Your Sept. 1-2 editorial called for review of the events leading up to the Penobscot River algae bloom. Good idea.

However, the implication that the state Department of Environmental Protection shouldn’t be tasked with the job because it “writes the [Katahdin Paper] mill’s permits and ensures it complies with them,” is very troubling. You seem to suggest that DEP is either not competent or is unfairly biased and would be unable to study the mill’s operating conditions that caused, or contributed to, the bloom.

The Maine DEP’s mission is to “prevent, abate and control the pollution of the air, water and land … to preserve, improve and prevent diminution of the natural environment” (www.maine.gov/dep/overview.htm). DEP performs many functions in carrying out its mission, including conducting scientific research to inform lawmaking and rulemaking as well as licensing and permitting. DEP is responsible for evaluating adverse conditions such as the algae bloom in order to make necessary changes to wastewater licenses for discharges into the Penobscot River. Of course, if they are incapable of fulfilling that mission, we have a different (and larger) problem; otherwise, no “other entity” in this state should be asked to implement this important task.

Unless there is evidence that an ethical or legal breach has been committed, DEP is responsible for studying the situation, identifying any licensing errors, working with the company in question to achieve compliance and/or reviewing its enforcement prerogatives to address the water quality problems. I’d suggest the commissioner be given the opportunity to do his job, and lead his staff. It’s their mission; it’s what we pay them to do.

David Critchfield

South Portland