Oct. 7, Boothbay Harbor Sewer District (BHSD) Operator-in-Charge Chris Higgins reported the plant had a minor permit violation due to its average enterococci bacteria levels in September. The monthly average allowed is 8 col/100 ml, and the plant reported 9 col/100 ml.  

According to Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) incident report, no environmental effects were observed.

Higgins explained that enterococci are more resistant to hypochlorite (a disinfectant) than other bacteria types, such as e. coli and fecal coliform, and that makes it harder to kill.  

“It's a moving target. There's all kinds of things that affect (enterococci levels),” he said. He also observed that the days that had higher levels corresponded with warmer weather, but he could not say definitively if that was the cause. Corrective action has since been taken.  

In other business, the district received its audit for the 2024 fiscal year back from Ouellette & Associates; no issues were found.  

There was also a recent pre-construction meeting about BHSD’s phase 1 electrical projects, which include moving electrical lines underground, upgrading electrical distribution, and moving a pump station, among other things. Work is expected to begin in February, said Higgins. 

BHSD trustees approved an abatement for Cliff Cane of the Cannery, as it was a case of fresh water being dumped into the harbor, and nothing went through the BHSD plant. He was credited $313 on his previous bill. They denied waiving a $4.97 overdue finance charge from Hodgdon Yachts.