To the editor:
This is to share my responses to an area resident’s questions, following a recent public meeting related to water quality of Echo Lake and Arnold Brook Lake (both in Presque Isle). The meeting was sponsored by Maine DEP and the Maine Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Curious — What came from this meeting? Are the waters mentioned less healthy … more? Offhand, I would say these relatively shallow, man-made lakes have improved only a little. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has left the draft reports at http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/comment.htm . Like many rivers, sediment (from soil erosion) and the algae-producing nutrient phosphorus (in parts per billion) are the pollutants of concern.
Completed (EPA-accepted) reports for Monson Pond (Fort Fairfield) and other “impaired” lakes are at http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docmonitoring/tmdl2.htm
Curious — I never seem to read anything about how much better the water quality is in any of the lakes in Maine since DEP and EPA standards have been in place.
The Clean Water Act and the Maine DEP both emerged in 1972. Along with hundreds of lakes, the MDEP regulates the water quality of 31,673 river miles with 400 licensed dischargers, and 711 gravel pits (those that are 5 acres or more). When the Legislature passes an environmental law, the MDEP generally has rulemaking responsibilities, along with other duties, including air quality regulation.
The MDEP currently has 398 employees, down from 408 in 2001. Maine has more uniformed highway patrolmen than MDEP has scientists, administrators, and support staff. But I’ve found MDEP staff in Presque Isle and Augusta to be prompt, professional, and responsible. I am amazed at what they are expected to – and do – accomplish, including an intensive water quality study of the Aroostook River in 2001. Click on “Modeling & data reports” at http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docmonitoring/rivers.htm
You’re right though; it seems that the only time MDEP makes headlines is when members of the public become alarmed about a proposed landfill or gravel pit in their “back yard.”
Curious — I know on the lake where I have a camp in southern Aroostook, the water appears cleaner, but have never actually read comparisons to what it was 20 years ago and what it is now (pollutant parts per million, type of contaminants, etc.). I’ve read the reports from MDEP and looks like data are 10 years old or more.
As a camp owner, consider becoming a volunteer monitor in cooperation with MDEP. See http://www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/
As for old studies, please bear in mind that the very limited Augusta-based assessment staff (chemical and biological) must “rotate” among the state’s major watersheds, visiting the St. John, Aroostook, and Meduxnekeag area about every 5 years. If wet summer weather precludes assessment (due to high flows), we generally go to the back of the line to wait another 5 years. In my judgment, our elected State leaders should augment this component of the MDEP budget.
Thank you for your interest.
Steve Sutter
Presque Isle
