2026 SAG Award Winners

Town of Brunswick, ME

Project Goal

The goal of this project was to inventory all septic systems in Brunswick by compiling available installation records, site evaluation forms, and property data to create a comprehensive GIS dataset. Using information such as system age, proximity to sensitive resources including shoreland and aquifer protection zones, and the likelihood of failure modes such as leaking or short-circuiting, the Town developed a method to evaluate the relative risk each system may pose to groundwater and coastal water quality. Risk factors were combined using a weighted scoring system to help prioritize areas most likely to contain failing or high-risk systems and to guide future mitigation and potential regulatory actions. Hydro-logic trace-downs were then used to identify downstream collection points where watershed risk accumulates, allowing staff to target water quality testing and focus field investigations in the areas of greatest concern.
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Business Problem Solved

Brunswick works to protect coastal water quality by identifying and reducing sources of pollution and nutrient loading in coastal waters. Recent microbial source tracking detected human DNA in samples from streams flowing into Maquoit Bay, indicating failing or inadequate septic systems may be contributing to declining water quality. Excess nutrients and bacteria threaten public health, shellfish growing areas, and the long-term sustainability of marine resources. This is a major concern for Brunswick, one of Maine’s leading shellfish-producing communities, generating $4–$5 million annually. The town licenses over 70 shellfish harvesters and is home to 11 shellfish farms that depend on clean water to operate. Protecting water quality is essential to sustaining the marine economy, supporting working waterfronts, and maintaining Brunswick’s long-standing commitment to responsible coastal resource management.

Technology Implemented

ArcGIS Pro, ArcPy, ArcGIS API for Python, ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS StoryMaps

Development Team Biography

The team brought extensive experience in coastal resource management, wastewater evaluation, GIS analysis, and environmental science. Jessica Hanscom, a GIS professional with a civil engineering background and 23 years of GIS experience, provided mapping, analysis, programing and data management. Emily Stone, Marine Resource Technician, has a background in marine biology and was responsible for data collection and quality assurance. Dan Devereaux, Coastal Resource Manager, with over 30 years of experience in shellfish management, National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements, shellfish growing water classification, pollution assessment, and shellfish propagation programs provided valuable input into the analysis. David Rocque, retired State Soil Scientist with 33 years of service, is recognized as one of Maine’s leading experts in soils and septic systems. He provided technical guidance on septic system performance, site limitations, and nutrient transport in coastal soils.