Brunswick, Maine Development News
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Septic System Risk Analysis Tool Aids in Water Quality Improvement Efforts
The committee received an update on the septic system risk analysis tool developed by the Coastal Resource Office. This tool has been recognized with a global award and is being used in conjunction with the Cumberland County Soil and Water District for Casco Bay-wide watershed mapping. The town of Harpswell is utilizing the tool with Bowdoin College interns to develop a higher-resolution hydrological trace. Similar efforts are planned for Freeport to address water quality issues stemming from aging infrastructure and non-public sewer systems in neighboring communities. The tool can identify aging septic systems and areas lacking documentation, supporting arguments for extending public sewer access. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve water quality across the bay, with potential for future ordinances and policy changes. The tool has already aided in grant proposals for septic system replacements in mobile home parks like Bayview and Blueberry Fields, addressing aging systems in the McLoy Bay watershed.
Thomas Point Beach Restricts Access; Committee Explores Easement Rights and Harvester Conduct
The committee discussed the Thomas Point Beach access issue. The new owners of the beach are implementing stricter policies due to vandalism and other incidents, including prohibiting tenters and day passes, which affects harvesters seeking access. A specific incident involving a harvester, a vehicle, and threats of vandalism led to a temporary pause on allowing harvesters on the property. The committee is exploring the concept of prescriptive easements to understand if historical harvester access confers rights. There is also a discussion about potentially mirroring hunting license suspension rules for criminal violations in shellfish harvesting. The committee plans to consult with town legal counsel regarding prescriptive easements and to potentially discuss ordinance changes related to deterrence for harvesting-related offenses. The managers of Thomas Point Beach are currently reassessing their policies following the unfortunate incident.
McCoy Bay Purification Study Updates and Closure Adjustments Discussed
The Shellfish Committee discussed the McCoy Bay purification study, noting three recent closures due to rainfall, followed by three passing tests after five days. Chris Belestra (Belestra) mentioned new stakes being placed to adjust the one-inch closure line in Bunganuck Cove, potentially opening up more area along Bunganuck Road. Dan Devereaux (Devereaux) from the Coastal Resource Office was praised for his efforts in collecting shellfish and water samples during closures, which helped reduce closure durations. A map of the adjusted closure line will be emailed to harvesters. The committee also discussed the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) sanitary survey conducted in Harpswell Cove and Prince's Point, which found no direct water quality issues but provided assistance to landowners regarding their septic systems. Elevated coliforms in Upper Buttermilk Cove are being investigated, potentially using PCR testing data from McCoy Bay. Eelgrass monitoring in Macoi Bay with the Casco Bay partnership is planned, utilizing drone flyovers. Phytoplankton monitoring has begun to track food sources for shellfish larvae. The committee also reviewed the status of ongoing closures, including Barnes Cove and portions of Catlin Shore. The migratory bird closure in McCoy Bay was removed, and the closure lines were adjusted. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of rainfall measurements used for closures, as the amount of rain reported did not always match the closure triggers. The committee is pushing for the reinstitution of text message alerts for closures. The committee is also considering a potential ordinance change related to night harvesting for the following year and the possibility of suspending shellfish licenses for criminal violations during harvesting activities.
Soft-Shell Clam Upweller Shows Promising Growth Rates and Survival
The Shellfish Committee received an update on the soft-shell clam upweller report from Emily Stone. The report detailed the health and growth rate of 250,000 seed clams obtained from Downeast Institute. The upweller is cleaned twice weekly, and growth measurements are taken every Thursday. The average weekly growth rate is 1.3 millimeters. After six weeks, the clams were graded and split into different silos, with the smallest ones in silo one beginning to catch up. A density check in week seven showed approximately 240,000 surviving clams out of the initial 250,000, indicating a good survival rate. An impromptu experiment with a sand-filled box in a trough showed rapid burrowing by the clams. The largest clams are averaging 16 millimeters, with about 16,000 ready for planting in potential locations such as Woodward Cove. The committee also discussed predator protection options, including regular plastic netting and biodegradable netting, with cost analysis and manpower savings for the latter being considered. Collaboration with Downeast Institute's hatchery is ongoing for guidance on clam development. Concerns were raised about planting locations in Woodward Cove being too close to an area with 100% mortality due to ribbon worms. The committee is also considering options for biodegradable netting, with a cost estimate to be obtained.
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The Brunswick News archive
Planning Board Meeting Materials
Staff Review Committee Meeting Materials 07-08-26
July 7, 2026 Shellfish Committee Meeting
Regular Town Council Meeting
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