Clean Water Act anniversary celebration is Thursday in Lewiston

Luke Robinson casts for bass Monday in the Androscoggin River near his Auburn property. The 37-year-old grew up on the river when swimming in it was not an option because it was so polluted. “When I was 18 to 20 years old, the water improved so much and now friends and I jump off the top of the boat at sunset,” he said. “It’s insane how much the water quality has improved. The stigma of the river is still pretty strong, but to me and my brother, it’s always been this little miracle spot in our backyard.” Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

LEWISTON — Officials and environmental advocates will gather on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Lewiston on Thursday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and recognize dozens of conservation professionals and volunteers.

The event is at Simard-Payne Memorial Park from 2 to 5 p.m.

“This is a celebration of probably the most important environmental law for the State of Maine,” Pete Didisheim, interim CEO and advocacy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said. “We’re such a water state, with so many lakes, rivers, such long coastal waters. So much of (Maine water) was foul and polluted and awful 50 years ago, and the progress that we have achieved really is worthy of celebration.”

The speaking program begins at 2:30 p.m. with remarks from retired News Center Maine journalist Bill Green, historians, Gov. Janet Mills, local elected officials and leaders in water quality protection, followed by a celebration with food and drinks.

Additionally, 100 Clean Water Champions from across the state will be honored for their leadership in improving and protecting Maine’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

“From Maine tribal members, scientists, and educators to lake association volunteers, municipal and state government employees and former elected officials, the list of Clean Water Champions provides a powerful snapshot of how generations of Mainers have worked to advance the Clean Water Act through individual action,” according to a news release.

These individuals were selected from a pool of nominations received by the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Baxter Brewing Co. will serve a special edition Clean Water Act beer, and food trucks will be on-site during the celebration.

October marks 50 years since U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie’s landmark Clean Water Act was passed. Born in Rumford in 1914, Muskie grew up near the Androscoggin River when it was smelly, polluted and nearly devoid of fish.

His legislation compelled states to create water quality standards for all navigable waters and regulate point-source pollution, unlocking government funds to assist with the construction of waste treatment facilities. These facilities treat sewage and industrial waste before being discharged into the river.

“It’s intended to be an uplifting event just to recognize that when we want to make progress to protect the environment, we can,” Didisheim said. “(The Clean Water Act) made a huge difference, obviously, Muskie’s role in it is worth recognition in and of itself, but then all the people in Maine and across the country who have played a part, that’s really the success story.”

The Clean Water Act celebration is co-hosted by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Water Environment Association, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber and Associated General Contractors of Maine.

Luke Robinson pulls his boat up to his Auburn property Monday along the Androscoggin River. The 37-year-old grew up on the river when swimming in it was not an option because it was so polluted. “When I was 18 to 20 years old, the water improved so much and now friends and I jump off the top of the boat at sunset,” he said. “It’s insane how much the water quality has improved. The stigma of the river is still pretty strong, but to me and my brother, it’s always been this little miracle spot in our backyard.” Daryn Slover/Sun Journal