AGP Executive Report

Sewage & Beach Safety: New Hampshire officials are tracking a 60,000-gallon sewage spill in the Merrimack River after a Massachusetts accident sent wastewater into the river system that flows toward the coast. Storm & Flood Watch: Forecasters say hit-or-miss thunderstorms could pop up late day into evening, with a broader flash-flood risk across parts of the Northeast and Ohio Valley as saturated ground meets heavy rain. White Mountains Rescue Warnings: Two separate hiker rescues in the White Mountains—one on Valley Way Trail in Randolph and another near Cloudland Falls in Franconia—highlight rapidly changing, slippery conditions. Brownfields Cleanup: Chesterfield is set to receive a $1.5 million EPA Brownfields grant to clean up the former Electro-Sonics site in Spofford Village, targeting decades-old pollution tied to industrial wastewater. Nuclear Power Roadmap: Energy officials met in Portsmouth to map out how New Hampshire could expand nuclear power, including discussion of small modular reactors and grid integration. Housing & Environment: Habitat for Humanity and Service Credit Union’s Impact Foundation are building new Rochester homes, pairing “sweat equity” with an interest-free mortgage to address local housing needs.

Severe Storm Watch: New Hampshire is bracing for scattered thunderstorms Friday, with some storms possibly strong enough to bring damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and isolated large hail. Weekend Weather: After Friday’s wet start, the forecast trends toward partly sunny skies with only spotty afternoon showers or storms and comfortable camping conditions. PFAS Update: State officials held a Bennington-area meeting to address additional PFOA concerns tied to Saint-Gobain, including steps for well testing, blood testing, and waterline work. Drought vs. Flood Impacts: Even as drought eases in parts of southern NH, excess rain has already cut short the strawberry season at a long-running Litchfield farm. Water Quality Concern Check: A new report says a proposed CVU turf field in Vermont is unlikely to cause detectable PFAS contamination in a nearby well, though microplastics from wear-and-tear remain a concern. Climate Policy Dollars: Consumers in NH are set to get RGGI rebates, with the program aimed at funding flood resilience planning and energy-efficiency upgrades. Outdoor Safety: NH Fish and Game and the Army National Guard assisted in a Mount Lincoln medical rescue after a hiker suffered chest pains. Community Science: Derry is hosting a Broadview Farm BioBlitz with guided tours for birds, plants, wetlands, and pollinators.

Outdoor Safety: A hiker suffered chest pains on Franconia Ridge near Mount Lincoln on June 24, and New Hampshire Fish and Game coordinated a helicopter hoist with the New Hampshire Army National Guard, getting the 80-year-old to Littleton Regional Hospital. Community Conservation: Derry’s Broadview Farm hosts a BioBlitz June 27 with guided tours for birds, plants, vernal pools/wetlands, and butterflies/bugs/bees, plus iNaturalist-friendly kit borrowing. Student Environmental Action: Timberlane Regional High’s Envirothon team won the NH state competition and will advance to nationals, focusing on nonpoint source pollution and how everyday choices affect water quality. Weather & Water Risks: New Hampshire is bracing for Friday showers and possible strong thunderstorms, with hikers warned about muddy trails and higher water crossings; conditions improve into the weekend with mostly sunny skies and only isolated afternoon storms. Climate & Trails: A local report highlights how heavier rain tied to climate change is worsening erosion on White Mountains trails, especially where older trail layouts follow runoff paths. Policy & Energy: A dark-sky bill (S.3145) would cut light pollution to lower energy costs, reduce glare, and help wildlife—an issue that matters for NH towns and night-sky lovers.

Solar & Weather Watch: A new University of New Hampshire study says powerful solar storms can shift Earth’s weather patterns within hours to days, with bigger storms linked to bigger changes—raising fresh questions for how forecasts and climate models handle space-weather impacts. Dark-Sky & Energy: An NH-linked bill (S.3145) would cut light pollution to lower municipal energy costs, reduce glare, and help wildlife, with guidance aimed at smarter outdoor lighting. White Mountains Trails: An AMC report warns that New Hampshire’s steep, runoff-prone trail design is making erosion worse as climate change intensifies rain and heavy use adds pressure. Lakes Protection: NH LAKES launched an interactive Lake-Friendly Boating Map with distance-from-shore and depth guidance, plus “Clean, Drain, Dry” tips to curb aquatic invasive species. Water Quality Legal Fight: A federal lawsuit seeks stronger protections for the Androscoggin River, challenging EPA and pushing for an upgrade in water classification along a stretch near the NH border. Severe Weather & Drought Context: Coverage notes New England’s recent rain didn’t erase dry conditions—Boston remains far below normal precipitation—while more storms are expected to roll in.

