Overboard Discharges

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Cherryfield contains 22 active overboard discharges (OBD) that are a concern for the Narraguagus River.

OBDs discharge treated wastewater directly to surface waters, rather than to a subsurface leach field. Treatment typically consists of a septic tank with a sand filter and/or chlorination and can remove 85% or more of pollutants under proper operation. 

OBDs are regulated under the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Overboard Discharge Program. The presence of one or more OBDs results in regulatory closure of adjacent shellfish harvesting areas as a precautionary measure due to the potential for bacterial and pathogen discharge.  The mudflats at the mouth of the river in Milbridge are affected by OBDs in Cherryfield.

The  Cherryfield Riverwalk Committee is committed to finding ways to reduce the cost for  interested property owners to replace overboard discharge systems with full septic systems.  We  are working with our Community Resilience Program partners  and property owners to assess any available options.  Our long-term goal is  two-fold: to support economic development by increasing commercial capacity in the village center, and to ensure the river is clean enough for swimming, even in the village center.

Are you a property owner with an OBD? You may qualify for a grant from the Overboard Discharge Elimination Program. Funds are income-based, with 100% of the OBD removal covered if the individual property owner has an income of less than $25,000.