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{\nofwords1706}{\nofchars9728}{\*\company MEMA}{\*\category Miscellaneous}{\nofcharsws11412}{\vern16391}}\paperw15840\paperh12240\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind5\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot7687860 \fet0\sectd \lndscpsxn\linex0\headery648\footery648\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s24\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f308\insrsid7687860 Drought Task Force Report\tab \tab }{\insrsid7687860 \par }}{\footer \pard\plain \s24\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f308\insrsid7687860 August 27, 2001\tab \tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\f308\insrsid7687860 PAGE}}{\fldrslt { \f308\insrsid7687860 1}}}{\insrsid7687860 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s24\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b\f308\insrsid7687860 State of Maine \par Drought Task Force \par Report on Current Conditions}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 August 27, 2001}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Overview}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par A meeting of the Drought Task Force was convened on Friday, August 24, 20 01, to discuss the causes and implications of continuing dry conditions across the state. The Task Force is composed of state, federal and private scientific, natural resource, water use and regulatory agencies. The purpose of the meeting was to share a vailable information across the represented disciplines, and determine what action on the part of the member agencies was necessary or appropriate. \par \par The following report summarizes the findings of this meeting. Throughout the report, additional sources may be cited for further information. The primary Internet \'93portal\'94 to continuing information on drought conditions is the Drought Page maintained by the US Geological Survey (USGS), accessible at }{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs27\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid7687860 HYPERLINK "http://me.water.usgs.gov."}{ \f308\ul\cf2\insrsid7687860\charrsid7687860 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b3600000068007400740070003a002f002f006d0065002e00770061007400650072002e0075007300670073002e0067006f0076002e002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs27\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid7687860 http://me.water.usgs.gov.}}}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par Additional sources of information are listed at the end of this report. \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Hydrologic Conditions}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par }{\i\f308\insrsid7687860 Stream Flows and Storages}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par All flows on free-flowing streams in Maine on August 13 were below their long-term median (average) flows. Most streams were between 66 percent and 75 percent below average for this date in recorded history. \par \par The lowest streamflows in the state on August 13, when compared with median flows, occurred in central and coastal Maine on the Piscataquis, Sheepscot, Narraguagus, and Machias River. Streamflows were at record lows for this date on the Sheepscot, Narraguagus, and Machias Rivers. Most others were 90 percent below average of all recor ded flows for this date. Streamflows are not as severely affected, but are still below median values, in the St. John River basin in Aroostook County. \par \par Monthly average streamflow for the Narraguagus River has been more than 75 percent below recorded average streamflows for nine of the last twelve months. Monthly average streamflow has not exceeded the long-term median for any month since May 2000 on the Narraguagus. \par \par In general, August streamflows have not been this low since 1995. That year, streamflows continued to recede, and set record low levels, until the middle of September. \par \par Stream flows have been depressed for the past 12 months. A trend may be beginning to be evident, showing lower than normal stream flows and ground water for several years. \par \par Sto rages are low above most dams in the state, but power producers have been able to manage power needs. For example, Moosehead Lake has been losing more water to natural causes such as evaporation than it has gained. In the Kennebec and Androscoggin basin s, river flows have been low all season long. The low levels have not been critical but have been challenging to manage. Friction among water users typically grows as flows get lower. \par \par Traditionally, September is expected to be the driest for runoff in the Androscoggin and Kennebec basins. The peak of fall runoff occurs in mid-December. \par \par }{\i\f308\insrsid7687860 Ground Water}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par In general, ground-water levels are similar to levels recorded during July 1999, the last period of extended low ground-water levels in Maine. Ground-wate r levels in Oxford County, Somerset County, Washington County, and one well in Kennebec County were slightly higher in July 2001 than in July 1999. Ground-water levels in Cumberland County and one well in Kennebec County were lower in July 2001 than in Ju ly 1999. \par \par Ground water levels traditionally do not begin to recharge until late October. \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Climatic Conditions and Weather