Water Pollution In Maine: Is The State Affected?

Maine's water sources have been contaminated by a variety of pollutants, including nitrate from septic systems, fertilizer and livestock wastes, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and gasoline. The Androscoggin River, which traverses Maine and New Hampshire, was once listed as one of the most polluted rivers in the United States due to toxic chemical waste discharged by multiple industries. The Clean Water Act has helped improve water quality in Maine, but pollution continues to threaten people, wildlife, and the ecosystem. Maine's groundwater and drinking water sources are also at risk of contamination from pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Sources of water pollution in Maine

Maine's water bodies have been contaminated by a variety of sources, including industrial, agricultural, and municipal activities. The state's water pollution issues are multifaceted, and the sources of pollution are diverse. Here is an overview of the primary sources of water pollution in Maine:

Industrial Activities

Industrial facilities have been identified as significant contributors to water pollution in Maine. In 2020, McCain Foods USA's plant in Easton released the highest amount of chemicals among the state's top polluters, with the Sappi paper mill in Skowhegan releasing chemicals with the highest toxicity. Other notable industrial polluters include the GAC Chemical Corporation in Searsport and Bath Iron Works, impacting coastal areas and the St. George-Sheepscot watershed, respectively. The release of toxic substances by these industries poses risks to both ecosystems and human health.

Agricultural Activities

Agricultural practices also play a role in water pollution in Maine. Contaminants such as nitrate from septic systems, fertilizer, and livestock wastes, as well as pesticides from farm fields, have been found in water sources. Improperly managed septic systems, manure stacks, and fertilizer and pesticide storage sites can all contribute to groundwater contamination. Additionally, intensive cropping and the use of fertilizers and pesticides in certain areas can further increase the risk of water pollution.

Municipal Sources

Municipal sources, including sewage treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants, have been identified as significant contributors to water pollution in Maine. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has highlighted sewage as one of the three most concerning contaminant problems in the region. In the past, efforts have been made to prevent the weakening of regulations protecting water bodies from pollution caused by sewage treatment plants and industries along the coast.

Landfill and Waste Disposal

Old landfills and waste disposal practices have also impacted Maine's water quality. Industrial chemicals from landfills and the improper disposal of substances such as motor oil, paint, solvents, and pesticides can contaminate groundwater. The improper disposal of hazardous substances can have long-lasting effects on water sources.

Coastal Development and Population Growth

The growth in coastal populations and increased development have contributed to increased contaminant levels in coastal waters. Changes in land use, including logging operations, sawmills, fish processing plants, and aquaculture operations, have historically impacted the Gulf of Maine watershed. The increase in population and industrial activities has resulted in higher levels of contaminants in the region's coastal waters.

It is important to note that Maine has made significant progress in improving water quality over the years, with rivers like the Kennebec and Penobscot cleaner today than they were 40 years ago due to the implementation of the Clean Water Act and other protective measures. However, ongoing efforts are still necessary to address the diverse sources of water pollution and ensure the protection of Maine's water resources.

Water pollution in the Androscoggin River

Since the late 19th century, the Androscoggin River has been heavily affected by industrial activities and municipal wastewater discharges. The close proximity of cities, industries, and wastewater treatment facilities has led to the release of toxic chemicals, untreated waste, and pollutants into the river. The Verso mill, formerly known as International Paper, has been identified as one of the largest polluters of the Androscoggin River. In 2005, the mill was sued for violating the Clean Water Act, with allegations of dumping 40 million gallons of wastewater into the river daily. The Androscoggin River also receives a significant portion of Maine's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) discharge, introducing toxic chemicals, waste, and plastic debris that contribute to the decline of marine life in the river.

The Androscoggin River was once considered one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, with high levels of toxic chemicals and sediments such as mercury and dioxin. The river's pollution was so severe that it inspired the creation of the Clean Water Act in 1972, which provided funding and mandates for sewage treatment plants along the river. While the Act has helped improve water quality, particularly above Rumford and Jay, parts of the river still fail to meet the Clean Water Act standards. The middle and lower sections of the Androscoggin continue to face water quality issues, with noticeable differences in odour and clarity compared to other large Maine rivers.

The refusal of upriver dam owners to build fishways has also impacted the river's ecosystem. Atlantic salmon, once abundant in the Androscoggin, have not been seen at Rumford Falls since the late 1600s. Native alewives now require human intervention to reach their native spawning ponds due to the lack of fishways at several dams. While the river is now clean enough to support some fish and wildlife species, the continued discharge of chemical waste by industries threatens the future of the Androscoggin River and the health of the people living nearby.

