AGP Executive Report

Landfill Fight: A Penobscot County judge upheld Maine DEP’s approval of Juniper Ridge’s expansion, which would add 11.9 million cubic yards of capacity. The Penobscot Nation and Conservation Law Foundation have raised concerns about pollution and PFAS impacts along the Penobscot River and are weighing next steps. Water Pressure: During Poland Spring’s permit-renewal hearings, residents questioned risks to Long Pond, groundwater and private wells; the company’s hydrogeologist said extraction has caused no adverse effects, while the town’s expert urged continued scrutiny. Grid Expansion: Opposition is mounting to CMP’s proposed $547 million Greater Portland grid upgrade, with residents seeking clearer answers about impacts on trees, wildlife habitat and trails. Invasive Species: Old Orchard Beach’s Guild Park has lost more than 500 hemlocks to an invasive insect; managers now plan to treat remaining trees to limit further cutting. Home Energy: Volunteers in Orono built 300 window inserts to reduce drafts and heating-fuel use. Tribal Lands: The Mi’kmaq Nation added 83 acres in Connor, restoring access to forests and wetlands for tribal members.

Landfill Ruling: A Maine judge upheld DEP’s approval of an 11.9-million-cubic-yard expansion at Juniper Ridge, allowing the project to proceed despite Penobscot Nation and Conservation Law Foundation challenges over pollution and environmental justice. Grid Buildout: Residents and officials are pressing CMP for answers about its proposed $547 million Greater Portland upgrade, citing potential impacts on trees, wildlife habitat and trails. Tribal Lands: The Mi’kmaq Nation added 83 ancestral acres in Connor, giving residents access to surrounding forests and wetlands. Development: DEP approved Amazon’s Gorham warehouse permits; the project will alter wetlands and requires mitigation credits and seasonal protections for bats. Energy Savings: Volunteers in Orono built 300 window inserts to help households reduce drafts and heating use. Wildlife and Fisheries: A rare eastern red bat is recovering after being rescued from the surf, while a UMaine study warns that declining baby lobster numbers could foreshadow losses in the midcoast population. PFAS Cleanup: A new treatment system is targeting contamination near the Kennebec River.

Gorham Warehouse: Maine DEP approved permits for Amazon’s proposed facility, allowing development that would affect wetlands; residents are also asking a court to overturn the town’s approval. Energy: Clearway’s proposed 800-megawatt County Line wind farm could become one of the East Coast’s largest, though major projects in northern Maine have stalled before. Data Centers: Portland is drafting land-use rules over concerns about water use, noise, power demand and neighborhood impacts, while Westbrook moves toward a moratorium. PFAS: A new treatment system aims to address contamination near the Kennebec River, as a Maine water utility pursues companies over alleged pollution. Lobster Fishery: A UMaine study’s reported decline in baby lobsters raises concern about future populations; separately, a federal appeals court dismissed Maine lobster interests’ defamation suit against a California environmental group. Wildlife Access: Maine Audubon opened a wheelchair-accessible trail at its Falmouth sanctuary, with boardwalks and wildlife interpretation.

Nature Access: Maine Audubon opened a new wheelchair-accessible trail at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, with boardwalks, wildlife signs and audio descriptions. Penobscot River: Orrington broke ground on a public boat launch funded by a $2.5 million environmental trust grant; the trust is also overseeing cleanup of mercury contamination from the former HoltraChem plant. Data Center Debate: A Bowdoin student who interrupted the Collins-Jackson debate said data centers threaten the climate and Maine’s waters, sharpening concerns over their environmental impacts. Pollution: A new treatment system aims to address PFAS contamination near the Kennebec River, while a Maine utility is suing five companies over alleged PFAS pollution. Coastal Wildlife: University of Maine research links declining numbers of baby lobsters to potential losses in the midcoast population. Stewardship: Maine Forest Service marked 135 years of work protecting the state’s forests, while Hog Island’s Audubon Camp celebrated 90 years of conservation education.

Forest Health: An invasive hemlock woolly adelgid infestation has led to the removal of more than 500 trees at Guild Park in Old Orchard Beach; managers say clearing dead trees will help the forest regenerate. Data Center Scrutiny: Bucksport has paused data center development for six months as residents and officials weigh local impacts. In Eastport, public comments on a proposed data center’s federal permit are due Monday. PFAS Cleanup: A new treatment system is targeting contamination near the Kennebec River, while a Maine utility is suing five companies over alleged PFAS pollution. Marine Life: UMaine research points to a decline in baby lobsters, a warning sign for the midcoast fishery. Tribal Lands: The Penobscot Nation has received 11,000 ancestral acres in the first phase of a planned 30,000-acre return. Climate Experiment: A controversial test released lye into the Gulf of Maine to see whether it could increase the ocean’s carbon uptake.

