Leaders seek pollution solutions for Great Bay watershed

Seacoastonline

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100719-NEWS-100719815

By Elizabeth Dinan

PORTSMOUTH — Scientists, engineers, researchers and advocates -- all seeking water pollution solutions -- appealed to regulatory leaders and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter on Monday for funding and support to clean the area's waterways.

“This really is quite a challenge we're facing,” said Ted Diers, program manager for N.H. Coastal Program which restores salt marshes.

The challenge is reversing damage to the Great Bay watershed, as well as finding the solutions and the money implement them, the group of about 35 experts agreed during the July 19 forum at Great Bay Community College.

Walter Fries, of the newly formed Southeast Watershed Alliance, said his group represents the interests of 42 watershed communities with a goal to collaborate to improve and protect water standards. Twenty-two percent of New Hampshire residents “live on this watershed,” he reminded.

SWA members were joined Monday by representatives from N.H. Fish & Game, the Environmental Protection Agency, the University of New Hampshire, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Raymond's SWA representative Mike Kappler said he's working to include the Lamprey, Exeter and Oyster rivers in the watershed, while noting increased populations in small New Hampshire towns are having adverse affects on waterways.

“The people are migrating like mosquitoes out of Massachusetts,” said Kappler, while noting the correlation between population increases and more septic systems.

Portsmouth engineer Peter Rice told the group much work needs to be done “to determine the cause and effect” of local water pollution.

“It isn't just about wastewater,” said Fries, who told the congresswoman the SWA plans to “be smart” by being specific with its goals and providing measurable results.

“The issues we are facing are so expensive for our communities,” said Jennifer Penny, public works director for the Town of Exeter. “To be successful, we have to leverage state and federal money.”

Dover's environmental projects manager, Dean Peschel, said public awareness should be raised about water quality, including among municipal leaders who write ordinances and decide how money is spent. Before any action is taken to remediate pollution, said Peschel, data should be collected and studied to determine what action will have the greatest impact.

SWA treasurer Dick Snow said “the Bay has been declared impaired” and the solutions “are not clearly defined.” Further, he said, the SWA has “no funds.”

“We're looking for every opportunity for grant money,” he told Shea-Porter.

Former fisherman and UNH marine scientist Richard Langan said the Great Bay is impaired by “more than just nitrogen,” noting sediments have increased and buried beds of oysters which filter pollutants prolifically. Further, because nitrogen is a nutrient, he said, it should be studied as a possible asset, including as a potential biofuel.

“We can't use a 20th century solution, because we don't have a 20th century problem,” he said.

EPA representative Jackie LeClair said funding is available through the Clean Water Act that can be used for estuary projects. Bill Hubbard of the Army Corps of Engineers said his agency can offer expertise, as well as matching grants for ecosystem restoration projects, including eel grass restoration, a current concern in Great Bay.

Dwight Trueblood of NOAA, who operates out of UNH, said his agency has programs pertaining to non-point source pollution and impervious sources which “may be applicable” to local projects.

“We don't have a lot of money, but we are involved in monitoring water quality,” said Doug Grout from New Hampshire Fish & Game, while citing his agency's concerns for fish and shellfish.

Shea-Porter told the group she'll study the local water problems and “see if there is more funding for these projects.”

“I believe you can pay now, or you can pay later,” she said. “We have the talent in this room and I will make sure your voices are heard.”