It is with much concern that I am writing after receiving notification from Red Shield that they are filing for a wastewater discharge permit to dump waste into the Penobscot River.

This is a beautiful river that many towns get the pleasure of enjoying. Milford, Bradley, Eddington, Brewer, Bangor and beyond. Whether it be to boat on, fish in, cool off with our dogs on a hot summer day, or to just sit back and watch the large number of eagles and osprey hunt for food.

I hope I’m not alone when I say “No! Red Shield should not be permitted to dump their 29.4 millions of gallons per day into our Penobscot River!” as this is exactly what they are asking the Department of Environmental Protection to permit them to do. I feel strongly that we are already asked too much of in dealing with the smells and air quality that Red Shield is forcing on us.

If we, as communities who take great pride in our individual towns, don’t voice our disapproval to the DEP, then we will have no choice but to sit back and watch our prestigious river become nothing more then Red Shield’s waste dumping site. I hate to think about what that will do to all of the animals that depend on the river to live.

I urge anyone who does not want to see our river ruined to please write or call the DEP. before Aug. 10 and just say “no.” You could call 207-287-3901 or write Division of Water Resource Regulation, Department of Environmental Protection, State House Station #17, Augusta, ME 04333. This is the only way to stop the permit.

Jill Callela

Bradley