AGP Executive Report

Nor’easter Impacts NH Coast: A strengthening nor’easter is bringing rain, gusty winds up to 40 mph along the Seacoast, rough surf, and a coastal flood advisory (minor/nuisance flooding) from Saturday 10 a.m. to Sunday 4 p.m.; officials urge people to avoid flooded areas and don’t drive around barricades. Storm Disruptions Across the Region: The wider storm has knocked out power and caused flooding from the Northeast to the mid-Atlantic, with travel disruptions including hundreds of flight cancellations and thousands delayed. Fall Foliage Watch: Despite the storm, foliage experts say New England’s season should be “just fine” after the worst winds pass, with October still the peak month for leaf-peeping. Lake Health Update: Lake Kanasatka in Moultonborough is seeing improved conditions after a costly cyanobacteria treatment in 2024, though experts warn it’s not permanent and won’t fit every lake. Pesticide Push in the Lakes Region: The Six Legged Society is urging community action against systemic pesticides like neonicotinoids, arguing they harm pollinators and biodiversity. Energy Upgrade Reality Check: A New Hampshire homeowner says cold-climate heat pumps have reliably handled winter extremes since 2014, with propane used mainly during outages or the coldest stretches.

Nor’easter Watch (NH Seacoast): A nor’easter is bringing steady rain, rough surf, and gusty winds to New Hampshire’s coast, with a coastal flood advisory in effect Saturday 10 a.m. to Sunday 4 p.m. Officials warn of minor coastal flooding, possible downed limbs, and a limited threat of power outages—especially along the Seacoast where winds may reach up to 40 mph. Regional Storm Ripple: The same system is also driving hazardous conditions in southern Maine, with coastal flood and high-surf advisories and heavier rain totals possible inland. Fall Foliage Timing: Despite the storm, fall color plans may still hold—forecasters say the biggest foliage impact is likely wind, but New England’s season should recover after the weather passes. Lake Health Update: In Moultonborough’s Lake Kanasatka, a costly cyanobacteria treatment is showing results years later, though experts stress it isn’t permanent and isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. Lakes & Pesticides: The Six Legged Society is pushing for action against systemic pesticides, arguing they’re harming pollinators and lake biodiversity, and is seeking a hearing with the state Pesticide Control Board. Shellfish Closures (Maine): A Karenia mikimotoi algae bloom has triggered shellfish harvesting closures in parts of Maine, with more areas possibly affected as the bloom shifts.

Nor’easter Watch: A strengthening nor’easter is moving up the East Coast, bringing rain, gusty winds, rough surf, and minor coastal flooding risk for New Hampshire’s Seacoast this weekend, with winds peaking Saturday into Sunday and officials urging residents to stay off the roads and away from the ocean. Lake Health: In Moultonborough’s Lake Kanasatka, a costly cyanobacteria treatment is showing improvement for the third straight year, but experts warn it’s not a permanent fix and isn’t a one-size solution for every NH lake. Water Quality & Wildlife: The Six Legged Society is pushing community action against systemic pesticides, arguing they’re harming pollinators and lake ecosystems, and plans to engage the state Pesticide Control Board. Coastal Economy: In Maine’s midcoast, a Karenia mikimotoi algae bloom has triggered shellfish harvesting closures and major losses, with more areas possibly affected as the bloom shifts. Local Storm Impacts: Hampton and other Seacoast communities are preparing for downed limbs, possible isolated power outages, and nuisance flooding. Environment in the News: A rare September nor’easter is also disrupting regional plans, from Atlantic City flooding reports to storm-related travel and event adjustments.

Nor’easter Watch (Seacoast NH): A weekend nor’easter is expected to bring rain, strong winds up to 40 mph, and rough surf with dangerous rip currents. Forecasters say New Hampshire’s coast is on the northern fringe, with minor coastal flooding and downed tree limbs possible, and officials are urging residents to stay off the ocean and indoors. Water & Cybersecurity: New research warns that a growing underground market makes it easier for cyber criminals to buy access to industrial systems, including water utilities—raising the stakes for basic cybersecurity steps. Fatal Crash / Possible Hazmat Response: Two people died after a tanker truck crash on Route 101 in Amherst; the road was closed while environmental workers prepared to contain any hazardous materials. Shellfish Impact (Midcoast ME): A Karenia mikimotoi algae bloom has triggered shellfish harvesting closures in parts of Casco Bay, including Maquoit Bay and Middle Bay, with more areas possibly affected as the bloom shifts. Local Planning (Greenland): The Winnicut River Project is hosting a Route 33 design charrette focused on safer walking/biking access, bridge-area upgrades, and protecting fish habitat. Lake Health (NH): Salem and partners are moving toward a watershed management plan for Arlington Mill Reservoir after cyanobacteria bloom concerns, with a public meeting set for Oct. 13.

