My name is Heidi Overbeck, and I represent Environment Maine, a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy group working for clean air, clean water, and open spaces on behalf of 3,000 members statewide.
We support the Governor’s environmental bond bill, LD 1001. I would like to focus my comments on the wastewater disposal portion; we find the proposed funding level inadequate for dealing with risks posed by polluted sewage discharge to our marine ecosystems, to public health and to our economy. For last year, the DEP determined that communities around the state needed $7 million in grants to improve their sewage treatment facilities. These needs went unmet. Needs do not recede just because they are not funded. Rather they persist and grow, and now we have this year’s needs to meet as well, which is why we suggest that grant funding be increased from $3 million to $15 million.
Pollution of our coastal waters is a serious problem. Last year, more than 140,000 acres of shellfish beds were closed due to the presence of fecal coliform, or sewage, putting hundreds of clammers out of work. For example, in Machias alone nearly 100 clammers have been put out of work because improperly treated sewage discharge has contaminated the shellfish beds downstream. Shellfish are the third most commercially valuable fish stock in Maine, and every closed bed threatens the thriving economy that depends on that stock.
Maine’s biggest economic sector, tourism, relies on a healthy coast as well. More than 75% of the $9 billion contributed to Maine’s economy by out-of-state visitors was spent at the coast. Maine’s beaches are a destination hot spot, but up to 15 beaches were temporarily closed in years when local communities monitored for fecal coliform and other sewage-related bacteria.
A number of wastewater treatment facilities need major overhauls to function properly and to keep polluted sewage discharge from decimating our coastal waters. Between 2001-2003, 45 out of 63 major wastewater facilities violated their clean water permits. Much less cases of negligence, these violations occurred because many of our sewage treatment plants are too old or inadequate to handle all the wastewater directed through them.
Twelve facilities in particular require major assistance in addressing their wastewater disposal needs. These include the facilities in Bingham, Calais, Ellsworth, Frenchville, Indian Township, Limestone, Machias, Northport, Presque Isle, Searsport, Washburn, and Windham. These communities lack the funds to upgrade these facilities and cannot afford the low-interest loan packages provided by the State Revolving Loan Fund. These communities need state grants to improve their facilities, and the proposed $3 million in grants will only provide enough funding for two projects. We urge the committee to commit no less than $15 million to the grants portion of the bond. On average, state grants leverage $1.50 in federal money for every dollar the state invests. This leveraged federal money is not included in LD 1001. State wastewater grants of $15 million would leverage $22.5 million in federal funds.
We fully support the $2.6 million proposed for the State Revolving Loan Fund, as it is a worthwhile investment with a high return. Every dollar the state puts forward will be matched by $5 from the federal government, brining in $13 million in federal money. The loan program, when fully funded, is self-sustaining and provides affordable loan packages to facilities that are making progressive plans for wastewater disposal. Communities likely to benefit from this round of loans, but yet to be earmarked include: Bucksport, Bangor, Auburn, Kennebunk, Brunswick, Falmouth, Skowhegan, Lincoln, Randolph, Lewiston-Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority and Portland.
A community’s growth depends on its ability to accept new wastewater. We cannot expect economic prosperity from our towns when some cannot handle their current infrastructure needs.
This is a bricks and mortar bond. To maintain Maine’s wastewater infrastructure the level of funding for grants should be approved at $15 million.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Heidi Overbeck
Preservation Associate
Environment Maine
