AGP Executive Report

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.

PFAS Cleanup: Augusta’s water utility is suing paper companies, alleging industrial PFAS contaminated Kennebec River wells serving about 13,750 people. Air Pollution: A new report found elevated cancer risk near South Portland’s petroleum tanks, with long-term benzene levels in some areas twice the state guideline. Wildlife: A Belfast panel on Oct. 13 will discuss rodenticides’ risks to predators and pets, and alternatives that avoid poisoning wildlife. Maine Lobster: A federal appeals court has ordered dismissal of lobstermen’s defamation case against Monterey Bay Aquarium over its sustainability warning tied to right-whale risks. Conservation: Land trusts secured 1,800 acres along the Appalachian Trail in Somerset County; a separate effort protected more than 27,000 acres in western Maine. A Warming Summit: Studies find Katahdin’s alpine tundra is greening rapidly as warmer-weather plants spread.

Marsh and Wildlife: Researchers studying a Yarmouth salt marsh are tracking changes that could shape the future of its birds and other wildlife. Air Pollution: A report found long-term benzene levels near South Portland petroleum tanks were double the state guideline, with elevated cancer risk for nearby residents. Climate Change: A new study finds alpine tundra on Katahdin is giving way to plants that thrive in warmer conditions, reflecting rapid shifts across the Northeast’s high peaks. Conservation: More than 27,000 acres in western Maine are now protected, while land trusts also secured 1,800 acres along the Appalachian Trail in Somerset County. Fish and Fisheries: The owner of a Penobscot River dam replaced faulty utility poles after a July line failure killed fish. Separately, a federal appeals court cleared the way to dismiss Maine lobstermen’s suit over Monterey Bay Aquarium’s warning that lobster fishing threatens endangered right whales. Reuse: UMaine researchers are turning discarded lobster shells into golf tees designed to break down in about 30 days.

Circular Economy: University of Maine researchers are turning discarded lobster shells into biodegradable golf tees. The shells can replace plastic or wooden tees and release nutrients as they break down. Wabanaki Environmental Justice: Bangor’s first Indigenous Peoples’ Day Film Festival featured seven films on Native-led efforts, including opposition to the Juniper Ridge Landfill expansion and a proposed data center in Passamaquoddy Bay. Penobscot River: Brookfield Renewable is replacing faulty poles on the transmission line linked to July’s dam shutdown, when stranded fish were found downstream. Land Conservation: Two land trusts secured 1,843 acres near Moxie Pond and the Appalachian Trail, protecting habitat and public access. Warming on Katahdin: A new study finds alpine tundra on the summit is giving way to plants associated with warmer conditions.

Penobscot River: Brookfield Renewable is replacing faulty poles along the 30-mile line serving its McKay Station dam, after a July failure triggered a sudden flow drop that likely killed thousands of juvenile fish. Coastal Waters: South Bristol residents are questioning MaineDOT’s decision to fill a culvert at The Gut; they say the work has changed local water flow and could affect a working waterfront. Land Protection: Two land trusts have secured 1,843 acres near Moxie Pond and the Appalachian Trail, protecting habitat and public access while buffering a stretch of the trail. Katahdin: New research finds vegetation on the mountain’s alpine summit grew 7.9% from 1984 to 2024, as warming and air pollution help lower-elevation plants encroach on fragile tundra. Pollution: A report found long-term benzene levels in parts of South Portland were twice the state guideline, renewing concerns about local air quality. Working Waterfront: Vinalhaven Land Trust received a pier and waterfront property to keep it available for commercial fishing and community use.

Katahdin’s Changing Summit: Vegetation on Maine’s tallest mountain increased 7.9% from 1984 to 2024, the fastest greening among New England summits. Researchers say warming and nitrogen pollution may be helping lower-elevation plants spread into fragile alpine tundra. Greener Hospitals: MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo hospitals earned a national sustainability award; Waldo cut anesthetic gas emissions by 84% through more efficient use. Working Waterfront: A Vinalhaven foundation donated a Carvers Harbor pier and waterfront property to the land trust, which plans to preserve it for commercial fishing and public use. Land and Wildlife: More than 27,000 acres in western Maine are now protected, supporting conservation and outdoor recreation. Pollution Concerns: A report found long-term benzene levels in parts of South Portland were twice the state guideline. Energy and Habitat: CMP has shared a proposed 108-mile transmission route from northern Maine to the grid; environmental review and permitting lie ahead, with residents raising concerns about impacts on wildlife and wilderness. Coastal Restoration: A land trust and partners are preparing to restore Great Island salt marsh, an important coastal habitat.

Katahdin’s Changing Summit: Vegetation on Katahdin increased 7.9% from 1984 to 2024, the fastest greening of any New England summit. Researchers warn that expanding plants could crowd out rare alpine species. Hospital Sustainability: MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo hospitals earned a national Greenhealth Champion Award; Waldo cut anesthetic gas emissions by 84%. Working Waterfront: Vinalhaven Land Trust received a Carvers Harbor property donation, protecting its pier and shoreline for commercial fishing and public use. Energy and Wildlife: CMP shared a proposed 108-mile transmission route from northern Maine to the grid, drawing concerns about effects on homes, farms and wildlife. Air Quality: A state report found long-term benzene levels near a South Portland petroleum terminal were double Maine’s guideline. Forest Conservation: More than 27,000 acres in western Maine have been protected for conservation and outdoor recreation.

Air Quality: Long-term benzene levels near South Portland petroleum terminals exceeded Maine’s guideline. At Citgo’s Mechanic Street terminal, levels were twice the state’s acceptable risk benchmark from 2019 to 2025. Energy and Wildlife: CMP has shared a proposed 108-mile transmission route from Haynesville to Pittsfield. Residents are concerned about effects on homes, farms and wildlife as planning and environmental reviews proceed. Wildlife: Millions of migrating waterbirds are passing Schoodic Point, a key coastal flyway. Alpine Habitat: A new study finds vegetation advancing across Northeast high peaks, with Katahdin especially affected and rare alpine plants at risk of being crowded out. Conservation: More than 27,000 acres in western Maine are now protected, while partners prepare to restore Great Island salt marsh. Water Pollution: Contaminated wastewater from Juniper Ridge is to be treated in Brewer; a Maine guide has pulled 700 tires from a river.

Air Quality: A six-year study found long-term benzene levels near a South Portland petroleum terminal were twice Maine’s guideline. About 12,700 people live within a mile; state officials will present findings to the City Council on Oct. 27. Clean Water: Augusta’s Greater Augusta Utility District completed a $2 million filtration project and restored a well after PFAS levels exceeded the drinking-water limit. Wildlife and Yards: A University of Maine researcher says leaving fallen leaves in place can shelter native pollinators and nourish soil. Forest Conservation: More than 27,000 acres in western Maine are now protected for conservation and recreation, while the possible end of the federal roadless rule could put other Maine forests at risk. Coastal Health: An algal bloom is intensifying offshore in Maine waters, and a land trust and partners are preparing to restore Great Island salt marsh. Environmental Enforcement: Maine fined Fryeburg Solar $204,000 for environmental damage.