CLF Hails Passage of Key Legislation to Protect Great Bay: New Legislation is Essential to Addressing Threats to Estuary

CONTACT:  Kristine Kraushaar (603)225-3060, kkraushaar@clf.org

CONCORD, NH (July 15, 2009)  On Wednesday, Gov. Lynch signed into law SB 168, establishing the Southeast Watershed Alliance to address major, ongoing threats to New Hampshire’s Great Bay estuary, including pollution from sewage treatment plants, stormwater runoff and sprawl.

“The watershed alliance established by this legislation will be essential to developing region-wide solutions to the problems plaguing the Great Bay estuary,” said Kristine Kraushaar, a Staff Attorney in CLF’s New Hampshire office.  “It will provide a much-needed vehicle for cities and towns throughout the watershed to work together, with guidance from state and regional agencies, to address the challenges facing this unique and sensitive resource.”

The Great Bay estuary – consisting of Great Bay, Little Bay and the Piscataqua River, as well as the tidal portions of seven rivers – is experiencing high levels of nitrogen pollution. These excessive pollution levels, in turn, are leading to an increased abundance of nuisance algae, and the loss of eelgrass – a submerged aquatic plant that is the cornerstone of the Great Bay estuary’s ecosystem.

Sewage treatment facilities and stormwater runoff are two of the major sources of nitrogen pollution in the estuary.

“Tackling the problems facing the estuary will require a concerted, holistic approach that addresses sewage treatment, stormwater, and land use patterns,” said Kraushaar. “This legislation creates the perfect opportunity for towns to address these problems through better planning and regional coordination.”

CLF was a strong supporter of SB 168 and worked with others to secure its passage. CLF is engaged in an ongoing, multi-year initiative to protect and restore the Great Bay estuary.  Visit www.restoregreatbay.org to learn more about the Great Bay estuary, its threats and CLF’s Great Bay Initiative.

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.