Dear Editor: 

Over the last year, I’ve had many conversations with residents about one of Wiscasset’s biggest challenges: the future of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). While the location of the plant is an important community discussion, I believe voters should remain committed to moving the WWTP out of the floodplain and out of harm’s way. 

During the Jan. 10, 2024 storm, I watched waves come within inches of the sandbags protecting the WWTP (photos at roseforwiscasset.com). A powerful storm surge combined with a king tide caused record flooding four feet above normal levels and destruction statewide. Watching those waves, I realized this is what Wiscasset’s future waterfront will look like as sea levels rise. 

Sea level rise (SLR) means ocean water levels gradually increase over decades, unlike storm surge, which is temporary flooding during storms. According to scientific analysis, sea levels in Maine are already 7.5 inches higher than they were in the early 1900s and rising nearly twice as fast over the last 30 years. Scientists project 4 to 6 feet of SLR for Maine by 2100, increasing flooding along our coastline and threatening low-lying infrastructure like the WWTP. 

When it comes to critical infrastructure that communities rely on for decades, not preparing for SLR exposes taxpayers to significant risk. If SLR rises faster than expected, Wiscasset could face the same debate again in 20 years, likely at a much greater cost. That is why I strongly believe relocating the WWTP is a smarter long-term investment than spending millions on temporary protections like seawalls. 

Unlike roads that can occasionally flood, a flooded WWTP could release untreated sewage into the river, close fisheries, and disrupt services for residents and businesses for weeks/months. The January 2024 storms showed us exactly what four feet of flooding looks like, and how vulnerable the WWTP already is today. 

Wiscasset was fortunate to avoid more severe damage during those storms. As sea levels continue to rise, flooding like this will become more common and costly. We must act now and continue working together as a community to prepare for the impacts of climate change. 

Cassaundra Rose 

Wiscasset