The genesis of a clean water initiative
in central Maine
In the summer of 2004, lovers of a
clean environment were reeling
from a maneuver which had occurred in the prior session of the Maine
Legislature. While the details are a bit complex, the effect of the
legislation was clear: The Androscoggin and St. Croix Rivers were
being placed in a special category of degradation not considered
acceptable for any other river in the state. Despite the diligent
efforts of the majority of representatives from the Lewiston-Auburn
area, the Maine Legislature had “caved in” to pressure
from the pulp and paper industry (primarily International Paper Co.)
to delay or prevent the rivers from reaching Clean Water Act Class
C (the lowest allowable by law) standards. Environmentalists were
particularly aroused when certain employees of IP who were members
of the legislature appeared to be placing their employer’s
interests above their responsibility to represent Maine’s citizens
in this matter.
A grass roots effort to reverse this damaging bit
of legislation gathered momentum during the summer and autumn
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Greg D'Augustine, ARA Chairman, with
Rep. Elaine Makas and Senator Peggy Rotundo
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months. With support from Maine Rivers, a group
of private citizens founded the Androscoggin River Alliance.
Our mission is to restore the health of the Androscoggin. We
strive to bring the river into compliance with the Clean Water
Act standards that all other Maine rivers must meet, and to promote
both ecologically and economically sustainable activities that
will protect and enhance the innate value and beauty of the river.
We understand the battle to be a difficult one. Yet the goal
remains admirable and attainable. The dream of Edmund Muskie
will, with diligent work, become reality.
Gregory D’Augustine
Chair, ARA |
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