Problem

One of the goals of the Casco Bay Plan (CBEP 1996, 2006) is to open and protect shellfish areas adversely impacted by poor water quality.  While much progress has been made since 1994 (when 37% of the shellfish flats in the Bay were closed), thousands of acres are still impacted or threatened by bacterial pollution.  Identification and remediation of the sources of bacteria is necessary to improve water quality and open valuable beds.  Shoreline Survey Training augments the capacity of the State to address bacterial pollution by enabling municipal employees to assist the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with pollution source identification and remediation in the near-shore zone.  Training is provided through DMR and DEP with assistance from the U.S. Food and Drug Admnistration.

Project Description

In order to implement a two-day training session for interested Casco Bay watershed coastal communities, the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership agreed to provide logistical support (assistance with registration, securing space, food, supplies and A/V equipment) at a cost of $1,232.  The training was advertised through the web and via e-mail.  The training course provided basic knowlede of pollution source identification and the steps needed to document actual and potential pollution sources.  Both classroom and field instruction in shoreline survey techniques were provided.

Project Outcomes

Over 30 individuals from 12 Casco Bay communities took the training course.  They included shellfish wardens, code enforcement officers, public works employees and representatives of shellfish businesses.

Information gathered by the municipal employees trained through this program is being used by DMR and DEP to assist in their efforts to recognize and address actual and potential problems impacting shellfish areas.  Several examples follow.

The Town of Brunswick and DMR conducted shoreline surveys in areas which were slated to be closed due to expired shoreline surveys, preventing the need for the closure.  Several problems were identified during the shoreline survey at seasonal properties that would have necessitated the placement of prohibited areas until the issues were resolved.  The town was able to ameliorate the prolems before the 'season' started which eliminated the need for prohibited areas.

The Town of Yarmouth and the Royal River Conservation Trust had several members trained at the CBEP-sponsored course and they have developed a Shoreline Watchers Action Team (SWAT) of Amanda Devine, Tom Connolly, and Bill Longley.  The group meets regularly and helps DMR perform shoreline survey work and they do work independently in the upper reaches of their fresh water streams.  They have also engaged in discussions with other industrial dischargers to get additional information on the type and quantity of discharges to marine waters.

David Cheney and Jen Casad from the John's River area in South Bristol/Bristol were in an area impacted by widespread closures due to expired shoreline surveys.  They worked closely with DEP and DMR to conduct shoreline surveys in teams and quickly returned areas to open status.

Next Steps

The State would be happy to have other groups sponsor the shoreline survey training sessions.  Due to the DMR/DEP/FDA/DHHS time commitment for teaching and preparing the course materials, it is preferred that at least 30 people be in attendance.  The costs involved would be similar for notebooks, etc. and would also include refreshments at breaks and luches which are oftentimes provided.  Contact Anna Bourakovsky, Pubic Health Division, Maine DMR, PO Box 8, 194 McKown Point Rd., West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575  for more information.