ND Paper’s mill in Rumford and Sappi’s Somerset mill in Skowhegan are two of the nation’s top industrial air polluters, a new report says.
environment
Maine’s small vernal pools may get bigger state protections
A bill now awaiting action by Gov. Janet Mills would create a 100-foot no-disturbance protection zone around Maine’s vernal pools, among other protections.
Total ban on foam food containers in Maine delayed 2 more years
The Legislature continued 2 key exemptions on the containers until July 2027.
CMP conservation plan insufficient, environmental groups tell state regulators
CMP said the conservation plan is just one part of a comprehensive set of requirements to address the overall project impacts, and that the concerns identified are dealt with elsewhere in the permit orders.
EPA restores $1.6M UMaine PFAS grant
The federal agency’s reversal comes 1 month after it declared that the University of Maine’s research into ways to reduce the effects of forever chemicals on farms was inconsistent with the EPA’s funding priorities.
UMaine professor wins $1M grant to take a new look at old plants
The open source computer model that Jose Meireles is developing will use genetic analysis and reflective light to study already collected plants, saving field and lab time and money and protecting rare plants from destruction.
Federal cuts may hurt Maine’s ability to meet climate goals, scientists say
Reduced federal funding and staffing could hinder the Maine Climate Council’s ability to prepare for and track climate change, as well as the state’s ability to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Hallowell volunteers survey ‘threatened’ Vaughan Brook watershed
Recent testing found Vaughan Brook does not meet water quality standards for aquatic life and dissolved oxygen, thanks largely to increased pressure from development.
Maine’s next wildlife protection plan will consider climate threats
The once-a-decade conservation blueprint will weigh climate change threats, include plants as well as animals and emphasize habitat protection.
Maine tree spraying will kill any caterpillars, not just forest pests
While not toxic to people or most animals, pesticides to protect spruce and fir trees against budworm could also hurt the caterpillar form of two threatened butterflies. Spraying supporters say plans call for a targeted approach.