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2008 Maine Water Conference
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Augusta Civic Center
Event Sponsors
U.S. Geological Survey • Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Environmental and Watershed Research • Maine DHHS Drinking Water Program • Portland Water District • Aqua Maine • Maine Department of Environmental Protection • Maine Geological Survey • State Planning Office Maine Coastal Program • Maine WasteWater Control Association • Maine Water Utilities Association • Maine Congress of Lake Associations • Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute • Maine Rural Water Association • Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program • University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Availability of Presentations
Session presentations and additional materials have been made available when permission has been granted by the speaker. Please note that in some instances, speakers are unable to make materials available for a varietyof reasons. If you are interested in a particular topic, please contact the speaker directly for additional information.
2008 SESSION LIST
A. The Legislature: Agendas now and in the future
Session Facilitator: Peter Sly, Colby College
The first part of this session will include a brief update on current issues in the legislature, including the alewives dispute. It will also peer into the future, looking at long term hydroelectric/energy and dam removal issues. In the second part of this session a panel of prominent journalists will consider the practical and ethical issues involved in covering water issues in the public media.
Updates, Alewives and Dams
Panelists: Representative Ted Koffman (D-Bar Harbor), Chair, Natural Resources Committee; Senator Dennis S. Damon (D-Hancock), Chair, Marine Resources Committee; Dave Wilby, Independent Energy Producers of Maine
The Media’s Role in Defining the Water Agenda
Panelists: Naomi Schalit, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel; John Richardson, Portland Press Herald; Susan Sharon, Maine Public Broadcasting
B. Anthropogenic trace contaminants: Impacts on environmental and human health
Session Chair: Greg Mayer, Dept. of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, UMaine
- Pharmaceutically derived, waterborne estrogens inhibit DNA repair processes in zebrafish
Greg Mayer, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMaine
Abstract
PP Presentation (available as PDF document)
Background document (available as PDF document)
- Evaluating spatial patterns in mercury and methyl mercury in northeastern lakes: landscape setting, chemical climate, and human influences
Sarah J. Nelson, Senator George J. Mitchell Center, UMaine
Abstract
- Preliminary study on multiple stressor effects in early life stage Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Crista Straub, School of Biology and Ecology, UMaine
Abstract
C. Information Systems: If you build it…will they come?
Session chair: Gordon Longsworth, College of the Atlantic GIS Lab
There has been a proliferation of geospatial-based information systems available on the web in recent years. However, many of these systems remain difficult to use and may not well serve the audience they were designed for. This session will discuss geospatial information system design and implementation. How can those designing information systems about water resources provide citizens, municipalities, policy-makers and others with tools they need and can use? What makes some systems more successful than others? What designs provide for ease-of-access without compromising the richness of information? How can those building these information systems know what will work best for the intended audience?
- Environmental Geographic Analysis Database (EGAD) – Integration of an Enterprise Production Environmental Sampling Database with ArcMap and Google Earth
Christian Halsted
Abstract
PP Presentation (available as PDF document)
- Development and Implementation of a Regionalized Stormwater Data Management and Inspection Program to Meet NPDES Phase II Permit Requirements: A Case Study of Collaborative Work Conducted by the Bangor Area Storm Water Group
Phil Ruck and Brenda Zollitsch
Abstract
PP Presentation (available as PDF document)
Additional information is available. Contact Brenda Zollitsch.
- Maine Water Atlas
Apoorv Gehlot
Abstract
D. Watershed Management: The local perspective
Session Facilitator: Tamara Lee Pinard, Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District
This roundtable discussion is for municipalities, and anyone working with municipalities, that are interested in improving water quality. Discussion will focus on ways municipalities can approach watershed planning that leads to on-the-ground fixes. A variety of watershed approaches including those utilized in the urban impaired streams of Long Creek, Hart Brook and Penjajawock Stream will provide the basis for discussion. Topics will include where to begin, working with stakeholders and lessons learned.
Panelists: Jan Patterson, P.E., Project Engineer, City of Lewiston; Wendy Warren, Environmental Coordinator, City of Bangor; Jim Hughes, Councilor, City of South Portland; Chris Feurt, Director, Center for Sustainable Communities, UNE
E. Drinking Water Topic – Public Law 2007 Chapter 353: An Act to Implement Recommendations of the Drinking Water Program Regarding Public Water Supply Protection
Session Facilitator: Kirsten Ness, Portland Water District
In 2007, the Maine State Legislature passed Public Law 2007 Chapter 353, “An Act to Implement Recommendations of the Drinking Water Program Regarding Public Water Supply Protection.” One of the requirements of the new law is that “ when undertaking actions that have a negative impact on a public water supply, a state agency shall consider the impact and evaluate alternatives to avoid and minimize the impact.” This provision of the law went into effect in September, 2007, and the Drinking Water Program has opened discussions with a number of state agencies about how to effectively implement it. The goal of this session is to bring together state agencies and municipalities to discuss how we all can benefit from protecting water supplies. The session will begin with a presentation by Andy Tolman of the Maine Drinking Water Program. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion about the law and its implementation.
