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Watch Coffee with the Casco Baykeeper: Stormy Times Call for Action

Stormwater pollution is Maine’s largest uncontrolled source of water pollution – and it’s getting worse.

In our recent webinar, we explored how increasing rainfall and growing urbanization are intensifying the impact of toxic runoff on Maine’s waterways, beaches, and clam flats.

Missed the conversation? Watch it here. 

Representative Arthur Bell and Kerem Gungor, senior environmental engineer at Maine DEP, joined our host Heather Kenyon to discuss current challenges and solutions. Kerem provided expert insights into stormwater management and proposed regulatory changes, while Rep. Bell introduced his bill, LR889, which would establish a study commission to develop practical solutions.

What have you seen washed down a drain or into local waters after a rainstorm?
Webinar participants shared observations, including:

🔹 Cigarette butts 
🔹 Coffee cups 
🔹 Dog waste bags
🔹 Plastic
🔹 Building materials
🔹 Sediment
🔹 A massive algal bloom in Merepoint Bay

Stay tuned for information on how to support Rep. Art Bell’s upcoming stormwater resolve!

To learn more about stormwater pollution and solutions, check out these resources:

📌 Maine DEP Chapter 500 Stormwater Standards
📌 EPA Stormwater Program
📌 Maine Legislature
📌 Maine Combined Sewer Systems Report

Looking for a creative take on stormwater awareness? Check out these fun rubber duckie videos from ME DEP’s Think Blue Maine campaign:

🦆 Rubber Duckie & Pollution
🦆 Rubber Duckie & Storm Drains

Let’s keep this important conversation going—what stormwater pollution have you noticed in your community?

cars drive through flooded street
Flash flooding, like this episode documented on Fox Street in Portland in June 2024, contributes large loads of stormwater into the watershed.
Water pours our of a pipe into the Back Cove.
This stormwater outfall pipe along Portland's Back Cove tells a hidden story. When rain flows across our developed landscape's hard surfaces, it carries a toxic mix of road salt, pesticides, fertilizers, and debris straight into Casco Bay.