Outlook}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par A precipitation deficit of up to 8 inches exists in some parts of the state. The precipitation deficit is defined as the difference between normal and actual precipitation totals. \par \par The Palmer index, a matrix of several factors such as temperature, precipitation and soil moisture, shows extreme to severe drought throughout the state. Approximately eight (8) inches of precip itation would be needed in one week to bring the index up to normal. \par \par A weather system is approaching, with some precipitation possible early in the week of the 27th. However, in reality many such events are needed. The 6 to 10 day, 8 to 14 day and long range outlook all call for normal precipitation. With near normal precipitation through November, the deficit will not be made up and drought conditions are likely to persist. The \'93wild card\'94 would be a tropical system, which cannot be predicted in long range forecasting, and could deposit large amounts of rain in a short time. The remnants of Hurricane Floyd had this effect after dry conditions in the summer of 1999. \par \par Some New Hampshire border areas are drier than most Maine areas. Conditions in Canada are similar to Maine. \par \par The National Weather Service Forecast Offices in Gray and Caribou will publish a Drought Information Statement every 2 weeks as long as conditions warrant. These statements, as well as other NWS forecasts and information, may be found online at: \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 \par http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/gyx \par http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/car \par http://www.state.me.us/mema/weather/genweath.htm \par \par }{\i\f308\insrsid7687860 Background information}{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 : \par \par http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/cdus/palmer_drought/ \par http://enso.unl.edu/ndmc/enigma/indices.htm#palmer}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Fire Potential}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par Since the snow left this spring, no significant rainfall has occurred. Fire potential is high, but fire activity has been average, hopefully due to good prevention and public awareness. Maine has been experiencing an average of 50 fires a week. Even small precipitation events and changes in weather conditions can have a beneficial effect on fire danger; for example, fog and scattered rain can help depress risk and bring down the numbers of incidents. Fire danger indices include such factors as humidity. According to Maine Forest Service measurements, the northwestern area is currently the driest. \par \par Maine has been coordinating with Canadian and New Hampshire authorities, but all are in sa me situation. Railroad patrols have been ordered behind all trains, no fire permits are being issued except for hazard reduction, and no camp fires are allowed except where there is road access. A higher level of staffing has been established for aircr aft and personnel; Maine is not sending any crews out of state for fire fighting. \par \par With the approaching loss of small vegetation due to frost, potential for all size classes of fuel is expected to remain very high through the fall (when, historically, some of Maine\rquote s biggest fires have occurred). In some areas, there is still significant fuel accumulation from the 1998 ice storm. Fuel conditions could cause fires which are deep burning, and expensive and difficult to put out. \par \par The Maine Department of Conservation is maintaining a \'93Fire Danger\'94 web page, updated daily. The address is: }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/firedanger/fire.htm}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Agricultural Impact}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par Conditions are very dry, except for some areas of southern York County. The conditions are affec ting many crops. Although Northern and downeast Maine crops looked good at beginning of year, the blueberry crop has been affected and it is expected the potato crop yield will be down. (Only 20% of potato farmers have irrigation capability). The state may see a size \'93hit\'94 in apple crops, although a good set was reported this spring. Vegetable farmers experienced a good first half of the summer, but crops are now being affected unless irrigation is available. At one location in Androscoggin county, cor n in a 100 acre field was observed to be small and burned from the heat. Many stalks had no ears. Burning has occurred in many areas from high temperatures, although this effect varies with the type of soil. \par \par The hay crop, which lost 57,000 acres from army worms, has now lost a second crop due to the lack of rain. For agriculture, it is critical that rainfall come at the right time in the growing season. Not only have rainfall totals been depressed this year, but the rain has not occurred in critic al time periods. There are anecdotal reports of new wells drilled for cattle watering. \par \par The army worm infestation and subsequent hot and dry weather affected pasture land as well. Farmers are urged to fill out a \'93Notice of Loss\'94 with their county Farm Service Agency. This will document the losses suffered across the state, and provide the groundwork for a possible request for federal assistance. \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Water/Waste Water