There are two federal actions that could greatly hurt Maine lakes. The first is a 31 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget. In Maine, $1.7 million in funds comes from the EPA each year through the 319 Program. Half of these funds pay for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to run the 319 program, while the other half goes directly to on-the-ground projects through competitive matching grants.

These funds are the only funds available for restoring impaired waters and correcting sources of nutrient and pollutant loading in Maine lakes. Maine lakes provide drinking water, fuel local economies, generate $3.5 billion annually, power 52,000 jobs, and fund roads, education and vital services through property tax revenues. Currently, 172 great ponds are listed as high-priority lake watersheds, and more than 490 lakes are “at risk from development,” according to the DEP. In the Cobbossee Watershed, four impaired lakes have benefitted from federal funding and there are 13 other “threatened” lakes that may need this funding in the future. Funding for the 319 Program could vanish by 2020 if Congress passes this budget cut.

The second action before Congress is the repeal of the Clean Waters Rule, which clarifies the Clean Water Act to include headwater streams and wetlands. If headwaters are developed, or loaded with nutrients, all the waters downstream will suffer. Because this rule covers wetlands as well as headwater streams, important wetland benefits such as flood control, sediment retention, nutrient uptake, and wildlife habitat/corridors are being threatened by this repeal.

Contact Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, and urge them to oppose the budget cuts to EPA and the repeal of the Clean Waters Rule. Protect one of our most treasured natural resources and most basic human need, clean water.

Toni Pied

Gardiner