BIDDEFORD, Maine — Maine officials say a 90-acre tidal cove will be closed to clam digging for a three-month period due to high levels of bacteria and fecal contamination.
The Portland Press Herald reports the Biddeford Pool's water quality has been declining in recent years, resulting in the creation of a seasonal closure in August and September 2018.
But the Department of Marine Resources says this will be the first time Biddeford Pool will be closed for a three-month period.
The agency is currently overseeing a shoreline survey of the cove to find failing septic systems near the shore.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection says it will do genomic sampling to find whether humans or animals are responsible for the bacteria.