EPA to award Maine $272,000 to support water quality monitoring at beaches
Funding is part of nationwide program to protect public health
BOSTON (Aug. 11, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $272,000 grant to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to protect the health of beachgoers. This funding is part of $10.6 million in grants, announced in May, to help coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.
"With so many beach closures across New England this summer, people want to know 'where can I go swimming in clean water?'," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's grant will advance environmental justice in communities vulnerable to and overburdened by water quality impacts by supporting critical monitoring and notification programs. We will continue to work closely with our state, municipal and local partners to deliver information that people need to make good decisions about their health. The results of monitoring can also help us enforce environmental laws and make investments, so beach closures become a thing of the past."
This grant helps fund programs to ensure that beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies or their local partners notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.
Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants, including over $25 million to New England states, and almost $5.6 million to Maine, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.
"With 3,500 miles of iconic and pristine coastline, Maine is a haven for beachgoers. Especially during the summer season that draws crowds from across the country, it's critical our beaches and waters are safe," said U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden. "The BEACH Act funding announced for Maine today will help better monitor water quality and inform the public of unsafe conditions, so Mainers and all who visit our state can safely enjoy all Vacationland has to offer."
EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
Connecticut $236,000
New Hampshire $214,000
Rhode Island $228,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal, or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.