DEP holds Public Meeting on Long Creek Restoration
July 13, 2009
CONTACT:
Donna Gormley (207) 592-2032 donna.m.gormley@maine.gov
Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is holding a public meeting regarding restoration and protection of Long Creek. The meeting is July 15th, from 1-4 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road, South Portland.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is utilizing it’s authority under the Clean Water Act to specify permits for stormwater discharges from developed property in the Long Creek Watershed. The DEP is proposing a general permit that is based on a collaborative plan, developed over the last two years by landowners, the communities, local interest groups, and State agencies. This local group with representatives from South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough, and Portland has been working to develop an equitable and environmentally responsible watershed restoration plan that will bring the stream back into compliance with state and federal water quality standards.
Long Creek is a freshwater stream that winds its way through Westbrook and South Portland. Its watershed, the area of land from which waters flow into the creek, encompasses 3.5 square miles and includes the communities of Portland, Westbrook, South Portland, and Scarborough.
Urban development around the stream has significantly affected the stream’s health, including its ability to support fish and other wildlife. For years, stormwater has passed over parking lots, roadways and rooftops picking up associated pollutants which are then washed into the watershed and the stream. As a result Long Creek now does not meet State and Federal water quality standards and is listed as one of 31 “urban impaired” streams in Maine.
Restoring the health of Long Creek will have extended benefits that go beyond improving water quality – it will improve quality of life by providing opportunities for natural enjoyment and recreation and allow native fish and wildlife to rebound in this watershed.
