2026 Androscoggin River Watershed Conference
Conference Agenda
8:30 Registration
9:00 Concurrent Sessions
Shoreland Stabilization: The session will cover nature based stabilization strategies for lake, river and stream shorelines. Nature based solutions are proven to be more resilient to the forces of nature, to benefit fish and wildlife, and to be more aesthetically pleasing. Presenters: John Field, Field Geology, Fluvial Geomorphologist; Nathan Robbins, Maine DEP; Lilit Mathieu Lake Auburn Shore Corps Steward
Planning for Resilient Water Supplies and Lake Protection: Speakers will discuss the importance of considering water resources during the municipal comprehensive planning process. The emphasis will be on protecting drinking water sources for both ground and surface waters. Presenters: Eric Cousens, Executive Director of Public Services, Auburn, ME; Erica Bufkins, Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments; Danielle Olsen, Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission
10:15 Break
10:30 Concurrent Sessions
PFAS in Drinking Water: Learn more about PFAS including the extent of the issue, how it is impacting drinking water, and how Maine and federal regulations differ. Also learn about treatment methods to effectively remove substances from water and wastewater. Presenters: Andy Bishop, Consulting Engineer, ECT2; Courtnay Hanley and Jasmine Bouchard, Maine Drinking Water Program.
Climate Change: Impacts on Water Resources: Climate Change is impacting our water resources at both ends of the spectrum. We are seeing more frequent severe storms and flooding while also experinence more and longer droughts. The session will review impacts on both ground and surface waters. Presenters: Mark Dubois, Geologist, Poland Spring Water; Maine Department of Transportation staff
11:45 Lunch, ARWC Annual Meeting and Election of Board Members and Officers.
1:15 Pumped Storage for Electrical Generation: Western Maine Energy Storage will provide information about their proposed pumped storage facility in the Dixfield area of Western Maine. The project would be a 500 megawatt facility designed to help the New England grid meet peak power demands.
Restoring the Sabattus River Watershed + Beyond
Zoom on-line Workshop Registration at Sabattus Watershed +
Photo by John Burrows.