The shoreline of Willard Beach is hammered with waves Jan. 13. Derek Davis / Portland Press Herald
Casco Bay is a defining feature of our community, economy and culture. As we continue to see the impacts of climate change, we are also seeing renewed community interest in how to plan for our changing coastline. With the current update of South Portland’s Comprehensive Plan in process, there is growing recognition that climate risks could be addressed through alternative city-wide approaches to land use and development. Here is what is going on now and how you can weigh in:
Join the conversation
Join the South Portland Planning Division for a series of public events for the Comprehensive Plan update this summer. We are looking for community input on six key policy issues that will shape the future of South Portland over the coming decade, including waterfront planning, housing needs, economic development, public facilities and services, and transportation infrastructure. For information about the events, please visit southportland2040.com. If you can’t make it in person, you can join the conversations online at bit.ly/SoPoKeyQuestions. This virtual engagement platform is open for comments now until June 30.
If you would like to learn more about coastal resilience, please join us for a Waterfront Resilience forum on June 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Portland Middle School Cafeteria, 120 Wescott Road. This event will be dedicated to exploring the range of possible solutions for building coastal resilience.
DEP work group
In 2023, amendments to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Chapter 600 rules incorporated a new Natural Hazard Risk Assessment requirement for marine oil terminals. Chapter 600 is applicable to all marine oil terminals in the state.
The NHRA requires facilities to assess the risk of flooding events from projected sea level rise and identify actions for infrastructure resilience. The DEP has been facilitating a work group of terminal representatives, municipal officials, community representatives and non-governmental organizations to develop a guidance document and protocols for these risk assessments. The group is anticipated to have a public comment period to conclude its work in fall 2024.
Walk the waterfront
The June 8 Coffee & Climate will be an in-person event in collaboration with the Maine Coastal Program, Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Waterfront Alliance. Now in its ninth year, “Walk the Working Waterfront” is a self-guided walking tour that proudly celebrates the people, businesses and infrastructure that comprise the heart of Casco Bay’s ocean economy. Visitors are encouraged to explore the piers and wharves of Commercial Street in Portland, engage with the marine community, and learn more about our unique and resilient waterfront.
Walk the Working Waterfront will start at noon and go to 3:30 p.m. The event runs along Commercial Street between Becky’s Diner and the Maine State Pier. To find us look for the orange flags. Grab a map and explore – this event is free, no registration required.
Jenna d’Arcy is an AmeriCorps/GPCOG Resilience Corps Fellow serving in the Sustainability Office through September 2024. She can be reached at jdarcy@southportland.org Our Sustainable City is a monthly column in the Sentry intended to provide residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram @soposustainability.
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