Coastal Storm Watch: A nor’easter could bring steady rain, high surf (7–12 feet), dangerous rip currents, and minor coastal flooding to New Hampshire’s Seacoast, with gusts up to around 40 mph and possible isolated power outages. Watershed & Water Quality: Salem officials are moving ahead on a watershed management plan for Arlington Mill Reservoir after cyanobacteria blooms, with a public meeting set for Oct. 13 at Town Hall. PFAS Legal Push: Keene and Londonderry filed a federal class-action alleging PFAS exposure from firefighter gear, seeking damages and relief for municipalities. Air Quality Policy: The EPA is taking public comments on a plan that would let New Hampshire leave the Ozone Transport Region and drop vehicle emissions testing—comments close Sept. 25. Climate & Farming: Wheel-View Farm in Shelburne will host an open house during Climate Change and Farming Week, highlighting rotational grazing as a carbon-friendly practice.

Coastal Storm Watch: A nor’easter could hit New Hampshire this weekend with steady rain, gusty northeast winds (up to ~40 mph on the coast), high surf (7–12 ft), dangerous rip currents, and minor coastal flooding at high tide—Hampton crews are already setting up barriers and monitoring tides. Fall Foliage & Tourism: Early color is showing across NH, with brighter peaks in the north and mountains and “stress color” in some maple wetlands; officials are eyeing about 3.9 million visitors and $2B in spending this fall. Local Environment & Water: Peterborough approved the sale of the contaminated South Municipal Well property to NH Ball Bearings for $110,000, with conditions including a 99-year ban on pumping water from the site. PFAS Research: MaineHealth won a $4.5M NIH grant to study how PFAS exposure affects children’s puberty timing and bone health, aiming to clarify long-term risks. Invasive Pest Alert: Spotted lanternfly infestations are expanding in the region, with NH officials warning eggs hatch into hard-to-control nymphs by spring.

Nor’Easter Readiness: Seacoast businesses are bracing for a potential Nor’easter, with Brown’s Seafood in Seabrook saying flooding is a familiar risk and that it’s ready to keep operating while watching tides and coastal impacts. Fall Foliage Watch: New Hampshire’s leaves are already turning, with moderate color in the north and peak timing mapped out—Coos late September, Monadnock/Lakes early October, and the Seacoast late October into early November. Air Quality Policy: The EPA is accepting public comments on a plan that would let New Hampshire leave a Northeast air pollution zone and end its car emissions testing program, with comments due Sept. 25. PFAS Legal Risk: A new report highlights how PFAS in food and beverage is becoming a fast-growing legal exposure area as federal and state rules shift. Local Water Cleanup: Peterborough approved the sale of a contaminated South Municipal Well property to NH Ball Bearings for $110,000, with long-term limits on pumping water from the site. Wildlife Success: New Hampshire bald eagle chicks hatched and fledged at record levels, reflecting decades of recovery since DDT was banned. Community & Labor: UNH graduate employees rallied over two years of wage negotiations without a contract, pushing for livable pay.

Data Center Fight in Bow: Residents packed Bow’s select board meeting after reports Granite Shore Power sought to connect a 350-megawatt project tied to a hyperscale data center at the former Merrimack Station site, with neighbors warning impacts would ripple along the Merrimack River beyond town lines. River Flooding Risk: A rare September nor’easter is already churning up the East Coast, with days of coastal flooding, dangerous surf, and beach erosion expected from New Jersey toward New England. PFAS Backslide: The Trump EPA rolled back PFAS protections, withdrawing guidance that helped states use Clean Water Act tools, while new data says 176 million Americans drink PFAS-contaminated tap water. Shellfish Closures: Maine’s DMR adopted emergency targeted closures in Casco Bay tied to a Karenia mikimotoi bloom, stressing shellfish harvesting can continue only under strict rules. Wildlife Win: New Hampshire bald eagle chicks reached a record—100 fledged for the first time in nearly 40 years. Local Weather & Outdoors: Northern lights could be visible in New Hampshire tonight, and NH youth deer weekend runs Oct. 24–25.

