Penobscot River -- Pollution -- 1883
Description of increasing water pollution in the Penobscot drainage
-- 1883
"In response to urgent applications to open the Baskahegan river, by
means of fishways, to salmon, an inspection of the river was made from Danforth
to its junction with the Mattawamkeag, near Bancroft. The result was most
unsatisfactory, as far as our ability to gratify the wishes of our petitioners
was concerned. An immense amount of shingle waste was and had been in the
past thrown into the river, which had formed islands and bars in the stream;
upon these had stranded, for some considerable distance from the village,
offal and carrion from the slaughter-house and other sources, making a most
disagreeable stench. The presence of shingle waste and sawdust upon the
bottom of rivers in large bodies, render it incapable of producing that
class of insect life that is essential to the feeding of the young fry of
the anadromous fishes. The driving capabilities of the upper St. Croix was
so seriously threatened by the accumulation of shingle waste that legislation
was granted for its protection. This will be essential for the Baskahegan."
Source: Maine Fisheries and Game Commissioner's Report, 1883.
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