LEWISTON — Residents of the Sabattus Pond Watershed in Sabattus, Greene and Wales are eligible for technical and financial assistance for selected erosion control projects.

Funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, Section 319 grants are administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with EPA.

Soil erosion can cause sediments to be deposited in surface water. Sediment carries phosphorus and phosphorus fuels algae growth in surface waters. Sabattus Pond has annual algae blooms that, as it dies and rots, affects water quality, reducing oxygen available for fish.

This grant was awarded to Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District to help fix the problems associated with soil erosion.

Free technical assistance is available and financial assistance of up to half the cost of the project is available for selected construction projects such as culvert replacement and protection, level lip spreaders, home drip edges, infiltration steps, gravel road ditching, and other work. Native plant buffers on the shore are also eligible for assistance, with $300 available for plants and materials.

For further information: call Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water District at 753-9400, ext. 400, or email susan.gammmon@me.nacdnet.net.