Local officials are waiting for what comes next at the federal level while they continue to grapple with a toxic chemical spill.
environment
Posted inBusiness
South Portland halts disputed Portland Jetport tree removal
Officials at Maine’s largest airport must show the runway approach project hasn’t violated local, state and federal land use laws.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine DEP: $50M sludge bond would preserve landfill space
The proposal to bond funding for grants to help local sewer districts tackle the statewide sludge-disposal problem needs approval by a legislative committee and two-thirds of the House and Senate before it could be sent to voters in November.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Nordic Aquafarms to pay Midcoast environmental group $125K
Upstream Watch had opposed the Norwegian company’s recently abandoned plan to build a $500 million inland salmon farm in Belfast.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland Jetport parking expansion OK’d despite environmental concerns
Chairman Brandon Mazer expressed disappointment as the board approved the controversial $8 million project, which would add 265 spaces.
Posted inAnimals, Local & State, News
Maine airports seek exemption from wildlife protection laws
Aviation officials and businesses say a bill to exempt airports from state protections for Maine’s endangered or threatened species would prevent wildlife collisions, but environmental groups say the protections are needed.
Posted inLocal & State
Here’s what the latest global climate assessment means for Maine
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) released a new global assessment outlining a path toward a sustainable future. Dr. Kanae Tokunaga of the Gulf of Maine Institute was one of two experts from the U.S. chosen to contribute. Here’s her take on what ‘transformative change’ could mean for working waterfronts.
Posted inLocal & State, News
With funds running out, Maine is at a PFAS crossroads
A multiagency presentation before lawmakers warns of the difficulty the state will face trying to meet the needs of residents adversely affected by the spreading of sewage sludge containing forever chemicals.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mills proposes $2M for preventative spruce budworm spraying
The early intervention program, modeled after one in New Brunswick, would fund the spring spraying of pesticides on 300,000 acres of commercial spruce-fir forests in northern Maine where state inspectors have found evidence of overwintering budworm larvae.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
A PFAS-free fire suppressant made with Maine wood could fight wildfires
The chemical-free extinguisher could move to the market — and onto firefighting airplanes — quickly. But getting it certified will take time and money.