ENVIRONMENTAL LINKS FOR ISLAND RESIDENTS:
Well Testing – Important!:
- Test every year for Bacteri, Nitrate and Nitrite oxygen.
- Test every three years for arsenic, radon, uranium, lead
- Interpret your well water tests with this free program: http://www.environment.psu.edu/water/dwit.asp
- For more information: http://wellwater.maine.gov or call 866-292-3474
- Learn more by listening to this podcast: http://privatewellclass.org/podcast
- Elevated bladder cancer risk in New England and arsenic in drinking water from private wells: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/elevated-bladder-cancer-risk-new-england-arsenic-drinking-water-private-wells
Soil testing: We have a lot of lead in soils out here. Be sure to test before you garden! http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu
Ticks: www.maine.gov/lyme
Brown Tail Moths: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/insects/browntail_moth.htm
Winter Moths: http://1.usa.gov/1lBj6Mh
Poison Ivy: http://1.usa.gov/1IK6IDT
Invasive Plants: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/invasives.htm
Bayscaping: Take care of your yard with Casco Bay in mind! http://bit.ly/1PFjfdV
Make your home more energy efficient with Efficiency Maine incentives and a low interest loan paid for by harvested savings: http://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/home-energy-savings-program/
Questions about Efficiency Maine programs? 866-3762463
Compare heating cost of different fuels with this calculator: http://bit.ly/1ASho9B
Cut your heating costs with new heat pump technology: http://www.efficiencymaine.com/heat-pumps/
Consider solar. For some basics, visit:
Here are four Efficiency Maine registered vendors PEAT has worked with here on the Island. All of them install heat pumps and at least one kind of solar:
- Peaks Island Fuel
- Goggin Energy
- Revision Energy
- Maine Solar Solutions
There are many more vendors listed here: http://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/vendor-locator/
Environmental Volunteer Opportunities:
- Join us at a PEAT meeting. Questions? Call one of our board members!*
- Peaks Island Land Preserve: peaksislandlandpreserve.org
- Friends of Casco Bay http://www.cascobay.org
* PEAT Board Members:
- Steve and Vinnie Demos
- Paul Fox
- Mary Anne Mitchell
- Martha Morris-Gibson
- Sam Saltonstall
- Timmi Sellers
Dogs:
- Portland has a leash law: http://1.usa.gov/1MvJUWV
- Please carry bags and pick up after your dog!
Wildlife:
- We share the Island with beavers: http://1.usa.gov/1SShoQI
- and raccoons: http://1.usa.gov/1jeelpZ
- Many bird species visit Peaks: http://bit.ly/1O9UtRM
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: http://www2.epa.gov/recycle
Island Trees: Please think twice before you take trees down. Why? Visit this site: http://bit.ly/1GpeIVQ