Forest Health: An invasive hemlock woolly adelgid infestation has led volunteers to remove more than 500 trees from Guild Park in Old Orchard Beach, part of a plan to help the forest regenerate. Data Center Scrutiny: Bucksport has paused data center development for six months as officials weigh local impacts; Hallowell is also considering a temporary ban. Water Quality: A new PFAS treatment system aims to address contamination near the Kennebec River, while a Maine water utility is suing five companies over alleged PFAS pollution. Tribal Stewardship: The Penobscot Nation has received 11,000 ancestral acres in the first phase of a planned 30,000-acre return, with the tribe planning habitat restoration. Fisheries: A University of Maine study finds fewer baby lobsters, warning of possible population losses. Climate Research: A controversial Gulf of Maine test released lye into the water to study whether it could increase ocean carbon capture.

Data Center Pause: Bucksport has joined Maine towns imposing a temporary freeze on data centers, giving officials six months to weigh the risks and set rules before major development moves ahead. Land Return: The Penobscot Nation is receiving 11,000 ancestral acres near the Penobscot River, the first phase of a planned 30,000-acre transfer that will put stewardship in tribal hands. PFAS: A new treatment system is targeting contamination near the Kennebec River, while a Maine water utility is suing companies over alleged PFAS pollution. Residents are also challenging a landfill expansion over wetlands, PFAS and leachate truck traffic. Lobster Warning: UMaine research finds a decline in baby lobsters, raising concern about future population losses and the fishery’s health. Gulf of Maine: A controversial climate experiment released lye into the gulf to test whether it could boost carbon dioxide removal, renewing questions about the risks of ocean-based climate interventions.

Water Quality: A new PFAS treatment system is operating near the Kennebec River, where contamination forced the Greater Augusta Utility District to take a well offline. The district is also suing five companies over alleged pollution. Tribal Stewardship: The Penobscot Nation is receiving 11,000 ancestral acres in the first phase of a planned 30,000-acre return; the Nation plans to restore habitat. Drought: Maine’s 16-month precipitation shortfall has pushed groundwater to record lows in some areas, and state officials warn conditions could persist into 2027. Marine Life: A UMaine study warns that declining baby lobster numbers could foreshadow population losses along the midcoast. Separately, a controversial Gulf of Maine climate test released lye into the water to examine whether it could increase ocean carbon uptake.

Drought: Maine’s 16-month dry spell is likely to persist into 2027. Groundwater has hit record lows in parts of the state, and officials say recent rain has done little to replenish it. PFAS: Greater Augusta Utility District has switched on a new treatment system for contaminated wells near the Kennebec River and sued five companies over the pollution. Eastport Data Center: Public comment closes Monday on a proposed subsea AI data center in coastal waters, with local groups and conservation advocates seeking a say in the permit process. Gulf of Maine: A controversial climate experiment released lye into the water to test whether it could boost ocean carbon removal. Lobster Fishery: University of Maine research finds a decline in young lobsters, a warning sign for future populations and the fishery.

PFAS Contamination: Greater Augusta Utility District is suing five companies over alleged contamination of its Kennebec River-connected wells, while another report says Maine water utilities are pursuing paper mills over PFAS pollution. Energy Bills: A $130 million refund for Maine customers remains in limbo as electric utilities appeal regulators’ order to cut profits. Eastport Data Center: Public comments on a proposed subsea AI data center in coastal waters are due Monday; local groups, the city and federal fisheries officials are seeking a voice in the permit process. Lobster Fishery: A University of Maine study finds declining numbers of baby lobsters, raising concerns about future populations and the fishery. Water Quality: A federal complaint followed the discovery of thousands of dead fish in Brunswick, adding to concerns about pollution in Maine waterways.

Lobster Warning: A University of Maine study found an 80% drop in baby lobsters sampled in the Midcoast from 2010 to 2022, followed by steep declines in young and harvestable adults — a troubling signal for a fishery that brought in more than $461 million last year. Climate Rules: Maine joined 20 states and other governments suing the Trump administration over its repeal of limits on power-plant emissions. Data Center Debate: Hallowell is weighing a six-month pause on new data center development while it considers safeguards for water, power, land and infrastructure. In Gorham, residents have appealed approval of an Amazon warehouse, citing concerns including stormwater, traffic and road capacity. PFAS Concerns: Maine water utilities are suing paper companies over alleged contamination of wells and the Kennebec River.

