Restoring Long Creek

The Long Creek Restoration Project is a community-based initiative to help restore and protect Long Creek, a stream that does not meet the clean water standards set by the State of Maine. The District has supported the project’s technical work in partnership with the Long Creek Watershed Management District (LCWMD) since its start in 2007. This support includes conducting annual property inspections, managing LCWMD’s stormwater infrastructure, developing outreach materials, working with landowners, and assisting the LCWMD to manage outside contractors.

Main Stem Restoration

In 2018, the LCWMD began a major construction project to restore the floodplain along the Main Stem of Long Creek between Maine Mall Road and Foden Road in South Portland. The project will allow a section of the stream to resume a more natural course and will improve habitat in the water body. It will be the most ambitious project LCWMD has undertaken to date.

Annual Property Inspections and Landowner Outreach

The annual property inspections completed by District staff focus on identifying areas where pollution is likely getting into the stream and working with landowners to reduce or eliminate polluted stormwater runoff to Long Creek. In 2018, the District conducted 98 parcel inspections between June and October.  Landowners were contacted prior to the inspection and encouraged to participate.

Following the inspections, each landowner received a detailed report, which included information regarding any required corrective actions. The District also provided resources, such as factsheets, to help landowners understand maintenance practices. Factsheets are also available in Spanish and Mandarin for training of non-English speaking employees in restaurants and businesses.

For more information on the Long Creek Watershed Management District, please visit www.restorelongcreek.org or email Pete Carney at pcarney@restorelongcreek.org.