of the weekend, the DEP Response Division will be on call to assist the town of Orrington, the Orrington Fire Department, and the local Emergency Management Agency. The public is encouraged to contact the Orrington Fire Department at 207-825-3530 if they have concerns about the fire or fire management. In the event that no one is available to take the call in person, please leave a message, and someone will respond as soon as personnel are available.

Until the fire is extinguished, DEP Air Bureau staff will continue monitoring the air quality in the affected area.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Update 13: Further tests on soil and shellfish are planned for the former BNAS and Harpswell Cove

October 21, 2024

Results from ten (10) rounds of surface water sampling conducted in Mare Brook have been provided to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The most recent data was obtained on September 19, 2024, one month after the AFFF release date. PFAS concentrations have been significantly reduced during this time however they remain elevated from pre-spill concentrations. Trends continue to generally decrease as the PFAS works its way through the watershed, and no significant rebound of concentrations have occurred to suggest a further emergency removal effort is warranted. The DEP will continue to monitor surface water into the foreseeable future but plans to reduce the sampling frequency from weekly sample events to monthly, beginning in November. The DEP has also begun submitting samples to its contracted laboratory on a standard turnaround time for analysis which provides results of samples approximately one month after sample collection. These changes to the sampling program were deemed appropriate after reviewing all available data and determining that additional definition in trends provided by sampling frequency will not increase protectiveness to human health or the environment.

This week, DEP staff plan to complete additional soil sampling in the Pond B area. The previous soil sampling event near Pond B was completed in September from an area where appreciable amounts of foam accumulated on the day of the AFFF release. The soil in this area was found to have concentrations of PFAS below the States Remedial Action Guidelines for the park user exposure scenario, but the concentrations were well above background levels for Maine soil. The additional soil sampling will be completed to evaluate potential risk to adjacent site users immediately north and south of Neptune Drive near the Pond B area.

The Department is coordinating with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and the Town of Brunswick to conduct additional shellfish sampling in Harpswell Cove in and adjacent to the area currently under an extended seasonal closure. DEP personnel collected softshell clam and blue mussel samples from Harpswell Cove in September and expects to receive PFAS lab results in December. While these results are pending and with help from Brunswick, the Department will collect additional softshell clam, blue mussel and quahog samples in October and November to provide additional data if necessary. DMR will use these PFAS data to support future decisions about reopening or continued closure of the shellfish harvesting area.

On October 16, 2024, the Navy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and DEP project teams met to discuss the initial review of DEP data resulting from the AFFF release at Hangar 4 at the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick. Surface water, soil, and drinking water data were shared with the Navy by DEP to identify trends and preliminary findings. The initial discussions were intended to identify agreed upon next steps under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process, but did not address liability, policy conflicts, or final cleanup actions. Action items resulting from the CERCLA project team meetings will be released as soon as consensus has been reached.

A new web map produced by the Department summarizes the surface water, treated wastewater, soil, fish, and private water well samples that the DEP has collected since the AFFF release in August. Visit the DEP BNAS webpage to view the map.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine.gov

Federal, State and Nonprofit Partnership that includes MEDEP Awards $1.2 Million For Conservation Projects

Maine DEP celebrates Air Quality Awareness Week May 2 - 6, 2022

DEP to host Food Scrap Diversion Workshops

NECEC appeals to be considered by the Board of Environmental Protection

NECEC appeals to the Board of Environmental Protection have been postponed due to Covid-19 illnesses

DEP has awarded the first round of funds for recycling and organics management projects in 2022

Board of Environmental Protection has rescheduled NECEC appeals for deliberation

The Maine DEP issues an Air Quality Alert for portions of Maine on Sunday, June 26, 2022

Update to the fire and subsequent sinking of the Motor Vessel TOO ELUSIVE

The motor vessel TOO ELUSIVE's recent sinking is still being monitored by the Maine DEP, USCG, and New Hampshire DES

Media Advisory: Press Conference regarding Motor Vessel TOO ELUSIVE salvage efforts

MEDIA ADVISORY Press Conference regarding Motor Vessel TOO ELUSIVE salvage efforts - CANCELED

An update on today's effort to recover the wreckage of the vessel TOO ELUSIVE

Impacted areas of Cobbosseecontee Lake will receive an herbicide treatment to combat Eurasian water milfoil Treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Appeals to the NECEC Transmission project are decided by the Maine BEP