Lobster Decline: A University of Maine study found an 80% drop in baby lobsters sampled along the midcoast from 2010 to 2022, followed by steep declines in young and harvest-size lobsters — a warning for a fishery worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Wetlands and Development: Gorham United is challenging approval of a proposed Amazon distribution center, citing traffic, wetland protections and concerns about compliance with town rules. PFAS Pollution: The Greater Augusta Utility District is suing paper and packaging companies over alleged PFAS contamination, seeking cleanup costs for affected water supplies. Endangered Wildlife: Federal officials have changed how the Endangered Species Act treats accidental harm to protected animals, making it illegal only when intentional; at least nine listed species live in Maine. Fish Kill Investigation: A federal complaint was filed after thousands of dead fish were found in Brunswick. Katahdin’s Changing Summit: A study finds alpine tundra on Katahdin is giving way to plants adapted to warmer conditions.

PFAS Pollution: The Greater Augusta Utility District sued four paper-mill owners, alleging PFAS discharges contaminated a Kennebec River drinking-water well that was closed in 2024. Separately, a national report found PFAS in 83% of 1,602 tested waterways. Marine & Fisheries: A federal complaint followed the discovery of thousands of dead fish in Brunswick. Maine DMR and Bigelow Laboratory will survey plankton and lobster larvae near the proposed Maine Research Array to establish baseline data. Rockland also won a grant to assess climate risks at its commercial fish pier. Energy & Climate: A proposed Aroostook County wind farm of 150 to 200 turbines drew fresh opposition from residents and lawmakers concerned about impacts on rural communities. Research also finds alpine areas across the northern Appalachians are greening as warmer-weather plants spread. Seafood Claims: Hannaford faces a lawsuit alleging its “sustainable seafood” advertising misleads shoppers about the impacts of farmed salmon.

Seafood Claims: Hannaford is facing a lawsuit alleging its “sustainable seafood” signs mislead shoppers about farmed salmon’s environmental impacts. The claims have not been proven in court. PFAS: The Greater Augusta Utility District is suing four paper mill owners, alleging PFAS pollution contaminated a Kennebec River drinking-water well that was closed in 2024 after levels exceeded Maine’s safety limit. Fish Kill: Friends of Merrymeeting Bay has asked federal regulators to investigate thousands of dead young alewives found near Brunswick, saying dam turbines may have killed them. Brookfield reported shutting down operations to help fish pass. Wind Debate: Aroostook lawmakers and Haynesville residents raised concerns about the proposed County Line wind farm, which could include 150 to 200 turbines on commercial timberland. Climate Monitoring: A new northern New England initiative will expand snowpack measurements, as warming winters shorten the snow season and reduce water stored in snow.

Offshore Wind: Maine plans a winter survey of fish and invertebrates near its proposed Gulf of Maine research array, building a baseline to track potential effects on marine life and fishing. Sampling is set to begin in January. Wastewater: Brewer’s treatment plant will process more than 18,000 gallons of leachate from Juniper Ridge Landfill, removing pollutants before treated water enters the Penobscot River. Pollution and Health: An Augusta-area water utility is suing paper companies over PFAS contamination in Kennebec River wells. In South Portland, a report found long-term benzene levels near petroleum tanks were twice the state guideline and linked the pollution to elevated cancer risk. Conservation and Climate: More than 27,000 acres in western Maine are now protected for recreation, while research finds alpine tundra on Katahdin is giving way to plants adapted to warmer conditions.

Offshore Wind: Maine plans a winter survey of fish and marine life near its proposed Gulf of Maine wind research array, gathering baseline data to track possible effects on ecosystems and fishing. Sampling is scheduled to begin in January. Water Quality: Brewer’s wastewater plant will treat more than 18,000 gallons of leachate from Juniper Ridge Landfill before discharging the treated water into the Penobscot River. Lobster Fishery: A federal appeals court overturned a lower-court win for Maine lobstermen in their defamation suit against Monterey Bay Aquarium over its warning about risks to endangered right whales. Pollution Risks: Augusta’s water utility is suing paper companies over PFAS contamination in Kennebec River wells; a separate report found long-term benzene levels near South Portland petroleum tanks were twice the state guideline. Warming in the Mountains: New research finds alpine tundra on Katahdin is giving way to plants associated with warmer conditions. Conservation: Land trusts have protected more than 27,000 acres in western Maine, safeguarding forests for recreation.