FOMB Files Suit to Lock in Improved Water Quality on Maine Rivers

FRIENDS OF MERRYMEETING BAY • August 23, 2026

Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) filed suit in federal court Thursday, June 18, challenging the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s misuse of antidegradation policy under the Clean Water Act. Antidegradation policies were designed to improve water quality, lock in existing quality, and prevent backsliding of water quality. FOMB claims the Maine Board of Environmental Protection violated the language of state statute (“shall recommend”) by failing to recommend to the egislature a classification upgrade on the Androscoggin River between Worumbo and Gulf Island Pond dams. In Maine, only the legislature can classify or reclassify water bodies. On June 27, FOMB submitted a companion 60-day Notice of Intent (NOI) to file a citizen suit under the Clean Water Act against the EPA for their failure to act on these issues.