A DEP air quality alert is in effect for Sunday along the coast of Maine

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report shows Maine on pace to meet goals

DEP warns of impacts to surface waters from drought and irrigation practices

DEP is seeking applications for $3 million in grants to upgrade and replace stream crossings

DEP seeks grant proposals for second round of waste diversion projects

DEP directs NECEC to remove specific materials from the project corridor

After Brookfield Provides New Information to Federal Government, Maine DEP Offers Brookfield Opportunity to Submit Updated Application

MNRCP awards $1.5 million for wetland restoration and conservation in Maine

Second round of funds from DEP awarded for 2022 recycling and organics management projects

DEP is seeking grant submissions for waste diversion projects

Maine DEP has announced new grant awards for municipal stream crossings

Maine DEP Provides Update on Clean Up Effort Following Train Derailment

Maine DEP Warns Railroad to Clean Up Environment Surrounding Train Derailment Site to Department's Satisfaction

Maine Forest Service and Land Use Planning Commission issue a Joint Notice of Violation to Railway with the assistance of Maine DEP

Update on Clean-up effort

The Maine DEP observes Air Quality Awareness Week from May 1 to May 5, 2023

Joint Status Update: Work to Remove Derailed Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Freight Train Continues

Maine DEP lifts suspension order for NECEC project

Related Documents

Maine DEP seeks public input as part of a review of the state's Solid Waste and Recycling Plan

Canadian Wildfires Prompts Air Quality Advisory For Maine

Maine DEP schedules stakeholder meetings for the state's Solid Waste and Recycling Plan

Presque Isle

Machias

First round of grants from Maine DEP awarded for 2023 recycling and organics management projects

Maine DEP issues Air Quality Alert for Sunday, June 25

Maine DEP has scheduled the final stakeholder meetings for the state's Solid Waste and Recycling Plan

Augusta

Portland

Maine DEP Response Division to conduct training in Portland Harbor

Maine DEP issues an Air Quality Alert for Tuesday, July 18

Maine DEP schedules virtual informational meeting in advance of the second round of Waste Diversion grants for 2023

NECEC Notifies DEP of Intention to Resume Corridor Construction

Maine DEP Investigates Emissions at Portland Waste to Energy Facility

2023 Food Loss and Waste Generation Study, RFP# 202308174

Maine DEP Issues an Air Quality Alert in Response to Canadian Smoke Plume

$6.3 million awarded for wetland restoration and conservation in Maine

The DEP invites towns and regional groups in Maine to submit Waste Grant Proposals

Maine remains on track to fulfill goals according to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report

Air quality for areas of Maine expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on Wednesday

The Maine DEP is now accepting proposals for Waste Diversion Grants

Maine DEP extends deadline for Waste Diversion Grant proposals

Maine DEP forecasts Unhealthy Air Quality for Northern Maine on Wednesday and Thursday

DEP extends review timeline for Juniper Ridge Landfill Application for Determination of Public Benefit

Unified Command established for Brunswick AFFF release

Updates on Response to AFFF spill in Brunswick

Update 2: Unified Command continues response to AFFF spill in Brunswick

Update 3: Response efforts to address the Brunswick AFFF spill continue

Update 4: Mitigation efforts will continue over the holiday weekend in Brunswick

Update 5: DEP expands sampling plan at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station

Update 6: DEP will assist in facilitating the transition from emergency response to long-term remediation in Brunswick

Update 7: The DEP releases the most recent Brunswick sample findings

Update 8: DEP staff conduct door-to-door effort to sample wells in neighborhood near AFFF spill site

Related Documents

Maine DEP extends the deadline for public comment on the JRL PBD application to September 27

Update 9: The Maine DEP's comprehensive testing efforts in Brunswick have resulted in ongoing sampling findings

Related Documents

Update 10: DEP issues recent test findings from the Androscoggin River in relation to the Brunswick AFFF spill

Update 11: DEP continues to evaluate Brunswick's soil and water sample results

Maine DEP responds to trash incineration plant fire in Orrington

Maine DEP issues the final public benefit determination for the Juniper Ridge Landfill Expansion

AIR QUALITY ALERT

Update 12: Sampling effort continues for the former Brunswick Naval Air Station

DEP provides an update regarding the trash incineration plant fire in Orrington