Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Money
Text Size

Dog Droppings Clog Sewers In Portland, Maine

Officials Warn Of Environmental, Aesthetic Concerns

POSTED: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Dog droppings disposed of in Portland's sewage system could garner a negligent dog owner a $250 fine.

Luke Delponte, of Portland, knows that owning a dog in the city comes with added responsibility to carry plastic bags whenever he and his dog, Tucker, go for a walk, reported WMTW-TV in Portland.

"Typically, I pick it up and throw it in our trash disposal in the apartment complex. I go in through the basement rather than the front door," Delponte said.

But not all dog owners are as responsible about where they dispose of the potent plastic bags.

"Unfortunately, people are taking the easy route and putting poop into catch basins and storm drains; those are access points along road curbs," said John Emerson, the city's wastewater coordinator.

Sewage overflow sites littered with the remnants eventually float to the Casco Bay.

"There's aesthetic problems, public health problems with it and the plastic is an aesthetic problem as well," Emerson said.

The situation is costing Portland taxpayers $225,000 a year just to have city workers clean out contaminated storm drains.

There are roughly 6,000 of these catch basins around the city. Many people assume that all the water flows through sewage treatment plants, but that's not the case, the television station reported. About half of the drains flow directly into local bodies of water.

"Our goal is to be better stewards of the watersheds, whether it's a brook, a river or a larger estuary such as Casco Bay," said Doug Roncarti, a public works engineer.

So, they're reminding dog owners that doo-doo dumping is not OK.

"It is illegal on a local, state and federal level," Roncarti said.

Dog owners who fail to properly clean up after a dog could face a $250 fine. Those who cannot pay face community service to clean up after dogs.
Text Size
Text Size
  SURVEY
How much exercise does your dog get?
The views expressed are not those of Click2Houston.com, KPRC or its affiliated companies. This is a community moderated forum. (Please note the 'Like' and 'Report' tabs.) By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use.

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

Though stress does not cause irritable bowel syndrome, it can trigger or intensify your symptoms. Learn more to help manage your IBS. More

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes

      Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter.

    • Why Having Fun At Work Matters

      If people are having fun, they’re going to work harder, stay longer, maintain their composure in a crisis and take better care of the organization.

    • Ten Tips To Boost Your Interview IQ

      Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

    • Learn How To Deal With Pay Cuts

      If you’re about to take a pay cut, find out how you can go about dealing with it and stay proactive about your salary.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links