Threat to Lobster From
Searsport Dredge Moves Online

The dredging project proposed for Searsport Harbor intended to enable larger oil tankers to offload faster has gained the attention of online media. The project has been promoted by the Canadian oil industry for several years. Opposition to the project has grown among lobstermen and coastal residents following the recent release of documents indicating the volume of bottom sediment debris (929,000 cubic yards) that would be dumped in Belfast Harbor, could have a devastating and potentially long term negative effect on lobster habitat in Penobscot Bay.

According to scientists, citizens and lawyers, one of whom represents the Maine Lobstermen’s Union, those sediments would contain toxic chemicals from the dredge site as well as mercury sourced from a mercury disposal site just up stream of the dredge site.

A comprehensive look at the background story, documents and ongoing efforts of the proponents of this project were posted at http://www.triplepundit.com/2015/10/maine-lobstermen-cry-foul-proposed-searsport-harbor-dredging/ on October 15.