Due to deteriorating water quality in the St. George River, pets are now banned from a midcoast park.
Thomaston officials have declared Mill River Park along the banks of the river off limits to dogs due to apparent pollution.
The decision to ban canines from the picturesque park follows ongoing water quality concerns in the St. George, according to Pen Bay Pilot.
Recent findings from the Maine Department of Marine Resources indicate that microbial contamination levels are approaching regulatory limits, with evidence suggesting pet waste may be contributing to water quality impacts in the area, according to a news release.
“Protecting water quality is critical to safeguarding public health, preserving the local environment, and supporting the region’s shellfish industry, which plays an important role in the local economy,” town officials said. “The closure will allow the town and state officials to continue monitoring conditions and evaluate whether improvements occur in the absence of dog-related contamination.”
Violators can be fined $50 for a first offense to $100 for each of repeat offenses.
The St. George flows about 50 miles from St. George Lake in Liberty south, forming an estuary near Thomaston.
The river then runs 12 miles southwest to Muscongus Bay, forming the border between Cushing and St. George.
