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For Immediate Release
November 4, 2004

Contact:
Keith Taylor, Stratex
(207)774-1200/623-1596
E-mail: beryl@wolfenews.com

Beryl Wolfe, Wolfe PR
(207) 883-6083

Web Site: http://www.stratexllc.com

Stratex, LLC Announces January 19 Conference in Augusta on Regulation of Water Withdrawals in Maine

Small and large water users in state impacted by new law and upcoming proposed regulations

An educational seminar for water utilities, farmers, manufacturers and others who withdraw water directly from the rivers, ponds or the ground, and may be affected by the regulation of water withdrawals in Maine, has been organized in January by Stratex, LLC, an environmental consulting subsidiary of Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson.

The daylong conference, set for January 19 at the Augusta Civic Center, also is sponsored by the Maine Water Utilities Association. The topic is important because the regulation of water withdrawals in Maine could affect public safety and health, economic growth, business risk, and tourism. At the same time, protecting natural resources is a high priority for most Mainers.

For more information about the conference, call Stratex’s Keith Taylor in Augusta at (207) 623-1596 or Bob Gerber in Portland at (207) 780-9698. Media also are invited to attend. A registration form will be available in the near future.

The conference will feature speakers from Maine DEP, U.S. EPA, N.H. Department of Environmental Services, Maine Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, representatives of Stratex and attorneys from Bernstein Shur.

In 2002, the Maine Legislature enacted a law requiring many users of both surface and ground water to submit annual water withdrawal reports, marking the first step toward the establishment of water withdrawal regulations in Maine. The law also charged the Maine DEP with developing in-stream flow and pond water level standards to protect aquatic life. The draft version of those regulations is expected next year.

“As a result of the current law and the proposed regulations, there are a number of uncertainties for many small and large users such as water utilities, ski areas, golf courses, farms and businesses,” said Keith Taylor of Stratex. “Concerns range from whether new regulations could prohibit the withdrawal of water at current rates, to whether limits will be placed on the ability to withdrawal greater amounts in the future. There also are issues of potential costs for reporting and administration.”

The aim of the conference will be to educate Maine’s public and private water users on the basics of stream flow science and regulation in anticipation of the new rulemaking. Attendees will leave the conference with a strong understanding of how these rules may affect them and how they can plan ahead.

The event is designed for water utility operators, blueberry growers and other farmers, ski area and golf course managers, water-dependent businesses, municipal officials, state agencies, and any others involved in water or environmental issues.

The agenda will include the following topics:
  • Basics of stream flow mechanics and ecology
  • Existing and proposed water withdrawal laws and regulations in Maine
  • Water withdrawal regulations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts
  • Water risks for businesses
  • How to manage your water use in ways to limit regulation


Established in 1998, Stratex is a technical consulting subsidiary of Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, one of northern New England's largest law firms with 81 lawyers in three locations. Stratex provides expert engineering and geologic evaluation for clients involved with energy development, sewer and water projects, solid waste management issues, groundwater supply development and protection, and coastal engineering projects. The company played a large role in the environmental aspects of the decommissioning of the Maine Yankee nuclear plant.

Stratex, LLC is located at 100 Middle Street in Portland and at 146 Capitol Street in Augusta. For more information, visit www.stratexllc.com.

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