York, Maine Protects its Beaches: Army Corps of Engineers withdraws dumping plans

In January, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine DEP announced a plan to dredge the Piscataqua River and dump one quarter million cubic yards of the sand and silt from Long Sands Beach in York. Over sixty people came to the meeting to oppose the plan. Lobstermen and fishermen spoke up about damaging effects on marine life the project would have. Surfers spoke up about potential changes to the face of the beach and beach break. People employed by the tourism economy voiced concern as well.

“The sand and the silt they’re pulling from the Piscataqua is one grain size too large to qualify for environmental testing,” said Taryn Hallweaver, Toxics Action Center’s Maine organizer, “but it’s coming from the bottom of river that has a century-long history of pollution.”

Since the meeting, the Army Corps of Engineers have tentatively withdrawn their plan. Now members of Save Our Beach are working to make sure the plan is stopped for good. This summer, when the beach becomes a focal point for the community, the group plans on asking for a firm commitment, knowing they’ll have the backing of even more residents.