Nor’easter Watch: A powerful nor’easter is brewing for the East Coast, with damaging winds, coastal flooding, beach erosion, and rough surf possible from the Carolinas through coastal New England, including New Hampshire and Maine. Frost & Fall Timing: A Frost Advisory is up for parts of northern New Hampshire and nearby areas early Wednesday, with lows in the 30s that could harm frost-sensitive plants. Snowpack Monitoring: New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine researchers are launching a real-time snowpack watch with NSF funding, aiming to better forecast drought, flash flooding, and winter impacts as warming winters shift precipitation patterns. Heating Costs: WMUR reports home-heating oil could cost more than usual this winter in New Hampshire, with an average household projected to pay about 31% more. Fall Foliage Update: Early fall color is starting to show, with New Hampshire and western Maine seeing patches of red, orange, and yellow as forests remain mostly green. Local Rescue: NH Fish and Game reports a hiker rescue near Owl’s Head Mountain after a slip-and-fall left a 56-year-old unable to continue.

Nor’easter Watch: A rare late-week nor’easter could bring heavy rain and strong winds to New Hampshire and Maine, with the biggest impacts likely Friday into Saturday; storm track uncertainty could still shift how hard the coast gets hit. Home Heating Costs: WMUR reports New Hampshire households may pay about 31% more for home-heating oil this winter, tied to record diesel prices and broader fallout from Trump’s Iran conflict. Wildlife & Outdoors: NH Fish and Game helped rescue a 56-year-old hiker near Owl’s Head Mountain after a slip-and-fall left him unable to continue; the carryout lasted overnight. Fall Foliage Outlook: Experts say the Northeast is shaping up for a strong fall color season, though parts of New Hampshire and Maine still lag where drought lingered. PFAS Legal Risk: Regulators are tightening scrutiny of PFAS in food and beverage, raising compliance and litigation pressure as testing and disclosure rules expand. Local Housing: Portsmouth is adjusting its workforce housing policy after analysis suggested the current set-aside incentives don’t pencil out for developers.

Disaster Funding: New Hampshire is set to receive more than $1.4 million from FEMA for two mitigation efforts—$1.2 million for a Hampton stormwater infiltration project along the coast, plus about $212,000 for floodplain management practices statewide. Heat & Climate: NOAA reports 2026 was the 7th warmest summer on record in New Hampshire, with warmer nights and a likely boost from El Niño patterns. Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking a potentially significant nor’easter that could bring heavy rain, coastal flooding, and damaging winds to New England late this week, with timing still uncertain. Winter Energy Costs: Diesel hit a record high, and home heating oil prices are expected to rise more than usual this winter, with the average household projected to pay about 31% more. Public Health: New Hampshire says mosquito activity has been less intense than recent years, but officials still urge precautions as West Nile and other viruses remain a concern. Local Development: A Hudson planning board review of a proposed retail project highlighted traffic and environmental concerns, including how state DOT handled intersection mitigation.

Heating Costs & Energy Prices: New Hampshire residents are bracing for higher-than-usual home heating oil bills this winter, with an average household projected to pay about 31% more (around $2,300), as diesel and fuel costs climb. Consumer Protection: The NH attorney general’s consumer protection and antitrust bureau says propane providers are numerous enough that shoppers should compare prices, especially as new state rules push heating companies to disclose delivery and other fees upfront. Mosquito Season Watch: State health officials report a less active 2026 mosquito season so far, with lower detections of West Nile and Jamestown Canyon viruses than recent years, though precautions still matter. Storm Watch: WMUR’s Storm Watch 9 is tracking a possible late-week coastal storm that could bring heavy rain and rough surf to parts of New England, with the exact impact for southern NH still uncertain. Local Water & Environment: Alton leaders are weighing legal action over a planned Wentworth Pond drawdown tied to the Alton Power Dam, citing concerns about property values, environmental harm, and potential impacts to well water. Community Climate Resilience: A “Watershed Week” effort aims to build an identity around the Connecticut River watershed, encouraging local stewardship. Winter Preparedness: United Way partners with Cleary Cleaners on a statewide coat drive running through Oct. 23 to help families, seniors, and children stay warm.

