What wastewater challenges in Maine tell us about municipal systems across the U.S.
Maine wastewater leaders are taking the state motto "Dirigo" (latin for "I lead") to heart as they tackle the most pressing water challenges of our time.
Since the Maine state legislature's ban on land application of biosolids in 2022, wastewater leaders in the state have taken up a new charge on behalf of their U.S. peers. The state motto is "Dirigo" a latin word that translates to "I lead", "I guide" or "I direct," a fitting motto for leaders in this state who stand at the forefront of PFAS in biosolids and its impact on land application. But that is just one issue these leaders are tackling head-on.
From intense coastal storm events to limited state and federal funding to repair aging infrastructure, much of what Maine utility directors have experienced has echoed the woes of their peers across the U.S. Maine wastewater professionals are taking "Dirigo" to heart by becoming industry leaders for the most pertinent wastewater challenges of our time.
In this video, hear the first hand experience and potential solutions from four wastewater leaders in Maine:
Phil Tucker, York Sewer District superintendent
Nicki Pellenz, executive director for Maine Water Utilities Association
Dan Marks, wastewater superintendent for the town of Falmouth
Terry Tucker, Maine Water Environment Association president
2024 has been a monumental year for regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water sector. U.S. EPA released its final version of the PFAS Maximum Contaminant...
Bob Crossen is the editorial director for the Endeavor Business Media Water Group, which publishes WaterWorld, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions. Crossen graduated from Illinois State University in Dec. 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in German and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He worked for Campbell Publications, a weekly newspaper company in rural Illinois outside St. Louis for four years as a reporter and regional editor.
