Pollution Pollution along the Eddy Road in Edgecomb has the state's Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, and the property owner looking for solutions. (Photo Aaron C. Miller)

For years people have used the pull-off next to the bar for the wrong reasons. The Maine Department of Transportation (M.D.O.T.) uses the spot to maintain the road; others however, see the area as a place where they can easily dump their trash.

And landowner Jahannus Pels wants it to stop.

The dumping problem in the area was brought to the attention of the Wiscasset Newspaper when a photographer out looking for scenics found a partly-full propane tank, a gas tank from a car, three tires, a pile of miniature nitrous oxide canisters, oil canisters, and a collection of other trash found along the shore and in the water.

"I've done everything... except go to court, and I'm tempted to do that," Pels said.

"It is an interesting ecological area with all kinds of wildlife. There is something there for everybody," Pels said. "It's nice to see someone with an easel who is painting a picture of the cove. I don't want to take that away from people, but closing it off may be the only way to stop the problem."

An M.D.O.T. representative says it is the only area to park trucks along the narrow, winding road, but they, too would like to find a solution to the problem.

"We would consider that area to be Mr. Pels' property," said M. D.O.T. assistance division engineer Sonny Gorneau. "However, the D.O.T. has the right to use that property to maintain the roadway."

Asked if the state has a solution to the problem, Gorneau responded, "We don't have an issue since Mr. Pels hasn't filed a complaint."

But Pels said he informed the state about the dilemma last year which resulted in the M.D.O.T. putting up "No dumping" signs. Shortly after the signs were put up, they were torn down by an unknown person.

Edgecomb Fire Chief Barry Johnson, who recently hauled off the potentially hazardous materials, said the area presents a problem for the town.

"There have been campers who have unloaded 10 to 15 bags of trash there instead of taking them to the dump. I've picked up refrigerators and a television there and took them to the dump along with a whole load in a big truck" Johnson said.

"The owner tried to get it cleaned up by going to the selectmen. They told him he would have to go through the state."

Edgecomb First Selectman Rod Hopper said Pels tried to get the state to put up a chain-link fence to block off the pull-off, but the state wouldn't do that.

"We asked them and asked them, but the problem is parking," Hopper said.

"They would have to park elsewhere. I'd like to see it closed off and it wouldn't take much to do that."

The Department of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.) said it is illegal to dump trash into the water and they are not sure how much of the pollution has caused a risk in the area.

"The vehicle gas tank found could have residue but it depends on how much of the amount of material was discharged," said D.E.P. Environmental Specialist Phil Garwood. "The propane tank found would be an issue in terms of public safety."

In addition to pollution problems at Pels' property the landowner has also had to deal with having his canoe stolen and the reality that his property value may be decreased because of the dumping.

"After a while you begin to feel violated," Pels added.

The materials have now been picked up by Edgecomb Fire Chief Johnson.