www.wellsreserve.org/news/2004-11-02_mblr.htm

WELLS RESERVE ISSUES PLAN TO IMPROVE WATERSHED HEALTH

Sanford, Wells, and Kennebunk Get a Guide for Reducing and Preventing Non-Point Source Pollution

WELLS, MAINE - The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve has prepared a plan for managing non-point source pollution in the Merriland River, Branch Brook, and Little River watershed, which covers 26 square miles in the towns of Wells, Kennebunk, and Sanford.

The management plan will be formally released at the Wells Reserve on Wednesday, November 10 at 7 pm during a presentation titled "Where Will the Future of the MBLR Watershed Flow?" Joining Wells Reserve scientists and stewards will be the KK&W Water District, the conservation commissions of Wells and Kennebunk, and other community members concerned about the health and future of the watershed.

The freshwater Merriland River and Branch Brook combine to form the largely tidal Little River, which flows through the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and into the Gulf of Maine. The "MBLR" watershed ranks high in value for drinking water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and as a place to live.

While the MBLR watershed is in good condition overall, large population increases and intense development pressure threaten to degrade water quality and health due to non-point source pollution.

Non-point source pollution, or polluted runoff, results when rainfall or snowmelt carry pollutants off the landscape and into bodies of water. Fertilizers and nutrients from lawns and gardens, petroleum products from automobiles, bacteria from livestock, garbage, and soil erosion are among the non-point sources of pollution that can reduce water quality.

The Wells Reserve, with assistance from York County United Way Day of Caring volunteers, surveyed the MBLR watershed for signs of non-point source pollution. By walking along the banks of the three rivers, the survey team found land surface erosion and road runoff to be the leading sources of non-point source pollution. The surveyors found 50 non-point source pollution sites in the watershed. Four were rated high in severity and 27 were ranked moderately severe.

The Wells Reserve plan for the MBLR watershed identifies pollution sources and presents best management practices to remedy them. The plan also describes how to prevent additional pollution sources from forming. By following a step-by-step action plan, pollution sites within the watershed can be minimized and water quality can be improved.

Residents in Sanford, Wells, and Kennebunk live in rapidly growing communities, but community action can help to minimize non-point source pollution and improve the health of the MBLR watershed for generations to come. This is your chance to change the fate of your watershed.

To learn more about the Merriland River, Branch Brook, and Little River watershed, and plans to protect it, call Tin Smith at (207) 646-1555 ext 119.

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, with facilities at historic Laudholm Farm, is committed to investigating coastal environments and increasing understanding of their ecology. The Wells Reserve is located at 342 Laudholm Farm Road, just off Routes 1 and 9 near the Wells-Kennebunk line. For more information, visit www.wellsreserve.org.

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