#JuniperRidge Landfill can expand, state says again after judge orders reconsideration

by Marie Weidmayer, March 23, 2026

Excerpt: "The Juniper Ridge Landfill can expand, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection decided for a second time — but a judge must sign off first.

"A new public benefit determination allows the #OldTown landfill to expand, the #ConservationLawFoundation said Monday. The foundation and #PenobscotNation sued the #MaineDEP in November 2024 over the proposed expansion.

"The department had to reconsider allowing the expansion after a judge ruled in January that the Maine DEP did not complete 'critical' fact finding during the public benefit determination. The Maine DEP decided Oct. 2, 2024, there is a public benefit to the expansion and expanding the landfill is not inconsistent with #EnvironmentalJustice.

"Penobscot County Superior Court Judge Bruce Mallonee will reconsider the application because the case is still pending, Maine DEP spokesperson David Madore said. The department can resume processing the expansion application and will have a public hearing, he said.

" 'This decision does not reflect the lived reality of our people,' Penobscot Nation Chief #KirkFrancis said. “Our voices and our knowledge of this place must be meaningfully considered when those in power make decisions that will impact our land and community.'

"The lawsuit is still pending in Penobscot County Superior Court. The foundation and Penobscot Nation are determining next steps."

Read more:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/23/penobscot/penobscot-police-courts/landfill-expansion-juniper-ridge/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/8dI8S

#MainePol #CasellaWasteSystems #WaterIsLife #SoilIsLife #PFAS #MaineFirstNations #Pollution #ForeverChemicals

#MaineDEP #Sustainability program - #HomeComposting

"What is composting?

Compost is a dark brown, earthy, crumbly material made of decomposed organic matter.

Benefits of Composted Material

When added to soil, compost improves soil porosity and water retention, and provides plants with essential nutrients.

Composting diverts organic materials from the waste stream and our landfills!

How does Material Decompose? Millions of microorganisms work to break down organic material. We can speed up composting by managing the process.
How do I start a compost pile?

Start by picking a location. Look for an area that is:

- Well -drained and close to level
- In partial shade, to help with water retention
- At least 1 -foot away from walls, fences, bushes, trees etc.
- A convenient spot to place materials and to get the end product to its final location

What tools will I need?

These tools may help get you started:

- Compost bin
- Pitchfork (compost turner)
- Chipper/shredder
- Wheelbarrow (for transport)
- Garden hose
- 4’ X 12’ Sturdy coated wire mesh (to form cylinder to contain compost pile, if desired)"

Learn more:
https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/compost/home-composting.html

#SolarPunkSunday #Composting #Compost #HomeCompost #SoilIsLife #ReduceFoodWaste

#WetlandRestoration and Improvement Projects Receive $4.6 Million in Funding

February 09, 2026 | #Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — "The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (#MNRCP) awarded over $4.6 million for 10 projects that will restore and enhance freshwater and coastal wetlands and streams, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (#MaineDEP) announced today.

The projects awarded funding include:

- Improving degraded #SaltMarsh around the #YorkRiver
- Restoring #eelgrass in the #GreatSaltBay
- Removing dams on the #RoyalRiver in #YarmouthME and the #NezinscotRiver in #BuckfieldME
- Reconnecting a side channel and reestablishing #wetlands along the Upper #MagallowayRiver
- Expanding and enhancing the #RiparianBuffer of a brook in #WaldoboroME
- Upgrading a culvert to a bridge on a tributary to the #AroostookRiver
- Restoring and reconnecting #wetlands in #AcadiaNationalPark

"In total, $4,633,343 was awarded to restore wetlands that will improve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and mitigate flooding impacts.

"#MNRCP is one of the most important funding sources for wetland restoration and conservation projects in the state. Since it began in 2008, the program has awarded over $36 million for 183 wetland restoration and conservation projects. Public agencies, municipalities, Tribes and nonprofit conservation organizations are all eligible to apply for funding. MNRCP funding can cover the costs of wetland consultants and engineers who support project design and implementation.

"The program provides opportunities for restoration projects that help improve a broad range of critical habitats, both inland and along Maine’s coast."

