Tag: Searsport dredging

WERU News Report 8/19/14

Producer/Host: Amy Browne

Segment 1: We have some breaking news today about the highly controversial proposal to dredge in Searsport Harbor and dump nearly a million cubic yards of sludge in the bay near Islesboro. In a report being released this week, an independent scientist who previously worked on the Holtrachem/Mallinkrodt mercury case in the federal court system raises serious concerns about the plan– among them the possibility that inert mercury in the sediment may be converted to a more toxic form and make its way into the food chain in Penobscot Bay. He also criticizes the methology the Army Corps used in the studies they are submitting with the permit applications. The agency was provided with a copy of this new report, but declined offers to discuss the findings with Dr. Kevin Yeager, the author, and instead is moving forward with plans to apply to the Maine DEP for the required Water Quality Certification, possibly as soon as the end of this week. There is still an opportunity for the public to request a hearing on the issue, and later in the program we’ll be talking with Attorney Kim Tucker about that, but first we’re checking in with Dr Yeager

Segment 2: Earlier this year we spoke with Mike Belliveau, Executive Director of the group “Prevent Harm” about their campaign to have formaldehyde listed as a priority chemical under Maine’s Kid Safe Product Act. At the time, he reported that the state was backing away from steps they had already taken, under pressure from the lobbyists, including the powerful Koch Brothers. The rationale that was given was that the state needed further evidence of the dangers of formaldehyde. Now the results are in, a new report confirms the health risks and we checked back in with Mike Belliveau for an update

WERU News Report 6/3/14

Producer/Host: Amy Browne

Segment 1: Maine People’s Alliance and the Natural Resources Defense Council went back to court today in their years-long battle to force the corporations responsible for the mercury contamination in the Penobscot River to clean it up, using the best methods available. We join them at a press conference outside the courthouse

Segment 2: Attorney Kim Tucker has sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, outlining new information that she says warrants putting the Searsport dredge and dump plan on hold and re-opening the public comment period. She explains why.

WERU News Report 4/29/14

Producer/Host: Amy Browne

There’s another new development in the Searsport dredge and dump controversy to report this week. The Army Corps of Engineers- the federal agency promoting the project- has apparently failed to take into account the close proximity of a muscle farming operation. Pemaquid Muscle Farm is located just 5000 feet from the proposed dump site. This despite the fact that it is clearly shown on charts of the area. Kim Tucker, one of the attorneys that helped defeat the LPG tank proposal in Searsport, represents the Pemaquid Muscle Farm:

WERU News Report 4/23/14

Producer/Host: Amy Browne

We have the latest news on the proposed Searsport dredging and dumping project, as well as this report on efforts to clean up the shoreline, and we’ll tell you about a new way to share your WERU memories.

Segment 1: Bar Harbor resident Ron Greenberg works with the Clean Waters, Clean Shores project, mobilizing volunteers to help clean up beaches and islands downeast. They are looking for volunteers to help with a new project.

Segment 2: Elsewhere along the Maine coast, there is growing opposition to the proposal to dredge the shipping channel near Searsport and dump nearly a million cubic yards of sludge elsewhere in the bay. Supporters of the plan – a small minority judging from attendance at 2 recent public meetings–are working to sell the issue as one of regional economic development. But many who make their living fishing Penobscot Bay have been vocally opposed. Here to give us an update is Kim Tucker, pro bono attorney for many of the dredge and dump opponents:

Segment 3: As our 25th anniversary year winds down, WERU has set up a special phone line for listener memories. Jim Campbell, host of “Notes from the Electronic Cottage” and one of the station’s founders, joins us to explain

WERU News Report 3/11/14

Producer/Host: Amy Browne
Contributing Producer: Carolyn Coe

Segment 1:
The Maine House of Representatives voted to pass LD1252 “An Act To Improve Maine’s Economy and Energy Security with Solar and Wind Energy” by a margin of 95 to 47 earlier today. The bill will now be taken up by the Senate. (Audio from the house floor pre-vote)

Segment 2:
In other news from the state house today, cell phone labeling legislation also moved forward after lengthy debate on the house floor. LD1013 “An Act To Create the Children’s Wireless Protection Act” would require more prominent warning labels on cell phones sold in Maine, of the “health effects associated with nonthermal effects of cellular telephone radiation”. Here is some of the house debate on that issue

Segment 3:
WERU’s Carolyn Coe traveled to Washington, DC for the annual AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) conference this month.
-People gathered outside the annual AIPAC conference to demonstrate against AIPAC’s support for continued illegal settlement building and the occupation of Palestine, and to call for diplomacy, not war, with Iran.
-Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink, cites evidence that AIPAC’s influence in the US Congress is lessening, a little.
-The situation in Gaza remains extremely difficult. Most attempting to travel to Gaza in solidarity with Palestinians for International Women’s Day were stopped at the Cairo airport and deported.

Segment 4:
In other news, over the weekend, the members of Maine Lobstering Union – Local 207 voted unanimously to oppose the expansion dredging of Searsport Harbor. There has been a great deal of controversy—and even contradictory information—about plans to make the channel there 5 feet deeper. Supporters say the depth needs to be expanded to 40 feet to accommodate larger ships and increase shipping traffic. Opponents have pointed out that Portland harbor is the same depth as Searsport currently, and does a great deal of business, and that there is already a deep water port in Eastport.
Most of the opponents of expansion dredging have voiced support of routine maintenance dredging, but there is concern about the Army Corps of Engineers plan to dump the dredged materials elsewhere in Penobscot Bay. While the ACoE recently stated that the materials are clean, and would not pose a risk to the fisheries in the bay, recent testing of the sediment near the adjacent docks has revealed a long list of heavy metals, carcinogens and endocrine disrupters – many present in levels many times above the reporting levels…