Branch Lake Watershed Improvement Project- Phase II

 In the spring of 2010, The Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District began this second “319” grant from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to help reduce nonpoint source pollution issues in the Branch Lake watershed.

The goal of this grant is to help to fix erosion problems on roadways and at residences in the northwestern section of the watershed which will reduce NPS pollution by decreasing the amount of sediment and phosphorus entering the lake. 

So far we have completed 7 road sites and 14 residential sites, with more work planned for 2012.

What is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is stormwater that washes off of driveways, roofs, parking lots, roads, agricultural fields, construction sites, forestry operations, and other surfaces carrying with it contaminants to our streams, lakes, oceans, and groundwater.  NPS pollution is the number one threat to the waters of the state of Maine and the nation.  It causes increased algae blooms, reduced water clarity, reduced dissolved oxygen, and decreased habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms.  It can also cause beach closures and swimming bans, contaminates drinking water sources, and can lead to declines in shoreline property values.  NPS pollution harms the recreational appeal and beauty of a waterbody.

Funding for this project, in part, was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.  The funding is administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with EPA.