City approves sea level rise evaluation for sewer system

The city will spend $20,000 to have Olver Associates Inc. evaluate its sewer system with respect to anticipated sea level rise because of climate change. At their Sept. 1 meeting, councilors also voted to submit a letter to the state urging it to do more to address climate change in Maine.

Funds allocated for the evaluation came to the city last year in a forgivable loan to establish a wastewater treatment system climate adaptation plan. Olver will look at how sea-level rise could impact the wastewater plant and discharge points, according to City Planner Jon Boynton.

In other business, the Climate Crisis Committee drafted a letter on the city’s behalf to submit to the state about climate change issues. The letter,to be signed by councilors and committee members, calls upon state government to look for nature-based solutions, better data gathering, technical assistance for municipalities, funding and planning to address climate change.

The Maine Climate Council is asking for comment from municipalities about their climate change concerns. The council is drafting a climate action plan for the state, due in December.