Some residents say the town and state do not do enough to respond to their concerns. Officials say they do what they can, and are following the wishes of voters.
maine department of environmental protection
Togus Pond to receive dayslong chemical treatment in battle against algae
The aluminum sulfate treatment aims to protect the pond for years to come, as organizers hope the effort becomes ‘a shining example of how to restore a lake in Maine.’
Maine’s former landfills are leaking forever chemicals
The state has so far found PFAS-contaminated drinking water supplies in 51 wells near former landfills, but no one will say which landfills are leaking.
Oversight of Maine’s electric vehicle standards likely to shift from citizen board to lawmakers
A bill to formalize the change is headed to Gov. Janet Mills. The move delays limits on sales of gas-powered vehicles from being implemented until at least 2025.
Forever chemicals in landfills threaten groundwater, streams and rivers
There is no evidence the pollutant-laden wastewater that forms when rain trickles through a landfill is escaping from the holding tanks, ponds or lagoons where it is stored, but then again, no one is looking.
Maine may join rest of New England in banning food scraps from landfills
Supporters want lawmakers to do something about rotting food waste, which produces dangerous levels of methane gas. But critics of the proposal say a ban would be too costly for the state and businesses.
Maine DEP moves to fast-track recovery permits after destructive winter storms
Lawmakers hope to ease some environmental regulations so people can build more durable infrastructure and recover more quickly after January’s storms.
Pittston selectman roasted for letting ‘hysterical’ man into prohibited area to fish
Jean Ambrose could face repercussions for letting the resident into the town’s RiverWalk property after the Select Board voted in October to close it due to a potentially dangerous leak.
PFAS found in almost 1,000 products sold in Maine, so far
From shampoo to school supplies, dog treats to dishware, the brand names that admit to using forever chemicals are ubiquitous.
Maine DEP highlights decades-old program for oil cleanup
Maine homeowners and businesses can access Department of Environmental Protection services to mitigate oil spills and systems at risk of leaking, state officials say.