Clean Water Act and its impact on Maine

Maine has a long history of water pollution, with its rivers, estuaries, and marine waters being used for various industrial activities and waste dumping since the late 1700s. The Clean Water Act of 1972 was a pivotal moment in the state's efforts to combat this issue, forcing polluting industries and towns to treat waste and sewage before discharging it into water bodies. This legislation was largely thanks to Maine's U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie, who grew up witnessing extreme pollution along the Androscoggin River in Rumford, Maine.

The Clean Water Act has had a significant impact on improving water quality in Maine. Rivers like the Kennebec and the Penobscot are now cleaner than they were 40 years ago due to the Act's requirements for waste and sewage treatment. The Act's influence is also evident in the efforts of organizations like the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), which has worked to protect small streams, estuaries, and marine waters from polluted runoff and sewage treatment plant rollbacks.

In addition to the Clean Water Act, other initiatives have contributed to Maine's water quality improvement. The Maine Brewshed® Alliance, for example, is a coalition of brewers and the NRCM committed to safeguarding the state's waterways. Furthermore, the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has identified key contaminant concerns, such as sewage, nutrients, and mercury, and has implemented monitoring programs like Gulfwatch to assess contaminant types and concentrations in coastal waters.

Despite these improvements, water pollution remains a concern in Maine. Contaminants such as nitrate from septic systems, fertilizer and livestock wastes, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and gasoline continue to be found in urban and rural wells. The state's coastal waters, particularly in the Gulf of Maine region, face increased contamination due to growing coastal populations, development, and changing land use. As a result, organizations like the NRCM are vigilant in opposing any attempts to weaken laws and regulations that protect Maine's waters from pollution.

To ensure safe drinking water, residents of Maine are advised to take precautions such as properly sealing wells and regularly testing their water. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection and local health officials also provide guidance on proper hazardous substance disposal and information about potential sources of contamination in specific areas. These collective efforts, supported by legislation like the Clean Water Act, are vital in the ongoing pursuit of clean water in Maine.

Water contamination in Maine's urban and rural wells

Maine has seen improvements in its water quality in recent years, particularly in its rivers, thanks to the Clean Water Act of 1972. This Act forced polluting industries and towns to treat waste and sewage before discharging it into bodies of water. However, water contamination remains a significant issue in the state, particularly in urban and rural wells.

The Androscoggin River, for example, was once considered one of the most polluted rivers in the United States due to toxic chemical waste and untreated sewage discharged by mills and wastewater treatment facilities. While the Clean Water Act has helped improve water quality in the Androscoggin, it still does not meet standards, and the continued discharge of pollutants threatens the river's future.

Maine's urban and rural wells are susceptible to contamination from various sources, including septic systems, fertilizer and livestock wastes, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and gasoline from underground storage tanks. These contaminants can pose serious health risks to those who rely on well water for drinking and household use. For example, nitrate contamination in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome, a potentially fatal condition in infants.

To address this issue, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and other organizations provide resources and guidelines for well owners to ensure their water is safe for consumption. It is recommended that well water be tested annually, or twice a year in high-risk areas, for contaminants such as nitrate and bacteria. Proper sealing and maintenance of wells are also crucial to prevent surface water and bacteria contamination.

Additionally, the Generic State Management Plan for Pesticides and Groundwater, developed in collaboration with the Board of Pesticides Control (BPC), aims to protect groundwater resources by assessing potential contamination problems and implementing pesticide management practices. This plan includes statewide groundwater monitoring every 5-7 years and the development of specific state management plans when needed.

Maine's water quality bills

Maine has had issues with water pollution, with contaminants found in both urban and rural wells, as well as coastal waters. The sources of these contaminants include septic systems, fertilizer and livestock wastes, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and gasoline.

In recognition of these issues, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a role in implementing and upholding water quality standards in Maine. In December 2016, the EPA issued federal Clean Water Act water quality standards (WQS) that applied to water bodies under the state's jurisdiction. The EPA has also addressed various disapprovals of Maine's standards, which were issued in 2015.

In December 2020, the EPA finalized the withdrawal of certain existing federal water quality criteria, allowing Maine to implement its own human health water quality criteria for toxic pollutants. This action was based on Maine's adoption of human health criteria that the EPA determined to be scientifically sound and protective of the state's designated uses.

Maine's water quality legislation aims to address these issues and protect the state's water resources. Title 38, §464 of Maine's legislation outlines the classification of Maine's waters, including the maintenance and protection of water quality. For instance, when the actual water quality of impounded waters meets more stringent criteria, that water quality must be maintained and protected. Additionally, the legislation addresses combined sewer overflows, with the state's goal being to eliminate or control such overflows as soon as possible.

Furthermore, Maine's water quality bills emphasize the importance of proper waste discharge management. The department may use unallocated assimilative capacity to set limits for toxic substance discharges, avoiding exceedances of applicable ambient water quality criteria. Overall, these bills aim to protect the state's water resources, ensuring safe and clean water for its residents and ecosystems.

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