Camden, Rockport and Rockland, Maine Seek “No Discharge” Designation to Stem Boat Pollution

(Boston, Massachusetts - July 30, 2009) - E.P.A. is considering a suggestion from the State of Maine to designate the coastal waters of Camden, Rockport, Rockland and portions of Owls Head as a "No Discharge Area." If approved, discharges of treated and untreated boat sewage would be prohibited within the town boundaries.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) has petitioned E.P.A. to approve the No Discharge designation. E.P.A. has in turn published the request in the Federal Register and will accept public comments on the suggestion until August 12, 2009.

Before E.P.A. will endorse a No Discharge Area designation for any area, the applicant must demonstrate that there are enough "pumpout" facilities where boaters can get their sewage holding tanks pumped out. This particular area has an estimated 1150 boats, of which 815 may have a head or toilet on board.

There is one large marina, a yacht club and public boating facilities in Camden, and a boatyard, a large City owned park and dock in Rockland, and 3 large marinas, 2 boat repair facilities, working fishing wharfs and a city waterfront operation. There are a total of 6 pumpout facilities in the suggested area.

The suggested no discharge area is important ecologically as well. The suggested area is identified as a High Value Wildlife Habitat by the U. S. U.S.F.W.S.. The area constitutes almost 17 square miles of marine habitat, 450 acres of wetlands, and essential habit for bald eagles. The area is adjacent to and bordered by The area constitutes almost 17 square miles of marine habitat, 450 acres of wetlands, and essential habit for bald eagles. The area is adjacent to and bordered by several state parks including the Clam Cove Scenic Area, and the Owls Head Regional Recreation Area.

More information:

- No Discharge Areas in New England (www.epa.gov/ne/eco/nodiscrg/index.html)

- How to review on suggestion (www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2009/July/Day-13/w16488.htm)

There are currently no comments for this story. Be the first to add a comment!
Click here to add a comment about this story.