Juniper Ridge Expansion Approved
The Penobscot County Superior Court judge has approved the Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to allow for the expansion of the Juniper Ridge landfill. The proposed expansion would increase the area of the landfill by almost 12 million cubic yards.
This ruling comes after months of public criticism, especially from the Wabanaki Nation and local residents, who have expressed concerns about water pollution and PFAS exposure from the landfill.
This approval also permits Casella’s plan to treat toxic waste by transporting it to a town 20 miles away—a plan that has also received backlash.
Source: Conservation Law Foundation
Reserve Heating Oil to be Available for Use Ahead of the Winter Months
Following a letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to release 315,000 barrels of heating oil in the hopes that it will help decrease oil costs.
On October 13, heating oil prices reached $5.97 per gallon, 79% higher than last year. The highest prices in history were recorded on September 21 at $6.02 per gallon.
This is only the second time reserve oil has been released.
Source: Maine Morning Star
Portland Water District Receives $8 Million USDA Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted the Portland Water District $8 million to help maintain water quality and support the aquatic ecosystem at Sebago Lake. The grant will be used to improve fish passage by reconnecting waterways, manage the surrounding forest, and keep the water clean.
Sebago Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the country and supplies water to 200,000 Mainers. Currently, no filtration is needed. The grant will provide important funding needed to maintain the ecosystem, as well as its high water quality.
Source: Maine Public
Seven Maine Municipalities to Vote on Data Center Development
Data center bans are on the ballot in some towns and cities across Maine. On November 3, voters in Brownfield, Eliot, Freedom, North Berwick, Peru, Sabattus, Wells, and Wiscasset will decide whether or not they want to see data center development in their communities.
Over 20 Maine towns and cities have already adopted some form of a data center ban.
Source: The Maine Monitor
