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NEW DRAFT RELEASE!  A DRAFT version of the 2004 Integrated Water Quality Report for Maine (a.k.a. the 305(b) Report) has just been made available for public comment. 

Clamming
For many residents of the Casco Bay region, clamming represents an important tradition, as well as a livelihood. The economic value of this resource has been limited by the widespread threat of bacterial contamination. Malfunctioning or improperly maintained septic systems, nonpoint-source pollution, overboard discharge systems, boat discharges, and combined sewer overflows have closed many shellfish flats to harvesting. In May of 1999, 37 percent of the clam flats in Casco Bay were closed to shellfish harvesting due to the threat or existence of bacterial pollution. The Department of Marine Resources now has detailed information on bacterial shellfish closures online!

Some progress is being made to address these problems. Straight pipes that discharged raw sewage have largely been removed, and the plumbing code has been revised to regulate design and construction of on-site wastewater disposal systems. Overboard discharge systems that impact clam flats are gradually being replaced. The Casco Bay Estuary Partnership (formerly Casco Bay Estuary Project) is working with state, local and citizen partners to reopen closed clam flats. This effort promises both ecological and economic benefits: closed flats in Casco Bay could provide clam harvests worth $3.7 million/year in extra earnings. For more information the Expanding and Sustaining the Shellfisheries of Casco Bay - Phases II and III  September 2003 report is now available online in pdf format.

Swimming Beaches

Bacterial contamination from sewage also causes closures of swimming areas at Willard Beach, South Portland; Peaks Island; and East End Beach in Portland. 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure and Health (BEACH) Act of 2000 in response to the growing concern about public health risks posed by polluted coastal bathing beaches. The Maine Healthy Beaches program is taking a leading role in this initiative. Efforts include a public education program and systematic measurement of critical factors affecting the health of our beaches and the people who visit them.

Sources of Contamination

Shellfish flats and swimming areas are closed when elevated bacteria levels indicate the presence of human or animal waste, since exposure to contaminated water and shellfish can cause illness. Too many nutrients, especially nitrogen, can pose additional problems for shellfish harvesting and the bay. Sources of bacteria and nitrogen include septic systems, overboard discharge systems, municipal and industrial discharges of wastewater, illegal sewage discharge from boats, and polluted stormwater runoff. 

• septic systems: When a septic system fails, untreated nitrogen and bacteria may flow directly into groundwater, streams, or coastal waters. The number of malfunctioning septic systems in the Casco Bay area is not known. Septic systems fail due to inadequate maintenance, overloading, or poor design and construction. 
• overboard discharge systems: An overboard discharge system is similar to a septic system except that the leach field is replaced by a combination of a sand filter or mechanical aerobic tank and a chlorination unit to disinfect the effluent before it is discharged into a water body. Overboard discharges require more maintenance than conventional septic systems. Because the required maintenance cannot be ensured, the Maine Department of Marine Resources must consider each discharge a potential source of bacterial contamination; therefore, their presence necessitates closure of nearby shellfish flats. Environmental concerns about clam-harvesting prompted enactment of the Overboard Discharge Law in 1987, which prohibits all new, non-municipal overboard discharges and establishes a procedure for replacing existing overboard discharge units with alternative treatment methods. 
• licensed wastewater discharges: flats near combined sewer overflows, municipal sewage treatment plants, and other licensed discharges are permanently closed to shellfish harvesting. 
• illegal boat sewage discharges: Casco Bay has approximately 1,900 boat slips at 19 privately owned marinas and 3,400 moorings controlled by towns. Illegal discharge of sewage from boats presents a public health problem for both swimmers and shellfish consumers. Although sewage discharge is only permitted in waters 3 miles out from the coastline, it is suspected that many boats discharge into bay waters. Currently, seven marinas in Casco Bay have boat pumpout facilities, although the state's pumpout law requires all marinas with 18 or more berths (serving boats more than 24 feet in length) to have such facilities. In addition, the Friends of Casco Bay, a regional nonprofit organization, has a mobile pumpout boat that provides an on-the-water pumpout service. 
• stormwater runoff: Bacteria and nutrients from some farm operations, domestic pets, golf courses, gardens, lawn maintenance practices, and wildlife can cause excess input of nitrogen or bacteria. 

• Have your septic system pumped regularly (suggested time frame is every 3-5 years). 
• Check to see if you have an overboard discharge system and replace that system for a more conventional septic system (there are new technologies that may allow systems where they were not allowed previously). 
• Pump out your boat at designated facilities or call the Friends of Casco Bay, 799-8574, to come to your boat and pump it out for you with their mobile pumpout boat.
• Volunteer to take part in the Maine's Healthy Beaches monitoring program.