Since the lake bloomed in 2021, 30 Mile has devoted a significant amount of effort towards understanding and addressing the causes of the recurring algal blooms on Androscoggin Lake. Over the last four years, 30 Mile has been working with the Androscoggin Lake Association (ALIC), Maine DEP, US EPA and lake science experts to complete the data collection and analysis needed to pinpoint the causes of the blooms and inform long-term management solutions for the lake’s recovery. If funding permits, we hope to complete the data collection in 2026.
Following completion of a comprehensive watershed survey in 2022, 30 Mile developed the Androscoggin Lake Watershed-Based Protection Plan (WBPP), which was approved by the U.S. EPA and Maine DEP in early 2023. This plan provides a ten-year roadmap for reducing phosphorus loading and improving water quality throughout the watershed. With this foundation in place, 30 Mile secured a federal Clean Water Act Section 319 grant that brings nearly $150,000 in funding over three years (2024-2026) to support erosion control and stormwater management projects on both public and private roads, as well as other private property, directly reducing sediment and phosphorus runoff into the lake. Several projects have been completed, and funding is still available for additional projects in 2026.
Photos: Sara York, 30 Mile’s Water Quality Specialist, collecting scum samples. Photos by Martha Hoddinott
Complementing this work, 30 Mile has expanded its research and public outreach to address additional sources of pollution. A 2023 Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant supported the creation of a watershed-wide Septic System Risk Analysis and database, now available to be used as a planning tool by towns and residents. In 2025, 30 Mile and ALIC hosted a community “Septic Social” to promote septic maintenance.
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This article was included in 30 Mile’s October 2025 newsletter. To view the full newsletter, click here.