Andy Tolman introductory PP Presentation (available as pdf document)
Public Water Supply Protection: New laws and opportunities
Record of public process on drinking water protection (off-site link)
Panelists: Andy Tolman, Maine Drinking Water Program; Tim Glidden, Land for Maine's Future Program; Dwight Doughty, Maine Dept. of Transportation; Andy Fisk, Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection; George Powell, Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands; Steve Timpano, Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
F. Groundwater threats and private wells
Session Chair: John Peckenham, Mitchell Center, UMaine
Landfill leachate, road salt, MtBE, and radon, are some of the biggest threats to groundwater quality in Maine. We have been hearing about these trouble-makers for many years, yet we still have numerous wells ruined by their unwelcome appearance. In this session we will explore where the problems are now being found and what can be done to minimize the risks they pose in the future. This session will be of interest to anyone who drills wells, drinks well water, treats water to make it safe to consume, or formulates policy to protect public health.
G. Impacts of climate change on water resource-related sectors
Session chair: Tom Huntington, USGS
Climate changes evident in the 20th century have already affected hydrologic conditions in Maine, including the timing of high spring flows, precipitation and snowfall amounts, and lake and river ice dynamics. Climate projections and hydrologic modeling indicate that additional changes are likely in the 21st century including more frequent droughts, a lengthening of the summer low flow period, and higher rainfall intensities. These changes are likely to affect many water resource-related sectors including, sensitive aquatic biota, availability of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs, and lands susceptible to flooding. in this session we will address the potential impacts of climate change on these and other water-related resources.
H. Low impact development case studies: Developers keeping the water clean
Session Chair: Sam Merrill, New England Environmental Finance Center
Although developers are often maligned for causing negative impacts on water quality and wildlife habitat, times are changing. Recent years have seen examples around New England of 'Low Impact Development' that can protect water quality and still provide a reasonable financial return. Speakers in this session will discuss examples of low impact development projects, from porous pavement to green roofs.
I. Tools for watershed managers
Session Chair: Rob Dudley, USGS
When managing local water resources, it is often important to do so in the context of the entire watershed. Diverse technical knowledge, methods, and data collection are often required to effectively manage water resources including the regulation of flows, setting of withdrawal limits, management of floodplains, and the construction or removal of hydraulic structures. Without adequate tools to plan, monitor, and adapt water-resource management plans, there may be unintended effects on the quality and quantity of surface and ground-waters that are difficult to foresee. Speakers in this session will address the need, development, and application of various tools available to watershed managers for decision-making at points within a watershed or for the watershed as a whole.
J. Maine’s Administrative Procedure Act: A Roadmap for Agency Rulemaking
Session Facilitator: Nancy Beardsley, Division of Environmental Health, DHHS
In response to concern about regulatory activity, Maine, along with many other states has, adopted an administrative procedure act. The intent is to improve public access to agency decision-making and to increase awareness of agency rules.
The Maine Administrative Procedure Act (A.P.A.), 5 MRSA sec. 8001 through 11008, was adopted at the First Session of the 108th Legislature, with some amendments since. It applies uniform requirements to state agencies with rule-making power, and sets minimum standards for agencies to follow in adopting and implementing rules.
In 2008, LD 2213 was introduced in the legislature. This goal of this bill is to improve public understanding and participation in the rulemaking process.
This session will provide a forum for participants to gather more information on how rulemaking in Maine works, how LD 2213 will improve this process, and the various ways the public can contribute in the process.
1:30pm-2:30pm
Maine’s Administrative Procedure Act: A Roadmap for Agency Rulemaking
Don Wismer, APA Coordinator/Webmaster, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions, Department of Secretary of State.
Mr. Wismer will discuss the various steps a state agency follows in the adoption of a new or amended regulation. Topics to be covered include the difference between routine technical rules and major substantive rules, advertising the proposed rule, public hearings, public input, response to comments and final rule adoption.
3:00pm-4:00pm
Maine’s Administrative Procedure Act: The View From Various Seats
Ernie Hilton, Esq., Chair, Board of Environmental Protection
Mr. Hilton will speak about the BEP's role in the rulemaking process, in that the Board is the body that conducts the rulemaking process for the agency.
Andy Fisk, Director, Bureau of Land and Water Quality, Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Mr. Fisk will review the department's experience with substantive rulemaking and perhaps briefly discuss the petitioned rulemaking process.
Scott D. Anderson, Esquire, Verrill Dana LLP
Mr. Anderson will speak about his firm’s experiences with agency interpretation and application of regulations. This will include a discussion of how the courts handle challenged agency decisions.
K. What works? Selecting simple and effective evaluation tools for environmental outreach projects
Session Facilitators: Barb Welch & Kathy Hoppe, Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection
As foundations and funding agencies place demands on recipients to document outcomes for environmental outreach projects, assessment tools are becoming increasingly important to justify continued support for programs. These tools are also important in improving program effectiveness, inspiring local participants, and enhancing transfer to other areas.
Assessment data is important from the start to ensure programs are aimed at the right problem, the right audience, as well as choosing the right outreach tool. Learn about the AIDA model as a quick, easy project planning tool to ensure greater success.
Panelists: Christine Reinhart, Wright-Pierce Engineers; Tamara Lee Pinard, Cumberland County Soil & Water District; Barb Welch, Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection; Kathy Hoppe, Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection.
PP Presentations (available as pdf documents)
Other resources:
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