Impact}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par The only water utility so far reporting potential problems is Castine, which has requested voluntary conservation of its customers. Most utilities are holding their own during summer peak pumping days, although ponds are down and streamflows are being closely monitored. The Biddeford-Saco utility, for example, is watching levels on the Saco River carefully. Precipitation measurements in the midcoast region show a deficit of 10 inches over the last 12 months, 5 inches for the year. For most utilities, critical levels have not been reached, but all are monitoring the situa tion closely. \par \par Waste water treatments plants which have small river and stream discharge, have been urged to pay close attention to plant operation. The low stream flows greatly reduced the margin of error in discharge calculations. Also, some irrigators are observing \'93rationing\'94 of water usage. \par \par With schools shortly to go back into session, there will be more demand on public water supplies, which could translate to supply issues for some water utilities. \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Natural Resources Impact}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par Although no specifi c impact on natural resources has been documented, there is an anticipation that if low flow conditions persist through fall spawning season, it may affect the population of some fish species. These effects would not typically be seen for a couple of yea rs. \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Available Assistance}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par Assistance for individuals is limited. Some assistance for homeowners with water supply problems is offered through the USDA, Rural Development, Rural Housing Service. More information about this program is available by callin g 207-990-3676. Research into other assistance programs is continuing. \par \par Farmers are urged to contact their local Farm Service Agencies to document their losses and learn of any available help. \par \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Next Steps}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s24 \f10 \loch\af10\dbch\af0\hich\f10 \'9f\tab}}\pard \s24\ql \fi-360\li360\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf10\pnfs24\pnindent360\pnhang {\pntxtb \'9f}}\faauto\ls1\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid7687860 { \f308\insrsid7687860 Develop a plan to respond to communities with water supply problems. \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f308\insrsid7687860 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s24 \f10 \loch\af10\dbch\af0\hich\f10 \'9f\tab}}\pard \s24\ql \fi-360\li360\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf10\pnfs24\pnindent360\pnhang {\pntxtb \'9f}}\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid7687860 { \f308\insrsid7687860 Assess the need for farm relief programs. \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f308\insrsid7687860 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s24 \f10 \loch\af10\dbch\af0\hich\f10 \'9f\tab}}\pard \s24\ql \fi-360\li360\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnf10\pnfs24\pnindent360\pnhang {\pntxtb \'9f}}\faauto\ls3\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid7687860 { \f308\insrsid7687860 Through County Emergency Management Agencies, alert communities to review their plans and consider how they can support private citizens and businesses with water supply problems. \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f308\insrsid7687860 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s24 \f10 \loch\af10\dbch\af0\hich\f10 \'9f\tab}}\pard \s24\ql \fi-360\li360\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnf10\pnfs24\pnindent360\pnhang {\pntxtb \'9f}}\faauto\ls4\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid7687860 { \f308\insrsid7687860 Continue to research available aid programs for individuals with private water supply problems. \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f308\insrsid7687860 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid7687860 Conclusion}{\f308\insrsid7687860 \par \par The Drought Task Force, meeting on Augu st 24, concurred that drought conditions did exist across the State of Maine, and that constant monitoring should continue in the different disciplines of member agencies. In addition, a number of action steps were identified that will be taken on by var ious member agencies. \par \par Task Force will meet again in mid to late September \par \par }{\cs25\b\f308\insrsid7687860 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:}{\cs25\f308\insrsid7687860 \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\sl-259\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687860 {\cs25\f308\insrsid7687860 U.S. Geological Survey \par 207-622-8202 \par National Weather Service, Gray, Maine \par 207-688-3216 \par National Weather Service, Caribou, Maine \par 207-496-8931 \par Maine Department of Conservation, Maine Geological Survey \par 207-287-2801 \par Maine Emergency Management Agency \par 207-626-4503 \par Maine Department of Agriculture \par 207-287-7600 \par Department of Conservation, Maine Forest Service \par 207-827-6191 \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx4680\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687860 {\cs25\f308\insrsid7687860 \par }\pard \s24\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687860 {\insrsid7687860 \par }}