How interesting to find two disparate items about the Androscoggin River in the Sun Journal Dec. 14. On one hand, a letter writer from Dixfield, who enjoys fishing on the river, asks “the extremists” to “back off” from their “attacks” on the paper companies upstream. Then, on the front page of the City section, a Sun Journal business writer describes the efforts under way by Northern Utilities to convert its old riverfront site to a community park, protecting the river from the residual coal tar and contaminated wood chips nearby.

What a contrast in industrial responsibility. I am sure that the fishermen downstream from Lewiston in Durham and Lisbon, not to mention the citizens of Lewiston and Auburn, will appreciate this effort by Northern Utilities.

The Androscoggin River Alliance is not really so extreme. Its members do use the river, and we acknowledge the improvements already made by MeadWestvaco and International Paper. We only ask that the Androscoggin measure up to the lowest (Class C) standard of water quality that applies elsewhere in the state. The paper mills on the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers are in compliance.

We feel that all the private and commercial citizens of the state should work with the Department of Environmental Protection to bring our river up to grade.

Edward Walworth, Lewiston

Copy the Story Link