Dark-Sky Lighting Bill: New Hampshire lawmakers are advancing S.3145, which would cut light pollution by pushing more efficient outdoor lighting and helping towns lower energy costs while improving visibility for residents and reducing glare for wildlife and drivers. Severe Weather Watch: After a brief stretch of sunshine, more rain and thunderstorms are expected to roll into New England late Thursday night, with overnight downpours possible. Drought Pressure: Even with recent soaking rain, Boston remains on track for the driest start to 2026 on record, and forecasters warn the deficit could grow if dry conditions persist. Solar Storms & Weather: A new UNH study finds solar storms can shift Earth’s weather patterns within a day, including changes like reduced rainfall and snowfall in parts of North America. Water Quality & Sewers: Nashua reported probable combined sewer overflow discharges after a June 22 rain event, including thousands of gallons into the Nashua River at one site. Lake Protection Tools: NH LAKES launched an interactive Lake-Friendly Boating Map to guide boaters on distances from shore, depths, and “Clean, Drain, Dry” steps to slow aquatic invasive species. Invasive Plants: Local coverage highlights how variable milfoil keeps spreading in NH lakes, crowding out native plants and complicating recreation.

Solar Weather Watch: UNH researchers say stronger solar storms can trigger noticeable, fast shifts in North American weather, including drops in precipitation and snowfall. Stormwater & Water Quality: Nashua reported probable combined sewer overflow discharges after the June 22 rain, including about 7,635 gallons into the Nashua River at one Broad Street site, with other permitted CSO locations mostly staying dry. Local Spill Response: Sunapee Harbor crews are cleaning up an “unknown substance” spill contained with booms; DES is sampling and officials warn people not to move the containment area. Invasive Species: A new look at variable milfoil highlights how the invasive plant can spread quickly, crowd out native plants, and disrupt New Hampshire lake ecosystems. Microplastics Research: A study measuring extremely tiny microplastics (down to 20 microns) could improve how states monitor plastics in surface waters. Rain Update for NH: Radar-based totals from June 22 show a swath of heavier rain (often over 2 inches, locally 3+) that helped drought-stressed areas, with more breaks expected as skies clear.

Severe Rain & Flood Risk: A low-pressure system is bringing soaking rain across New Hampshire and Maine, with NWS reports showing some Maine coastal spots topping 2 inches and southern NH still dealing with downpours and lingering showers into early Tuesday. Harbor Spill Response: Sunapee crews contained an “unknown substance” sheen in Sunapee Harbor; DES is sampling to identify the source, and officials are asking boaters to stay out of the containment zone to avoid spreading contamination. Water Quality Watch: Norway Pond testing continues through summer with buoys measuring oxygen levels in the deepest water to track nutrient-driven problems like algae and low-oxygen conditions. Clean Energy for Renters: A new “balcony solar” approach is gaining attention as a lower-cost, plug-in way to cut electricity bills—an angle that could matter for NH households facing rising rates. Community Pride & VegFest: Rainbow-Palooza Pride & VegFest returns June 27 in Springfield with speakers, animal advocates, and a free vegan lunch. Local Cycling Access: Pedal Together is expanding inclusive weekly bike rides in the Monadnock region, including options for adaptive riders. Business & Housing Pressure: A NH business-focused report argues “business-friendly” now means housing, childcare, and education access—not just low taxes and light regulation.

Harbor Spill Response: Sunapee crews and NH DES are cleaning up a spill of an unknown substance in Sunapee Harbor; containment booms are in place and officials say there’s no threat to the town’s water supply, but boaters and the public should not move or disturb the zone. Soaking Rain Watch: Heavy rain is hitting southern New Hampshire with downpours possible overnight into Tuesday, with totals around 1 to 1.5 inches and some spots near 2 inches; meteorologists warn of reduced visibility and possible ponding on roads. Drought-Relief Weather: A separate forecast notes the rain is “much-needed” after a dry stretch, with humidity rising and a damp feel likely even when it’s not raining. Lake Health & Toxins: A UNH Carsey School discussion highlights how cyanobacteria blooms are tied to warm water and nitrogen runoff/leaky septic systems, raising risks when blooms die off and release toxins. Aquaculture Push: NOAA-backed work led by UNH will expand U.S. seafood production, with Mississippi researchers helping drive marine aquaculture research and markets. Local Waste Service: Lakes Region officials announced 2026 household hazardous waste collection details for Andover, giving residents a safer way to dispose of paints, solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals. Outdoor Safety: NH Fish and Game reported two hypothermia rescues on Mount Lafayette after hikers got caught in cold, wet, rainy conditions with no lights or warm clothing.

