In February 2008 the Board of Environmental Protection acted to ensure that the process of Androscoggin River cleanup will move decisively ahead. ARA and other environmental organizations had appealed actions of DEP taken in 2005 to delay requirements placed on the paper companies to as long as 2015. The BEP decision in February found such delays unacceptable, and imposed a five year timetable, as required by federal law.
 This action of the Board is a radical change from the dark days of 2005, when the Legislature enacted legislation to weaken the way in which standards on the Androscoggin would be enforced. Further, it radically rejects illegal actions of DEP in 2006 that gave paper companies up to 10 years to meet modest cleanup standards. To its credit, DEP had proposed in December 2006, under the leadership of Governor Baldacci and new Commissioner of DEP David Littell a draft timetable to reverse earlier illegal, sweetheart deals with the paper companies. Verso Paper (formerly International Paper) had appealed to BEP to uphold such deals. Naturally, ARA and others, represented by Conservation Law Foundation, took the position that the law did not permit such delays.
In fact, we contended that federal law prohibited any delays at all, that even the revised DEP draft proposals were not in compliance with federal law. The Board chose not to concur in that argument, but insisted that at the maximum only a 5 year compliance schedule would be permitted—and that the 5 years would date from 2005. While not all of our appeal points were upheld by the Board, ARA sees the decision of the Board as a clear victory, and as a precedent that the days of delay on the Androscoggin are over.
Where does the BEP action leave the river cleanup, and what is the future schedule of additional protection? To be realistic, the standards enforced by the Board still lack the requirements we have asked for. The portion of the river that is the most compromised, Gulf Island Pond, above Lewiston- Auburn, still fails to meet even the lowest level of federal classification. Beginning next year, DEP will propose new standards to become effective in 2010, and we will be insisting that they enable that portion of the river to meet federal standards.
Other sections of the river continue to improve. The City of Lewiston Sewer Division and Auburn Sewerage District (Lewiston and Auburn) are in the 8th year of a major project to eliminate storm sewer overflows. The total estimated cost of this major infrastructure improvement is $45.4 Million; all financed by local property taxes and sewer user fees. Total actual expenditures as of the end of 2007 were $29.4 Million. Completion of the effort is scheduled for December 2014. Finally, on the lowest section of the river, from Durham to Brunswick, proposals have been made and hearings held to consider reclassification of that section of the Androscoggin River from federal Class "C" to Class "B", water quality standards; a recognition of the improvements in water quality in this lower section of the river.
To those who have followed the fortunes of the Androscoggin for several years, the decision of the Board and the potential for further improvements in the near future are dramatic. There is ever increasing support throughout the valley for a cleaner river, as well as for the more secure employment that improvements at plants along the river would bring. Many feel that the efforts of ARA have been important in the progress thus far, and will continue to be for the future. In referring to ARA, the Lewiston Sun Journal said on August 1, 2008 that in ARA the Androscoggin River finally has “a voice”. We at ARA are pleased at such recognition, and intend to let our voice continue to be heard loud and clear. |
|
Welcome to the website for the Androscoggin River Alliance (ARA). We are the only organization, public or private, dedicated solely to the restoration and protection of the beautiful and mighty Androscoggin River in central Maine. The Androscoggin River is the third largest in the state and has been vital to Maine’s economy for well over a century. The ARA’s mission is to work together for a healthy river, good jobs, and strong communities.
Since forming in 2004, initially as part of Maine Rivers, the ARA has worked tirelessly for improvements to the Androscoggin River. We accomplish our goals with a strategic combination of advocacy, coalition-building, negotiation, education, and, if all else fails, litigation. In 2007 the ARA became an independent non-profit.
The ARA’s successes have largely hinged on our ability to forge alliances with a variety of organizations. Over time, we have developed a reputation for honesty and fairness in our dealings with government agencies, state and municipal officials, business and civic organizations, and individuals. The ARA recognizes the differing views of the many stakeholders along the River and seeks to bring together as many of these parties as possible to improve the river and enhance the quality of life for all residents of the river valley.
The ARA advocates for the river at the state and local level by attending and presenting at public hearings, committee meetings, and town councils. We also organize letter-writing campaigns and submit op-ed pieces to local newspapers to raise public awareness about the state of the river.
Education is a key component of our work. We have met with scores of civic, community and political groups to discuss the issues facing the river and the goals and accomplishments of the ARA. Hundreds of school children in the river valley have attended ARA presentations about the history and ecology of the river. The ARA has also helped extensively with a program run by the Atlantic Salmon Federation in which local school children raise and release salmon fry into the river.
Among our major achievements we have successfully fought illegal pollution discharge licenses issued by the state to paper mills along the river, we have been watch-dogs for the river and worked with the state to enforce anti-pollution laws, and we have significantly raised awareness about the river in local communities as well as in the national news media.
The ARA believes that restoration of the river is vital to the economic health and revitalization of the entire river valley. Restoring the Androscoggin will fulfill the dream of the late Maine Senator Edmund Muskie who grew up along its banks. It was the deplorable condition of his home river that inspired Muskie to write the Clean Water Act.
Please join us in our efforts. A healthy Androscoggin will enable all of us in the valley to enjoy the positive fruits of the river, including recreation, tourism, economic development, a quality residential environment, and revitalization of our downtown areas. |
| |
|
|
