Whenever it rains in the Portland area sewerage outflows, a mixture of rain water and untreated raw sewerage, runs into Casco Bay. In 2006 alone over 1.8 billion gallons of this toxic mix went into the bay. This represents more than half of the overflow generated by the entire state.
Many kayakers launch off of East End Beach in Portland, an area that can be closed when this runoff occurs. The smell can be detected in the Old Port and can put a real damper on one’s shore dinner. Runoff is discharged into the bay from the Back Cove, Presumpscot River, Capisic Brook, Portland Harbor, and the Fore River. Effluviums and nitrogen rich pollutants may also contribute to harmful algae blooms such as those that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Boaters or swimmers who come in contact with the pollution find themselves at risk of getting sick.
Even in the outer bay there can be a slight change in water quality due to the runoff.
For the past 17 years Portland has faced a court ordered mandate to clean up it’s act by separating rainwater runoff from raw sewerage, but has hemmed and hawed, seeking extension after extension. When city officials sought yet another extension in 2007, Friends of Casco Bay and Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne and others stepped forward to oppose the inaction.
On February 4 of this year the city council considered and approved a $61 million bond package to put the project back on track. If Portland sticks to its promise we may all be able to reap the benefits of a healthier ecosystem in one of the most beautiful parts of the Maine coast.
Another major victory was won in 2004 when legislation was passed to prohibit cruise ships from dumping waste into the bay.
Now if only we could get people to stop using pesticides on their lawns….
Friends of Casco Bay