Harbor Spill Response: Sunapee officials and the NH Department of Environmental Services are testing an “unknown substance” after a sheen was spotted in Sunapee Harbor; crews used containment booms and are asking boaters and the public not to move or go around them while sampling continues. Outdoor Safety & Weather: With mountain conditions changing fast, NH Fish and Game reported two separate hypothermia rescues on Mount Lafayette, including one unresponsive hiker, after cold rain, poor visibility, and missing lights/warm clothing; officials also warn that southern NH could see heavy rain Monday afternoon into the night. Heat & Cooling Costs: New Hampshire’s warming summers are driving hotter, more humid days, and NHSaves rebates are available for air conditioners and dehumidifiers to help residents cool homes. Climate Resilience Research: A new study maps Amazon “upslope corridors” that could help species shift uphill as temperatures rise, offering guidance for where conservation and protected areas may matter most. Lake Cleanup Planning: Lakes Region announced 2026 household hazardous waste collection dates for Andover, giving residents a safe way to dispose of paints, solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals. Policy Watch: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed NH’s “bathroom bill” (SB 552), asking lawmakers for a narrower version focused on rights and privacy.

Water Pollution Alert: Sunapee Harbor officials responded to an “unknown substance” spill Sunday evening, with containment booms in place and the state DES collecting samples for testing; boaters and the public are being told not to move or disturb the containment zone to avoid spreading contamination. Cold-Weather Rescue: Multiple hypothermia rescues unfolded on Mount Lafayette, including one where a volunteer rescuer was seriously injured while helping carry an unresponsive 19-year-old; Fish and Game says hikers faced cold rain, poor visibility, and no warm clothing. Landfill Fight Update: Casella Waste Systems withdrew a wetlands permit application tied to its Dalton, N.H. landfill plans, though the company says it will keep pushing forward and other permits remain in dispute. Invasive Plants Watch: A new look at New Hampshire lakes shows divers battling invasive milfoil year after year, with the plant still winning in many waters. Severe Weather Timing: Forecast coverage highlights a soaking-rain push into New England Monday into early Tuesday, with thunderstorms possible and impact weather warnings urging caution. Local Nature & Reforestation: A U.P. Forest Service tree nursery story spotlights how seedlings grown in Ottawa National Forest are shipped across much of the Northeast to support reforestation and biodiversity.

Severe Weather & Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reported two separate hypothermia rescues on Mt. Lafayette after hikers got caught in cold, wet, rainy conditions with no lights or warm clothing—one hiker was unresponsive and needed transport via the Greenleaf Hut. Landfill Fight: Casella Waste Systems withdrew a wetlands permit application tied to its contested Dalton, N.H., landfill plan, though the company says it will keep pushing forward and other permits remain in dispute. Invasive Species: A New Hampshire lake-by-lake battle against variable milfoil is still going badly, with the state saying about 100 waters are known to have invasive plants and warning more may be unreported. Coastal/Climate Pressure: A NOAA-backed effort led by UNH and USM aims to strengthen America’s seafood supply through more environmentally friendly aquaculture research. Local Community & Outdoors: Strawberry season is underway across the state, with farms reporting timing shifts from recent heat and cooler spring conditions. Energy/Water Risk Context: A pilot study in California’s Bay found microplastics far smaller than before, highlighting how hard it is to track pollution impacts.

Severe Weather & Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reported two separate hypothermia rescues on Mt. Lafayette after unprepared hikers got caught in cold, wet, rainy conditions with no visibility or warm clothing; crews warmed them with tents and dry gear, and one hiker was unresponsive before improving. Storm Damage & Power: A localized storm in the Lakes Region left downed trees, wires, and power outages, with officials describing it as “straight-line” wind damage and warning that live wires were a major hazard. Landfill Fight: Casella Waste Systems withdrew a wetlands permit application tied to its contested Dalton landfill plans, but the company says other permits and legal steps remain in play. Invasive Species: A New Hampshire lake milfoil battle is still going badly—state officials say invasive plants are now known in about 100 water bodies, and volunteers report they can only keep infestations at bay. Data Centers & Community Impact: A Nottingham AI data center proposal is drawing pushback over expected noise and water use, with opponents arguing benefits are uncertain while local costs could be high. Public Health: Tick-borne illness coverage highlights rising concern as Powassan virus cases increase, including a New Hampshire man reported to be nonverbal after a tick bite.