Mosquito Watch: New Hampshire is seeing a less-active mosquito season so far, with fewer detections of viruses like EEE, but officials still urge residents to take precautions to avoid illness. Local Land-Use & Traffic: Hudson’s planning board approved a Bockes Road multi-tenant retail plan despite local opposition, with debate focused on traffic impacts and environmental concerns. Water & Environmental Risk: Alton leaders are exploring legal action over a proposed Wentworth Pond drawdown, citing worries about property values, environmental harm, and reports of drops in well water. Clean Water Policy: State Sen. Denise Ricciardi was named Legislator of the Year for work tied to wastewater engineering standards aimed at protecting New Hampshire’s water supply. Public Health Alert: Health officials warned about a measles case tied to travel on an Amtrak route from Chicago to Los Angeles, urging vaccination protection. Fall Weather & Planning: Forecasters expect mostly sunny Saturday, then Sunday showers and steadier rain moving into southern New Hampshire.

AI & Energy Policy: New Hampshire Republicans say they’ll pursue a moratorium on AI data centers after new proposals in the capital region sparked backlash over electricity, water use, noise, and other environmental impacts. Water & Environment: Town leaders in Alton are weighing legal action over the Wentworth Pond drawdown tied to the Alton Power Dam, citing concerns about private well water drops and environmental harm. Public Health: Health officials warned of a measles case tied to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles by train, urging people to protect themselves with vaccination. Weather: Sunday brings steady rain to southern New Hampshire (about 0.5 to 0.75 inches, locally near 1 inch) with flooding not expected. Clean Water Recognition: State Sen. Denise Ricciardi was named Legislator of the Year by the New England Water Works Association for work on wastewater engineering law aimed at protecting drinking water.

Rain & Drought Relief: A steady soaking rain is expected to move into New Hampshire by midday Sunday, with the best chances for 0.50 to 0.75 inches in southern NH and southwestern Maine (isolated near 1 inch). Flooding isn’t expected, but more rain is still needed to ease longer-term dryness. Clean Water Policy: New Hampshire lawmakers are pushing wastewater improvements after Sen. Denise Ricciardi was named Legislator of the Year by the New England Water Works Association for SB 443, aimed at strengthening wastewater engineering standards and oversight. PFAS & Water Permits: The U.S. EPA rescinded 2022 PFAS guidance for wastewater permits, a move that could change how states limit and monitor PFAS in NPDES permits. Local Environmental Legal Fight: Alton leaders are exploring legal action over the Wentworth Pond drawdown tied to the Alton Power Dam, citing potential harm to property values, environmental impacts, and well water. Recycling & Plastics: A Charlestown Senior Center talk on plastics and recycling highlights local impacts, including the scale of plastic grocery bags going to NH landfills. Shellfish Health Watch: Maine officials suspect a nontoxic algae bloom may be linked to shellfish die-offs, with reports noting possible spread toward New Hampshire waters.

PFAS & Water Permits: The U.S. EPA rescinded 2022 PFAS guidance for wastewater permits, a move that could reshape how states limit and monitor PFAS in NPDES permits. Clean Water Policy: New Hampshire Sen. Denise Ricciardi was named Legislator of the Year for work on SB 443, aimed at strengthening wastewater engineering standards to protect drinking water. Local Water Impacts: Alton is exploring legal action over the Wentworth Pond drawdown tied to the Alton Power Dam, citing environmental harm, property-value concerns, and reports of drops in well water. Shellfish Health: Maine officials suspect a nontoxic algae bloom may be behind shellfish die-offs, with reports noting possible spread toward New Hampshire waters. Mosquito Season: New Hampshire is seeing a less active mosquito season, with no Eastern equine encephalitis detections so far, but officials still urge precautions. Fall Planning: NH’s tourism team is tracking peak foliage timing for the Great North Woods, with an estimated peak date of Sept. 28. Community Conservation: Watershed Week and the Source to Sea Cleanup are set to connect people across the Connecticut River watershed through dozens of events. Gardening Tips: Homegrown NH recommends planting trees and shrubs in fall, especially deciduous varieties, to help roots establish before winter.