PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 26, 2023
Department heads and council members ignored high levels of fecal bacteria contamination at Willard Beach until neighbors emailed and met with city officials this summer. Willard Beach has the highest levels, and second highest days of contamination, of more than 60 beaches monitored by the Maine Healthy Beaches initiative. Even higher levels of fecal bacteria are found in the stormwater runoff that empties through a 36-inch drainpipe onto the beach and into Casco Bay. Probably both humans and dogs are responsible for the ongoing contamination. It is time for South Portland to take whatever actions and messaging necessary to make Willard Beach safe and healthy, both in the short and the long term. ~ Diane Gotelli, South Portland