Read more:
https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/mnrcp-awardees/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineRivers #MaineWetlands #WetlandRestoration #RestoringNature #DamRemoval

via @MaineMonitor

A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing

A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.

By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025

Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.

"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'

"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.

"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.

" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'

"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.

"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.

"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."

https://themainemonitor.org/belfast-conservation-easement-missing/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed

From the #MaineDEP: Reduce Waste with #RepairClinics

A Community Guide to Organizing a Repair Clinic

What is a repair clinic?

A repair clinic (also known as a #RepairCafe or #FixIt Clinic) is an event where community members get together to share knowledge and fix things. They’ve been described as an activity that is 'both for and by neighbors.'

What do you repair?

Depending on local expertise, items may include clothing, electronics, appliances, bicycles, furniture, and much more.
Waste reduction starts with repair

Repair gives old belongings new life.

Repair clinics help your community reduce waste by making broken things usable again and keeping them out of the trash.

How to get started

• Locate and invite subject matter experts in the community
• Recruit volunteers to help plan, organize, and get the word out about the upcoming repair clinic
• Locate and gather appropriate tools and parts
• See if hardware and bicycle shops or other local businesses can offer spare parts for sale or an expert volunteer from their staff

Find the right venue

• Libraries, community centers, town halls, faith centers, or schools are generally affordable, accessible, and familiar
• The facility should have electricity with ample outlets to plug into, adequate space, tables, plenty of parking, running water, and bathrooms—a kitchen is a bonus if available
• Donations can help cover repair clinic costs

Recruit skilled help

Scout out local electricians, carpenters, plumbers, metalworkers, furniture makers, tailors, and technical school students when recruiting volunteers. Experts can generate good publicity for their business or institution just by donating a few hours of time to share their skills.

Get the word out

Volunteers can help spread the word about the upcoming repair clinic. Hang fliers in the library, restaurants, coffee shops, town hall, and other favorite gathering spots, post notices on local social media groups, and tell friends and neighbors. Have contact information on all notices so people can reach out with questions or to volunteer.

Set some guidelines

• Visitors should do as much of their own repair as possible—they will learn a new skill and may even be able to pass it on to someone else in the future.
• A repair clinic is not a professional repair business and volunteers and community organizers:
- Have the right to refuse to repair something
- Will not be held responsible for an unsuccessful repair
- Will not be held liable in the event of an accident or injury
• Visitors are responsible for their own stuff and must remove everything they brought with them.

Legal and safety measures

Prepare a release form and ensure you have plenty of copies at the repair clinic for visitors to sign. Release forms
contain house rules so visitors understand that not everything can be fixed, and organizers and repairers are
not liable for damage or injury. Collect and store a form signed by each attendee. Some venues have public liability insurance to provide additional coverage for your event.

Having a certified first-aid volunteer at the repair clinic adds another important safety measure.

View release form examples at the links below:
• https://repaircafe.org/en/house-rules
• https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/policies/repaircafeguidelines.pdf (link opens a PDF)
• http://www.cvswmd.org/uploads/6/1/2/6/6126179/repair_cafe_house_rules.pdf (link opens a PDF)

Running the event—the basics
• Accept donations to help pay for event costs
• Coffee, tea, and snacks will be welcome—charge a reasonable fee to cover refreshment costs
• Set up repair stations for different categories of stuff, each staffed with a repair expert
• Have visitors check in
• Ensure each visitor signs a release form and understands the terms
• Direct each visitor to the appropriate repair station

Additional resources for a successful repair clinic

• The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District Repair toolkit includes a detailed planning
guide, a release form template, sample outreach materials and much more.
- View toolkit: http://www.cvswmd.org/repair-cafe-tool-kit.html
• Learn more about hosting repair events from the organization that started the trend, located in the Netherlands. They offer a repair café starter kit for a fee (name your own price).
- Visit Repair Cafe website: https://repaircafe.org/en/about/

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/documents/starting-a-repair-clinic.pdf
#RightToRepair #RepairCafesMaine #Maine #DIY #RepairCafé #FixIt #SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #PlannedObsolescence

#PenobscotNation and #ConservationLawFoundation appeal to stop #JuniperRidgeLandfill expansion

Maine Public | By Carol Bousquet
Published November 13, 2024

"The Penobscot Nation and Conservation Law Foundation have filed an appeal in Superior Court to stop the expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill in #OldTownMaine.