Severe Weather & Power Outages: After Thursday’s storms, New Hampshire saw localized high winds and heavy rain that toppled trees and downed wires, leaving thousands without power in parts of the state; officials in Tuftonboro (including Cow Island) reported damage consistent with winds over 60 mph, while Vermont confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes. Invasive Species Watch: A stubborn invasive aquatic plant, variable milfoil, continues to spread across New Hampshire lakes despite volunteer removal efforts, with DES saying about 100 waters are known to contain invasive plants and likely more remain unreported. Microplastics Research: A new San Francisco Bay pilot study found microplastics down to 10 times smaller than previously measured—tiny enough to be compared to a fraction of a human hair—highlighting how difficult it is to track pollution impacts. Public Health & Ticks: Two separate reports point to rising tick-borne threats, including Powassan virus cases in the region, underscoring how quickly symptoms can escalate after a bite. Local Outdoors & Food: Strawberry season is underway across New Hampshire, with growers noting timing shifts tied to spring heat and lingering dry conditions; meanwhile, wet weather didn’t stop the Laconia Antique Motorcycle Ride-In.

Invasive Species Watch: Volunteers say milfoil is still winning in New Hampshire lakes, with DES noting invasive plants are now known in about 100 waterbodies and likely more. The plant spreads fast, regrows from fragments, and can worsen water quality and recreation. Severe Weather Aftermath: A storm system brought damaging winds and heavy rain across southern New Hampshire, with reports of trees and wires down and thousands of outages; Tuftonboro (Cow Island) investigated possible tornado damage while the NWS confirmed no specific twister. Air Pollution Research: A new Mount Washington study found rainfall history matters for predicting air pollution, using long-running cloud and rain samples from the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Microplastics Update: A pilot study in the San Francisco Bay measured microplastics far smaller than before—down to about 20 microns—aiming to improve how scientists track the tiniest particles. Public Health & Outdoors: Tick-borne illness coverage highlights rising Powassan virus concern, including a New Hampshire man reported nonverbal after a tick bite. Local Safety Reminder: Laconia’s police chief urged helmet use and responsible alcohol choices after recent motorcycle crashes during Motorcycle Week.

Air Quality Research: New Hampshire’s Mount Washington data is helping scientists rethink air pollution forecasts, finding that how much it rains on the way matters as much as where an air mass came from. Severe Weather & Power: Thursday’s storms brought tornado watches and warnings across New England, with thousands of New Hampshire residents losing power before outages dropped to under 10,000 late in the night. PFAS Health Funding: MaineHealth won a $1.1M NIH grant to study how “forever chemicals” affect children and teens, expanding environmental health research in the region. Lithium in the Granite State: A new USGS estimate points to large undiscovered lithium resources in the northern Appalachians, including Maine and New Hampshire—while the question of whether it should be mined remains open. Local Landfill Fight: Casella withdrew a wetlands permit application tied to a proposed Dalton landfill, though the company says the overall plan isn’t over. Community & Trails: Organizers announced a Bridging Communities Rally to launch a plan to reconnect the riverfront and activate historic Route 119 bridges.

Severe Storms & Power Loss: Thousands of New Hampshire residents were left without power after Thursday’s storms, with the outage count dropping to under 10,000 by late night as crews worked to restore service. Tornado Risk Watch: The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for all of New Hampshire through 7 p.m., with officials urging residents to stay weather-ready even as active warnings later eased. Local Landfill Fight: Casella Waste Systems withdrew a wetlands permit application tied to a proposed Dalton landfill project near a state park, a move Gov. Kelly Ayotte called a win for protecting the North Country—though some advocates say it may not end the effort. Population Shifts: New Census estimates show NH growth from 2020 to 2025, but unevenly—smaller towns and some economic hubs grew while many communities declined, underscoring housing and cost-of-living pressures. PFAS Research Push: MaineHealth received a $1.1M NIH grant to expand mentorship and research on PFAS exposure’s health impacts on children and teens. Outdoor Economy: The Granite Outdoor Alliance highlighted NH’s outdoor sector as a major economic driver at its sold-out Barn Raiser event.