"In October the state concluded that the expansion was in the public's interest and set several conditions that #Casella Waste Management must meet to move forward with the project.

"Alexandra St. Pierre of the Conservation Law Foundation said the expansion runs contrary to the state's waste management goals, which prioritize reduction of waste volume and using #landfills.

"'Our goal here is to ensure that the decision is consistent with environmental justice and with the solid waste hierarchy as the law requires,' St. Pierre said.

"The Penobscot Nation and #CLF said that in its finding, the state failed to guarantee the safety of residents and the #environment.

"They argue that harmful exposure to #PFAS in the landfill's #leachate, #AirPollution and contamination of the #PenobscotRiver will all increase.

"'And we're really hoping we'll get adequate consideration for the issues that we raised and that the people actually themselves are considered and that #EnvironmentalJustice is implemented,' St. Pierre said.

"The DEP said it is unable to comment on pending litigation."

https://www.mainepublic.org/courts-and-crime/2024-11-13/penobscot-nation-and-conservation-law-foundation-appeal-to-stop-juniper-ridge-landfill-expansion

#MaineDEP #WabanakiConfederacy #WaterIsLife #AirIsLife #EnvironmentalRacism #IndianIsland #Penobscot #MaineEnvironmentalNews #Maine

#MaineDEP says expansion of state’s largest landfill would benefit public

The decision allows the state to apply to add 61 acres to the state-owned #JuniperRidgeLandfill, which takes in 52% of the state's waste.

by Penelope Overton
October 2, 2024

"Despite objections from neighbors and environmental groups, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection concluded Wednesday that expanding the state’s largest landfill, Juniper Ridge, would substantially benefit the public.
It’s not an outright approval, but the department’s decision allows the state to apply to add 61 acres to the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill, which takes in 52% of the state’s waste. The state claims this expansion would extend the facility’s operating life by 11 years; without it, it would run out of space by 2028.

"DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim’s decision can be appealed to the Board of Environmental Protection and the Maine courts, and several opponents of the proposed expansion, like the Boston-based #ConservationLawFoundation , say they are prepared to challenge the decision.

"'This decision recklessly gambles with public health and the environment,' said #AlexandraStPierre, the director of communities and toxics in the foundation’s #EnvironmentalJustice Program. 'It dismisses the serious concerns raised by the #PenobscotNation and other nearby residents about the harmful effects this expansion will have on their health and community.'

"She continued: 'We refuse to allow this dangerous expansion to proceed unchecked.'

"The foundation and other opponents say the #OldTown location of the facility unfairly places the burden of the state’s trash needs on the Penobscot Nation. The #leachate that #JuniperRidge produces when it rains is sent to a nearby paper mill sewer plant that discharges into the #PenobscotRiver.

[...]

"The amount of waste heading to Maine landfills has increased 34% between 2018 and 2022, according to DEP. #Sludge that was once spread on #agricultural fields is now landfilled due to forever chemical #contamination [#PFAS]. The amount of municipal solid waste landfilled during that time jumped 47%.

"While some people say Maine is not doing enough to divert waste from the #landfills – for example, a bill that would have required large #FoodWaste generators to #recycle their #scraps at a nearby facility died on the appropriations table – others object to #Casella as the facility operator.

"Casella clashed with some municipal leaders and state lawmakers when it refused to accept the #biosolids created by wastewater treatment plants at Juniper Ridge out of fear that the mushy slop, or sludge, was causing structural instability that could lead to the landfill’s collapse."

Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/02/maine-state-needs-to-expand-its-biggest-landfill/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/VXv9m

#WaterIsLife #EnvironmentalRacism #JuniperRidgeLandfill #CasellaWasteSystems #MaineNews #Maine #ToxicFire #PFASPollution
#WabanakiAlliance
#DontWasteME #Slingshot #EnvironmentalJustice #PenobscotNation #PFAS #PenobscotRiver #EnvironmentalInjustice #CompostFoodWaste #ReduceWaste